Baja California Sur attractions

Cabo San Lucas may be known for its beaches, but the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range serves up opportunities for adventure beyond the sea. Located in the south of the Baja California peninsula, visitors flock to the region for hiking, the chance to spot rare birds, horseback riding, and climbing, while surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve. As you walk through its oak and pine forests, you’ll pass hidden waterfalls, thermal pools, and dramatic rock formations.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the 18th-century Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) is the town’s most notable religious edifice. Originally built by Spanish missionaries and characterized by a yellow facade, an altar surrounded by stained glass, and sweeping views over the ocean, Our Lady of Pilar Church is a Todos Santos must-see.

Calm water, lifeguards, and soft sand make Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) one of the most family-friendly beaches in Los Cabos. Snorkelers, swimmers, and stand-up paddleboarders will all find plenty to enjoy here, or you can simply relax, rent an umbrella and a beach chair, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

The most popular cruise port on the so-called Mexican Riviera, Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port welcomes liners from around the world. Known for its natural beauty, nightlife, and endless beaches, Cabo San Lucas marks the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and acts as a gateway to the region.

The Marina Cabo San Lucas is a top attraction for visitors and locals alike. It’s a swanky place to keep your yacht or the go-to spot to hire a boat charter for fishing or other water-based activities. You can book dolphin tours, parasailing, diving, and more from the Marina. There’s also a boardwalk for strolling and people-watching, plus some excellent hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Five uninhabited islands lie in the Sea of Cortez within Loreto Bay National Park, a swath of protected coastal and (mostly) marine areas near the somewhat under-the-radar resort town of the same name. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park draws travelers looking for Baja Sur’s sea-and-desert outdoor activities, who typically make Loreto their base, then head straight for the islands.

Located at the southern end of Cabo San Lucas, Land’s End features dramatic rock formations jutting out into the sea, hidden beaches, and a rich variety of sea life. Here you can seek out the remote stretch of sand known as Lover’s Beach, admire sunbathing sea lions, and see the picturesque Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco).

Located in San Jose Del Cabo, Plaza Mijares is a large town square lined with trees, monuments, and Spanish colonial buildings. A good place to start a tour of the city, the plaza hosts a variety of community events and is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors. Plaza Mijares is a short walk from other major attractions, including the San Jose del Cabo Art District.

If you’re looking for a luxurious golf course and resort on the Cabo San Lucas coast, this top-line beauty is probably it. The resort blends all the amenities with natural beauty: coastal dunes, ocean and beach views, and even an artificial “swimming lagoon” at the center. To golf at any of the high-end courses, you’ll usually need to be a resort guest or member, and to pay caddy and golf fees.

This gallery in San Jose del Cabo's Art District is a vibrant space showcasing innovative and interactive art. Known for its religious-inspired pieces, the gallery blends technology with creativity, offering touch-activated and sound-reactive exhibits. Visitors come here to appreciate the uplifting themes of love, faith, and positivity, as well as the chance to explore unique artwork.

Unlike its serene neighbor dedicated to lovers, this secluded, cheekily named beach is known for having riptides and tumultuous waves, making it suited for sunbathing but dangerous for swimming and snorkeling. Although the beach is known by name among locals and tourists alike, it's reachable only via boat—making it popular with those looking for a secluded, dare we say romantic, experience.

On a small bay 10 minutes from “downtown” Todos Santos, this heavenly beach is where local fishermen (who keep a yellow chapel on the sand) launch their panga boats—and where hikers take on the Old Port of Todos Santos trail, a roughly 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) out-and-back coastal stunner. Though the beach is serene, the waters can be rough for swimming.

Located about 1.5-hour drive north of Cabo San Lucas, Fox Canyon (Cañon de la Zorra) has a short hiking trail through the Baja California Desert passing by a freshwater lagoon and 40-foot (12-meter) waterfall. Bring your bathing suit and keep your eyes out for local wildlife and indigenous plant species in this secluded natural oasis.

Housed in a lovely brick building on the swankier north side of Todos Santos, this contemporary gallery is a holdover from the ‘90s, before the surf village hit the travel and quirky art-scene map. Visit to say hello to the local artists who run the gallery and to see an eclectic mix of fine art from Baja talents.

Rampant tourism hasn’t reared its head in Todos Santos, probably the prettiest town in Baja—and this long beach is gloriously free of any development. Reach the beach via La Cachora dirt road for beach days, long-distance whale-watching, gnarly surf breaks, and top-notch strolling and sunset watching. Undertows and heavy breaks make La Cachora dangerous for swimming most of the year.

Hotel California is a boutique hotel in Todos Santos, a town near Los Cabos, Mexico. Ideal for those looking to escape into the Baja California countryside, the hotel is decorated in a colonial Mexican style, while its 11 luxurious suites contains furnishings from around the world.

Three species of sea turtles lay their eggs along the coast of boho-chic Todos Santos—and are helped in their endeavors by Tortugueros Las Playitas, a renowned sea turtle conservation sanctuary. A thriving organization and hotbed of eco-friendly activity, Las Playitas offers volunteer opportunities in conservation, and helps run a limited number of eco-adventures.

With views of the Sea of Cortez, Palmilla Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Mexico’s best golf courses, as well as one of the top golfing destinations in the world. A diverse course with a unique design—including many levels of elevation and directional shifts which keep the game varied—it was the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course built in Latin America.

Tucked away in the sandy scrubland of Baja California is Los Cabos’ only professional equestrian center, Cuadra San Francisco. Giddy up and explore the Baja countryside with the popular ranch and stable’s range of horseback riding options. Cuadra San Francisco is also known for its “dancing horses,” which pop up at local weddings and parties.

Location. Location. Location. These small, lesser-known beaches are steps from the entrance to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, and offer an escape from the area’s more popular tourist spots, such as Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach nearby. By some accounts, Playa Empacadora and the adjacent Playa Coral Negro officially comprise the Cannery Beaches, but other beaches are sometimes included in the group.

Sand Falls in Cabo San Lucas is a rare underwater phenomenon where golden sand cascades down steep submarine canyon walls like a surreal waterfall. Positioned near famous landmarks such as the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco) and Neptune’s Finger, this natural spectacle blends geology and marine currents for a truly mesmerizing sight beneath the waves. It’s a bucket-list dive for anyone curious about marine wonders beyond the ordinary.