Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Baja California Sur? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in Baja California Sur? We’ve got you covered. The second-longest in the globe, Mexico‘s Baja California is a captivating landscape of picturesque villages, charming towns, stunning deserts, and stunning towns surrounded by stunning coastlines.
It is a favorite for tourists coming from the USA and beyond. The southern part of the peninsula has an array of stunning beaches, cozy guesthouses, and gorgeous villas. Many of the most desirable hotels within Baja California Sur are elegant and sophisticated. However, there are some fantastic families-friendly resorts and calming getaways for couples and friends to enjoy a relaxing time in complete peace.
Bohemian-style town Todos Santos is a trendy destination, with its cobbled streets lined with vibrant eateries, funky galleries, and quirky boutiques. There are beautiful beaches in the vicinity and some fantastic surf, too. Get a room in town or stay in the area to get the most enjoyable of both. Then, go to the Centro Cultural for an insight into the region’s past.
The Arch
The Arch is one of the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. This spectacular natural rock formation on the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula marks the beginning of Land’s End, which is at the point where it is where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.
Near the apex at the tip of the Baja Peninsula stands a craggy rock formation with the form of an arch. It rises above the sea. El Arco is like the entrance to the ocean. It is a stunning sight, like a world from another.
The arch was created over time as the rough weather, the Pacific Ocean waters, and the Sea of Cortez took the rocks away. This region of the Baja Peninsula, also known as Land’s End, is one of the most visited attractions in Cabo San Lucas.
Try to see sea lions on the rocks. If you are on a glass-bottomed cruise, you will see the tropical fish plentiful in this region. When you reach the arch, remember the chance to capture it by the sea, which is the best angle.
Take the day of your trip to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach). It is a private strip of beach. Scuba dive, snorkel into the sea or relax in the sun on the beach. Walk along the shoreline and observe El Arco’s change in color when the sunset goes down. Look over the ocean and imagine how pirates ruled this region in the 1500s. They hid behind sandstone walls, waiting to steal precious metals from approaching Spanish ships.
Between December and March, observe whales migrate between the frigid Arctic towards the warm waters in the Baja Peninsula. The warm and shallow water of the bay makes it an ideal place for whales to have a baby and rear their babies.
You can book a water taxi to the Cabo San Lucas Marina to access the arch. If you’re in an excellent mood to rent a kayak, you can do so in Cabo and paddle it to Land’s End instead. The facilities in El Arco are limited, which contributes to the peaceful nature of the location.
Beach vendors sell food and souvenirs and rent sun umbrellas on crowded days; however, taking your items in case of emergency is recommended. Take note that currents that flow on the Pacific Ocean side of Land’s End are usually too strong to swim in.
Lover’s Beach
Explore an arch of iconic El Arco along the sandy shores of this beach that is secluded. Plan a cruise trip to one of the romantic and famous beaches of the Los Cabos region: Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), where El Arco rises out of the ocean.
Take a ride to the beach with its golden sand for a couple of minutes enjoying the sand and the sea. This beach is known as Lover’s Beach because it is incredibly private and private and is the ideal place to enjoy a stroll with your partner or a relaxing day with your family and friends.
Come to Playa del Amor to unwind. The lack of traffic, as well as the development of the oceanfront, create a peaceful experience. In busy times, vendors offer snacks and lease beach umbrellas. However, there needs to be infrastructure at the beach.
Go for a swim to cool down, have lunch or take your snorkel, mask, and fins to dive into the water from shore. This bay houses a stunning marine ecosystem. So, take in the fantastic variety of tropical fish as you explore the crystal clear warm waters on the Sea of Cortez side of the beach.
Take advantage of the opportunity to capture photographs from El Arco. The limestone rock formation is stunning, with the sky blue as an entrance towards the sea. The arch was formed by waves and rough winds that caused rock erosion over millions of years.
From December through March, you could spot whales floating in the waters. The waters protected near Los Cabos are ideal for young whales that can enjoy their first few weeks here. Playa del Amor is located at the end of the Baja California Peninsula. Hire a water taxi at Medano Beach or from Cabo San Lucas Marina.
Cabo San Lucas Marina, reach it, and plan the return trip. If you’d like to explore the reefs as you head across, consider booking the glass-bottomed boat cruise. A different option would be to hire kayaks to explore the beach on your way. Be aware that the currents could be pretty intense, and swimming on the Pacific Ocean side of the beach is not recommended.
Cabo Dolphins
Discover the unique bond between dolphins and humans in this marine center. Cabos Dolphins is a marine center offering various dolphin-related programs suitable for visitors of all age groups. Meet these intelligent marine mammals and learn more about their anatomy and historical background.
Learn how to talk with them and observe they’re amazing tricks both inside and outside in the sea. Feed the dolphins while swimming around your legs. Play with them, or glide along the water with their dorsal fins.
The park also offers programs for people who aren’t swimmers. Dolphin centers are an essential attraction if your heart has always wanted to get in the water with dolphins. It also teaches you lots about these fascinating animals. They are educational, interactive, and enjoyable.
If you’ve ever wondered how to train dolphins, You can enroll to become a “trainer for a day.” Join park rangers, feed dolphins, learn to care for the animals, and assist in other programs for dolphins.
It is essential to book in advance because all events will have different schedules based on the day. You get a considerable discount if you book two days in advance. Do not wear jewelry in the park, and apply biodegradable sunscreen to safeguard the dolphins and their habitat.
Cabo Dolphins is part of Cabo Adventures, a local tour and excursion operator. You can mix the dolphin-related program with one of the different activities offered by the company.
Take a plunge through the forest with a zip line, climb up rugged mountains, join a camel safari, ride a mountain bike through the desert, or even scuba dive into a warm ocean. After a fun day, you can sail across the water and watch whales swim before your boat.
Medano Beach
The most popular among Cabo’s young night-time revelers, this picturesque beach is notable for its watersports, fun bar rentals, and a party vibe. Bars, luxury resorts, and cafes all back to Medano Beach, one of the most lively beaches within Cabo San Lucas. Some many watersports options and restaurants serve the best seafood dishes from the region.
Enjoy the company of other vacationers as they enjoy the fun and lively vibe on this famous stretch of sandy beach. Hire Jet Skis or kayaks to ride those waves in the Gulf of California. Then, try stand-up paddle boarding on boards offered by tour operators along the beach. To experience even more excitement, try parasailing, giving you a chance to view the stunning scenery from up in the air.
Shop for souvenirs, including clothing, hats, and jewelry, at the vendors who are on the beach. Relax and read under your shade under a moving palm tree as the other family members splash around in the crystal clear and warm waters. Cool off with Ice cream while you enjoy the sunset.
Take a bite to eat with water views at one of these thatched-roofed eateries. You can enjoy American as well as traditional Mexican food in this place. Celebrate the so-called cantinas, where you can purchase beers by buckets. Explore craft beers at one of the trendy bars with views from the rooftop at sea.
Stay in one of the trendy hotels near the end of the beach, with pools and various facilities. Between the marina and the beach is the Puerto Paraiso mall, which includes a cinema and a variety of shopping and dining alternatives.
It is essential to note that the beach is open to use at all times and is busy during weekends and spring break for many schools.
Medano Beach is situated on the northern end of Cabo San Lucas Marina, which lies in the town center. Keep going north the Playa las Viudas. Other nearby sites include Playa Empacadora, Divorce Beach, and Lovers Beach.
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. Cabo Pulmo is a National Park situated about 60 miles north of the capital city of Baja California Sur. Dive enthusiasts and natural beauty admirers believe the park is a paradise.
READ ALSO: Boutique Hotel San Jose Del Cabo
There are many marvels in Cabo Pulmo. For example, three of the oldest reefs are situated on the shores of North America. In reality, the reef is about 20000 years old.
Land’s End
The ocean’s roaring waves are separated from the clear waters of the ocean in a majestic arch. Take a glass-bottomed boat ride through its middle and catch sea Lions. Land’s End is an impressive rock formation consisting of an arch and an evaporating floor located on the End of the Baja California Peninsula.
Also called El Arco (The Arch), This is a favorite location for glass-bottom boat tours that depart from the Marina nearby. Take note of how the sandy flooring at the bottom of the arch resurfaces in low tide.
Begin a boat cruise to travel through the center of this impressive arch that is located on the eastern shore of Lover’s Beach. Be on guard to see sea Lions. The rock formation is a barrier that separates the turbulent waves and currents from the Pacific Ocean from the calmer waters that flow through the Gulf of California.
Take photos of other rock formations rising from the ocean near the arch. Be sure to arrive at sunrise or sunset to get the best view of the arch. It appears stunning in the sunshine. Take the view towards the West of Mt. Solmar, where you can hike. Stay over in some of the lodges or spas along the southern coastline.
Sunbathe on one of the beaches along the arch. Divorce Beach lives up to its name by having powerful rip currents and sharp rocks. Swimming isn’t allowed. Go north from Lover’s Beach and go snorkeling in the tranquil waters.
There are no food vendors, restaurants, or restroom facilities along these tranquil beaches. Relax in peace, free of the hustle and bustle of the city’s center. Nature’s rock structure and the surrounding beaches are accessible at all times for no cost.
Land’s End marks the meeting point between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. It’s located in the southern portion of Cabo San Lucas, which is 25 minute stroll to the Marina. It is recommended to visit attractions nearby, including Cannery Beach, the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica, and Medano Beach.
San Lucas Bay
Glass-bottom vessels transport tourists along the beautiful coastline of this beautiful bay, and you can participate in whale watching and diving. San Lucas Bay is made of several beaches that are woven over exciting rocks. It’s the southernmost portion of the tranquil Gulf of California, where the ocean joins the more turbulent ocean waves that make up the Pacific Ocean.
So enjoy your time exploring the golden strands of sand that line the bay. In the southern part of town are the unusual pairings: Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach. First, take in the stunning coastline of the former beach, where Pacific Ocean waves rock the beach.
Then, enjoy a relaxing time on its northern counterpart, Lovers Beach, where the waters are serene and suitable for swimming. Bring snorkeling equipment and look at the variety of marine life here.
The easternmost point of the beach coupling is the iconic arch of Cabo Lucas. It is located at the eastern end of the beach coupling. Take photos of the arch’s rock.
The sandy surface is wiped away at high tide. Join one of the numerous cruises and whale-watching excursions accessible from the town’s central station and walk close to the arch. Take in the stunning views of Mt. Solmar, and check into a spa close to the beach for a relaxing treatment.
Take a northern route along the coast until you arrive at Playa Empacadora. It’s located on the southern end of the marina and gives excellent views of the vessels that pass through. In the adjacent Cannery Beach, you can see one of the oldest commercial establishments, a whitewashed structure with graffiti. You can read a book under an umbrella made of straw and enjoy your picnic while listening to the tranquil sounds of waves.
Visit the northern end of the harbor to visit Medano Beach, a favorite among young revelers. Drink cocktails at the bars, sample seafood at the beachside restaurants, and hire water sports equipment.
San Lucas Bay includes the coastline in and around the marina in Cabo San Lucas.
You can walk east for approximately 10-minutes to Plaza Amelia Wilkes to reach the beaches. Then, take a northern route along the coastal corridor that connects the town with San Jose del Cabo and stop at Playa el Chileno on the route.
Balandra Beach
Balandra Beach is one of the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. Explore the beauty of a well-known beach in northwestern Mexico that is a delight with its clean, shallow sea and colorful marine life.
Bring your sunblock and swimsuit to enjoy a day of sun relaxation at Balandra Beach, among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The large, circular beach is surrounded by desert hills and boasts the most beautiful shoreline with white sand, which connects to blue waters.
Find a place on the beach that you can stretch out on. Bring your sunshade, or lay beneath one of the palapas. They are open-sided shade structures that have thatched roofs. They are free for the public and popular during the summer months.
Take a dip in the calm waters. It is a natural swimming pool; therefore, the waters are shallow all year. It’s not more than the waist for quite a distance from the shoreline. This makes it a superb location, especially for swimmers and children who are not experienced.
Wade across to, known as the Mushroom of Balandra, is a tiny rock formation created into its unique form by the force of erosion. Make sure you wear a snorkel and mask and put your head in the water to view the array of marine life. If you’re into water sports, take a trip to rent a kayak or paddleboard from the vendor at the parking lot near the beach.
Be prepared with drinks and snacks as there are no eateries or shops in the area; however, you might see vendors selling fruit, drinks, and other food items. Make sure you bring a carry-on bag to take your garbage away. Also, it is essential to know that there aren’t any bathrooms or shower facilities in Balandra.
When you are ready to leave the beach, take a hike up one of the hills surrounding you to enjoy a stunning view of the bay. Balandra Beach is approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of the city of La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur. To get there, park your car in the free parking lot or take a bus from the terminal tourism, the tourist center in La Paz. The journey takes around 40 minutes.
San Jose del Cabo Art District
San Jose del Cabo Art District is a place to go for art galleries, events, and shopping in Downtown San Jose del Cabo. A visit to San Jose del Cabo Art District is a great alternative that isn’t golf, beaches, and water sports for which the region is renowned.
Explore the work of international and national artists in exhibitions that are set in colorful colonial buildings and browse shops of artisans for items that are a reflection of the culture that is typical of Mexico along with in the Los Cabos region.
More than a dozen galleries line the cobblestone streets of the district. Most of the pieces on display, like ceramics paintings, photographs, sculptures, and woodwork, are available for purchase. Explore the work of abstract painter Frank Arnold in addition to some examples of Mexican folk design and art for interiors.
Finally, look at Mata Ortiz pottery, a revival in the tradition of indigenous Mogollon ceramic art that originated from the site of the ancient city of Casas Grandes. Visit the San Jose del Cabo Art District between November through June for each week’s San Jose del Cabo Art Walk.
Every Thursday night, Alvaro Obregon Street is closed to cars, allowing people to move freely from one gallery to another. Gallery owners often greet guests with a complimentary glass of wine while DJs blast out melodious beats. There is also an opportunity to meet with artists and discuss their work.
Alongside the galleries are shops selling all kinds of items, from furniture and clothing to bags, homewares, and jewelry. You can end your visit by eating traditional Mexican and Italian food at low-key eateries. You can also savor delicious pub food and sip craft beer at microbreweries.
San Jose del Cabo Art District is a quick walk away from Plaza Mijares and the city’s historical quarter. Parking is accessible on the main streets. It is located in the Zona Hotelera located 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) south.
Find further information on the San Jose del Cabo Art District gallery on the district’s official website. Also, get an art map for the walking route from participating galleries.
Laguna de San Ignacio
Laguna de San Ignacio is one of the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. The Whale Sanctuary in El Vizcaino is a significant portion of the Laguna de San Ignacio. It is the sole nursery with one gray whale.
Charles Melville Scammon was the first person to hunt whales within the lagoon. He is a whaler who wrote a book about marine mammals and plans to start the process that will allow them to reach the extent of their range. The area has been recently transformed into a protected zone.
The people living near the site have switched their vocations from fishing and hunting to safeguarding the biosphere of the area. Seals, blue whales, and dolphins are seen in winter.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Lover’s Beach is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Baja California Sur.
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