The best things to do in Baja California Sur

Some travelers visit Baja California Sur, in Mexico, just to relax at a beachfront resort, while others are drawn to exploring one of the driest regions in the world and the least densely populated state in the country.

For visitors, the peninsula presents two striking contrasts. From La Paz—the capital—northward, you’ll find vast deserts, tiny villages, few inhabitants, and centuries-old Jesuit missions, a legacy of those who founded the first permanent settlements in California. Meanwhile, the southern region is the complete opposite, packed with all-inclusive resorts and the vibrant nightlife of Los Cabos.

In this guide of things to do in Baja California Sur, we’ll take you from one end of the region to the other, showcasing its top destinations so you can plan your own adventure.

How to travel to Baja California Sur on a budget

Accommodation costs in some Baja California Sur destinations, especially in Los Cabos, can be quite high compared to other parts of Mexico, which often discourages backpackers from visiting.

However, there are several ways to save money while traveling. And I can tell you from experience that one of the best strategies is volunteering in exchange for accommodation.

Wondering how that works? It’s quite simple. On the Worldpackers website, you’ll find many volunteer opportunities in Baja California Sur, where hosts look for people willing to lend a hand with various projects. In exchange for helping out a few hours a day, you’ll receive free accommodation and, in many cases, meals and additional perks such as free tours and discounts on activities.

Not only does this allow you to travel without paying for lodging, but it also helps you meet new people, stay longer in each place, explore more in-depth, and experience local culture in a way that wouldn’t be possible if you were just passing through as a tourist.

For each Baja California Sur destination we’ll explore in this guide, I’ll include a link to volunteer opportunities in that location, whenever available.

Best places to visit and things to do in Baja California Sur

Most tourists stick to the Los Cabos area, at the southern tip of the peninsula, where the most popular beach destinations are located. However, there’s much more to discover for those of us who love venturing off the beaten path.

From the world's highest concentration of gray whales to charming inland villages, let’s explore some of the best destinations to visit in Baja California Sur.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital and largest city of Baja California Sur, yet it’s far from being its top tourist destination. The resorts in Los Cabos attract most visitors, but La Paz offers a beautiful waterfront, stunning beaches, and is known as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Mexico.

When it comes to beaches, I highly recommend visiting El Tesoro, a small bay with calm, crystal-clear, and shallow waters—perfect for relaxing.

Heading north, you’ll find even more beautiful beaches, such as Pichilingue, located near the ferry terminal where boats arrive from Sinaloa (Mazatlán and Topolobampo); Balandra (pictured below), famous for its mushroom-shaped rock and surrounded by scenic hills; and El Tecolote. 

One thing to watch out for on these beaches is jellyfish and stingrays, which can sting if you accidentally step on them. These beaches are accessible by public transportation from La Paz.

If you’re looking for tranquility, it’s best to avoid weekends when jet skis, banana boat rides, and boat tours disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. Otherwise, you can head further north, where fewer people go, or visit El Saltito Beach on the opposite coast—though you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to get there.

The Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) is home to several islands that can be visited on guided tours. Options range from day trips to Isla Espíritu Santo, the closest island to La Paz, to multi-day excursions lasting up to four days. Snorkeling in this area is absolutely incredible.

If you want to spend more time exploring everything La Paz has to offer, you can check out the volunteer opportunities in La Paz. 

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Cabo San Lucas

Undoubtedly the most popular destination in Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is synonymous with beaches, resorts, water sports, and nightlife. You could say it’s the “Ibiza” of the region, comparable to Cancún. So, if you’re looking for quiet days of relaxation and meditation on the beach, this might not be the place for you.

But first, let me explain: the southern region of the Baja California peninsula is known as Los Cabos, which includes Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, about 30 kilometers apart. Between them lies a stretch full of resorts, commonly referred to as the Tourist Corridor (Corredor Turístico).

At the very tip of the peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), you’ll find a stunning area of rock formations in the sea—one of the most iconic images of Cabo San Lucas—known as "Land’s End." The highlights here are El Arco and Lover’s Beach. There are plenty of boat tours to explore the area, but in my opinion, kayaking is the best way to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

As for beaches, some of the best spots for swimming include El Médano, Las Viudas, Playa Chileno, Santa María, Cannery Beach, and Palmilla.

From January to March, whales migrate to this coast, and naturally, many tour agencies offer whale-watching excursions. However, if you’re traveling throughout Baja California Sur and prefer a less crowded place to see them, head north to Guerrero Negro.

Cabo San Lucas isn’t exactly a budget-friendly destination, but as I mentioned, you can significantly cut costs by volunteering there.

San José del Cabo

The other famous Cabo in Baja California Sur has a slightly more laid-back vibe than its flashy neighbor. That said, you can still expect to find beaches packed with tourists, especially during the high season, from October to May.

What sets San José del Cabo apart is its well-preserved historic center, with cobblestone streets, old adobe buildings, and an 18th-century church in the Central Plaza. As is often the case, many of the most charming buildings have been converted into boutique hotels, art galleries, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. However, at least this ensures they’re kept in good condition.

The best beaches near San José del Cabo are those along the Tourist Corridor mentioned earlier, such as Palmilla Beach.

For a less touristy experience, you can drive along the coastal route to Cabo Pulmo, stopping at various beaches—better suited for surfing than swimming—and scenic viewpoints along the way. Keep in mind that this road is unpaved, so if you’re renting a car, a 4x4 is recommended. Also, check whether your rental insurance covers this route, as not all policies do.

There are also several volunteer opportunities in San José del Cabo if you’re looking to extend your stay while saving on accommodation. 

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific coast, less than 80 km from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns).

Founded as a Spanish mission in 1724, Todos Santos has retained much of its colonial charm. However, its most famous attraction is the Hotel California, which its owners claim is the real inspiration behind The Eagles’ legendary song. While the band has officially denied the connection, the myth is deeply ingrained, and most tourists snapping a photo in front of the hotel believe they’re standing in the iconic spot.

Many people visit Todos Santos on a day trip from Los Cabos, but if you’re traveling through Baja California Sur, it’s well worth spending at least one night here. That way, you can take your time strolling through its colorful and peaceful streets.

If you want a unique travel experience, consider volunteering at a family-run hostel owned by an Italian family or check out all the volunteering positions in Todos Santos.

Loreto

Most of Baja California Sur’s tourism is concentrated in the southern part of the state. Therefore, venturing beyond this area gives you the chance to experience a more authentic side of the region’s culture.

Loreto is home to several historically significant buildings, the most notable being Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó, founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1697. This was the first permanent mission established on the Baja California peninsula, paving the way for many others, eventually reaching present-day California, USA. The Camino Real is a historic route that follows these missions, starting in Loreto and ending in Sonoma, California.

From Loreto, I highly recommend visiting the village of San Javier, located inland. Since most tourists stick to the coast, this is a great opportunity to see a lesser-known side of Baja California Sur. The small village is home to the San Francisco Javier Church, another Jesuit mission, and the best-preserved colonial-era structure in the entire peninsula.

Continuing with Jesuit history, about 20 km north of Loreto, you’ll find the ruins of Misión de San Bruno, the first Jesuit settlement in Las Californias. This mission only lasted a little over two years and was built with fragile materials like tents, which is why very little remains today.

But Loreto isn’t just known for its history—it’s also a top destination for marine wildlife encounters. It’s one of the best places in Baja California Sur for whale watching, dolphin spotting, and scuba diving in Bahía de Loreto National Park.

Mulegé

Mulegé is mainly known as a fishing destination, but even if that’s not your thing, this oasis town has plenty more to offer.

The Jesuits also left their mark here—Mulegé was founded around Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé, which was inaugurated in 1766.

In the surrounding mountains, you’ll find incredible examples of prehistoric rock art created by the indigenous groups that once lived in the region. The best-preserved sites are San Borjitas and La Trinidad.

Another tempting reason to visit Mulegé is visiting the stunning beaches of Bahía de Concepción, with over 80 km of soft white sand protected from the wind.

If you have an extra day, consider visiting Santa Rosalía, a town founded in 1884 by the French mining company El Boleo to exploit the area’s copper deposits. The mine operated until 1954, but they left behind several French-style buildings, especially in the Mesa France neighborhood.

The most remarkable structure is Santa Bárbara Church, designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was originally displayed at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris (the same event where the Eiffel Tower debuted), later purchased by El Boleo, and eventually transported to this remote corner of the world.

Guerrero Negro

It may not be the most picturesque destination in Baja California Sur, but Guerrero Negro is home to the largest concentration of gray whales in the world.

Every winter, gray whales migrate to Ojo de Liebre Lagoon to mate and give birth. If you visit in early February, you might even catch the annual whale festival, celebrating their arrival.

While the whales draw in tourists, Guerrero Negro’s main industry is salt production, which is also the reason for the town’s existence. It was founded in 1957 by an American company to develop the salt industry around Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, eventually becoming the largest saltworks in the world. Unlike other salt flats, this one isn’t in a completely desert landscape—it’s surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and you can visit the site.

More places to visit in Baja California Sur

Beyond Baja California Sur, you might also want to check out Valle de Guadalupe, located in northern Baja California. This region is home to Mexico’s most renowned vineyards, producing around 90% of the country’s wine.

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