Jennifer Kramer - Moon Los Cabos: Including La Paz & Todos Santos

Hotel Catedral rooftop pool in La Paz

The most-recognized and most-visited location in all of Baja, Los Cabos refers to the region comprising the two cities of San Jos del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and the corridor that connects them. This is a Baja completely different from the rest of the peninsula. Luxury, relaxation, and fun are the focus here. Yachts fill the marinas, and all-inclusive resorts line the beaches. Dance clubs and bars are busy until the wee hours of the morning.

La Paz centers on the beautiful malecn that wraps around the bay, where strolling locals and tourists enjoy the views, restaurants, hotels, and shops. But its main draws are the beaches and the islands. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with whale sharks, or enjoy deserted beaches.

The East Cape is home to beaches, world-class diving, offshore fishing, charming towns, and the lush peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna. Los Barriles attracts kiteboarders and windsurfers, while the off-the-grid town of Cabo Pulmo draws divers and snorkelers with its coral reef teeming with marinelife.

Up the coast from Los Cabos, Todos Santos is a charming colonial town of bohemian art galleries, upscale restaurants, and chic boutique hotels. Surf spots, beautiful beaches, and the nearby El Pescadero community draw tourists looking for a humbler alternative to Cabo.

FOUR DAYS

Los Cabos can be a perfect escape for a long weekend. Pick one hotel as your base and spend the days exploring some of the highlights.

SEVEN DAYS

With a full week, add on day trips to surrounding areas. Or split your time between Los Cabos and the East Cape, La Paz, or Todos Santos.

TWO WEEKS

With two weeks, explore the whole region. The best way to is to fly into Los Cabos and make a loop.

Winter is the high season for visiting Los Cabos, with the weeks around Christmas and New Years Day being some of the busiest of the year. Expect to pay the most for accommodations at this time, and make arrangements in advance. Spring break in Los Cabos now spans March-April, ending around Easter, drawing a younger, more rambunctious crowd.

Summer is low season in Baja Sur as temperatures and humidity are very high during the months of July, August, and September. Los Cabos has become such a popular destination that many hotels and restaurants here are open year-round, but smaller businesses outside the area are likely to shutter during the hottest months, including restaurants and attractions in towns like La Paz, Los Barriles, and Todos Santos. Hotels that stay open will likely offer cheaper rates. Anglers, divers, and surfers still flock to Los Cabos and surrounding areas in the summer because the fish are plentiful, the waters are warm, and the surf is good.

ocean views from a hammock at Villa Santa Cruz in Todos Santos

Each area of Cabo has its own distinct personality:

Cabo San Lucas: Tourist areas teem with restaurants, souvenir shops, and nightlife. This is where cruise ship passengers disembark and spring breakers stay.

a sea lion watching a cruise ship approach Cabo San Lucas

The Corridor: The most expensive and exclusive resorts are here, as are the most beautiful beaches.

San Jos del Cabo: Theres a more authentic Mexican feel here, with a town plaza and the Historic Art District. The vibe is relaxed and quiet, but with more and more beachfront resorts and timeshares. You can still find fairly affordable accommodations near the historic district.

Baja California Sur has a hurricane season from June-October, so travelers should be aware of the risk of tropical storms.

Passports and Visas

Passports are required