News & TipsThe two best day trips from Cabo San Lucas are Todos Santos, an artsy Pueblo Mágico about an hour north on the Pacific, and La Paz, the laid-back state capital on the Sea of Cortez roughly two hours away. Both are easy to reach by private transport — Todos Santos from $179 and La Paz from $239 — so you can leave in the morning and be back for dinner. CaboCity is a U.S.-based Los Cabos booking platform; here’s what to see in each, how long the drive takes, and when to go.
Quick answer: day trips from Cabo
- Todos Santos: ~1 hour north; artsy Pueblo Mágico with galleries, cafés, and surf beaches. Private transport from $179.
- La Paz: ~2 hours northeast; waterfront malecón, Balandra Beach, and Sea of Cortez marine life. Private transport from $239.
- Whale sharks: La Paz is a well-known seasonal draw for swimming with whale sharks, generally October–April.
- Booking: instant confirmation, secure Stripe checkout, free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
Todos Santos: the artsy Pueblo Mágico
Todos Santos is a designated Pueblo Mágico (“Magic Town”) about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast. It’s known for its arts scene, colonial-era streets, independent galleries and boutiques, and good cafés and restaurants — a relaxed contrast to Cabo’s marina energy. The surrounding beaches draw surfers, though Pacific currents mean many aren’t ideal for casual swimming; ask locally before getting in.
What to do in Todos Santos
- Wander the historic center and browse galleries and craft shops.
- Lunch at one of the town’s well-regarded farm-to-table restaurants.
- See the landmark Hotel California and the mission church.
- Watch surfers at nearby beaches like Cerritos (a common add-on stop).
A private round-trip transfer means you set the pace and skip a group schedule. Book the private transport to Todos Santos from $179, or see all options on the Cabo private transportation page.
La Paz: the Sea of Cortez capital
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, sits about two hours northeast of Cabo on the calm Sea of Cortez. It has a genuinely local feel: a long seaside malecón for strolling, fresh seafood, and easy access to some of Baja’s best beaches and marine experiences. It’s a longer drive than Todos Santos, so it works best as a full-day outing.
What to do in La Paz
- Walk the malecón and eat along the waterfront.
- Visit Balandra Beach, famous for its shallow, calm turquoise water (access can be regulated, so check ahead).
- Take a boat to Espíritu Santo island to see sea lions and desert-island coves.
- In season, join a whale-shark tour (see below).
Book the private transport to La Paz from $239 for a comfortable door-to-door round trip.
Swimming with whale sharks
La Paz is one of the better-known places in the region to swim with whale sharks — the world’s largest fish, and harmless filter feeders. The season generally runs October through April, with tours operated locally under permit and regulation. If this is your goal, plan La Paz as a full day and check current local operators and rules; availability and permitted operators vary year to year.
Todos Santos vs La Paz: which day trip?
| Factor | Todos Santos | La Paz |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Cabo | ~1 hour | ~2 hours |
| Coast | Pacific | Sea of Cortez |
| Best for | Art, galleries, cafés, surf towns | Beaches, islands, marine life |
| Signature draw | Pueblo Mágico charm | Balandra Beach; whale sharks (Oct–Apr) |
| Private transport from | $179 | $239 |
| Ideal length | Half to full day | Full day |
Choose Todos Santos for a shorter, culture-and-food outing, and La Paz if you want beaches, island trips, or whale sharks and don’t mind the longer drive.
A sample day-trip timeline
Both destinations are comfortable single-day outings if you start early. A rough shape for either trip:
- 8:00–9:00 am: depart Cabo with your private driver — earlier for La Paz given the longer drive.
- Mid-morning: arrive and explore the town center or head straight to a beach or activity.
- Midday: a leisurely local lunch — seafood in La Paz, farm-to-table in Todos Santos.
- Afternoon: galleries and shopping (Todos Santos) or beach and malecón time (La Paz).
- Late afternoon: drive back to Cabo in time for dinner.
Because you’re in a private vehicle, you control the timing and can add or drop stops along the way.
Other places near Cabo worth knowing
Beyond the two headline trips, Baja California Sur has more to explore if you have extra days or a rental car. The East Cape and areas farther north are known for quieter beaches and, seasonally, some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region around the Cabo Pulmo marine park. These are longer, more involved outings than a standard day trip, so research access, road conditions, and local operators before committing. For most first-timers, Todos Santos and La Paz remain the easiest, most rewarding day trips from Cabo.
Tips for day-tripping from Cabo
- Start early. Beat the heat and give yourself time, especially for La Paz.
- Go private for flexibility. A private transfer lets you set your own stops and timing rather than following a group.
- Bring beach and sun gear. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water, and swimwear if you’re heading to the coast.
- Carry small bills. For tips, market purchases, and beach fees; tipping around 10–20% is customary.
- Check seasonal access. Some beaches (like Balandra) and whale-shark tours have caps or regulated seasons.
Prefer to stay closer to town? Browse in-town and Corridor experiences on the Cabo tours hub.
Ready to book your Cabo experience?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas?
The two most popular are Todos Santos, an artsy Pueblo Mágico about an hour north, and La Paz, the Sea of Cortez capital about two hours away. Both are easy by private transport — Todos Santos from $179 and La Paz from $239 — and can be done in a single day.
How far is Todos Santos from Cabo?
Todos Santos is roughly one hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast. Private round-trip transport starts from $179, letting you set your own pace among the town’s galleries, cafés, and nearby surf beaches before heading back the same day.
Can you swim with whale sharks near Cabo?
Whale-shark swimming is a well-known seasonal draw in La Paz, about two hours from Cabo, generally from October through April. Tours are run locally under permit and regulation, so plan La Paz as a full day and check current operators and rules, as availability varies by year.
How long is the drive from Cabo to La Paz?
La Paz is about two hours northeast of Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez. Because of the distance, it works best as a full-day trip. Private transport starts from $239 for a comfortable door-to-door round trip with the flexibility to set your own stops.
Is it better to do a day trip on my own or with private transport?
Private transport is the easiest option: no group schedule, door-to-door pickup, and freedom to choose your stops and timing. CaboCity offers private transfers to Todos Santos from $179 and La Paz from $239, with instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
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