Welcome to Baja California, where beach dreams come to life!
You’ll find some of Mexico’s coolest beach towns here. Some are so enchanting they’re on the country’s list of Pueblos Magicos (“magic towns”).
Cabo San Lucas may steal the spotlight.
But beyond the glitz of Cabo, Baja California’s heart beats in its charming smaller towns. Todos Santos. Los Barriles. Ensenada (also the coastal gateway to the Valle de Guadalupe).
Here are our favorite Baja beach towns – where hand-crafted mezcalitas and crisp linen sheets pair wonderfully with the sun, sand and sea.
Cool beach towns on the Baja Peninsula
What’s special about these Baja California beach towns?
Southern Californians, especially, love these spots, with places like Rosarito being under an hour’s drive away from the border.
And here’s the thing.
While these Baja California beach towns might suggest backpackers, surfers and hippies, they’re actually perfect for those of us who love a little luxury with our laid-back vibes.
They’re a haven for beach bums, art enthusiasts, escapists, foodies, boutique hotel aficionados and surfers alike.
The drive to these gems is an adventure too, with a scenic twisting highway offering miles and miles of breathtaking mountain, desert and sea views.
So where exactly is Baja California?
Well, it’s right “down” there – literally! Baja means “down” in Spanish. And the Baja California Peninsula (sometimes referred to as just the “Baja Peninsula”) hangs south of California, dipping into the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean crashes against the peninsula’s west side and the serene Sea of Cortez (aka Gulf of California) laps at the east.
Part of Mexico, it’s split into two states.
The northern half of the peninsula is the Mexican state of Baja California. The southern half is the state of Baja California Sur.
Now, don’t get confused. “Baja California” is commonly used to refer to the whole peninsula, i.e., both states – and that’s the way we use the term here.
1) Cabo San Lucas
Let’s start with Cabo San Lucas – the show-stopping star.
It’s one of two towns making up the Los Cabos resort area, or “Cabo” for short. (The other town is San Jose del Cabo, #6 below.)
Cabo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico for visitors from the United States and Canada, with many direct flights landing at the Los Cabos International Airport.
In particular, its easy access to cities like Los Angeles make it a great long weekend break. (It’s just a 2½-hour flight straight south of L.A.) It’s the perfect place to jet off to in the winter months!
But there’s sooo much more to this town (and Los Cabos) than its convenient location. We know – we regularly vacation here for weeks at a time! We even have another travel blog on all things Cabo, called Cabo Visitor.
Situated at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is surrounded on three sides by the sea. That means life generally (and literally) revolves around the water – with whale watching, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, surfing and sunset cruises being some of Cabo’s favored activities.
Back in town, be sure to stroll around the Cabo San Lucas Marina to admire all the sleek white yachts and fishing boats.
With gorgeous golden sand beaches, beach hopping is another popular activity.
The main beach, Medano Beach, offers at least half a mile of swimmable shoreline, with calm waters most of the time. (Not all beaches in Cabo are swimmable due to currents and rips.)
Tip: The further you walk from the marina end, the quieter Medano Beach gets.
We also like hitting up Santa Maria Beach first thing in the morning to snorkel before all the tour boats arrive around 10:00 am. (If we don’t have a rental car, we take the Ruta del Desierto bus, which is easy peasy – see our guide on getting around Cabo.)
The area is also home to more than 15 surreal mountains-meet-desert-meets-sea golf courses. Golfing, naturally, is a big deal in Cabo.
Nor do the vacation vibes stop when night falls.
The town of Cabo San Lucas is famous for its nightlife – you can dance at numerous bottle-service clubs and lounges until the roosters start crowing! (But if partying isn’t your style, there are plenty of peaceful places in Cabo where you can unwind and relax during your getaway.)
Stay
Here, you’ll find the widest selection of hotels and resorts – from all-inclusive retreats to charming boutique inns – in all of Baja California.
You can revel in the lap of luxury by booking one of Cabo’s 5-star hotels like Las Ventanas al Paraiso or Chileno Bay Resort & Residences – where infinity swimming pools come with pool butlers and the beds are so comfy you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
And if you want a kid-free escape, Cabo has adults-only resorts too, perfect for a vacay tailored just for adults.
Must eat and drink
For yummy shrimp tacos and mean margaritas in a casual setting, we love Tacos Gardenias. But you’ll also find high-end restos, like El Farallon (for romantic cliffside sea-to-table dining) and the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Los Cabos.
Don’t miss
Taking a sunset cruise or fun water taxi ride to see Cabo’s famous rock arch, “El Arco,” at Land’s End is a must. The dramatic arch towers three stories high at the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Along the way, you’ll pass by Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) and see the local sea lions sunning on the rocks and frolicking in the turquoise waters.
2) Todos Santos
Remember we mentioned Mexico’s magic towns (Pueblos Magicos)? Surrounded by desert, the arty small town of Todos Santos is one of them.
It’s one of the best beach towns in Baja California for a break from Cabo San Lucas. Say what? Yes, as much as we love Cabo, our souls also crave the unspoiled charm of Todos Santos.
It’s the antithesis of Cabo – mellow, quiet and home to miles of wild wave-swept beaches with no people in sight. We always add a few days in Todos Santos to our Baja California vacation whenever we can.
Though small, don’t let its size fool you.
After initially being a haunt mostly for the surfing and backpacking set, Todos Santos is now on the radar for couples chasing the perfect romantic escape. And it’s got everything you need for an idyllic getaway.
It’s an only an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, which makes it an easy day trip. But its cucumber-cool hotels (all boutique and small) are so inviting you’ll want to stay in Todos Santos longer.
And then there’s its burgeoning food scene – word has spread about its farm-to-table dining and its restos are buzzing.
The town itself was founded by Roman Catholic Jesuits all the way back in 1733, so you’ll find history at every step.
Over time, it’s become a creative hub, with art galleries, studios and artisan jewelry shops housed in many of its historical buildings.
Whenever we visit Todos Santos, we make a point of strolling its silver shops to see what special silver bracelet or earrings we might want to pick up. The quality of the silver jewelry is excellent.
And those pristine beaches? They’re almost empty compared to Cabo’s – reached by sandy lanes branching off the highway.
But most of its Pacific Ocean coastline isn’t safe for swimming. If you want to take a dip, head to Punta Lobos Beach or Los Cerritos Beach, which are a little more protected.
Todos Santos is, however, big on surfing. If you know what you’re doing, hit the waves! If you don’t, head out with an instructor.
Stay
We’ve stayed at (and love!) both the elegant Michelin-recommended Hotel Villa Santa Cruz (unwind in true style!) and La Bohemia Hotel (a sweet oasis in town).
We also really like Hotel San Cristobal, a 10-minute drive outside of town, for its swimmable beachfront setting (on Punta Lobos Beach) and trendy pool scene.
Must eat and drink
Make sunset reservations at The Green Room (an open-air venue) and sit beachfront with your feet in the sand, sipping mezcal margaritas and savoring delicious tacos.
For a complete culinary experience, try Jazmango, a farm-to-table open-air resto run by renowned Mexican chef Javier Plascencia.
Don’t miss
Spend a day at El Faro Beach Club & Spa. Sipping on a drink while chilling on a pool chair or swinging day bed – watching the waves roll onto the untouched beach – is an absolute joy.
3) La Paz
The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is more a small city than a beach town like some of the others here. But it’s still got that chill Baja vibe.
Located on the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Peninsula, La Paz offers the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks on an epic day trip from Cabo. It’s one of the rare places worldwide where you can encounter these amazing creatures, making it one of the top experiences in Mexico.
(We highly recommend Cabo Expeditions and Baja Charters – we’ve gone on whale shark trips with both of these tour operators.)
But there’s plenty more marine life to see as well. The Sea of Cortez is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, called “the world’s aquarium” by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Fancy snorkeling with sea lions? Dive in from mid-October to the end of May.
A famous spot is Los Islotes, off the tip of Espiritu Santo Island, about an hour’s boat ride from La Paz.
But steer clear of January. We went then, and trust us, the water is freezing cold this time of year, and our boat ride was rough. The sea lions were delightful, though!
(October and November are ideal months for water sports in the whole region, with almost bathtub-warm water temps.)
A classy way to enjoy Espiritu Santo Island – for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and stand-up paddleboarding – is this full-day deluxe sailing cruise with Baja Charters. The top-rated adventure includes transfers from Cabo and a hot chef-prepared lunch.
In La Paz itself, there’s a stylish marina and a malecon (seaside promenade) that’s ideal for an evening stroll, plus a quirky arts scene, with lots of sculptures and thought-provoking murals sprinkled around town.
Stay
Hotel & Suites El Moro is a white Spanish colonial-style hotel with a large pool and a central location in town. We enjoyed our stay here, which was very reasonably priced. Hotel Catedral La Paz, with its attractive rooftop pool, is also recommended.
Must eat and drink
For a top-notch gourmet dining experience, Restaurant Nemi offers a set tasting menu (that changes frequently), using locally sourced ingredients.
Then there’s Casamarte Oyster Bar & Grill, which lures in diners with their chocolate clams, fresh oysters and lobster croquettes with truffle mayo.
Don’t miss
Balandra Beach is a jaw-droppingly beautiful white-sand paradise in Balandra Bay (made up of seven beaches). The crystal-clear water is so shallow it felt like we could walk waist-deep for miles!
If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Baja California, Balandra will be your happy place.
The bay is also home to the unique Balandra Mushroom Rock, a favorite spot for visitors to snap photos. (But don’t climb it. The top has toppled off a couple of times, and has had to be restored with the help of volunteers.)
4) Los Barriles
This funky little Baja Sur beach town – with a small but growing community of American and Canadian expats – is tucked away on the East Cape, about half-way between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
It’s famous for kitesurfing, sportfishing and adventure sports. (For windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons or rentals, try Vela Baja.)
We also know Los Barriles as the place where we first saw a gray-haired granny driving an ATV on the sandy roads around town!
Actually, renting an ATV or quad to zip across the sandy beaches and surrounding desert dunes is quite popular. Check out Quadman and QuadGirl for ATV rentals and half-day guided tours.
If you’d prefer to go horseback riding on the beach instead, try Baja’s Awesome Beach Rides.
Speaking of those beaches, you’ll be surprised at how empty they are.
This all makes Los Barriles a gem of a town for a true retreat from the busy “real” world!
Stay
Los Barriles is also easy to visit on a day trip from Cabo (about a 90-minute drive).
But if you’d like to stay for a while, Hotel Palmas de Cortez is right on Los Barriles Beach. There’s also Punta Pescadero Paradise Hotel, a few miles away, which has a lovely secluded beachfront setting.
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Must eat and drink
You can’t beat the ocean views (or the food!) at La Playa Los Barriles.
Don’t miss
Los Barriles is a great place for fishing.
Cast your line from the shore to catch roosterfish and jacks. Or head out on a charter into the Sea of Cortez to reel in dorado, snapper and prized yellowfin tuna. Plenty of sportfishing boats with seasoned captains are ready to take you on an adventure.
Afterward, bring your catch to one of the local restaurants, and they’ll cook it up for you.
5) San Felipe
Located 119 miles south of the U.S.-Mexicali border on the Sea of Cortez, San Felipe has evolved from a sleepy shrimp fishing village into one of Mexico’s fastest-growing resort towns.
But it’s still very low-key. San Felipe is where you go to escape the more commercialized tourist scenes of other Baja spots – and enjoy a quieter, more natural beach experience.
Take a stroll along its seafront walking path. Maybe check out the fishing charter boats for a morning of sportfishing.
If you drive about 25 minutes south of San Felipe, you’ll come to the Valle de Los Gigantes, home to more than 1,200 towering elephant cacti. Some are almost 60 feet tall!
Stay
You won’t find any luxury hotels in San Felipe. But Stella del Mar is clean and has 14 simple beachfront bungalows (air-conditioned), with beach palapas and an on-site restaurant.
Must eat and drink
La Vaquita serves up great seafood. For a break from Mexican food, El Padrino Pizzeria Y Restaurante hits the spot with tummy-filling pizzas and pasta.
Don’t miss
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Konsag Island (La Rocka) to see the sea lions, seals and sea birds. Many visitors combine a boat tour of the island with a fishing trip.
6) San Jose del Cabo
Along with Cabo San Lucas (#1 above), 20 miles away, San Jose del Cabo is one of the most in-demand towns on the Baja Peninsula. It’s less “Americanized” though, with a more authentic Mexican atmosphere and lots of art galleries.
Some of its colonial architecture dates back to the 18th century. So although it’s definitely a tourist town, there are plenty of snippets of local history and culture here.
But of course, most people mainly come for the beaches.
Expect long stretches of sand with dramatic rock formations, perfect for practicing your coastal photography.
But like many Baja California beaches, not all beaches here are safe for swimming.
One notable exception? Playa Palmilla. It’s quieter than Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas and free of beach clubs. So bring your umbrella and chairs, and soak up the natural setting.
Stay
Is staying in a Mexican hotel with private pool rooms on your bucket list? Indulge that wish in San Jose del Cabo at the ultra-luxurious One & Only Palmilla.
For a more affordable boutique hotel with an intriguing artsy vibe, we love Hotel El Ganzo (and have stayed here on three separate occasions now).
Must eat and drink
Flora Farms pioneered the organic farm-to-table dining scene in the region. Now San Jose del Cabo boasts Acre Restaurant and Los Tamarindos too.
All are amazing! Think healthy salads with juicy just-picked tomatoes, hibiscus margaritas with flowers from the garden, wood-fired pizzas with homemade sausage, and fish so fresh it was swimming in the ocean just hours earlier.
Don’t miss
Get your creative fix at the free weekly Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo. It happens on Thursday evenings, between November and June.
It’s also super popular, so plan ahead if you want to eat in town afterwards.
We learned the hard way the first time we went and discovered all the restaurants were full. (Can you say hangry?) Now we always make dinner reservations in advance.
7) Loreto
Another of Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos, Loreto is charming, both on land and in the water – and it could be the most underrated town in Baja California Sur.
A mission town established in 1687, Loreto has some of the oldest architecture on the peninsula. Cobblestone streets lead to historic churches and photogenic alleyways, and ultimately end up at the malecon, with lovely vistas over the Sea of Cortez.
But a key reason to visit is Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a protected area teeming with sea life.
See blue footed boobies and other sea birds, go scuba diving with sea lions, watch whales or paddle a kayak around idyllic uninhabited islands – or do it all.
Stay
In town overlooking the malecon, La Mision Loreto is a beautiful little hotel that gets top marks for its rooms and Los Olivos restaurant.
Or for a complete resort experience a 40-minute drive away, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has stylish apartment-style suites with kitchens. It offers several restaurants, an 18-hole Rees Jones golf course and free shuttle service into town.
Must eat and drink
It’s an adventurous drive several miles down a gravel road to La Picazon on the beach. But the freshest of fresh sea bass, clams, shrimp and tuna are worth it! (Bring cash.)
Don’t miss
Loreto is one of the best places in Baja California to see whales. It’s a playground for blue whales, who migrate here each year to feed, mate and have their calves.
The largest animals on earth, these colossal creatures can grow up to 100 feet long, with tongues as heavy as whole elephants!
The prime time to catch these ocean giants in action is February to March.
Hop on a small panga for a blue whale watching tour. Check out Loreto Blue Whales for private tours or Loreto Sea & Land Tours for small group adventures (maximum 19 passengers).
Blue whales are a bit shy. But if they’re feeling elusive, you’ll likely spot some friendly gray whales, the most commonly sighted mammals in this marine paradise.
8) Rosarito
Hey, Californians! Dip your toes in the Pacific across the border in Rosarito!
This northern Baja California town is only a 45-minute drive from San Diego and 2 hours and 25 minutes from Los Angeles (not counting possible delays at the border).
Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Baja California for Southern Californians.
Over the years, it’s developed into a surfing and good-times hotspot. And you’ll find lots of condos and hotels to choose from.
The town is primarily tourist-centric, with restaurants catering to all palates and lots of nightlife.
Rosarito hasn’t got quite the same charm of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos. But it does offer a laid-back atmosphere, miles of golden beaches and plenty of spots to relish the sunshine and sip on an ice-cold Corona.
Stay
For a classic stay, Las Rocas Resort & Spa is the top hotel in Rosarito, with its stunning outdoor swimming pool perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Or bed down at the unique 6-suite Native Residence with terrific views of the K-38 surfing beach.
Must eat and drink
If you’re a lobster fanatic, it’s worth driving 20 minutes south down the coast to Puerto Nuevo (Mexico’s legendary Langosta Village) to try their delicious lobster.
Don’t miss
For the most authentic Mexican fishing village experience, head to Puerto Popotla and the Popotla Fish Market, a few miles south of Rosarito (before Puerto Nuevo).
Think boats beached on the sand and bobbing in the water, brimming with the day’s catch, and king crab, halibut, yellowfin tuna and red snapper piled high on plastic and wooden tables.
Watch as locals haggle while fish get gutted and clams and oysters are shucked. Fresh? You bet! Enjoy your pick cooked on the spot at a beachfront shack.
Added bonus: Until the secret gets out, you may be the only gringos around.
9) Ensenada
Ensenada sits about 50 miles south of Rosarito. It’s also a popular destination with day- and weekend-trippers from Southern California. While it’s usually not quite as jam-packed with tourists, it still has a bit of a party feel to it.
The town embraces the seafront, and a walk along its malecon is enjoyable any time of year. Visit during winter, and you may see migratory whales in the waters!
Beach-wise, Playa Hermosa is the most popular.
Despite its name (hermosa means “beautiful” in Spanish), it’s not the most stunning in the area. (Better swimming beaches can be found south of town.) Still, it’s great for beach walks and gazing at the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.
Perhaps the best reason to visit Ensenada? Wine. It’s close to the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region.
You can stay close to the vineyards (so you’re in the ideal place to enjoy a tipple in the evenings) and journey into Ensenada from there.
Or you can book a guided tour of the wine region from Ensenada. Also check out this top-rated private Valle de Guadalupe day tour.
Stay
For the full-on wine experience, stay in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe at the 5-star El Cielo Winery & Resort (right next to a winery) or the romantic adults-only La Villa del Valle.
If you want to wake up to Pacific Ocean breezes on the Ensenada coast, a solid bet is Hotel Coral & Marina.
Must eat and drink
Fresh oysters, shrimp and fish reign in Ensenada – you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to seafood restaurants! Line up at La Guerrerense (featured by Anthony Bourdain a few years ago) for sea urchin or crab tostadas.
Over in Valle de Guadalupe, Conchas de Piedra is a must for all-day bubbly and oysters (and other seductive seafood dishes).
Don’t miss
We’ve already mentioned Valle de Guadalupe, but it deserves another shoutout.
About a 30- to 45-minute drive from Ensenada, this wine and food haven is an absolute must-visit. With about 180 wineries to explore, you can sip and savor to your heart’s delight!
Now you know the best beach towns in Baja, Mexico!
Baja California’s beach towns each bring their own unique flavor to the coastline.
For example, Los Barriles offers kite surfing and beach ATVing, Todos Santos enchants with its artistic flair, Cabo San Lucas has dreamy hotels for luxury lovers and Ensenada appeals to seafood lovers.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, luxury or a bit of everything, these towns should be on your radar for the ultimate Baja experience.
Save this guide on Baja California’s coastal towns for later on Pinterest!
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 2 to 6, 8 to 10, 12 to 14, 22 to 24 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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