Things to do in Baja California Sur

All about Baja California Sur

When to visit

Baja has two seasons: a long, hot summer and a mild winter from November to May. It’s a year-round destination with sunny days, clear skies, and eternal beach weather. The dry, cool winters are a great time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crush and the long, hot summer. Whale watching happens year-round, but whale migration season peaks in winter from January through March.

Getting around

Public transportation is limited. Aguila buses serve much of Baja from Calle Miguel Hidalgo in Cabo San Lucas but can be slow and unreliable. Taxis, rental cars, and hired shuttles make more sense for getting around. However, drivers often hound airport arrivals with ride offers for inflated prices. Before shelling out the cash for a taxi from the airport, check to see if the local shuttle bus service will work or if your hotel offers rides from the airport.

Traveler tips

Though it’s on the travel map and increasingly developed, Todos Santos is still Baja Sur’s loveliest low-key beach town. Travelers interested in good surf spots and beach-bohemian vibes should visit for a day or two—enough time to stroll the charming cobblestone streets, visit the galleries and shops in the center of town, and catch wild surf breaks at Cerritos or San Pedrito beaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baja California Sur known for?

Baja California Sur is known for its Los Cabos’ beach resorts and biodiverse marine life in the Sea of Cortez. Whale sanctuaries and protected desert habitats lie in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Paz is the capital. Todos Santos is popular with surfers and artists.

Which is better, Baja California or Baja California Sur?

It depends on your interests. Baja California Sur is more developed for tourists, due to the resorts in Cabo San Lucas. Both offer opportunities for water sports (surfing, snorkeling, diving), but the beaches in Baja California Sur are hard to beat. From the US, Baja California is easier to reach.

What kind of activities are there in Baja California Sur?

Baja California Sur has some of Mexico’s greatest natural wonders—and is big on watersports and outdoor adventures. Travelers visit in droves to explore beaches, deserts, and mountains on hikes, horseback, and all-terrain vehicles. Whale watching is a year-round activity. Other options include ziplining, tequila tastings, boat cruises, and club hopping.

What is the difference between Baja California and Baja California Sur?

Baja California and Baja California Sur are neighboring Mexican states on the Baja California Peninsula. Both are top travel destinations with deserts, natural marvels, and world-class beaches and resorts. Baja California Sur (Southern Lower California), on the southern side of the 750-mile-long (1,200-kilometer-long) peninsula, is more developed for tourists.

Do I need a passport to visit Baja California Sur from California?

Yes, visiting Baja California Sur from the US requires a passport. Depending on your length of stay, you may need other permits, available at your entry point. US travelers can cross the US-Baja California border with a valid passport or other acceptable identification but must show a US passport upon return.

Is Baja California Sur affordable?

Yes, but you’ll need to hunt for deals. The days of shoestring luxury travel are gone—as the area’s popularity has grown, so too have charges for tourist services. Eat where the locals eat, travel as they do, and your spending lowers dramatically. Otherwise, the costs are average to high.

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