7 easy and safe day trips from Cabo by a local [with free map!]

Hola! My name is Trisha and I live in Cabo since 2022! In this article, I will share with you the easiest and safest day trips from Cabo San Lucas.

Living in Cabo has taught me that the best way to really enjoy this part of Baja is to get out on the road and explore. I’ve done countless day trips from Cabo, and each one feels like a new adventure.

Some days I’m chasing waterfalls in the mountains, other times I’m walking through colorful towns filled with art and history, or swimming in calm turquoise bays. What I love most is how easy it is to leave the busy marina behind and, within an hour or two, find yourself in a completely different setting.

These short escapes give me balance—whether it’s fresh seafood in a fishing village, hiking through desert canyons, or spotting whales along the coast. Every outing reminds me why I chose to live here: Cabo isn’t just about nightlife and beaches, it’s also the perfect starting point for unforgettable road adventures.

Here are the easy and safe day trips from Cabo San Lucas. Get in touch if you need help in planning your route!

Subscribe to our Mexico Travel newsletter

Get insider tips, cultural gems, and trip‑planning inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. NO SPAM. NEVER.

SUBSCRIBE

Loading...

You are now subscribed!

Thank you! You will now receive newsletters about the latest travel trends in Mexico.

Choosing the right car for day trips from Cabo

The driving conditions in Cabo and Baja California Sur are very different from what most travelers expect. I own a Chevy S10 Max and a Toyota RAV 4, and after purchasing the pick-up truck, I honestly didn’t think a truck was necessary in Cabo.

Here’s why choosing the right car for day trips from Cabo matters:

• Varied Terrain: Some day trips from Cabo like Todos Santos and El Pescadero are on smooth highways, while others (Santiago hot springs, Cabo Pulmo) involve dirt roads, steep grades, or unpaved tracks. The wrong car can limit where travelers can go.
• Safety & Comfort: Long stretches of desert driving mean you want a vehicle that feels stable, has good clearance, and can handle unexpected road conditions. Comfort also matters for 2–3 hour drives each way.
• Freedom & Flexibility: Renting the right car means you’re not tied to tour schedules. You can stop at roadside taco stands, detour to hidden beaches, or linger in a pueblo mágico without worrying about transport.
• Seasonal Factors: During whale season or rainy months, some roads can get muddy or washed out. A 4×4 or SUV can make the difference between reaching your destination or turning back.

First thing’s first: it is way better to rent a car at San Jose del Cabo International Airport upon arrival as car rentals in the city are more expensive. Plus, you’ll also save on $100+ of airport transfers.

Here’s a mini-guide about the car types available for doing day trips from Cabo:

• Compact Car: Perfect if you’re sticking to paved highways (Todos Santos, Cerritos Beach, La Paz). Easy to park in town, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly.
• SUV / Crossover: The sweet spot for most travelers—comfortable for longer drives, with higher clearance for uneven roads (Santiago hot springs, Fox Canyon).
• 4×4 Vehicle: Essential if you’re venturing into remote areas, dirt tracks, or national parks (Cabo Pulmo, desert oases). Gives you freedom to explore without worrying about road conditions.
• Luxury SUV: For travelers who want comfort and prestige—ideal if you’re blending day trips with high-end resort stays and want the drive itself to feel indulgent.

✨ Insider Tip: Pre-booking a car online is highly recommended, as rental agencies in Cabo often run out of vehicles, especially during peak travel seasons. Baja California Sur is a popular region for road trips, and reserving in advance not only guarantees availability but also gives you a wider selection of car types compared to walk-in rentals.
🚗 RENT A CAR WITH OUR TRUSTED PARTNER HERE →

7 awesome day trips from Cabo San Lucas

1. El Pescadero (45 minutes-1 hour)

El Pescadero is one of my favorite spots to include when talking about day trips from Cabo San Lucas. This small farming and fishing town has a relaxed, authentic vibe that feels worlds away from the resort buzz.

You can surf at Playa Los Cerritos in the morning, then enjoy a long, slow lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant surrounded by organic fields.

• Travel Time: About 1 hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Surfers, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy a laid-back, local scene.
• Insider Tip: Book a table at one of the farm restaurants [see the map below for recommendations]
• Safety Tip: Watch for livestock crossing the road, especially at dusk—this stretch of Highway 19 passes through ranch land.
• Seasonal Note: Winter and spring bring the best surf conditions, while summer evenings are perfect for outdoor dining.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: SUV
The drive itself is straightforward on Highway 19, but once you’re in El Pescadero, you’ll likely want to explore Playa Los Cerritos for surfing or head inland to farm-to-table restaurants tucked along dirt roads. An SUV gives you higher clearance and comfort for those uneven side streets, while still being easy to handle for the one-hour drive.
CHECK PRICES FOR SUV RENTALS →

👉🏼 Read next: The best time to visit Cabo (by month)

2. San Jose del Cabo (30 minutes)

San José del Cabo is one of those places that makes day trips from Cabo San Lucas feel extra rewarding. I love how the town blends history, art, and food in such an easygoing way.

You can wander cobblestone streets lined with galleries, sip mezcal in a shaded courtyard, or enjoy fresh seafood at a stylish restaurant. The main square feels alive with music and color, especially during the evening art walk. It’s a slower, more soulful side of Los Cabos.

• Travel Time: Around 30 minutes by car from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Art enthusiasts, food lovers, couples, and anyone who enjoys a charming small-town vibe.
• Insider Tip: Visit on Thursday evening for the weekly Art Walk—it’s the best time to meet local artists and enjoy the town’s creative energy.
• Safety Tip: Traffic can get heavy along the Tourist Corridor—drive defensively and allow extra time if visiting during rush hours or events.
• Seasonal Note: Winter and early spring are ideal for combining town visits with whale watching along the coast.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: COMPACT CAR
The road from Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo is a smooth, well-paved highway along the Tourist Corridor. Once in town, you’ll be navigating cobblestone streets, galleries, and the historic main square, where parking can be tight. A smaller car makes it easier to slip into spots and wander the town on foot.
CHECK PRICES FOR COMPACT CAR RENTALS →

👉🏼 You might also like: Cabo Airport transportation guide

3. Todos Santos (1 hour)

Todos Santos is one of those towns that makes day trips from Cabo San Lucas feel truly special. I love how it mixes art, history, and coastal charm all in one place. You can stroll through colorful galleries, sip coffee in leafy courtyards, and then head to the beach for a golden Pacific sunset.

The town has a creative, bohemian energy that feels both inspiring and laid-back, making it a refreshing contrast to the busier resort areas nearby.

• Travel Time: About 1 hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Artists, surfers, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy a slower pace.
• Insider Tip: Visit during the evening and stay for dinner—many restaurants feature live music and farm-fresh menus.
• Safety Tip: Streets in town are narrow and cobblestoned—drive slowly and park outside the historic center when possible.
• Seasonal Note: Winter is ideal for spotting whales along the coast, while summer evenings are perfect for outdoor dining and cultural events.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: COMPACT OR MIDSIZE SEDAN
The drive is smooth and direct along Highway 19. Once in town, you’ll be navigating narrow streets, art galleries, and the historic plaza—so a smaller car makes parking and maneuvering easier.
CHECK PRICES FOR MIDSIZE SEDAN→

👉🏼 See also: How to do a day trip to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

4. Cabo Pulmo (2 hours)

Cabo Pulmo is one of the most unforgettable day trips from Cabo San Lucas because it feels like stepping into another world. I was amazed by the living coral reef, schools of tropical fish, and the chance to snorkel or dive in waters that feel untouched.

The village itself is quiet and eco-friendly, making it a refreshing escape from the busier parts of Baja. It’s the kind of place where nature takes center stage, and every moment feels raw and real.

• Travel Time: Around 2 hours by car from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Divers, snorkelers, eco-travelers, and anyone who loves marine life.
• Insider Tip: Bring cash—many local dive shops and restaurants don’t accept cards, and it keeps your visit more sustainable.
• Safety Tip: The last section is unpaved—drive carefully, avoid speeding, and don’t attempt it after heavy rain without a 4×4.
• Seasonal Note: October to December offers the clearest water for diving, while winter months bring migrating whales offshore.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: SUV or 4×4
The last stretch to Cabo Pulmo involves unpaved roads, and you’ll want clearance for dirt tracks leading to beaches and dive shops. An SUV ensures comfort and safety for the longer drive.
CHECK PRICES FOR SUV or 4×4→

5. La Paz (2.5 hours)

La Paz is one of the most rewarding day trips from Cabo San Lucas because it offers a mix of natural beauty and authentic Baja charm. I loved walking along the Malecón with its oceanfront sculptures, then heading to Balandra Beach, where the water is shallow and turquoise like a postcard.

The city feels relaxed and welcoming, with great seafood spots and a slower rhythm that makes you want to linger. It’s a perfect balance of culture, coastline, and calm.

• Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Families, nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a more local atmosphere.
• Insider Tip: Plan a stop at Balandra early in the day—visitor numbers are limited, and it’s worth having the beach nearly to yourself.
• Safety Tip: It’s a long drive—start early, fuel up in Cabo, and take breaks to avoid fatigue on the highway.
• Seasonal Note: Whale shark tours run from October to April, making this the best time for unforgettable encounters.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: SUV or CROSSOVER
The highway is paved and scenic, but it’s a long drive. An SUV gives you comfort for the journey and flexibility if you want to detour to Balandra Beach or Tecolote.
CHECK PRICES FOR SUV →

👉🏼 Read next: 41 absolute local things to do in La Paz Mexico

6. Fox Canyon (1.5 hours)

Fox Canyon is one of the most refreshing day trips from Cabo San Lucas because it feels like a hidden desert oasis. I loved hiking through the rugged landscape and then cooling off in the natural pools beneath a waterfall. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

The scenery is dramatic yet peaceful, with red rock cliffs and clear water inviting you to slow down. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature and escape the busy coastal scene.

• Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers who enjoy active outdoor experiences.
• Insider Tip: Bring sturdy shoes and swimwear—you’ll want to hike comfortably and then jump straight into the pools.
• Safety Tip: Bring plenty of water and avoid hiking alone; cell service is limited in the canyon area.
• Seasonal Note: Best visited in cooler months (November–March) when hiking is pleasant and the waterfalls are flowing.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: SUV or 4×4
The road into the canyon area is partly unpaved, and you’ll need clearance for the final stretch to the waterfalls and swimming holes.
CHECK PRICES FOR SUV →

7. Los Barriles from Cabo (1.5 hours)

Los Barriles is one of those day trips from Cabo San Lucas that feels both adventurous and laid-back. I loved how the town blends wide beaches with a strong sense of community. It’s famous for kitesurfing, but you’ll also find fishing charters, casual seaside cafés, and quiet stretches of sand perfect for relaxing.

The energy is sporty yet welcoming, and it’s easy to spend a whole day switching between action on the water and slow moments enjoying the Sea of Cortez.

• Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car from Cabo San Lucas [VIEW ROUTE]
• Best For: Kitesurfers, anglers, beach lovers, and travelers who enjoy a small-town coastal vibe.
• Insider Tip: Rent gear or book a lesson with a local kitesurfing school—it’s one of the best places in Baja to learn.
• Safety Tip: Winds can be strong—secure gear on your vehicle roof and be cautious of sand blowing across the road.
• Seasonal Note: Strong winds from November to March make it prime season for kitesurfing and wind sports.

🚗 RECOMMENDED CAR: SUV or CROSSOVER
The town is known for kitesurfing and fishing, with some side roads leading to beaches and launch points. An SUV gives you flexibility for gear and comfort for the coastal drive.
CHECK PRICES FOR SUV →

Map of day trips from Cabo

This free map highlights the safest and easiest day trips from Cabo San Lucas, with clear routes to charming towns, beaches, and hidden gems across Baja California Sur.

VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS →

FAQ: Day trips from Cabo San Lucas