Cabo’s luxury is undeniable, but its surroundings hold their own kind of magic. Beyond Cabo’s shimmering shores, a wilder beauty awaits: hidden canyons, artist towns, and calm turquoise bays. These five day trips from Cabo are tailored for travelers who seek not just luxury, but connection: to culture, to landscape, and to the soul of Baja. Given their close proximity to the international airport, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are popular vacation spots for those seeking world-class indulgence in sun-soaked comfort. And while they can seem like a world unto their own, there is also luxury to be found in the freedom to explore beyond. Read further for our list of magical day escapes just beyond.

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1. Santiago

Tucked along Highway 1, the historic town of Santiago was founded in 1724 as “Misión de Santiago de Los Coras.” Located 35 miles north of San Jose del Cabo, this quaint town sits in a fertile valley framed by two hills, where palm groves, mango orchards, papayas, and banana trees create a lush oasis amid the desert landscape. With its quiet town plaza and slower pace, Santiago offers a serene counterpoint to the energy of Los Cabos.

Day Itinerary

• 9:00 a.m. – Depart Cabo for the ~1-hour drive to Santiago.
  
• 10:30 a.m. – Arrive in the town center; visit the mission church, stroll through the town to admire the colonial buildings, stop at the town plaza, and explore the museum to see fossils.
  
• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch at Palomar Restaurant, a local favorite known for traditional Mexican cuisine and a relaxed ambiance.
  
• 1:30 p.m. – Hike the Cañon de la Zorra trail leading to the Sol de Mayo waterfall and its turquoise pool.
  
• 3:30 p.m. – Visit one of the region’s natural hot springs—Agua Caliente, El Chorro, or Santa Rita—for a soothing soak surrounded by desert scenery before returning to Cabo.
  
  

Key Highlights

• Historic mission (1724) with preserved altar and colonial architecture.
  
  
• Natural oasis feel: waterfalls, palm groves, and mango orchards.
  
  
• Proximity to scenic hot springs and canyon hikes.
  
  
• Home to a small zoo, a museum, and botanical gardens

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2. Cabo Pulmo National Park

Located on the East Cape, Cabo Pulmo is a UNESCO-protected marine park and home to one of the oldest coral reefs in North America, boasting over 800 species of marine life. Located 82 miles from Cabo San Lucas, it’s just over a two-hour drive and totally worth the trek. For the adventure-minded traveler, a day here is about immersion in pristine natural beauty. Snorkeling and scuba diving are essential excursions to experience the reef up close.

Day Itinerary

• 7:30 a.m. – Depart early from Cabo toward the East Cape (~2 hours).
  
  
• 10:00 a.m. – Guided snorkel or dive – explore the reef, spot sea turtles, and swim among schools of colorful fish.
  
  
• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch by the beach, enjoy fresh seafood and view of the Sea of Cortez.
  
  
• 2:00 p.m. – Take a gentle coastal walk or relax by the water before heading back to Cabo.
  
  

Key Highlights

• Home to North America’s largest coral reef, with over 300 fish species and thriving marine biodiversity.
  
  
• Incredible underwater ecosystem for snorkeling, scuba diving, and freediving.
  
  
• Calm bays suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
  
  

Restaurant suggestion: Restaurant-Bar Pelicano—renowned for fresh seafood, ceviche, and well-crafted margaritas.

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3. La Ventana

On the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja California Sur peninsula, La Ventana, 116 miles from Cabo San Lucas, is known for its windsurfing, clear bays, and desert-meets-sea ambiance. It’s a place where the high energy of adventure meets the calm of nature—a versatile option for a stylish day-trip.

Day Itinerary

• 8:00 a.m. – Depart for La Ventana (~2 to 2.5-hour drive).
  
  
• 10:30 a.m. – Arrive and stroll the waterfront or take an easy stand-up paddle or snorkel.
  
  
• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch at a beachfront café with views of kite-boarders and the bay.
  
  
• 2:00 p.m. – Head to Hot-Springs Beach (Playa Agua Caliente) to soak and relax.
  
  
• 4:00 p.m. – Return toward Cabo, catch the golden-hour light on the drive back.
  
  

Key Highlights

• Renowned for adventure sports, including kiting, SUP, and snorkeling
  
  
• Whale shark tours (seasonal, typically accessed via La Paz)
• Kiteboarding, wind foiling, and windsurfing schools for the truly adventurous.
  
  

Café suggestion: Pólvora is a lively café with a great vibe and excellent food—definitely worth checking out.

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4. Todos Santos

Artist town meets surf culture: Todos Santos is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” and just 47 miles from Cabo San Lucas. With its colonial-era streets, art galleries, and Pacific coastline, it’s a perfect blend of creative spirit and refined relaxation.

Day Itinerary

• 9:30 a.m. – Depart for Todos Santos (approx. 1 hour drive).
  
• 10:30 a.m. – Arrive downtown; wander the main street along Calle Benito Juárez, browse galleries and boutique shops, and stop at the Todos Santos letters for a photo memento.
  
• 12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Oystera, with a stunning garden and fresh oysters; Jazamango is another excellent option.
  
• 2:00 p.m. – Visit El Faro Beach Club, two miles from the town center. Have an afternoon cocktail or refreshing beverage and stroll along the beautiful beach.
  
• 4:00 p.m. – Depart back to Cabo. Best to avoid driving back at night.
  
  

Key Highlight

• Rich history from sugar-cane era to contemporary art hub.
  
• Easy to explore in one day while fitting in shopping, lunch, and beach time.

• Stylish cafés, artisan shops, and relaxed coastal vibe.

Be sure to stop by our Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate Todos Santos office located on the main street of Calle Benito Juárez.

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5. La Paz & Playa Balandra

La Paz serves as the capital of Baja California Sur and gateway to the celebrated Balandra Beach. The combination of city liveliness and one of Mexico’s most iconic beaches delivers a polished day-trip experience.

Day Itinerary

• 8:00 a.m. – Depart early for La Paz (~2 hours – 97 miles).
  
• 10:00 a.m. – Arrive and enjoy a stroll along the Malecón (seafront promenade).
  
• 11:00 a.m. – Brunch at a sea-view café along the Malecón.
  
• 12:00 p.m. – Drive 30 minutes to Playa Balandra. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your preferred access time. Enjoy beach time, kayaking, or snorkeling.
  
• 4:30 p.m. – Head back to Cabo in the afternoon light.
  
  

Key Highlights

• Bustling ambiance in La Paz — waterfront cafés, galleries, and boutique shops.
  
• Balandra is one of the most iconic beaches in Mexico.
  
• Calm, clear waters at Balandra and impeccable natural beauty.
  
  

Restaurant suggestion: Choose from many great options along La Paz’s Malecón for brunch.

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Make Your Trip Extraordinary

These five curated day trips—from artistic towns rich with artisanal crafts, to natural hot springs, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches perfect for kiteboarding—showcase the remarkable diversity of Baja California Sur. For travelers planning an extended stay in Los Cabos, exploring each of these escapes is essential for a memorable and immersive experience.

Whether savoring fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, strolling through galleries and boutiques, snorkeling among vivid marine life, or soaring above the Sea of Cortez on a kiteboard, every day becomes a journey of exploration. More than simple day trips, these excursions offer a chance to fully engage with the landscape, culture, and understated luxuries that define the elevated lifestyle of Baja California Sur.