Where to Stay in Los Cabos

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Cabo
Updated: December 27, 2025

My Favorite Hotels in Cabo
• Cabo San Lucas: Hacienda • Casa Dorada
• San Jose del Cabo: Viceroy • Cabo Surf
• Corridor: Esperanza
• For families: Casa Dorada • Cabo Surf
• For couples: Esperanza

Staying in Los Cabos: Tips & Info

• Stretching for 20 miles between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, the Los Cabos Corridor is a dramatic coastline where the desert meets the sea. Most of this area is occupied by high-end luxury resorts and golf courses. Be aware that while the views are spectacular, many Corridor beaches have dangerous undertows and are not swimmable. For safe swimming, I recommend heading to Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay.
• At the east end of the Corridor, San José del Cabo is the quieter, more authentic counterpart to Cabo San Lucas. It features a charming historic center, a sophisticated Art District, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene. The beaches in the Zona Hotelera are beautiful for walking, but the water here is too rough for swimming. If you are visiting between November and June, the Art Walk on Thursday evenings is the best local event to attend.

My wife and I in San Jose del Cabo.

• If heading north, take the quieter coastal road (Route 1). It’s roughly 60 miles from San José del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo, a rustic village and gateway to the National Marine Park. This is a protected UNESCO site and offers the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Baja. Be aware that the final stretch of road to the village is unpaved washboard; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended but not strictly required if you drive slowly.
• Northwest of Cabo Pulmo, the coastal road rejoins the Carretera Transpeninsular (Highway 1) and passes through Los Barriles, roughly 65 miles south of La Paz. This is the premier spot in Baja Sur for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly during the winter months when the “El Norte” winds blow.
• Driving in Baja is generally straightforward, but you must watch for topes and left turns. Topes (pronounced TOH-pays) are speed bumps that can appear anywhere, often without warning or paint. Some are high enough to damage a sedan if hit at speed. On the main highways, you cannot make a standard left turn. You must use a retorno. To use one, drive past your destination, exit to the right into the dedicated U-turn lane (often an overpass or underpass), and then merge into traffic heading the opposite direction to make a right-hand turn into your destination. Never stop in the fast lane of the highway to attempt a left turn.
• Best Hotel for Families: Casa Dorada (Cabo San Lucas)
• Best Hotel for Couples: Esperanza Resort (Los Cabos Corridor)

Best Places to Stay in Los Cabos

• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
  Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Montecristo Villas • Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
• Best Hotels in San Jose del Cabo
  Viceroy • Hotel El Ganzo • Cabo Surf Hotel • One&Only Palmilla
• Best Hotels in Cabo Corridor
  Esperanza • The Cape • Marquis

Our room at Cabo Surf Hotel.

Our room at Hotel El Ganzo.

Our suite at the Viceroy.

Our villa at Esperanza.

Our suite at Casa Dorada Resort & Spa.

Baja Sur: Where to Stay & The Layout

Baja California Sur is a dramatic desert-meets-sea landscape that has evolved far beyond its reputation as just a spring break destination. While Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (collectively Los Cabos) anchor the southern tip, the region offers a diverse mix of colonial history, world-class marine life, and bohemian retreats. The trend has shifted toward “slow travel” in towns like Todos Santos and eco-adventure in La Paz, which was recently ranked as one of the top destinations in Mexico by major travel authorities.

If you are driving south via the Carretera Transpeninsular (Highway 1), you will pass through La Paz, the state capital. It is far more authentic than Cabo, featuring a world-class waterfront malecón, excellent seafood, and easy access to the whale sharks of La Paz Bay and the turquoise waters of Isla Espíritu Santo. It serves as the perfect base for those who want a mix of city amenities and raw nature.

A short detour east of La Paz brings you to La Ventana and El Sargento. These adjacent villages are the global hubs for kitesurfing and windsurfing from November to March. Outside of the wind season, they offer a quiet, off-the-grid vibe with good views of the Sea of Cortez.

On the Pacific side, Todos Santos is the region’s most picturesque town. A designated “Pueblo Mágico,” it’s famous for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and the historic Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It’s a favorite for surfers (stay near Cerritos Beach) and those looking for high-end boutique hotels rather than massive all-inclusive resorts.

Finally, at the very tip of the peninsula, you reach the contrast of the two Cabos. Cabo San Lucas remains the center for nightlife, deep-sea fishing, and the iconic Land’s End arch. San José del Cabo offers a more sophisticated, art-focused atmosphere. Connecting them is the 20-mile Corridor, home to the most exclusive luxury resorts in Mexico. If you have extra time, I recommend heading four hours north of La Paz to Loreto, a quiet, historic town that offers a glimpse of what Baja was like before the tourism boom.

See Also

• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Best Family Hotels
• Best Beaches in Baja

The Best of Los Cabos & Baja

My wife and I in the pool at the Viceroy.

Best Places to Stay for First Timers: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Los Cabos Corridor
For a first-time trip, I recommend sticking to one of these three main areas. If you want to be in the center of the action with easy access to nightlife, the Marina, and the only consistently swimmable beach (Medano), choose Cabo San Lucas. If you prefer a more refined “Old Mexico” atmosphere with art galleries and a superior dining scene, stay in San José del Cabo. The Los Cabos Corridor is the best choice for those seeking high-end luxury resorts and world-class golf, though you will be isolated from the towns. While Todos Santos is a beautiful “Pueblo Mágico,” it’s roughly an hour’s drive from the main Cabo attractions and is better suited as a day trip or a secondary base for those who have visited the region before.

Best Place for Nightlife: Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is the undisputed party capital of Baja Sur. The nightlife here ranges from rowdy, multi-story dance clubs to sophisticated rooftop lounges. The primary “party block” is centered downtown along Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas near the Marina. Here, you’ll find legendary institutions like El Squid Roe (a three-story maze of dancing and shots), Cabo Wabo Cantina (Sammy Hagar’s rock ‘n’ roll staple), and The Giggling Marlin. For a more modern club experience with world-class DJs, head to Mandala or La Vaquita.

In recent years, the scene has shifted toward high-end beach clubs and rooftops. During the day, Mango Deck on Medano Beach remains the home of spring break-style contests and loud music, while Bagatelle and Taboo (at ME Cabo) offer a more upscale Mediterranean “party brunch” vibe. At sunset, the best move is to head to a rooftop bar like Rooftop 360 (the highest in Cabo) or The Rooftop at The Cape for nice views of El Arco. Note: Spring Break peaks in March, when the crowds are at their largest and rowdiest.

Best Places for Families: Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Corridor
If you are traveling with kids, Cabo San Lucas is the most convenient base because it hosts Medano Beach, the only consistently swimmable beach in the area with easy access to water sports. Many resorts here, like Casa Dorada, have excellent kids’ clubs and shallow pools. The Los Cabos Corridor is also a great choice for families who prefer a self-contained resort experience. Properties like Grand Velas and Hilton Los Cabos offer extensive children’s programming and “splash zones.” However, remember that most Corridor beaches have heavy surf and are not safe for children to swim in the ocean; always check the flags before letting kids near the water.

Best Places for Food and Restaurants: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and Todos Santos
The culinary scene in Baja has exploded, recently earning recognition from the Michelin Guide. San José del Cabo remains the farm-to-table capital with world-famous spots like Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, and Los Tamarindos. For high-end dining with a view, Cabo San Lucas offers El Farallón (carved into a cliffside) and Sunset Monalisa. For authentic local flavors, don’t miss El Huerto just outside of downtown Cabo or the elevated street food at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in San José. In Todos Santos, Jazamango (by Chef Javier Plascencia) and Oystera are the top picks for foodies. If you are a fan of fresh seafood, The Green Room north of Todos Santos offers the best toes-in-the-sand dining experience in the area.

Best Places for Sightseeing: Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and La Paz
While Baja Sur is known for its beaches, there is significant cultural and natural sightseeing to be found. For history and architecture, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz are the highlights. You will find centuries-old Jesuit missions, cobblestone streets, and traditional adobe buildings that feel worlds away from the resorts. San José del Cabo is renowned for its vibrant Gallery District, while Todos Santos is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” with a thriving arts scene. Cabo San Lucas lacks the colonial history of its neighbors but features the region’s most iconic natural landmark: El Arco (The Arch). Note that despite what some maps suggest, the Arch is not walkable from town; you must take a water taxi or a glass-bottom boat from the Marina or Medano Beach to see it up close. Sunset is the best time for a boat tour to catch the light hitting the rocks.

Best Places for Couples & Honeymoons: Los Cabos Corridor, Todos Santos, and Cabo Pulmo
The “best” spot for a romantic getaway depends entirely on your pace. For a classic high-end honeymoon with world-class spas and infinity pools, the Los Cabos Corridor is the top choice.

If you prefer colonial charm and intimate boutique hotels over massive resorts, head to Todos Santos. This “Pueblo Mágico” offers a sophisticated, low-key romance with cobblestone streets and great dining at spots like Jazamango or the Michelin-recognized TENOCH at Paradero. Just be aware that it’s rustic – don’t expect luxury spas or fine dining here, but do expect private beaches and some of the best stargazing in Mexico.

Best Places for a Local Vibe: San José del Cabo and Todos Santos
While Cabo San Lucas is more popular than ever – with record-breaking tourism and cruise numbers expected for 2026 – you can still find an authentic “Old Mexico” atmosphere in the nearby towns of San José del Cabo and Todos Santos. Both have managed to preserve their heritage despite the region’s massive growth.

San José del Cabo feels like a proper Mexican town, centered around the historic Plaza Mijares and its twin-spired mission church. For the best local energy, visit on a Thursday evening for the Art Walk (November–June) when galleries stay open late, or hit the San José Organic Market on Saturday mornings to mingle with local farmers and artisans. The town is currently vying for “Barrio Mágico” status, which highlights its commitment to maintaining its 19th-century architecture and cobblestone charm.

Todos Santos, an hour north on the Pacific coast, is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” known for its bohemian, artistic spirit. It offers a much slower pace, with dirt roads leading to rugged beaches and hidden palm oases. To see the town’s traditional side, head to Punta Lobos in the afternoon to watch the local fishermen launch their panga boats directly into the surf, or participate in a local sea turtle release at sunset. Even as it becomes more upscale, Todos Santos remains a grounded alternative to the flashy resort scene of the Corridor.

Best Places for Water Sports: Cabo Pulmo, La Ventana, Los Barriles, and Todos Santos
Baja Sur is a premier destination for wind and water sports, but timing is everything. For scuba diving, Cabo Pulmo is the crown jewel, home to the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. For the clearest water and best visibility (often over 100 feet), plan your visit between August and November. If you are into windsurfing or kitesurfing, the “El Norte” winds make La Ventana and Los Barriles world-class hubs from November through March. For surfing, beginners should head to Los Cerritos (near Todos Santos), which features a safe sandy bottom and consistent waves year-round. More advanced surfers will prefer the faster breaks at San Pedrito or Zippers in San José del Cabo, the latter of which is best during the summer south swells.

In Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is the center for casual water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also the main hub for deep-sea fishing charters; Cabo remains the “Marlin Capital of the World,” with peak season typically running from summer through late fall.

Best Places for Wildlife Watching: La Paz, Magdalena Bay, and Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur offers some of the best marine life encounters on the planet. The primary seasons are as follows:

• Whale Watching: The peak season runs from January to March. While you can see Humpbacks breaching right in the bay at Cabo San Lucas, the most “magical” experience is at Magdalena Bay or San Ignacio Lagoon (a 4-5 hour drive north), where Gray Whales famously approach boats to interact with humans. If you want to see Blue Whales, you’ll need to head to Loreto between February and March.
• Whale Sharks: From October to April, these gentle giants congregate in the shallow waters of La Paz Bay. Tours are strictly regulated, so I recommend booking a “Combo Tour” that includes snorkeling with the playful sea lion colony at Los Islotes and a stop at the stunning Balandra Beach.
• Turtle Releases: If you are visiting Todos Santos or Cabo San Lucas between August and December, you can often participate in sunset sea turtle releases. This is a fantastic, low-impact activity for families.

Safest Areas: Baja California Sur remains one of the safest states in Mexico for travelers. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory for the region – the same rating given to the UK, France, and Spain. Tourist hubs like Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, La Paz, and the Los Cabos Corridor are safe for walking during the day. Security in the Cabo San Lucas Marina and Medano Beach areas is high, with a constant presence of tourist police and military patrols to ensure a secure environment for visitors.

Unsafe Areas & Advice: While there are no “no-go” zones for tourists, you should avoid wandering into remote residential neighborhoods in San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas after dark. A security alert was issued in late 2025 urging increased vigilance after sunset, even in popular areas, due to occasional flare-ups in criminal activity.

• Driving at Night: This is the biggest safety risk in Baja. It’s not about crime; it’s about black cows and livestock wandering onto the unfenced Highway 1. Combined with narrow lanes and a lack of streetlights, driving after dark is dangerous.
• The Airport “Gauntlet”: After you clear customs but before you exit the building, you will pass through a room full of people offering “free” tequila or transportation. These are aggressive timeshare salespeople. Do not stop. Walk directly outside to find your pre-booked transportation or official taxi stand.
• Water Taxi Scams: When taking a panga to El Arco or Medano Beach, never pay for a round trip upfront. Pay half on the way there and the other half when they return to pick you up. Some tourists find their “prepaid” driver never shows for the return leg.
• Safety on the Water: Only swim at beaches with green flags. The Pacific side of Cabo is notorious for “rogue waves” and undertows that can pull a person off the sand. If the flag is red or black, stay out of the water entirely.

The Best Places in Baja California for Tourists

Staying in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is the high-energy heart of Los Cabos. What was once a quiet tuna-canning village is now a world-class tourism hub, defined by its massive luxury resorts, a busy cruise ship port, and a legendary nightlife scene. It feels more Americanized than other parts of Baja, making it a comfortable first stop for many travelers. The primary draw is Medano Beach, the only consistently swimmable beach in the area, which is lined with beach clubs and water sports operators. Beyond the party atmosphere, Cabo is the gateway to Land’s End and the iconic stone arch (El Arco). It also serves as the main launch point for deep-sea fishing charters and scuba diving excursions to the nearby sand falls. If you want to be within walking distance of the Marina, shopping, and the most active beach scene, this is the place to stay.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

• Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3100
• Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5700
• Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890
• Villa La Estancia • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6900
• Sandos Finisterra • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700
• Montecristo Villas • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9999
• Pueblo Bonito Pacifica • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9696
• Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9999
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 4300

Staying in Los Cabos Corridor

The 20-mile stretch of highway connecting Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is home to the region’s most exclusive luxury resorts and championship golf courses. This area is ideal if you want a self-contained, high-end resort experience away from the noise of the towns. While development is dense, the Corridor still contains some of the most beautiful bays in Baja. Be aware that most beaches along this stretch have dangerous shorebreaks and are not swimmable. For getting in the water, head to Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay; both are protected coves with excellent snorkeling and blue-flag safety ratings. Palmilla Beach is another top choice for swimming and is much calmer than the open coast. If you are here to surf, Costa Azul is the primary break at the northern end of the Corridor near San José. Note: You will almost certainly need a rental car or a high budget for private car services if you stay here, as taxis between the resorts and the towns are expensive.

Best Hotels in Los Cabos Corridor

• Esperanza • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6400
• Marquis • Hotel phone: +52 624 144 2000
• The Cape • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 0000
• Hilton Beach & Golf Resort • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
• Grand Fiesta Americana • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6200
• Hacienda del Mar • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000
• Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury All Inclusive • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8917

Staying in San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo is the sophisticated, more authentic twin to Cabo San Lucas. Centered around the historic Plaza Mijares and its 18th-century Jesuit mission, the town recently earned the official “Barrio Mágico” (Magic Neighborhood) designation, highlighting its commitment to preserving its colonial charm and 19th-century architecture. While Cabo San Lucas is for partying, San José is for culture, art, and high-end dining.

The heart of the town is the Gallery District. From November through June, the weekly Art Walk takes place every Thursday evening (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM), when galleries stay open late, artists mingle with visitors, and the cobblestone streets are filled with live music and local wine.

The dining scene here is the best in Baja, ranging from the elevated street food at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal to the farm-to-table trio of Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, and Los Tamarindos located in the nearby Animas Bajas valley.

The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is a long stretch of beach where most resorts are located, connected to the town center by the palm-lined Bulevar Mijares. Be aware that the ocean here is generally too rough for swimming; if you want to get in the water, take a short 5-minute drive to Palmilla Beach, which is a protected cove and one of the best swimmable spots in the region.

Best Hotels in San José del Cabo

• Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730
• Viceroy • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9999
• Hotel El Ganzo • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9000
• Cabo Surf Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666
• One&Only Palmilla • Hotel phone: +52 624 146 7000
• Casa Natalia • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 5100
• JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7600
• Cabo Azul Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5100)
• Secrets Puerto Golf & Spa • (Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3000)
• Zadun (Ritz Carlton) • (Hotel phone: +52 624 172 9000)

Staying in Todos Santos

Halfway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is the region’s most picturesque “Pueblo Mágico.” It’s a beautiful colonial town with sensitively restored 19th-century architecture and a sophisticated, bohemian spirit. It has solidified its position as a global destination for travelers seeking “slow travel” and high-end boutique design over massive all-inclusive resorts. The population is a lively mix of traditional Mexican families and an international arts community, reflected in the town’s dozens of independent art galleries and offbeat boutiques.

The central Plaza Todos Santos and the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar mission church form the town’s heart. However, some of the best experiences are just outside the center. I recommend heading to Punta Lobos in the late afternoon to watch local fishermen launch their panga boats directly into the surf – a tradition that has survived for generations. For swimming and beginner-friendly surfing, you must drive 15 minutes south to Los Cerritos, which is the only consistently swimmable beach in the area. Most beaches directly in front of town, such as Playa La Cachora, are stunning for sunset walks but have dangerous shorebreaks and are not for swimming.

The dining scene here is world-class. Don’t miss Jazamango for a true farm-to-table experience in a garden setting, or The Green Room for great beachfront seafood. The town also features several standout hotels, including the ultra-modern Paradero and the elegantly restored Todos Santos Boutique Hotel.

Best Hotels in Todos Santos

• Todos Santos Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 612 234 8515
• Hotel San Cristóbal • Hotel phone: +52 612 175 1530
• The Hotelito • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0099
• Paradero Todos Santos • Hotel phone: +52 557 005 5094
• Guaycura Boutique Hotel, Beach Club & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 612 175 0800
• Hacienda Todos Los Santos • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0547
• Hotel Quinta Santa Rosa • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0394
• Cerritos Surf Town • Hotel phone: +52 624 160 0881

Staying in Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is the gateway to the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez and remains one of Baja’s most pristine eco-destinations. Located on the East Cape, this rustic, solar-powered village is a 2-hour drive from San José del Cabo, with the final stretch consisting of unpaved, washboard roads. It is an off-the-grid escape where the primary focus is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The scuba diving and snorkeling here are world-class, with the chance to see massive schools of jack fish, bull sharks, and humpback whales in season. For snorkeling from shore, Playa Los Arbolites is the most popular spot nearby. However, I recommend driving 20 minutes south to Bahía Los Frailes, a protected cove with calmer water and incredible marine life. Be aware that services in the village are limited: there are no banks, no gas stations, and cell service is spotty at best. Stock up on supplies in San José del Cabo before heading north.

Best Hotel in Cabo Pulmo

• Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 141 0726)

Staying in Los Barriles

Los Barriles is the largest town on the East Cape and serves as the premier hub for wind-driven water sports. Between November and March, the “El Norte” winds draw kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world. While the conditions are challenging, the area has several schools that cater to beginners during the morning lulls. Beyond the wind, Los Barriles is a world-class sport-fishing destination, particularly for dorado, tuna, and marlin, with a much more laid-back, “Old Baja” feel than the marina in Cabo San Lucas.

The town itself is low-key and walkable, with a growing food scene that includes everything from traditional taco stands to upscale dining like Campestre Triny. It’s also a popular spot for ATV and off-road enthusiasts who use the town as a base to explore the desert arroyos and hidden beaches of the East Cape. It remains a favorite for retirees and “snowbirds” who prefer a quiet beach community over the high-rise resort zones. If you are staying here, be sure to visit Punta Pescadero to the north for some of the best snorkeling in the area.

Best Hotels near Los Barriles

• Four Seasons Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 689 0292)
• Punta Pescadero Paradise Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 147 4705)
• Buena Vista Resort • (Hotel phone: 1 800 752 3555)

Staying in La Ventana

A short 45-minute detour from La Paz, La Ventana is the bohemian capital of Baja Sur and a world-class hub for wind sports. This “blink-and-you-miss-it” village, along with its sister town El Sargento, has a distinctively low-key, athletic vibe. There are no high-rises here; instead, you’ll find cactus-studded hills, dusty roads, and unobstructed sunrises over Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island).

Between November and March, the thermal “El Norte” winds draw kite surfers and wing foilers from around the globe. During these months, the afternoon sky is filled with hundreds of colorful kites. If you aren’t here for the wind, visit in the “off-season” (April to October) for glassy morning waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and some of the best fishing in the Sea of Cortez.

La Ventana has recently gained fame for its Ocean Safaris. Boat trips out to Isla Cerralvo offer the chance to swim with thousands of mobula rays, sea lions, and even orcas. On land, the mountain biking and hiking trails around Rancho Cacachilas are world-class. For a unique local experience, head to Hot Springs Beach at low tide, where you can dig your own natural thermal tub in the sand.

The dining scene is small but excellent. Nomada is a favorite for healthy, organic meals, Casa Xolo offers a sophisticated tasting menu, and La Tuna is the spot for sunset drinks with your feet in the sand. Be aware that many businesses are seasonal and may close or have reduced hours during the summer heat.

Best Hotels in La Ventana

• Ventana Bay Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 612 114 0222)
• Palapas Ventana • (Hotel phone: +52 612 111 9188)

Staying in La Paz

As the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz offers a authentic Mexican experience that contrasts sharply with the resort-heavy vibe of Los Cabos. The town is centered around a world-class Malecón (waterfront promenade) that stretches for miles and is the heart of local life, especially at sunset. While it’s a busy working city, the atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and increasingly sophisticated, with a colonial center that houses excellent museums and some of the best seafood restaurants in Baja.

The primary draw is the incredible marine life. La Paz is the jumping-off point for swimming with whale sharks (October to April) and boat trips to Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island where you can snorkel with a massive colony of playful sea lions at Los Islotes.

For beach lovers, the star attraction is Playa Balandra. Known for its crystal-clear, knee-deep turquoise water and iconic “Mushroom Rock,” it is widely considered the most picturesque beach in Mexico. Note for 2026: Entry to Balandra is strictly regulated with two daily time slots and a capacity limit. I recommend arriving at least an hour before the morning slot (8:00 AM) or booking a boat tour to ensure access. Other nearby beaches like Playa Tecolote offer a more traditional vibe with beachfront palapa restaurants and no entry restrictions.

The dining scene in La Paz has reached new heights. For traditional seafood, Bismark-cito on the Malecón is a staple, while Hambrusia and Nim offer modern, elevated Baja cuisine. For the best fish tacos in town, look for the local favorite, Mc-Fisher.

Best Hotels in La Paz

• Posada De Las Flores • (Hotel phone: +52 612 122 7463)
• Hotel Catedral La Paz • (Hotel phone: +52 612 690 1000)
• Indigo • (Hotel phone: +52 612 123 6000)
• Seven Crown Malecón • (Hotel phone: +52 612 128 7787)

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