Beyond Medano Beach: The Best Day Trips from Cabo San Lucas
While it is incredibly tempting to spend your entire vacation lounging by the poolside at Hermosa Vista or enjoying the pristine sands of Medano Beach right outside Villa La Estancia, the Baja California Sur peninsula offers a wealth of diverse landscapes just a short drive away.
From the rugged Pacific coastline to the calm, crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez, stepping off the resort grounds for a day can transform a great vacation into an unforgettable one. As your local friends in Cabo, we’ve put together this guide to the best day trips, including practical tips on how to get there and what to pack.
1. Todos Santos: The Artistic Pueblo Mágico
Drive Time: ~1 hour north of Villa La Estancia.
Located on the Pacific coast, Todos Santos is a designated Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) known for its vibrant art scene, colonial architecture, and world-class surfing. It moves at a much slower pace than Cabo San Lucas, making it the perfect escape for those seeking culture and tranquility.
What to Do:
- Art Gallery Hopping: Wander through the cobblestone streets and visit the many independent galleries. The town is a magnet for painters and sculptors.
- Hotel California: Stop by for a photo and a drink at this legendary landmark.
- Cerritos Beach: Just south of the town center, this is the best spot for a swim or a surf lesson on the Pacific side.
Insider Tip:
Have lunch at Jazamango. Chef Javier Plascencia’s farm-to-table concept is one of the best culinary experiences in Baja. After a dusty day of exploring, you’ll love returning to the luxury of Villa La Estancia for a sunset cocktail on your private terrace.
2. La Paz & Balandra Bay: The Crown Jewel of Baja
Drive Time: ~2 hours northeast of Villa La Estancia.
La Paz is the capital of the state and offers a more authentic Mexican city feel. However, the real draw lies just outside the city at Balandra Bay, often cited as the most beautiful beach in Mexico.
What to Do:
- Balandra Bay: The water is waist-deep for hundreds of yards and is a striking shade of turquoise. Note: Access is now strictly regulated with morning and afternoon time slots, so plan to arrive early!
- Swim with Whale Sharks: If you are visiting between October and April, this is a bucket-list experience. These gentle giants congregate in the bay, and licensed tours can take you to swim alongside them.
- The Malecón: Stroll the seaside boardwalk in La Paz for shopping and authentic fish tacos.
Practical Planning:
Since this is a longer drive, we recommend arranging a private driver through the Villa La Estancia concierge. This allows you to nap on the way back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.
3. Cabo Pulmo: An Underwater Paradise
Drive Time: ~2 to 2.5 hours east (East Cape).
For the adventurers and nature lovers, Cabo Pulmo National Park is a must. It is home to one of only three living coral reefs in North America and was famously called "The Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau.
What to Do:
- Snorkeling & Diving: You’ll see schools of thousands of jackfish, sea turtles, and occasionally bull sharks.
- Off-Roading: The road to Cabo Pulmo involves some unpaved sections. It’s part of the adventure!
Practical Tip:
Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and water. Because Cabo Pulmo is remote, amenities are limited. If you’re staying at Hermosa Vista, ask our team about packing a cooler with snacks and beverages from the resort deli before you head out.
4. San José del Cabo: Culture and Cuisine
Drive Time: ~25 minutes east.
If you want a shorter excursion, the "Twin City" of San José del Cabo is just a quick hop down the Tourist Corridor.
What to Do:
- The Thursday Night Art Walk: Between November and June, the Gallery District stays open late with wine tastings and street performers.
- Flora Farms or Acre: Located in the foothills outside of town, these organic farms offer incredible dining in a lush, jungle-like setting.
Essential Day Trip Planning Tips
1. Transportation
- Car Rentals: There are several rental agencies near Villa La Estancia. Driving in Baja is generally safe during the day, but we advise against driving on highways at night due to wandering livestock.
- Private Drivers: For the most relaxing experience, let the concierge book a private suburban for your group. You get the expertise of a local driver and the comfort of luxury transport.
2. What to Pack
- Cash (Pesos): While Cabo San Lucas is very credit-card friendly, smaller towns like Todos Santos or remote areas like Cabo Pulmo may require cash for small purchases, gas, or tips.
- Layers: The desert cools down significantly once the sun sets, especially if you are on the Pacific coast.
- Sun Protection: The Baja sun is intense. Bring hats, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
3. Timing Your Return
One of the best parts of a day trip is the homecoming. Plan to be back at Villa La Estancia by 6:00 PM. This gives you enough time to wash off the salt and sand, head down to La Casona for a world-class steak dinner, or simply order room service and listen to the waves from your balcony at Hermosa Vista.
Why Villa La Estancia is the Perfect Base
Planning day trips can be exhausting, which is why your choice of "home base" matters so much. Staying at Villa La Estancia means you are centrally located. You have easy access to the main highway (Hwy 1) that connects all these destinations, but you’re tucked away in a private, high-end enclave.
After a day of exploring the rugged beauty of Baja, there is no better feeling than pulling through the gates of the resort and being greeted with an icy bottle of water and the impeccable service our guests love.
Ready to explore? Stop by the concierge desk today to start mapping out your Baja adventure!
