Blog | Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Planning a trip to Los Cabos? The sunny oasis welcomes millions of travelers each year. With picture-perfect weather, beaches wrapping around the peninsula, and mountains etched in the horizon, there’s no shortage of day trips to add to your Los Cabos travel itinerary.
Many visitors opt to stay in East Cape, a luxurious, quiet destination about 45 minutes east of San Jose del Cabo. Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, for example, is an inviting 1500-acre property nestled in the natural beauty of southern Baja, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist-saturated cities.
Let your Four Seasons villa serve as your homebase as you consider adding several of these day trips to your Los Cabos travel itinerary.
A short drive from East Cape, you’ll find Cabo Pulmo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the oldest and well-preserved coral reefs in North America. As a result, it’s an attractive destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
You can easily spend all day watching the world below the waves. Gliding through the waters, you’ll have an opportunity to see hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and rays. Sea lion colonies have a local hangout within the park, and it’s not usual to see dolphins or even migrations of humpback whales in the park.
While the location is well-known, you won’t find it commercialized. The park aims to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the site. Even the local tour operators within the town of Cabo Pulmo are focused on sustainability and safeguarding the reef for both marine life and future visitors.
While a day trip to this unique marine park should certainly be on your itinerary, getting to it is a bit of a challenge. The town of Cabo Pulmo has a total of three dirt roads, so expect to travel off the beaten path. Modern conveniences like wi-fi, ATMs, and even grocery stores aren’t nearby, so plan accordingly.
If you’re looking for a laid-back town full of history, art, and surf-ready shores, look no further than Todos Santos. Start your day by checking out the local art scene with a visit to Galeria Todos Santos. Run by two painters and sculptors, you’ll have lots to look at. Then, head over to Logan Galleria to check out Jill Logan’s paintings, followed by a stop at La Sonrisa de la Muerta for an eclectic mix of prints and textiles from a handful of local artists.
After gallery gazing, grab a bite to eat. Pacifico Fish Market or Five Tacos and Beer, aptly named for its most common order, are both authentic, table-service restaurants to try. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Hierbabuena is a nearby farm-to-table option that’s located on an a farm.
Top of your day with a visit to a local beach. If you’re looking to ride a few waves, you’re in the right spot. Todos Santos is home to several named surf breaks including Salsipuedes, San Miguel, 3M’s, Stacks, and Killers on Isla Todos Santos. With a large swell window exposed to both north and south swell angles, Todos Santos has waves year round, although winter time northwest swells produce the best waves for surfers.
Looking for a quiet getaway in nature? Fox Canyon Waterfall is it.
A 40-foot waterfall greets you after a short walk into the canyon. Once you arrive, you can take a dip in the water and lounge on its banks. The scenery is picture-perfect, and it’s not a popular destination, so you won’t feel as though you need to rush in, take a few pictures, and leave.
The Fox Canyon Waterfall, which goes by many names including Cascada Sol de Mayo, Santiago Waterfall, and Sierra Laguna Waterfall, is located on private property. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to access the site, park your car, and walk along a fairly level path for 15-20 minutes to reach the falls.
Be sure you bring some water, a few light snacks, your swimsuit, a towel, and some good shoes. You don’t need hiking boots, sandals will do, but make sure they’re comfortable.
Bathrooms are located near the parking lot, but you won’t find any other amenities to speak of. It’s a remote location, so bring what you need to spend the day outdoors comfortably.
Another quaint town in Baja, your day in Los Barriles depends on your interests. The area is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, so if you’re interested in trying the sport, you’re in the right place. A handful of local vendors offer beginner lessons that capitalize on the city’s windy locale.
If you’re looking for a land-based activity, consider renting a UTV and touring the local beach. Several locals rent UTVs and offer guided tours. You could take the UTV through an arroyo, a steep-sided gully, to La Cienega Waterfall, for example. It’s a great way to explore nature and visit an uncrowded destination.
Plan to have a late lunch at Smokey’s Grill and Cantina, an open air restaurant in the heart of Los Barriles. The food is homemade, authentic, and served in a breezy, laid-back atmosphere.
Cap off your day with a sunset walk along with beach or little shopping before heading back to your resort.
No matter how you fill your Los Cabos travel itinerary, you’re sure to enjoy the sandy, sun-drenched shores of southeastern Baja. If your travels encourage you to consider buying real estate in the area, you wouldn’t be the first. With luxurious residences to choose from along the Sea of Cortez, your real estate search should start at Costa Palmas. Select among residential offerings by Four Seasons, Aman, and Casa Blake, each offering unique homes on a sea of dreams.
If you’d like to learn more about your real estate options, browse floor plans, and consider base pricing, visit the Costa Palmas website.