Mexico self-drive trip: Los Cabos

Welcome to Mexico! Upon landing at Los Cabos Airport, pick up your rental car and begin your Los Cabos self-drive adventure with a scenic drive to Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy coastal roads, pristine beaches, snorkeling spots, and unforgettable sunset dining along the shoreline corridor.

Los Cabos is where desert, sea, and mountains meet. Wander through the art-filled streets of San José del Cabo, explore the lively Cabo San Lucas marina, tee off at world-class golf courses, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Mexico travel.

Drive your rental car to El Arco at Land’s End, the dramatic tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. From shore or on a short boat ride, admire the taffy-colored rock arch and watch sea lions bask in the sun.

Personalize the experience with a private boat captain, unhurried photo stops, and a flexible pickup time, so the moment feels genuine and your itinerary reflects your own travel style.

Enjoy a free day in Los Cabos, curated to match your interests. Unwind on the golden beaches of Cabo San Lucas, savor fresh seafood at the local marinas, or browse artisan shops for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. If you’re in the mood for adventure, opt for an ATV tour or continue your Los Cabos self-drive journey to discover secluded coves, dramatic viewpoints, and the rhythms of authentic village life.

This coastal region, one of the best places to visit in Mexico, offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Drive the scenic coastal route from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos, pausing at quiet beaches, artisan galleries, and lively local markets along the way. Once in town, stroll the cobblestone streets, browse handcrafted goods, and savor fresh Baja cuisine at a family-run taquería.

Founded in 1733 as Santa Rosa de las Palmas, Todos Santos sits between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas and is recognized as a designated Pueblo Mágico (“magical town”). It’s celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture, thriving art scene, and deep-rooted agricultural traditions, making it one of the Baja Peninsula’s most captivating cultural stops.

Spend a laid-back day exploring Todos Santos at your own pace. Visit nearby beaches such as Punta Lobos, Guaycura Beach Club, Las Palmas, San Pedrito, or Cerritos. Wander the town’s gallery-lined streets and hidden garden courtyards, or drive into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hikes through pine and oak forests.

In the evening, unwind at Tequila’s Sunrise Bar & Grill, a colorful open-air Mexican restaurant known for its pigskin-covered chairs, graffiti-covered walls, and lively outdoor seating. It’s a favorite among visitors and a memorable stop to add to any Mexico itinerary.

Continue your Mexico trip with a scenic drive from Todos Santos to La Paz, a route that unfolds along rugged coastline, shimmering salt flats, and small villages that reveal the rhythm of local life.

In La Paz, unwind on peaceful Blue Flag-certified beaches, paddle or kayak through turquoise waters, swim alongside vibrant marine life, and explore protected natural areas set aside for curious adventurers. Each beach offers its own character and activities, allowing you to shape a serene, laid-back day or a more active seaside escape, whichever suits your style.

Relax in La Paz and take your car out for a leisurely coastal drive as part of your Los Cabos self-drive trip, stopping at tranquil beaches, cozy cafés, and scenic overlooks along the way.

For a standout experience, opt for a day trip to Espíritu Santo Island, a volcanic desert oasis in the Sea of Cortez. Snorkel or dive with playful sea lions, paddle a kayak through crystal-clear coves, and watch for blue-footed boobies, dolphins, leaping manta rays, and seasonal whales, an unforgettable blend of wildlife and pristine natural beauty.

Relax in La Paz and head to Balandra for pure tranquility. Known for its powdery white sand, crystalline shallows, and the iconic mushroom-shaped rock El Hongo, Balandra is ideal for swimming, gentle hikes, and photography. Voted Mexico’s best beach in 2016, it’s the perfect setting for slow, sun-soaked afternoons.

For a livelier seaside experience, make your way to El Tecolote at the tip of the bay, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Espíritu Santo Island. Rent kayaks or paddleboards, savor fresh seafood at laid-back beach restaurants, and stroll the long shoreline for a relaxed but more energetic day by the sea.

Savor a relaxed day in La Paz as you wander the malecón, browse local markets, visit small galleries, and settle into coastal cafés with ocean views. Enhance your experience with optional marine adventures: kayak or swim with sea lions near Espíritu Santo Island, hop on a glass-bottom boat tour, or drive scenic coastal routes to discover hidden beaches.

With your rental car and a few local tips, you have the freedom to shape the day entirely to your tastes, an ideal approach for anyone planning a trip to Mexico that blends culture, coastline, and effortless exploration.

Your Los Cabos self-drive adventure comes to a close as you check out and enjoy one last scenic drive to La Paz Airport. If time allows, take a final stroll along the malecón, savor fresh seafood, or capture a few more photos of the shoreline’s peaceful beauty.

Return your rental car, settle in at the airport, and relax before your departing flight from La Paz or Los Cabos, carrying home the memories of your Baja journey.