Small Towns to Visit Near Los Cabos

The Baja Peninsula is lined with all sorts of tropical destinations: large cities with luxury resorts, tranquil towns with cobblestone streets, and national parks. While many travelers make Cabo San Lucas their destination, there’s plenty of day trips from here that let you explore more of the local culture. These small towns near Cabo San Lucas each have their own charms, from local artist galleries to the natural environment. To explore different places near Cabo San Lucas, you can either rent a car, catch a local bus, or go with a guided tour, but no matter how you get there, you’ll experience more of Mexican culture in these towns to visit near Cabo San Lucas.

San Jose del Cabo

One of the closest towns to visit near Cabo San Lucas is San Jose del Cabo. In fact, you’ll have to pass through San Jose del Cabo to get to Cabo San Lucas from the airport. It’s not just its close proximity that makes this one of the best places to visit in Los Cabos. San Jose del Cabo has a thriving art scene that attracts visitors, and on Thursday evenings, the galleries in town stay open later for the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk. Stroll the cobblestone streets and pop into the galleries that make this one of the best places to go in Cabo before sitting down at a charming local cafe for a glass of wine.

Todos Santos

Todos Santos is one of the most famous small towns near Cabo San Lucas, and while its fame is based on a legend, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit. Many rock fans make a pilgrimage here to visit Hotel California, and while the famous song by the Eagles isn’t specifically based on this hotel, you may spot some similarities. If Todos Santos is one of the places near Cabo San Lucas you visit, take time to wander the downtown and shop at local boutiques and galleries. Like many of the other beach towns near Cabo San Lucas, there’s a number of beachside restaurants where you can order grilled fish and fresh ceviche.

Cabo Pulmo

For nature lovers, Cabo Pulmo National Park is one of the places near Cabo San Lucas where you can explore the wonders of the sea. Legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau called it “The Aquarium of the World,” and American author John Stienbeck said that here, “one small piece of coral might conceal 30 or 40 species, and the colors on the reef were electric.” Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places to go in Cabo for snorkeling and scuba diving, and you may see sea lions, whale sharks, and manta rays while swimming in this part of the Sea of Cortez. Of all the beach towns near Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo is the best site for an underwater adventure.

Miraflores

While there’s a number of beach towns near Cabo San Lucas to explore, visiting villages in the mountains shows off a different side of the local culture. One of the most charming small towns near Cabo San Lucas is Miraflores, a town filled with traditional architecture and old ranches. While many of the residents work down in San Jose del Cabo, the city still has some of the best saddleries in the state, and this is one of the best places to go in Cabo for handmade leather goods. With all the ranches nearby, the restaurants of Miraflores have some of the best cuts of meat, and the dishes are traditional Mexican favorites.

Each of these towns to visit near Cabo San Lucas has its own charm and unique culture, and see it all gives you a better taste of Mexican culture. From the underwater adventures in Cabo Pulmo to the traditional ranches in Miraflores, these are the best places to visit in Los Cabos to see the rich and beautiful diversity of Mexico.