The “I’m Not Afraid to Drive in Mexico” Guide for the Curious Traveler
If you’re feeling adventurous and have enough time on vacation for an overnight detour, there’s some incredible destinations just within an hour or two drive of Los Barriles that we highly recommend.
For a nature adventure, La Paz is a great option that gives you access to incredible boat tours where you can see and swim with all sorts of incredible wildlife. In Todos Santos, you’ll find a charming coastal town great for shopping and watching the sunset over the Pacific. And if you choose San Jose del Cabo, bring your appetite - some of the best culinary hotspots in all of Mexico await you!
But what about Cabo??!? you may be wondering. Cabo is great when you’re 18 and on spring break. But this list is about experiencing the best of Southern Baja, authentically.
Overnight Trips
City & Nature in La Paz
Swim with the whale sharks
Boat trip to Espiritu Santo Island to swim with sea lions
Brunch at Nomada (healthy, lots of variety, $$)
Drinks on the Malecón - don’t miss the craft beers at Harker’s
Swim at Balandra Beach - hands down the most stunning beach in all of Baja
Dinner at Tiger Club (super hip, SE Asian fusion, $$)
“Treat yo self” to a dinner experience at Nemi ($$$)
Abundant cheap hotel stays, or stay at the posh options: Casa al Mar ($$$) or Baja Club ($$$$)
Culinary & Art Experience in San Jose
Shopping in historic center & evening art walk
Creative tacos for lunch at La Lupita
Craft beer & live music at the Baja Brewery
Farm-to-table restaurant experience, Los Tamarindos, a former sugar cane factory
Rooftop drinks & take a dip in the pool at the contemporary hotel & music studio, Hotel Ganzo
Experimental, multi-course culinary experiences at Carbón or Lumbre
After-dinner cocktails & mezcal tasting at Acre (Bonus: treehouse rooms available for your overnight stay!)
Brunch at Flora Farms & wander the lush gardens with their farm-fresh Bloody Mary
Stay at the cozy Hotel Natalie in the central square
History & Culture in Todos Santos
Visit the famous Hotel California & have a cocktail
Unique souvenir & art shopping in the town center
Whale watching in the Pacific
Slurp oysters & sip wine at Oystera
Watch the sunset on the beach
Stay & dine at Hotel San Cristobal (pictured)
Getting Around
Car Rental
Contact: Alex at Quaddog
+52-624-177-4971 (WhatsApp is best)
$1100MXN/24-hour day
Quad Rental
Contact: Miguel at Sergio’s ATVs
+52-624-166-2046
Side-by-Side Rental
The “Hondo Honda”
Contact: Andrew
+1-210-722-0186
$200 USD/day + tax
$1200 USD/week (7-day) + tax