Baja California Sur Travel Guide: The Ultimate 7-Day Cerritos & La Paz Itinerary

Planning a trip to Baja California Sur? This Baja California Sur travel guide covers two of the best experiences in the region — learning to surf at Cerritos Beach and spending a long weekend in La Paz with a group of 10. Just the real Baja: turquoise water, incredible tacos, and some of the most stunning marine life on the planet. Most travel guides split Baja Sur into separate posts. But after spent a spectacular week exploring both sides of the peninsula—combining the raw, dusty surf breaks of Playa Los Cerritos with a vibrant, sun-drenched birthday group trip to La Paz—it became clear that these two destinations form the perfect 7 to 10-day itinerary.

Whether you are trying to catch your very first green wave or coordinating a private boat charter for ten of your favorite people, this firsthand guide covers exactly how to combine both experiences seamlessly.

The Quick Guide to a Week in Baja Sur

Day 1: SJD Arrival, Rental Car Logistics, & Checking into Cerritos
Day 2: First Surf Lesson & Poolside Recovery
Day 3: Surfing, Relax by the Pool, Sunset Dinner in Todos Santos
Day 4: Morning Hike at Mirador Punta Lobos & Local Carnitas, Afternoon Surf
Day 5: Transfer to La Paz, Malecón Sunset, & Seafood Feast
Day 6: Private Boat Charter to Isla Espíritu Santo & Balandra Beach
Day 7: Tecolote Beach Day & Private Villa Birthday Dinner

Baja California Sur Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Currency: Mexican Peso (check exchange rate)

Language: Spanish

Airports:

SJD – Los Cabos International Airport

LAP – La Paz International Airport

The standard voltage is 127 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz. Type A and B plugs.

Getting Around Baja Sur:

My family of six rented a car and it was definitely the right decision. I would HIGHLY recommend renting a car for Cerritos – it would be quite difficult to get around without one. For La Paz, you could coordinate some car transfers and ubers and you could get by without a car. Our Airbnb host had a car transfer service and drove my friends around.

The Real Deal on Mexico Car Rental Insurance

Renting a car at San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is the best way to tackle this itinerary. However, the counter negotiation can be notoriously intense. Here is how to handle it like a pro:

The Mandatory Law (TPL): Third-Party Liability (TPL) is legally required by Mexican law. Your U.S. auto insurance policy and credit cards do not cover this. Check your booking upfront; if it states TPL is “Included” (as it typically is with providers like SIXT), you are set. If not, budget an extra $5 to $15 USD per day.
Using Credit Card Coverage (CDW): Your premium travel credit card likely covers Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)—damage to the rental car itself—but you must decline the rental agency’s internal CDW. To successfully pull this off, print an official “Letter of Coverage” in Spanish from your card provider before flying. Expect them to verify that Mexico is not excluded, and prepare for a $2,500 to $5,000 USD hold on your card. Stand your ground politely; it works out perfectly fine once the paperwork matches.

Where to Stay in Cerritos

Finding a spot that balances a solid workspace with beach access is key, and Surfside Residences Cerritos was lovely. We checked into our 3-bedroom apartment and it was perfect for our group of six, with plenty of room to stretch out. The property has a great little pool and an on-site bar, making it incredibly easy to grab a drink and unwind right after a morning surf session.

Where to Stay in La Paz

Finding a place that fits a big crew without feeling cramped is always a challenge, but Casa Chukum nailed it for the second half of our trip. We checked into this stunning, modern villa and loved it right away. It features a great private pool, tons of open living space, and a bright, airy setup that gave ten of us plenty of room to hang out together. Plus, our hosts Nataly and Óscar helped us coordinate everything from local drivers to in-house meals, making it the perfect base for beach runs and downtown dinners. It’s definitely a little pricey if you don’t fill all the rooms, but SO worth it.

Part 1: The Surf & Work Retreat (Cerritos & Todos Santos)

Arrivals, Rental Car, Groceries, & Settling In

After landing at SJD and navigating the credit card insurance dance at the rental car counter, make the scenic, hour-and-a-half drive up Highway 19 toward El Pescadero.

I recommend stopping in Cabo at a Walmart or a big grocery store to pick up a majority of you groceries for the first part of the week. There are very limited options in Cerritos and the super bumpy dirt roads make it a hassle to go anywhere.

Check into Surfside Residences Cerritos, unpack your bags, and let the ambient sound of the Pacific Ocean officially kick off your vacation. Head down to Playa Cerritos and grab dinner at Big Fun Beach Club.

The Dirt Road Reality in Cerritos

While having a rental car is essential for getting between towns, driving locally around the beach is a different story. The dirt roads leading from the highway down to the beach residences are crazy bumpy and unpaved. Crawling past the washboards makes leaving the house for every meal feel like a total hassle.

We were so glad we stopped at the Walmart near the airport to grab a massive batch of groceries on our way in. Planning most of our meals at the villa saved us from constantly battling the bumpy roads every time someone got hungry.

Catching Your First Waves

Wake up early and head down to the sand for your inaugural lesson with CRT Surf School.

Beginner Tip: A proper instructor makes all the difference. They will teach you how to read the sets, time your pop-up, and handle your board safely in the white water.

Book Ahead of Time?: I booked surf lessons with CRT ahead of time via Whatsapp. When I got there, I found out you don’t really need to do that. They’re super chill and flexible. Best to chat with them each day and figure out when they have availability and when the waves will be best. I recommend just checking in ahead of time and let them know you’re coming. If you really want to book on a portal ahead of time and not deal with talking to people, you can book a lesson on Viator here!

There are some big waves in Cerritos, but the instructors will find the right beginner waves. It can be hard to fight the currents and the white water to get out to the waves, so it’s good if you’re a strong swimmer.

After spending the morning catching waves and working muscles you forgot existed, spend a lazy afternoon resting by the pool and enjoying a casual dinner at the villa.

Treatment You Deserve: Beachside Massages

If you or anyone in your crew needs a break from the surf, booking a beachside massage is an absolute must. My mom got a 10:00 AM massage right on the sand at Cerritos Surf Town, and it was incredible. It cost 1900 MXN (roughly $100 USD) and was the perfect way to unwind with the sound of the actual waves in the background. You can check out their wellness options and book ahead directly on their site by emailing them.

Exploring Todos Santos

If you want a coffee on your way to TS, you can stop at La Comuna Cafe in Pescadero. Their coffee was great and they had really nice pastries. Start your morning early with a hike at Mirador Punta Lobos. The trail rewards you with sweeping clifftop views of the dramatic coastline, old ruins, and a sea lion colony lounging on the rocks below. Make sure you get all the way up and over the peak to see the beautiful views on the other side, away from the fishing beach.

Right after you finish, stop by Jazamango Café for a well-deserved iced espresso and a morning walk around town. Explore the cute shops, Galeria Todos Santos, and wander the colorful streets of Todos Santos. If you end up wanting to cook a fresh dinner back at your villa later, make a quick detour to TS Pescaderia to pick up some exceptionally fresh local catches.

For lunch, Carnitas Miguel’s on your way back in Pescadero is an absolute must-visit. The carnitas there are legendary, perfectly crispy, and so good. Make sure to have cash to pay. Otherwise, stay in town and wrap up your day with an incredible upscale dinner at Mejibó, which serves beautifully prepared local seafood.

Part 2: The Group Getaway (La Paz)

The second half of the trip shifts the energy entirely, moving across the peninsula to the calm, turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez (the gulf between the peninsula and mainland Mexico)

We drove about 1.5 hours from Cerritos to La Paz and checked into our Airbnb. We were a little early but they let us drop off our bags around 12:00 pm.

We headed into town to grab lunch at Anzuelo Cocina del Mar for great air conditioning, marina views, and spectacular ceviche. Then we grabbed paletas nearby and walked along the Malecón boardwalk (it was HOT). We went back to the Airbnb and chilled in the pool for the afternoon as friends started arriving. Then for a massive group dinner, Mariscos el Toro Güero serves towering plates of seafood in a high-energy atmosphere.

The Ultimate Sea of Cortez Boat Day

This is the absolute crown jewel of the itinerary. Book an 8-hour private charter out of the marina on a classic vessel like a Chris-Craft 45. A premium charter runs around 23,000 to 25,000 Mexican Pesos (roughly $1,200 to $1,400 USD), which is incredibly reasonable split among a group of 10 to 12 people. Our Airbnb host (Nataly) connected us with Nabila at Nahvyla and we booked the boat through them. I paid via bank transfer and tipped the crew with cash. They worked out great!

The day includes a captain, crew, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and a massive spread of fresh fish ceviche, sashimi, guacamole, fruit, and cold drinks. You will cruise past remote beaches on Isla Espíritu Santo, stop for a lunch set up on one of the beaches with chairs and a tent. You’ll see the sea lion pups at La Loberita, anchor in the shallow waters of Playa Balandra, and hit some beautiful snorkeling spots.

Cruising to Isla Espíritu Santo and back just chilling on the boat was also a highlight. We hooked up to the bluetooth speaker and jammed with the crew, we say jumping manta rays, and sat on the front of the boat with wind in our hair.

If you don’t feel like coordinating yourself, check out this guided tour or this one to snorkel with sea lions!

Heard about the famous whale shark snorkeling in La Paz? We weren’t there during the right season, but if you’re there between October and April, check out this tour or this slightly cheaper one.

The Post-Boat Day Pizza Party

After spending eight hours out on the water, the last thing anyone wants to do is coordinate a massive restaurant reservation for a tired, sun-drenched group.

Instead, we booked a private pizza party right at the house for the evening we got back. Óscar, one of our incredible Airbnb hosts, fired up the oven and made fresh pizzas for all of us right at the villa. We arranged it with him ahead of time and just paid him in cash when we checked in. Stepping off the boat and rolling straight into a relaxed backyard pizza night was the absolute perfect end to a long day on the Sea of Cortez.

Beaches & Town Vibes

For a classic beach day on land, head to Playa El Tecolote. Public space is almost non-existent, so negotiate a shaded table with chairs at one of the beach clubs by agreeing to a food and beverage minimum (around $100 USD total for the group). Playa Balandra is the most famous beach to go to, but it is also very busy (locals said you need a timed entry?) and we got to see it on the boat trip!

Throwing a Party (it was my birthday!)

If you are celebrating a milestone or traveling with a big crew, hosting a night in at your villa is the absolute best way to keep everyone together.

To pull it off seamlessly, make a run to the local grocery store early in the trip to stock up on your own alcohol, fresh limes, and mixers. From there, let your hosts handle the rest. We worked directly with our Airbnb host, Nataly, to hire a private chef for a birthday dinner at the house, and it was a total highlight. Chef Monica came over and made us a phenomenal dinner of tacos with chicken and vegetarian options, including an incredible soup. She even did florals as well to add a spark of decor. Oscar came along to help out, and having everything taken care of right at the villa made the night completely stress-free.