If you’ve ever been to Cabo San Lucas, you know the drill. Thumping beach clubs, endless resort rows, and waiters sprinting across the sand with trays of frozen drinks. It’s fun, sure. But sometimes you want something quieter, vibier, something that feels a little more real.
If that’s what you had in mind, Cerritos Beach is calling your name.
Why do people love it here? For starters, Playa Los Cerritos is one of the only swimmable beaches on the Pacific side. The surf is great, the sunsets are unreal, and the vibe is something like a cross between a surf village, a foodie haven, and a desert hideout. Whether you’re road-tripping through Baja or looking for a relaxing day trip from Los Cabos, Cerritos delivers on sunshine, sand, and simple pleasures.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Cerritos, Mexico, from surfing and whale watching to beach tacos and starlit margaritas.
1. Start Your Day With a Beach Walk
It sounds cliche but… there’s nothing quite like an early-morning stroll along Cerritos Beach before the day really begins. The air is cool, the Pacific Ocean is glassy, and the first surf schools are setting up tents for the morning crowd. Vendors roll in with coffee, breakfast burritos, and fresh juice stands, and you can already smell someone frying eggs a few yards from the shore.
2. Surf (or Learn to Surf) at Playa Los Cerritos
Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve been chasing waves for years, Playa Los Cerritos is one of the best surf breaks in Baja California Sur. The long, sandy bottom makes it forgiving for newbies, while the right swells can challenge even experienced surfers.
You’ll find surf schools right on the sand, offering lessons, board rentals, and good vibes. The waves are mellow in the morning and pick up later in the day. And yes, it’s a swimmable beach, so even non-surfers can enjoy the sea.
Insider Tip: Book your lesson early and hang around afterward for a pick up volleyball game or a fish-taco lunch at Barracuda Cantina, conveniently located just a few sandy steps away.
3. Watch for Whales and Catch a Spectacular Sunset
From December through April, migrating whales pass right off the coast. Sometimes you can spot them breaching from the beach itself. Bring binoculars or just keep your eyes on the horizon as you sip a cold beer from your towel. When you see your first whale from the beach you’ll never want to leave this place.
I recommend you stay for the sunset. The combination of mountains, desert, and Pacific Ocean makes for some of the most colorful skies in Latin America.
4. Explore Todos Santos, the Nearby Pueblo Mágico
Just fifteen minutes north, Todos Santos is a must-see. This pueblo mágico is an artistic haven filled with cobblestone streets, galleries, and open-air restaurants tucked behind lush garden walls. Spend an afternoon wandering through boutiques, tasting local mezcal, and listening to live music drifting from a courtyard.
If you’re looking to visit Todos Santos for dinner, The Green Room is a local favorite. Tables set right on the sand, toes practically in the Pacific, and some of the best grilled octopus you’ll ever taste. Reservations are recommended.
5. Grab a Coffee by the Beach
Your morning in Cerritos isn’t complete without a caffeine fix and around here, that means stopping by one of the local coffee trucks parked near the sand. You’ll usually find a few options scattered around, each serving up espresso, cold brew, or smoothies to sleepy surfers and early risers heading out for a walk along the shore.
My favorite? Cerritos Beach Dogs. It’s a laid-back stand just off the beach that pairs great coffee with a side of karma. They’re known for helping care for local stray pups (and yes, you’ll probably meet one or two lounging nearby waiting for belly rubs). Grab a latte, drop a few pesos in the donation jar, and start your morning feeling like a local.
No fuss, no fancy brunch. Just the Pacific Ocean, the smell of coffee and saltwater, and a front-row seat to life waking up in Baja California Sur.
6. Chill by the Pool or Take a Midday Siesta
By afternoon, the sun gets strong. Perfect excuse for a nap or poolside margarita. Many hotels and rentals are within walking distance of Cerritos Beach, so you can cool off, read a book, or just enjoy the tranquility that defines this little oasis between desert and sea.
Las Palmas offers day passes to their pool and bar.
7. Explore Playa San Pedrito
If you’re wanting an even quieter stretch of sand, head north to Playa San Pedrito. This spot near El Pescadero is popular with campers and long-term travelers. The beachfront here feels wilder with fewer crowds, more waves, and wide-open mountain views. It’s a great place to just sit, breathe, and remember why you came to Baja California Sur in the first place.
Tip: Practicing yoga on the rocks is great for those who have a great healthcare plan.
8. Play and Eat by the Beach
Evenings in Cerritos are all about slowing down. Join a spontaneous game of beach volleyball, or grab a table for dinner with your toes in the sand. No dress code, no reservations needed. Just bring your flip-flops and appetite.
- Barracuda Cantina – Fish tacos, good music, and a friendly crowd of surfers and locals.
- La Tuna – Sunset sushi and cocktails.
- Shaka’s Cantina – Burgers, pizza, and comfort food just off the highway.
9. Stay the Night (Or a Week)
From casual campgrounds to boutique hotels and dreamy vacation rentals, Cerritos has options for every traveler. Some spots are literally steps from the shore, while others sit up the hill with sweeping ocean views.
If you plan to rent a place for a week, you’ll quickly understand why many never leave. Ahem…me. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect, swim, surf, and fall asleep to the sound of waves.
(Soon, we’ll have our own beachfront condo available for you to rent. Stay tuned!)
10. How to Get Here
Cerritos Beach is easy to find. Just take the highway north from Cabo San Lucas (about an hour north) or southwest from La Paz. The drive winds through desert landscapes and tiny Baja towns before opening up to the Pacific Ocean.
A day trip from Cabo is totally doable, but honestly? It’s worth spending at least one night here to truly soak up the tranquility.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cerritos
This little Baja California Sur beach town is really something special. It’s part desert, part ocean, and all heart. Whether you come to surf, explore, or just take a break from the busy world, Cerritos Beach offers the slower rhythm you didn’t know you were missing.
And when you finally leave, you’ll promise yourself one thing…that you’ll never forget this beautiful place.