Leave behind Cabo San Lucas' bustling marina and venture northwest toward something genuinely special. As you go away from the resort towers, the sounds of jet skis and party boats fade into whispers of desert wind through centuries-old cacti.
Locals simply call it "Cerritos," named for the little hills (cerritos) that frame this surf paradise. Founded as a fishing community in the early 1900s, the beach has evolved into Mexico's most welcoming learn-to-surf destination. Here, the scent of grilled fish mingles with salt air, while gentle swells set a peaceful rhythm that slows your heartbeat to match the tide.
This authentic Pacific coast village, just an hour from Cabo, offers the unhurried beach experience you came to Mexico to find.
How to Get to Cerritos Beach
Cerritos Beach lies about 40-45 kilometers northwest of Cabo San Lucas via Highway 19, typically requiring around 45 minutes by car. Multiple transportation options accommodate different budgets and travel preferences, from economical public bus connections to private transfers and rental cars, each offering unique advantages for reaching this Pacific coast gem.
Local Bus
Budget-conscious travelers can take Autobuses Águila from Cabo San Lucas' main terminal. These hourly coaches travel through stunning desert landscapes. After arriving at El Pescadero's plaza, take a quick 7-minute taxi to Cerritos Beach, then follow the sandy path 200 meters to reach the shore.
Buses return to Cabo San Lucas every two hours from El Pescadero's central plaza, with the last departure typically around 6 PM. Wait near the main church for southbound Águila buses. Confirm current schedules with your outbound driver upon arrival.
Taxi or Uber
You can take a private taxi for direct transportation from downtown Cabo San Lucas, requiring approximately 52 minutes. Tell drivers "Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero" for precise drop-off positioning.
Arrange return transportation upon arrival, especially for evening visits—taxis become scarce after sunset, and ride-sharing services operate sporadically in this rural coastal area.
Rental Car
Drive northwest on Highway 19, watching for El Pescadero turnoff signs and kilometer marker 64. The straightforward route takes 52 minutes, offering spectacular desert and ocean vistas.
Having a car provides freedom to explore nearby Todos Santos, discover secluded beaches, and return to Cerritos multiple times during your stay.
Things to Do in Cerritos Beach
Cerritos' culinary scene revolves around beachfront palapas serving impossibly fresh seafood—fishermen's boats arrive each morning with dorado, red snapper, and yellowtail that appear on your plate within hours.
Expect generous fish tacos or grilled whole fish, with most vendors accepting cash only. The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over cold Pacíficos while watching surfers navigate consistent Pacific swells.
The main beach stretches for miles, morning hours offer the best photography light, illuminating the point where the waves meet the wide shoreline. Cerritos Beach is popular for surfing and offers good swimming conditions at certain times of year.
For adventure seekers, a moderate 45-minute hike leads north to secluded San Pedrito Beach, requiring sturdy sandals and gaining minimal elevation. Halfway along the coastal trail, Playa Las Palmas offers a perfect rest stop with tide pools and fewer crowds.
Best Time to Visit to Make the Most of Your Stay
Cerritos Beach welcomes visitors year-round with consistently excellent conditions. The dry season (December through April) brings perfect 75-80°F temperatures and crystal-clear morning skies, when humpback and gray whales frequently breach just offshore—January and February offer peak whale watching opportunities.
Summer months (June through August) feature warmer temperatures reaching the high 80s. Rains are infrequent and brief, rarely disrupting beach activities, and mornings consistently remain clear and calm for swimming and surfing. Lower tourist numbers during summer create a more intimate, local atmosphere.
Shoulder months like May and November provide ideal middle-ground experiences: comfortable temperatures, occasional gentle rainfall, and moderate crowds. Families often prefer these months for perfect swimming conditions and pleasant evenings. At Cerritos Beach, adventure-seeking surfers favor the summer months for larger, more consistent swells, while beginners find summer's gentler waves ideal for learning. Each season offers unique magic—choose based on your priorities.
Smart Traveler Tips & Preparations
Prepare for Cerritos Beach's rustic charm with these essential tips that will enhance your authentic Baja experience.
Cash is Essential: Bring sufficient pesos for meals, drinks, taxi rides, and beach vendors—ATMs are scarce in El Pescadero
Bus Ticket Timing: Purchase return tickets immediately upon arriving in El Pescadero to secure seats during peak periods
Footwear Strategy: Pack sturdy sandals for rocky areas and optional hiking, plus flip-flops for pure beach time
Sun Protection Plan: Bring sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and UV shirts—the intense Baja sun can cause sunburn quickly, especially at the coast
Download Offline Maps: Cell coverage fluctuates along Highway 19 and around Cerritos Beach itself
Amenity Expectations: Expect rustic charm over resort conveniences—embrace the authentic beach village atmosphere
These simple preparations transform your Cerritos Beach experience from potentially stressful to purely magical.
Cabo Adventures' Picks Beyond Cerritos Beach
Ready to explore more of this extraordinary Pacific coastline? Cabo Adventures offers two exclusive small-group tours departing directly from the Cabo San Lucas marina, accessing hidden gems that most visitors never discover.
Magical Todos Santos & Camel Ranch Tour
Our Magical Todos Santos & Camel Ranch tour blends culture and adventure in one unforgettable experience. Explore the charming "Magical Town" with expert guides, visit the historic Mission and Hotel California, discover local pearl cultivation, and shop in authentic boutiques.
The journey continues to Pescadero's traditional blanket factory and Tierra Sagrada Ranch for camel photo opportunities. Enjoy a Mexican buffet with tequila tasting before returning to your hotel. This all-inclusive package provides transportation, bilingual guides, and all admissions for a perfect taste of Baja's treasures.
Electric Bike Beach & Desert Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating journey aboard state-of-the-art Rad Power electric fat-tire bikes as you explore Los Cabos' diverse landscapes. Our tours traverse cactus-lined trails and pristine Pacific coastlines, offering breathtaking panoramic desert vistas while spotting local wildlife like tropical birds and desert foxes.
The adventure culminates at the captivating Tierra Sagrada ranch with a delicious Mexican buffet lunch and entertaining margarita-making class. Choose the 4 PM departure for a special sunset campfire experience along the coast.
This tour package includes all necessary safety gear, beer, and fruit-infused water refreshments, and convenient round-trip transportation from most Los Cabos hotels (when booked 24 hours in advance). Experience Baja's natural wonders in an eco-friendly, accessible way.
Why Cerritos Beach Belongs on Your Baja Itinerary
Picture this: golden sand stretching endlessly in both directions, Pacific swells creating perfect beginner surf breaks, and a small river painting the beach with fresh water lagoons where desert cacti meet endless ocean horizons. This is Cerritos Beach—where authentic Mexican fishing village culture thrives alongside an international surf community.
While Cabo San Lucas offers world-class resorts and nightlife, Cerritos provides the genuine Mexico beach experience that connects you with local culture and natural beauty. Plus, it serves as your gateway to further Baja coastal exploration.
Ready to discover more hidden gems throughout this remarkable region? Browse Cabo Adventures' extensive tour options departing conveniently from Cabo San Lucas marina, and let us guide you to extraordinary marine experiences throughout the Sea of Cortez.
