While Los Cabos remains one of the premier luxury destinations on the planet, 2026 is seeing a distinct shift in how travelers navigate the southern tip of the Baja peninsula.
US travelers are increasingly renting cars and heading north up Highway 19.
Just one to two hours up the coast, the towns of Todos Santos and La Paz are drawing visitors who want a more culturally rich, relaxed, and affordable side of Baja California Sur, without sacrificing world-class dining and beaches.
Here is exactly what you need to know about visiting Baja’s top alternative destinations this year, including updated safety and tax logistics.
Todos Santos: Farm-to-Table Dining and Surf Culture
Located about an hour and 15 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast, Todos Santos is a designated “Pueblo Mágico.” This desert oasis trades the mega-resorts of Cabo for boutique hotels, art galleries, and a slower pace of life.
Why It’s Trending in 2026:
- Culinary Excellence: Surrounded by fertile farmland, Todos Santos has quietly developed a world-class farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining scene that rivals Mexico City, prioritizing ultra-fresh, locally sourced ingredients over all-inclusive buffets.
- Consistent Surf: Just south of the town lies Cerritos Beach, a legendary surf spot that offers highly consistent waves for both beginners and seasoned pros year-round.
- Cultural Events: The town is actively expanding its cultural footprint, hosting events like the Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival every January, which brings intimate, acoustic performances to local venues.
La Paz: Marine Eco-Tourism and the Sea of Cortez
If you drive about two hours north of Los Cabos, you reach La Paz. As the capital city of Baja California Sur, it features better municipal infrastructure than Todos Santos but retains the soul of a quiet coastal town perched on the Sea of Cortez.
And look, I LOVE Cabo… but I gotta say La Paz is something special! You won’t find giant all-inclusives here. But, if you like to go into town and have your experience be more chill, this is the place!
Why It’s Trending in 2026:
- Balandra Beach: Frequently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Balandra is famous for its striking desert hills and incredibly shallow, crystal-clear water where you can wade out for hundreds of yards.
- Regulated Marine Encounters: La Paz is the undisputed hub for marine eco-tourism. Travelers flock here for highly regulated, sustainable tours to swim with whale sharks (October through February) and snorkel with sea lions at Isla Espíritu Santo (September through May).
- The Malecon: The heart of the city is its 5-kilometer (3-mile) waterfront boardwalk. It features dedicated bike lanes, vibrant street art, and uninterrupted sunset views over the bay.
2026 Logistics for US Travelers: Safety and Taxes
If you are planning the drive north from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) this year, there are two major logistical updates to factor into your itinerary.
The “Embrace It” Tax Increase
Effective January 1, 2026, Baja California Sur increased its mandatory “Embrace It” tourist contribution from 470 to 488 Mexican Pesos (approximately $28 USD). This tax applies to all international visitors over the age of 12 staying in the state for more than 24 hours. The fee is strictly enforced and must be paid online, generating a QR code that officials can request at the airport or your hotel. The funds are routed directly to environmental protection and regional infrastructure.
Current Safety Advisories
While headlines about Mexico can occasionally sound alarming, the US State Department maintains a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Baja California Sur in 2026. This is the exact same safety tier applied to popular European destinations like France and Italy.
There are currently no travel restrictions for US government employees anywhere in the state. The tourist corridors connecting Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz are heavily patrolled, and the primary dangers to tourists are actually ocean riptides rather than crime.
On the Traveler Safety Index, Todos Santos is sitting at an 83/100 while La Paz has a score of 88/100.
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