Cerritos Beach

Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero, B.C.S.

Costs

Here are the costs associated with visiting Cerritos Beach:

Parking: $2
Surfboard rental: $20 per day
Surfing lesson: $60 per hour (group pricing available) Check with local surf schools

Prices are subject to change; check surf school and rental website for updates.

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About

A fifteen-minute car ride outside the magical town of Todos Santos leads to one of the top surf destinations in Baja California Sur. Cerritos Beach is also touted to be one of the most swimmable beaches in the area, and has long been a popular surfing haven.

Starting at the base of a rugged part of the Pacific coast, Los Cerritos Beach (meaning little hills) extends nearly three miles in a crescent shape along a pristine shoreline. The beach is part of the small town of El Pescadero and boasts a history tied to the rugged, adventurous spirit of the area. It was the go-to spot for merchants and fishermen who relied on the rich waters for a time. With its calm waves, this area became known as a prime spot for sea goers and surf enthusiasts from across the globe.

There are plenty of surf schools ready to get people out on a board at Cerritos Beach. Stop by Mario Surf School for instruction and opportunities for beginning to well-seasoned surfers. Look for the colorful boards lined up on shore, just ready to ride the waves. Similarly, the family-run West Side Surf School just down the beach can also set you up with private surf lessons or board rentals.

Beyond surfing, visitors find a vibrant locale where traditional Mexican culture seamlessly melds with contemporary comforts. The small farming community of El Pescadero easily complements this rustic surf spot and its relaxed vibe. Beachgoers can easily wrap up the day with an unforgettable sunset, and share stories over a meal at Barracuda Cantina.

Cerritos Beach: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One fascinating feature of this beach is its consistent waves. The area is prized among novice surfers owing to the gentle, reliable surf that makes learning a breeze.

In addition to the calm waves, the area provides fascinating natural tide pools at low tide. Nature enthusiasts will surely enjoy exploring these little pockets of ocean life and an array of sea creatures.

Speaking of sea creatures, from December to April visitors to Cerritos Beach may even spot humpback or gray whales. Breaching whales can sometimes be spotted from shore, though surfers and paddleboarders might get up closer to the action.

Another fascinating feature at Cerritos Beach is the castle-like hacienda hotel sitting atop a rugged bluff jutting out to sea. The historic landmark is unmistakable as it overlooks the wide expanse of Cerritos, framing the northern side of the beach.

Thatched huts and inviting palapas are also unique attributes along this spectacular beach. On weekends, impromptu drum circles or beach bonfires often light up the night, adding a festive touch to Cerritos Beach.

Whether you're a surfer catching your first wave, a family exploring tidal pools, or a traveler seeking relaxation, Cerritos Beach promises an unforgettable experience on any Todos Santos itinerary.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Cerritos Beach from Todos Santos:

Start on Calle Benito Juárez toward Calle Cuauhtémoc
Take a left onto Avenida Topete
Turn right onto Carretera Federal 19 (MEX 19)
Follow MEX 19 for approximately 10 miles
Take a left turn towards Cerritos Beach signposted
Follow the road to Cerritos Beach, Playa Los Cerritos, 23300 El Pescadero, B.C.S., Mexico

Local Tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Bring cash, as some vendors do not accept cards.
Try the local seafood from beachside stalls.
Rent surf gear from nearby shops for the best ra

Location

Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero, B.C.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Todos Santos?

The closest airports to Todos Santos are the San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) and the La Paz International Airport (IATA) in Baja California Sur. Each of these airports is about 1.5 – 2 hours driving distance from Todos Santos.

Several shuttle and private car services provide transportation to Todos Santos from the airport, though it’s best to book ahead. Don’t hesitate to consider renting a car as roads are safe and well-maintained. You’ll come across tolls (casetas) from San Jose del Cabo so it’s recommended to have small bills in pesos on hand (about 100 pesos).

Highway 19 from San Jose del Cabo to Todos Santos extends up the Pacific coastline and is a beautiful drive, while Highway 1 from La Paz (that turns into 19) provides a winding adventure through the rugged landscape linking the two coasts.

Renting a car in San Jose del Cabo or La Paz is a great option as this offers you the freedom to explore area beaches more easily, hop up to El Triunfo or over to Los Barriles, or drive between Baja California Sur’s two largest cities.

What's the best way to spend one day in Todos Santos?

Start the day off with the rich aroma of coffee from Chiapas and freshly baked bread at La Esquina. As its name states, this is “the corner” of Todos Santos for a delicious meal any time of day. With an abundance of locally produced fruits and vegetables, La Esquina has over 16 years of experience serving up some of the best breakfasts in the region. Take your time and enjoy the open-air patio as all dishes are made to order.

Continue your journey with a stroll along Calle Benito Juarez, renowned for colorful papel picado overhead that complements the inviting art galleries and handcrafts lining the street. While along Calle Juarez, stop for a picture at the colorful Todos Santos sign right across from the Todos Santos Mission Church. Venture on to the somewhat mistakenly infamous Hotel California for a cool drink at what centuries ago was the first bar to serve ice-cold beer in town.

Take the afternoon to enjoy the waves, surf, and tranquil beaches in and around Todos Santos. Join a surf class at Cerritos Beach and get ready to hit the waves at one of Mexico’s best surf spots. For true adventurers, hike down the lush jungle-like entrance to Palm Beach (Playa San Pedro) that opens out to nearly virgin sands and one of the most picturesque spots on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

After a day with sand between your toes, wind down with the authentic essence of Mexican cuisine at Los Adobes de Todos Santos. Fresh herbs cultivated in their own garden is only one of the unique touches to this idyllic culinary destination. Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach in El Pescadero are all about art, so you can bet there’s a vibrant, happening music scene to wrap up the night. From banda to reggae, trop-rock to jazz, and guitar strumming to salsa, you will surely find your groove in Todos Santos.