We spent a month driving through the beautiful sun-soaked Baja Peninsula. It is a surreal combination of towering mountains, cactus filled deserts, and beautiful turquoise beaches. Baja is the perfect place to explore if you want the laid-back California surfing vibe without the price tag. We travel with our dog Merci and that laid-back attitude transfers to dog friendliness. She was allowed at every restaurant, beach, and palapa that one could imagine. Here is a list of our four favorite beaches suited for overlanding in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
PLAYA BALANDRA
One of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. The contrast of the water and the mountains are stunning. Crystal clear water and low surf makes it great for children and dogs. There are lots of hiking trails to explore. If you are willing to hike over a few large hills, you can have a private beach all to yourself.
- Location – North of La Paz, Baja California Sur
- Camping Price – Free
- Shower – None
- Bathroom – Pit toilets
- Restaurants – A few vendors selling miscellaneous food
- Surf – None
- Dog Friendly – Yes
- Palapas – Yes
- Tent camping – No, could sleep in vehicle in parking lot
- Big Rigs – No
PLAYA LA PASTORA
We stumbled upon this beach because we refused to stay at our Airbnb treehouse, and it ended up being one of our favorite camping spots. One of the coolest things was to see the humpback whales breaching in the distance. The sunrises here are amazing. Just drive out on to the beach and pick a spot! The sand is pretty soft, so be careful not to get stuck.
- Location – North of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
- Camping Price – Free
- Shower – None
- Bathroom – None
- Restaurants – 1, The Green Room a short walk north on the beach
- Surf – High, great for surfing
- Dog Friendly – Yes
- Palapas – None
- Tent camping – Yes
- Big Rigs – Yes
BAHIA SANTISPAC
This beach is located along the Bahia Concepcion, where there are multiple beaches of similar quality and charm. They have crystal clear water and are great for snorkeling, kayaking, children, and dogs. Prices for camping are similar throughout the area. Vendors were always circling around selling anything from fresh shrimp and fish to shot glasses and blankets.
- Location – Bahia Concepcion
- Camping Price – $200 pesos ($10 USD)
- Shower – None
- Bathroom – Pit toilets
- Restaurants – 2, try the margarita at Armando’s – muy fuerte!
- Surf – none
- Dog Friendly – Yes
- Palapas – Yes
- Tent camping – Yes
- Big Rigs – Yes
PLAYA EL TECOLTE
This beach was a fun find outside of La Paz. Here you get a bonus, not only do you have the beautiful beach, there is also stunning mountain views. There are lots of overlanders here. Just find a spot you like, drive out onto the beach and park. Your own little piece of heaven for as long as you like. The sand is pretty compact, which makes it relatively easy to drive on.
- Location – North of La Paz, Baja California Sur
- Camping Price – Free
- Shower – No
- Bathroom – Available at restaurants for customers or a fee
- Restaurants – Yes
- Surf – Minimal
- Dog Friendly – Yes
- Palapas – A few
- Tent Camping – Yes
- Big Rigs – Yes
