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The southern state on the Baja California Peninsula, Baja California Sur with Sur translating to South, is a lot more than Cabo. The cosmopolitan capital of La Paz is an authentic Mexican city with a diverse population of expats from around the world while being far less touristy than the town at its southern tip. Whether you’re looking for the Cabo San Lucas party scene, a charming artsy town, a beautiful remote stretch of pristine beach or something in between, consider one of these vacation rentals that often provide more bang for your buck than a typical resort.
Luxury Guesthouse on the Beach - Los Barriles
Stay here if you’re looking for what feels like your own private stretch of beach with pristine white sands and turquoise water. You should also stay here if you want to enjoy mouthwatering homemade Mexican meals delivered directly to your door – served inside or out, perhaps just before sunset near the waterfront. There’s a friendly housekeeper to take care of all the cleaning afterwards, from the dishes to the laundry, and a property manager/concierge who will arrange just about anything else you need.
You’ll have a pair of kayaks waiting to launch at water’s edge and a gorgeous pool with a tiki-style poolside bar and plenty of loungers where you can sip refreshing cocktails while relaxing among the incredible surroundings. There’s a long list of activity options like snorkeling tours, fishing charters, and ATV excursions. After dark, float in the pool beneath a canopy of stars. With no light pollution, the night’s sky is dazzling. There’s really no reason to leave this place and you’ll probably never want to.
Remote Beach Front Lodge with Chef Included - Punta Abreojos
The Black Bass Lodge is located along the central Pacific coast offering a remote surfing, fishing, culinary and adventure oasis in Punta Abreojos. You’ll be just steps from the sand with waves that draw surfers from far and wide while the surrounding reefs are abundant with fish. Enjoy your own private full-time chef who whips up fresh, Mexican-style dishes, included in the rates, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the town’s culture. When you aren’t taking part in recreational activities or feasting, relax with ocean and mountain views from nearly every vantage point, keeping watch for dolphins, whales, seals, and birds of all types.
Charming Bungalow on Beachfront Property - La Vinorama
Located in the East Cape region 15 minutes from the Nine Palms surf break, this bungalow for up to four guests sits atop a knoll for stunning beach and sea views with the sand just steps from your door. It’s a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing, and whale watching during the winter, with the animals often spotted right from the patio. Diving and snorkeling is possible just off the beach, while popular Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is only 17 miles away. Boat charters with local fishermen are popular too.
Casita Tortuga Steps From the Sea of Cortez - Los Barriles
Just a few miles north of charming Los Barriles on a pristine natural turtle nesting beach cove, this cottage is ideal for a couples’ stay with opportunities to relax and do nothing but enjoy the view or take advantage of the wide range of water and land sports, just steps from the Sea of Cortez. If you want to paddle, a two-person kayak and two one-person kayaks are complimentary. Inside, your seaside casita has all you need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a satellite TV.
Casa Marysol - La Paz
Casa Marysol offers panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez from rooftop balconies and a bedroom, just steps from the beachfront Malecón in La Paz, one of the prettiest promenades you’ll ever stroll. It sleeps up to five in two bedrooms and boasts a spacious living room that opens up to an immaculate private courtyard with a pool, hot tub, and grill. While you’ll have a kitchen with everything you need to make your own meals, some of the city’s top restaurants and bars are just a short walk away, and there are plenty of unique shops nearby too.
Unique Family Friendly Desert Home - La Ventana
While this beautiful ecologically designed solar-powered home is in a secluded area overlooking the sparkling waters of La Ventana Bay, Punta Arenas, and Cerralvo Island, it’s just a 40-minute drive to La Paz, providing the best of city living and wild desert landscapes. You’ll be minutes from gorgeous beaches, surrounded by towering cactus and local wildlife. The home enjoys a constant cool breeze throughout the hot summer months and during those clear winter nights, the stargazing is out of this world. It sleeps up to six in three bedrooms and includes a spacious terrace with a small integrated tub/plunge pool, a full kitchen, dining, and living room.
Luxury Home with Pool and Hot Tub and Mountain and Sea Views - El Centenario
Located in the El Centenario area of La Paz overlooking the Sea of Cortez about 20 minutes from the town center and Malecón, this four-bedroom home sits on a hill naturally landscaped with native desert plants. The views are stunning and include the Bay of La Paz, the Magote peninsula, the mountains, and after dark, the city lights. Not to mention the to-die-for sunsets. You’ll have an infinity lap pool with in-water seating, an eight-person hot tub, and a fire pit that sits on a massive terrace. Inside there’s a great room with a 42″ flat-screen TV, and two well-furnished kitchens. Plus, there’s a detached master suite, two bedrooms in the main house, and a separate fully equipped casita, accommodating up to 10.
Sweeping Mountain and Ocean Views with Swimming pool - El Pescadero
Perfectly located next to the world-class surfing beach of San Pedrito just 10 minutes from charming Todos Santos and its golden beaches, and 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, this architect-designed home boasts sweeping views of the Pacific and the Sierra Laguna Mountains from its rooftop patio while being just a 5-minute walk to the sand. It’s all about indoor-outdoor living here, complete with a saltwater pool. There are two master suites, one upstairs and one downstairs, plus a den with a Lazy Boy sofa sleeper, Wi-Fi good enough for those who have to work, a full kitchen, TV/DVD player, and more. Everything you need for the perfect beach getaway.
Aires de Encanto Baja Shangri La - Todos Santos
True Shangri La, this luxurious three-bedroom villa is located just a few miles north of downtown Todos Santos on a walled/gated 3/4-acre with direct ocean views from inside or out. Watch for humpback and gray whales with peak sightings typically between December and March, though wildlife abounds throughout the area all year-round. You’ll have your own outdoor pool, an outdoor cooking patio with a fireplace, and a custom-built Ping Pong table. The host recommends enjoying the house drink, an “Encanto” with white rum, lime, a splash of midori and some tropical style juice, while kicking back in the ultra-comfy furnishings.
Casita de Catalina - Loreto
Casita de Catalina is located about 4.5 hours north of La Paz in Loreto, which now has its own international airport in addition to being the perfect spot for fishing and whale watching in the winter for humpback, orca, gray, and blue whales. The luxurious one-bedroom casita sits directly on the beach along the Sea of Cortez, ideal for romance-seeking couples and solo travelers. Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and bicycles are included, and you’ll have a 50′ lap pool too. Inside, there’s a fully equipped kitchen with hand-painted tiles and granite counters, a flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player, and Wi-Fi.
Casa Cantina Baja - El Sargento
This gem of a rental is located in El Sargento, a small town that lies adjacent to La Ventana. It was built to maximize the spectacular views which include all of La Ventana Bay, the Sea of Cortez, and Cerralvo Island. There are multiple decks for relaxing while enjoying the scenery, and during the winter when the winds start kicking you can head down to the beach to kite or wind surf – this is one of the world’s most popular spots for it. Two inflatable SUPs, a two-person kayak and a boogie board are included, while the Great Room is the perfect spot to sip cool drinks as you unwind afterward.
Casa de Ventanas - El Pescadero
Casa de Ventanas translates to the “House of Windows” and there are so many it feels like a glasshouse. That means you’ll have stunning ocean views by day and incredible stargazing at night. It sits in a rural neighborhood on San Pedrito in Pescadero, nestled between two world-class surf breaks just a short drive from Todos Santos. Enjoy peace and tranquility, extraordinary sunrises and sunsets, winter whale watching, and great surfing nearby. It sleeps up to four in two large bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, and includes a fully-stocked kitchen, three outdoor showers, beach chairs and umbrellas.
Perfect Cabo Getaway, Walk to Beach and Marina - Cabo San Lucas
For those looking for Cabo without the noise, this secluded two-bedroom hideaway for up to four guests is just a block from the marina and a block from the beach, yet it offers a quiet setting for relaxation. There’s an outdoor pool with loungers and a rooftop deck ideal for sunset watching, complete with a hammock and a grill. The inside is fully air-conditioned and includes a well-stocked kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and Apple TV.
Casa Estrellas: Pools, Beach & Panoramic Views - Cabo San Lucas
For those who want all the luxuries in a great Cabo location at an affordable price, Casa Estrellas may be ideal. It sits in a gorgeous community among million dollar homes with access to a fabulous local cove beach popular for swimming and snorkeling in clear, warm turquoise water. You’ll have a rooftop with magnificent panoramic views, a large private heated pool and Jacuzzi, plus a kids’ pool, while inside there are large 4K TVs with live U.S. programming and all the other essentials like a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and Wi-Fi.
