About Playa Los Cerritos
Playa Los Cerritos is an open Pacific beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico (near Todos Santos). It’s often simply called “Cerritos Beach” by surfers . This crescent-shaped shore features wide golden sand streaked with reddish tones and framed by desert hills . The beach is prized for its consistent waves: a main sandy beach break plus a rock point offering waves of varying sizes. Travel guides describe Cerritos as a “secluded, crescent-shaped beach great for surfing and swimming” . In fact a Baja travel blog dubs it a “secret Pacific paradise” ideal for both relaxation and surfing adventures . The warm water and regular surf draw year-round visitors, giving the beach a beach-town vibe rather than a resort feel.
Los Cerritos is notable in the local scene for surf culture and conservation. The Municipio de La Paz calls Cerritos “one of the main destinations for surf in the country” and in 2024 it hosted Mexico’s first official World Surf League event . The upcoming Corona Cero Surf Open Cerritos (Nov 20–23, 2025) will continue this trend, promising world-class waves and free public access . In short, Cerritos matters to Baja tourism as both a natural beach gem and a growing international surf spot.
Events and Programming
Surf contests are the main events at Lagos Cerritos. For example, the Pacífico Surf Open Cerritos (Nov 20–23, 2024) brought nearly 120 professional surfers from 13 countries to compete here, complete with surf clinics and a “Surf Sin Plástico” beach cleanup campaign . Building on that success, the Corona Cero Surf Open Cerritos is scheduled for Nov 20–23, 2025, and will feature the sport plus beach culture programs (open-air cinema, nightly live music and food stands) . These WSL-stage events are open to the public and free to attend .
Surf Competitions: Big contests like the WSL Pacífico Surf Open Cerritos (2024) and Corona Cero Surf Open (2025) provide international-level competition and attract local crowds.Surf Lessons & Clinics: Local surf schools operate daily, offering group and private lessons for beginners and intermediates – one guide notes it’s easy to find certified instructors of all ages and levels here . (For example, multi-hour beginner lessons can run around USD $70 according to traveler listings .)Music & Culture Fests: In early December 2024, a “Cerritos Music Fest” ran from Dec 5–7 featuring three nights of live bands at local venues (Shaka’s Cantina, Barracuda’s, etc.) to benefit the Pescadero fire department . In general, beachside bars occasionally host live-music events or theme nights during high season.Community Activities: Beach cleanups, yoga meet-ups, and environmental workshops often coincide with festivals. For instance, during the Surf Open Cerritos events there are organized eco-activities (the official “Surf Sin Plástico” program of 2024 involved beach cleanups and even crafting a surfboard from recycled plastic ).
Tickets and Booking
Visiting Playa Los Cerritos itself is free – it’s a public beach with no entry fee. You don’t need a ticket to walk or lounge on the sand. For special events, check in advance. The official WSL surf events at Cerritos have been “público y gratuito,” meaning open and free to spectators . On the other hand, a private event like the local Cerritos music festival did require a wristband – in 2024 the 3-day pass was about 1,500 MXN (roughly USD $80–90) purchased at spots like Shaka’s Cantina . Tickets for concerts are usually sold through the venue or local contacts (no centralized box office). In short, plan for everything else to be casual: the beach is open-access, and if anything is ticketed, buy early through the organizer.
Seating and Layout
Playa Los Cerritos has no fixed seating or stands – it’s all beach. Spectators lounge on sand, rocks, or rented beach chairs. (Onlookers at surf contests often sit on the dunes or bring folding chairs.) One traveler notes you can rent chairs and umbrellas right on the beach . Otherwise you’ll sit on the sand or on a driftwood log. The beach arcs in a broad cove, so picking a spot higher on the sand lets you see surfers clearly. The sand is often level and soft. For concerts and bars (e.g. Shaka’s or Barracuda’s), seating is whatever the venue provides – usually wooden benches or stools under thatched palapas. There are no special “VIP” boxes or reserved areas; it’s a friendly, general admission setting. Acoustically, it’s open-air – sound carries across the sand but can be subtle in the sea breeze. (Surfers often say the beach break here is a mellow, forgiving wave that even beginners can watch safely .)
Getting There and Parking
Location: Playa Los Cerritos sits at Km 66.5 on Highway 19 (Carretera Transpeninsular) in the Ejido El Pescadero, about 15–20 minutes north of the town of Todos Santos (a designated “Pueblo Mágico”). The exact address is listed as “Playa Los Cerritos, Km. 66.5, El Pescadero, B.C.S.” . From Cabo San Lucas, it’s roughly a 1h15m drive (about 60–70 km) north along the toll road . From La Paz, expect around 1h15m northward along Highway 19 .
By Car: Car rental is the most flexible option. Major agencies are at Los Cabos (SJD) and La Paz (LAP) airports. Follow Highway 19 north from Cabo (look for Km66.5), paying one toll (~MX$200) along the way . For La Paz, you’ll drive north on the same highway. —Altitude is minimal (the beach is at sea level), so navigation is simply highway and then a short dirt road turnoff.
Public Transit: Regular buses run from Cabo (SJD) into San José del Cabo or Todos Santos. From San José, you can transfer to the Aguila line heading north; get off in El Pescadero and take a quick taxi or Uber (if available) west for 5 min to the beach . From La Paz, first bus to the city’s ADO terminal, then bus to Todos Santos (buses run every ~2 hours, fare ~MX$200) ; from Todos Santos take a local taxi (~20 min, ~MX$460) to Cerritos. (Note: official Uber service is not allowed on Baja Sur highways , so rely on taxis or shuttles.)
Parking: There is no large paid parking lot for Playa Los Cerritos. Visitors typically park informally on the dirt road leading down or in a few gravel spots near Shaka’s Cantina. A small formal lot exists, but reports say it’s primarily for RVs . In practice, pull off wherever space is free and watch for sand – some guests joke that parking is “random along the dirt road” . Bring small bills in case the on-site attendant (if any) requests a tip. Leave valuables at home or secured, as beach parking is unsupervised.
Inside the Venue
Walking onto Playa Los Cerritos, expect a completely open-air, rustic setting. There is no entrance gate or security check – you simply find a spot on the sand. The overall atmosphere is laid-back and uncrowded. The only built structures are a couple of low-slung restaurants/bars at the beachfront (see below). Shade is minimal, so on a sunny day you should bring an umbrella or use the thatched palapa at Shaka’s if it’s set up. Beachgoers often sit on towels, folding chairs (you can rent chairs or umbrellas on-site ), or on the dry cliffs above the sand to watch the surf.
Food and Drink: The only permanent food venues on the beach are Shaka’s Delicious Wood Cantina (right on the sand) and Barracuda Cantina (just uphill on Highway 19). Shaka’s offers grilled fare and cold drinks, often with a few picnic tables or palapas right at water’s edge. Barracuda’s is a larger restaurant overlooking the beach. Other than that, you must bring any picnic items or walk to Pescadero/Todos Santos for restaurants. No chain food stalls or vendors line the beach.
Restrooms: There are no public toilets on the sand. If you need a restroom, plan to use the facilities at one of the restaurants by purchasing a snack or drink . (Visitors report it’s common courtesy to ask, and the staff expect a purchase in return for restroom use.) No permanent showers or changing rooms exist at the beach.
Services: Expect minimal services. There is no box office, coat check, or merchandise shop. There are no ATMs or convenience stores at the beach – carry cash if you plan to eat or drink. Cellular service (Telcel, Movistar, etc.) is generally strong along the shore, but there is no public Wi-Fi. If the wind is high, the sea spray can reach the shore, so protect gear accordingly.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants & Bars: In the immediate area, Shaka’s Delicious Wood Cantina and Barracuda Cantina serve casual Mexican menu items and drinks at the beach. A short drive or walk (10 min) brings you to El Pescadero and Todos Santos, which have many options. Notable spots include So Far So Good (health-conscious bar/restaurant with ocean views) and Surfside Bar & Grill in Pescadero, and upscale Jazamango and locally-famous Café Todos Santos in town. Seafood lovers should try Oystera (oysters and cocktails, Pueblo Magico location) or the popular Barracuda Cantina for tacos . In these villages you’ll also find casual taco stands and cafes.Hotels: Several hotels and inns are within a few minutes of the beach. For example, Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel and costal boutique Olas de Cerritos are right on the sand . Rancho Pescadero is a luxury jungle retreat a short drive away . Eco-friendly So Far So Good (in Pescadero) and Motel 52 (Todos Santos) are nearby options. Budget travelers use small hôtels like Hotel Salitral in Pescadero. Others rent vacation homes around Pescadero and Todos Santos.Shopping & Groceries: There are no shops on the beach itself. Small corner markets (tiendas) and an OXXO convenience store are found a few kilometers away in Pescadero. For supermarkets and general shopping, it’s best to stock supplies in Todos Santos or Todos Santos / Cabo on your way.Transportation: As noted above, local taxis and shuttles operate between Cerritos, Todos Santos, and Cabo or La Paz. Some travelers even bike to the beach from Todos Santos (the road is relatively flat). Rideshare apps don’t work here, so arrange any pickups by phone.
What Makes This Venue Special
Playa Los Cerritos has a unique Baja charm. The combination of wide sandy beaches, reliable surf breaks, and a desert backdrop makes it stand out. Photographers and sunset chasers love it: one guide notes the “semidesert environment” yields “the clearest, most colorful Pacific sunsets” you’ll see in Baja . The sand itself is notably smooth and golden-red, set off by volcanic rock outcrops – an instantly recognizable landscape. Many surfers praise Cerritos’s easygoing vibe; it’s often called a very “mellow” break on sandy bottom, safe and fun for all levels . (This forgiving wave is why surf schools flock here.) In contrast to glitzy Cabo resorts, Cerritos stays low-key. There are no towering hotels or crowds – the beach feels like a local secret.
Cultural and historical flavor adds to its appeal. Los Cerritos is part of the Todos Santos region, a “Pueblo Mágico” known for art and music. In fact, just 10 minutes inland is Todos Santos’ famous Hotel California (the alleged inspiration for the Eagles song) , and the town has numerous art galleries and festivals. The surf scene here has bolstered the local economy and identity: major surf events shine international attention on this small community. Visitors say both surfers and travelers love Cerritos for its authentic, community-oriented feel – where a beach cleanup one week and a live-music beach party the next coexist under the same sunset.
Visitor Tips and Information
Season & Timing: Surf can be found year-round. Winter (November–March) brings the biggest swells (occasional 8–12 ft waves) for experienced surfers , while summer (June–August) offers gentler, warmer waves suited to beginners. One local guide recommends April–November for the most consistent surf overall . The beach is fairly quiet in early weekdays, and especially so outside holiday weeks. To avoid crowds, come on a weekday or early in the day on weekends.
Sun & Weather: The Baja sun is intense. As one traveler warned, “the sun is pitiless” – bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water . Shade is scarce, so beach umbrellas or palapas (if available) are worthwhile. Wind can pick up in afternoons, so mornings often have calmer conditions. If an event is scheduled at night (like a beach concert), note that the beach itself is very dark after sunset except for stage lighting.
Swimming & Safety: Los Cerritos is primarily a surf beach. Visitors say it’s “super fun to watch the surfing, but definitely not a swimming beach if you don’t know how to swim in rough waves” . Strong currents and uneven sandbars exist; always swim with a buddy and keep an eye on children. There are no lifeguards here. Be careful of rocks at the ends of the beach. If you plan to swim, do so cautiously, preferably near Shaka’s where others are around.
Amenities: Don’t count on finding any free amenities on the sand. Bring your own towels, snacks, and drinks. Food and drink can be purchased only at the beach bars, which use disposable cups and charge typical restaurant prices. It’s smart to carry cash in pesos, as shops and even some restaurants may not take cards. If you forget anything, the nearest stores are in Pescadero or Todos Santos (a short drive away). Charging stations or lockers don’t exist at the beach, so stow valuables securely in your car or leave them behind.
Comfort: You can rent a paddleboard or surfboard from nearby shops or hire a boat tour in the Todos Santos area, but at Cerritos itself the main rentals are just beach chairs and umbrellas . If you get chilly (the water can reach low 60’s°F in winter), bring a wetsuit. The sand can be very hot – wear sandals or shoes when the tide goes out. Also, dogs freely roam this beach. If you’re uncomfortable with dogs, be aware they tend to wander on the sand unchecked (some visitors love the company, others avoid it).
Respect the Locale: In line with Baja surf culture, play responsibly. Avoid leaving trash behind – the beach is still largely unspoiled. If you dine at Shaka’s or Barracuda’s, a small tip is customary for using their facilities. Noise is generally fine, but quiet down after late hours in respect of any nearby residents. Finally, be flexible: services ebb and flow in rural Mexico. Bring any personal needs (like cash, sunscreen, especially) because the next store could be 10–15 minutes away.
Do I need to buy tickets to visit Playa Los Cerritos?
No. Playa Los Cerritos itself is a public beach with free access. You can visit, swim or surf without any entrance fee. (If there’s a special event on the beach, event organizers would announce any charges, but casual beach access is always free.)
How do I get to Playa Los Cerritos by car or taxi?
The beach is at Km 66.5 on Highway 19 north of Todos Santos. From Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), drive ~60–70 km north (about 1h15m) on Highway 19, following signs for Todos Santos and Playa Cerritos . From La Paz, it’s about a 1h15m drive south. You can also take a bus or shuttle to Todos Santos and then catch a taxi (~10–15 min) to the beach . (Note: Uber isn’t officially allowed; use local taxis or rental cars.)
Are there parking and restrooms at the beach?
Parking is informal. Cars park along the dirt road or in a small lot near Shaka’s Cantina; it’s mostly free (some visitors park “rando along the dirt road” ). Restrooms are not provided by the venue. If you need a bathroom, plan to buy something at Shaka’s or Barracuda’s and use their facilities . Bring toiletries and hand sanitizer, as no public toilets exist.
Is Playa Los Cerritos good for swimming and families?
Cerritos is primarily a surf beach. The waves are usually moderate to strong, and the ocean floor has rip currents in places. A reviewer warned it is “definitely not a swimming beach if you don’t know how to swim in rough waves” . If you have children or inexperienced swimmers, stay close and be cautious. Swimming near the sand bars can be safe, but watch for sudden drops and currents. There is no lifeguard on duty, so use common sense.
Are there surf schools and board rentals at Cerritos Beach?
Yes. Playa Cerritos is a popular beginner-to-intermediate surf spot, so several surf schools operate here. You can book lessons by phone or through local tour desks. One travel site mentions all-ages surf lessons with certified instructors are “very likely” available at Cerritos . Board rentals may be offered by the schools or at nearby shops. It’s wise to reserve lessons in advance during peak season, but many schools also accept walk-ins on any given morning.
What about food and shade on the beach?
There are only a couple of beach bars (Shaka’s and Barracuda’s) and no other food vendors on site. Shaka’s has a few palapa tables right on the sand and sells casual fare. Other than that, you should bring your own snacks, water and any shade equipment. A beach umbrella or hat and sunscreen are essential, as visitors say “the sun is pitiless” here . If you purchase a drink or meal at the bar, they will let you use the palapa seating.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning and late afternoon are most pleasant. The sun is gentler and the crowds are light then. Midday can be hot and windy. Also, if you plan to catch waves, mornings often have smoother conditions. Arriving 30–60 minutes before an event’s start time is wise to get a good spot on the sand.
What should I bring or avoid taking?
Bring essentials: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and maybe a change of clothes. If you want to sit, bring a towel or rent a chair as available. Because nearby restaurants are scarce, stock up on snacks before you arrive . Avoid glass containers (standard beach rule) and be prepared to haul out any trash. Pets are not restricted, so if you’re not a dog lover, note that stray dogs often wander on the sand.
Are there any age or dress restrictions?
No. Playa Los Cerritos has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. All ages are welcome. Beachwear and surf attire are the norm; you will fit in with casual t-shirts, shorts, swimsuits and flip-flops. There are no formal dress codes. Life’s beach-rustic, so don’t worry about smart clothing or small children – just be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Minor children should be supervised in the water, especially since the surf can be strong.
Is Playa Los Cerritos wheelchair accessible?
Access to the beach involves a dirt road and sand paths. There are no special ramps or beach mats in place. While the main restaurant area (Shaka’s) is at grade, the sand itself is difficult for wheelchairs. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware that getting far onto the beach may not be possible without assistance.
