Hit the Road on a Scenic Day Trip

There’s a special kind of magic in the moments between destinations—the coastal roads winding along desert cliffs, the villages that spring up unexpectedly with bright colors and warmer welcomes, the scenic overlooks, and the journey itself. Just as there’s plenty you can accomplish without ever leaving your Pueblo Bonito resort of choice, there’s a whole other world that opens up when you hop in a car and hit the open road. If your next trip demands something other than golfing, pampering, lounging, and dining, then it’s time to rent a car and chase those in-between experiences that take you further into the heart of Mexico.

A short, pleasant drive from our resorts in Cabo San Lucas is San José del Cabo, you’ll find the sister town that bookends the Los Cabos destination. Through our partnership with Avis, you can easily arrange a rental right from your resort and find yourself strolling down the charming streets of this historic town’s Art District in about 30 minutes. Browse through the local galleries and artisan boutiques, and then follow up your day of cultural pursuits with dinner at a courtyard café beneath twinkling lights. If you’re in town between November and June, plan your visit around the weekly Art Walk that draws locals and visitors with open studios, artist presentations and talks, live music, drink and dining specials, and a great community vibe every Thursday evening.

Between Cabos San Lucas and San José del Cabo, you’ll drive over a scenic stretch known as the Tourist Corridor. More than a route, this thoroughfare is a destination unto itself. Along the way, this well-maintained and well-marked highway is dotted with beaches that run the gamut from sheltered coves to uncrowded surf spots with choice waves. Pull over at one of the many lookout points that make for envy-worthy selfies, take a moment to watch the surfers at Playa Costa Azul, or park the car and hit Playa Santa María for a bit of snorkeling. If you don’t want to come back from your adventure empty handed, there are also a few retail stops along the way, including the high-end Shoppes at Palmilla and the food-centric El Merkado.

With a little more vacation time, you can plan a getaway within your getaway to places like Todos Santos or the Cabo Pulmo National Park in Cabo del Este. Artistic, laid-back, and just under two hours from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is renowned for its creative vibe and thriving surf community. Recognized as a Pueblo Mágico for its cultural significance and natural beauty, this Pacific-side town is chock-a-block with indie boutiques, colorful street art, and galleries tucked away behind unassuming doorways. Don’t miss the historic mission while there.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, head northeast along the coast to Cabo del Este. This undeveloped stretch of desert-meets-ocean is beloved for its rugged beauty and peaceful isolation along the Sea of Cortez. At its heart is Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO-recognized marine reserve that’s home to one of North America’s oldest and most vibrant coral reefs. The snorkeling and diving here are world-class, and the drive through cactus-dotted hills and empty beaches is a reward in and of itself.
From feeling a world away in Todos Santos’ colorful art scene to the otherworldly kaleidoscope of vibrant hues of Cabo Pulmo National Park’s underwater sanctuary, unparalleled experiences are just a road trip away.

Just as with Los Cabos, an Avis rental car in Mazatlán can take you to unexpected places. In a countryside awash in culture and colonial charm, the twin villages of El Quelite and La Noria stand out. These two stops offer a glimpse into the heart of Sinaloa. With its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, El Quelite enchants, drawing you into its slow, easy rhythm and making an enduring impression at welcoming restaurants that serve up traditional dishes like machaca and hand-pressed tortillas. Less than an hour away, La Noria is a place to marvel at and pick up some fine leatherwork. The town is particularly known for its handcrafted saddles—a nod to the region’s cowboy heritage—but smaller items make for excellent, high-quality gifts. A day here feels like stepping back in time.

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, a drive into the Sierra Madre foothills is a must. The winding roads will take you through cool pine forests, across bridges with sweeping views, and into the heart of a breathtaking landscape. Depending on the route, you might pass through small towns with hidden food gems or scenic stops perfect for a quiet picnic or a trailhead trek.

The truly adventurous will do well to set out on one of Mexico’s most legendary drives: the Espinazo del Diablo, or Devil’s Backbone. This serpentine highway winds through the mountains between Mazatlán and Durango, offering dramatic views and thrilling switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll be treated to misty vistas, waterfalls, and roadside stands serving hot coffee and fresh tamales. While Durango is a bit of drive from Mazatlán, the drive itself is a destination worth savoring.

Renting a car during your Pueblo Bonito stay is convenient and empowering. You can set your own schedule and buy whatever suits your fancy along the way. Choose your pace, your playlist, and your side quests, whether it’s for roadside mangoes or to follow a handwritten sign to a family-run taquería.

With Avis as Pueblo Bonito’s preferred partner, you get to enjoy exclusive rates and convenient pickup locations, whether you're planning a spontaneous afternoon or an all-day escape.

Plan your next adventure—with that special someone, with a group of friends, or with the whole family—at the Pueblo Bonito resort that fits your trip, and add the car rental to your plans. Before you know it, you’ll be rolling down the windows and discovering Mexico’s beauty where the highway meets the horizon.