East Cape Road Scenic Drive
Discover rugged, undeveloped coastline with stunning ocean views and secluded beaches along the East Cape Road scenic drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
East Cape Road Scenic Drive
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rugged, undeveloped coastline with stunning ocean views and secluded beaches along the East Cape Road scenic drive.
"Miles and miles and miles of gorgeous beaches. Must visit."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Dirt roads are common; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring East Cape Road.
⚠️ Swim with Caution
Many beaches have strong currents and are not safe for swimming. Admire the ocean from a safe distance.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 439 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Beaches
Various points along East Cape Road
Discover miles of gorgeous, often deserted beaches with breathtaking ocean vistas. Perfect for a quiet escape.
Whale Watching Spots
Coastal pull-offs
Keep an eye out for migrating whales from the shore; the views are fantastic enough to look past any minor litter.
Scenic Coastal Drive
Camino Cabo Este
Enjoy a picturesque journey along the coast, with dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating East Cape Road
Beach Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Dirt roads are common; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring East Cape Road.
⚠️ Swim with Caution
Many beaches have strong currents and are not safe for swimming. Admire the ocean from a safe distance. +1
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are very limited.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help keep these beautiful beaches pristine by packing out all your trash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Dirt roads are common; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring East Cape Road.
⚠️ Swim with Caution
Many beaches have strong currents and are not safe for swimming. Admire the ocean from a safe distance. +1
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are very limited.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help keep these beautiful beaches pristine by packing out all your trash.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal scenery is stunning; stop at pull-offs for incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, unspoiled coastal scenery and secluded beaches along East Cape Road, offering a peaceful escape. However, many note the presence of litter on some beaches and strongly advise against swimming due to dangerous currents. The unpaved road conditions also require a suitable vehicle.
"Beautiful views, but all the pullouts have lots of empty bottles... looks like where locals come to party. But if you choose the right spot it's not too bad, the views are fantastic enough to look past it... directly over the water as whales swim by."
Noah Morin
"Miles and miles and miles of gorgeous beaches. Must visit. Dirt roads but doable with a car."
Tina J.
"Lovely, secluded beach. Only giving 4 stars because the garbage cans were overflowing by the parking lot. Other than that, one of the best sand beaches in Cabo."
Anna Januzzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Cabo San Lucas, head east towards San Jose del Cabo and continue on Highway 1. Look for signs directing you to the East Cape Road (Camino Cabo Este). The drive itself is the attraction, offering scenic coastal views.
While some sections might be passable with a regular car, a high-clearance vehicle or a 4x4 is highly recommended due to unpaved and potentially rough terrain, especially after rain.
Much of East Cape Road is unpaved, consisting of dirt and gravel. While scenic, it requires careful driving and a suitable vehicle.
The 'drive' can be as long or as short as you like, as it's a stretch of coastal road. Popular destinations along it include La Ribera and Los Barriles. The total length depends on how far you choose to go.
Services are very limited. Small towns like La Ribera and Los Barriles offer some basic amenities, but it's best to stock up on essentials before you leave San Jose del Cabo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to drive along East Cape Road. It's a public road offering access to the coastline.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the beaches along East Cape Road. They are public access points to the coastline.
East Cape Road is a public road and is accessible at all hours. However, driving at night on unpaved sections can be challenging and is not recommended.
Beach access is generally available during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery.
The main restriction is to drive safely and be mindful of the road conditions. Respecting the environment and not leaving trash is also crucial.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Swimming Safety
No, most beaches along East Cape Road are not safe for swimming due to strong currents and undertows. It's best to admire the ocean from the shore. +1
The Pacific Ocean side, which East Cape Road borders, is known for powerful waves and dangerous rip currents. Red flags are often present. +1
Lifeguards are generally not present on the more secluded beaches along East Cape Road. Visitors are responsible for their own safety.
A red flag indicates dangerous swimming conditions. You should not enter the water.
While East Cape Road itself is not ideal for swimming, areas like the protected waters of Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas are much safer, though this is a different experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Every pull-off offers stunning views of the coastline, dramatic cliffs, and the vast ocean. Look for opportunities to capture the rugged beauty and potential whale sightings.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastline, expansive beaches, and unique desert-meets-ocean landscape make it a photographer's dream.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers beautiful ocean blues.
Yes, especially during whale migration season (winter months), you might spot whales from the shore. Keep an eye out for marine life and coastal birds.
Many of the unmarked pull-offs offer incredible, unobstructed views. Simply drive slowly and stop whenever a vista catches your eye.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit