For more than half a century, the Baja 1000 has been the sound of the peninsula: engines at dawn, dust rising over the desert, a whole region holding its breath for a checkered flag. This November, for the first time, the race belongs entirely to Baja California Sur. The 59th edition starts and finishes in Los Cabos, with race week running Nov. 9–15, 2026, and a course that climbs through the Sierra de la Giganta and reaches Loreto before it turns for home.
It is a rare chance to see a legend from its own front yard. Pre-race courses for drivers open Oct. 31, tech inspection fills the days before the start, and the energy in San José del Cabo builds like a street festival: teams, fans, mechanics and families sharing the same plazas.
The question is not whether to go. It is where to stay so that race week feels like a privilege and not a logistics puzzle.
Stay Close to the Start Line: San José del Cabo and Puerto Los Cabos
The start and finish are in San José del Cabo, a short drive from Los Cabos International Airport, which makes San José del Cabo the natural base. Its historic center gives you galleries, courtyard restaurants and early coffee within walking distance, and you can be at the action in minutes rather than hours.
If you prefer a marina setting with a polished, residential calm, Puerto Los Cabos sits right beside it. And Palmilla offers the classic Los Cabos retreat: ocean views, private terraces and a quieter pace to return to after a long day among engines and crowds.
Split the Week: Pair the Race With the Rest of Los Cabos
Race week does not have to be only race week. Groups who want both the thrill and the coastline often choose Cabo del Sol for its fairways and ocean horizon, or Cabo Marina for dinner on the water and nights that run late. Both are easy to reach by private driver, which is where our concierge steps in
Tell us your group size and which days you want trackside, and we arrange the rest: transportation timed to road closures, tables at the restaurants that will be full, a chef at home on the quiet evenings, and a morning at sea when the race noise fades.
Plan Early, Plan Light
SCORE publishes the final route, road closures and spectator zones close to race day, so build flexibility into your plans and confirm details with the official channels. The one thing that will not be flexible is availability: race week fills the best homes in San José del Cabo first, especially for larger groups.
FAQ
Where does the 2026 Baja 1000 start and finish?
In Los Cabos, with the start line in San José del Cabo, a short drive from Los Cabos International Airport. It is the first edition held entirely within Baja California Sur.
When is race week?
The event runs Nov. 9–15, 2026, with the race start currently set for Friday, Nov. 13. Check SCORE International for final schedules, road closures and spectator zones.
Which area is best for staying close to the action?
San José del Cabo and Puerto Los Cabos are the closest to the start line, while Palmilla and Cabo del Sol suit guests who want a quieter retreat within easy reach.
Stay for Race Week
Tell us the dates and the group, and our concierge will build the week around the start line.
