What the Baja 1000 is
The BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000 has run since the late 1960s and is the last and biggest race of SCORE's Baja season, alongside the San Felipe 250, Baja 400 and Baja 500. Trophy trucks, buggies, UTVs and motorcycles race through the desert for a day or more, nonstop.
The race moves around the peninsula. In 2026 SCORE lists San José del Cabo as its home, so tech inspection, contingency, the start and finish, and the teams and fans all come to Los Cabos. Most years it's based up north in Ensenada, so this is a rare chance if you're in Cabo.
What race week means for visitors
Expect San José del Cabo to be busy for the whole week, with race teams, support trucks and fans filling hotels and restaurants. Parts of the desert and some backroads will be on or near the course, and there may be traffic control on race days. SCORE publishes the course map and official schedule closer to the race; check it before planning any drives inland or a day trip up toward Todos Santos.
Spectating in the desert is a serious commitment: dirt roads, dust, no services and trucks passing at speed. If that's not you, the pre-race events and the finish area in town are the easier way to soak it up. Keep kids well back from any course.
Book restaurants and any San José hotel nights early for that week, and be patient on the corridor.
Getting to San José
San José del Cabo is about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Médano Beach along the corridor, more in race-week traffic. See Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo if you're deciding how much time to spend over there. For a meal in town, Los Tamarindos and Mi Cocina at Casa Natalia are both good; book ahead that week.