22 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is located at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), on the Los Cabos region, the southern tip of the Baja California Sur Peninsula in northwest Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas, along with Los Cabos Corridor, and  San José del Cabo are the main tourists resorts in the Los Cabos region.

Cabo is famous for its five-star resorts, whale watching, authentic Mexican food, fresh seafood, championship golf courses, nightlife, and iconic attractions such as the Arco de San Lucas and Mount Solmar.

Peak vacation season is around the corner, which means tons of fun in the sun. If you’re on the hunt for a trip that includes sandy beaches, rich culture, and memories to last a lifetime, Cabo San Lucas is the place for you! It’s a popular travel spot for a reason, after all! 

However, even if you’re set on going to this Mexican paradise, you might not know what to add to your must-do itinerary. No need to worry! By the time you’re done with this article, you’ll learn all about the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas!

Before heading to this beautiful tourist resort, I suggest booking accommodation, check out this where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas to have a better understanding of the best areas to stay in Cabo San Lucas.

22 Best Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas

1. Swming at Medano Beach

If you’re looking for a place where you can have a safe beach day with your whole family, visit Medano Beach, also known as Playa el Médano. This is considered one of the city’s main beaches. That also makes it one of the most crowded. 

Playa el Médano has white soft sand, crystal clear water, one of the most popular swimmable beaches in all of Los Cabo. There are also a variety of nearby restaurants and bars if you want to grab a meal or a drink.

While you won’t have a very private or intimate day at the beach, you can rest easy. The beach stretches from the harbor to Villa del Palmar. It is large enough that you should still feel like you have enough space for yourself. 

What’s even better? Since this is one of the most popular beach areas, there are plenty of lifeguards. You don’t have to worry about the likelihood of anything bad happening. 

That means you can just relax and unwind, whether on the sand or in the water. Or even while doing one of the water activities available in the area, like swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

This beach has something for everyone and is a must-visit for travelers of all ages.

2. Visit El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Land’s End

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, also known as  Land’s End, is the perfect attraction for nature lovers and water lovers alike. 

This natural arch in Land’s End, Cabo, is known around the world. It’s located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

However, getting to this awesome limestone rock formation might not be as simple as making a last-minute decision to visit. It’s not accessible from the mainland. That means you need to go on the water. 

Unless you’re an Olympic-level athlete, swimming isn’t recommended. Even if it doesn’t seem like that far of a trek, you don’t want to put yourself in any danger. 

Luckily, plenty of water-taxi and other boat services are available to you. Book one as soon as you know that you want to head out to the arc to guarantee the most available times to visit. 

Enjoy the boat ride, and make sure you have plenty of memory in your phone or camera for pictures so you can make your friends at home jealous. 

3. Playa Del Amor and Playa Del Divorcio

If you want a more secluded day at the shore, Playa de Amore (Beach of Love) and Playa Divorcio (Divorce Beach) are for you.  

Playa de Amore and Playa Divorcio are located near  El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.

Since taking a boat is the easiest way to get there, the crowds are much lower at these beaches compared to Medano. 

Both of these beaches are legendary in the area. However, you’ll still enjoy yourself even without knowing the lore behind them. 

Playa Del Amor is a calm beach where you can take a swim and a leisurely walk. You can even try out some safe snorkeling and underwater exploring.

Playa Del Divorcio, on the other hand, is dangers afoot. Divorce beach is breathtaking and treacherous, just a short walk away from Lover’s beach. 

You take a nice long walk along the shore, but any swimming should be done with care. The current here is stronger and prone to rip-tides. Since it’s a less famous beach, there are fewer and sometimes no lifeguards. 

4. Hike up the Pedregal Hills

While in Cabo San Lucas, why not set aside some time for hiking? It’s one of the best ways to get in some exercise while still seeing the natural beauty the area has to offer. 

Pedregal is a gated community, with easy access to downtown Cabo San Lucas, the marina, and the public beaches of Cabo San Lucas. 

The Pedregal Hills aren’t a one-stop-shop sort of hiking destination. You can take numerous trails that can vary between short and easy walks to more challenging treks. 

Honestly, if you wanted, you could make an entire vacation just out of exploring these different roads. 

If you make it to the top, you’ll get to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of all of Cabo and its bay. 

If you don’t think you can make the hike, but you still want to see the vista, you can take a car. 

However, it’s highly recommended you do the walk if you can. Even if you’ll be out of breath by the time you get up there, the scenery is well worth it. 

5. Whale Watching Tour

During the winter and spring months, humpback, orca, blue, and gray whales migrate down to the warmer waters in Cabo San Lucas. 

If you find yourself visiting during these months, booking a whale watching tour should be at the top of your itinerary. 

Sure, you might be able to see the whales breaching at a distance from the coast. 

However, what could be better than being out on the water where you can see them up close? 

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

If you’re worried you’ll get seasick, don’t let that stop you from going on one of these tours. Your tour operator will know how to handle things if you start feeling unwell so you can still have good memories of your adventure. 

This is a great family-friendly activity. However, let your operator know if you have small children with you. Some tours have an age requirement for safety reasons. 

6. Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay

For the person looking to do some underwater exploration, snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay is the activity for you. 

Santa Maria Bay, also known as Playa Santa Maria by locals, is located along the Tourist Corridor in Los Cabos, a short drive from Cabo.

Snorkeling here is particularly great for beginners. This Blue Flag beach has crystal clear and calm water, it’s safe for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. 

Its location is both a pro and a con for snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay. It’s secluded compared to some other Cabo beaches. 

On the bright side, that means that there will be fewer crowds if you don’t enjoy being around huge amounts of people. 

However, that also means you can’t easily access the bay except by boat. It’s not a long boat ride away, just a half-hour. However, that does mean that you might want to book a trip early, so you’re guaranteed to get to the bay when you want to. 

You can even book a trip with a tour company to take all the stress out of planning for your snorkeling adventure. 

7. Swim with Whale Sharks

If you’ve always wanted to swim with sharks, then you can cross that off your bucket list on your Cabo vacation. 

While you won’t find whale sharks right off the coast, La Paz offers many whale shark swimming tours for you. You’re just a few hours away from swimming with these giant underwater creatures. 

Whale sharks aren’t around all year round and tend to migrate. That means you’ll be more likely to find them in the waters near Cabo starting in November when the northern hemisphere waters start to get colder. 

Since whale sharks are considered “gentle giants,” this is a safe excursion that you’ll remember forever. 

All you have to do is make sure you can swim or brush up on your abilities so that you can glide through the water with ease. 

Since this is a wildlife-based activity, book with a professional agency to ensure your safety and the safety of your whale shark friends.

8. San José del Cabo Art Walk

Cabo doesn’t just offer adventure, and it’s also a cultural hub. If you’re an art lover, you have to check out the San José del Cabo art walk, also called the gallery district, where you can find impressive paintings, sculpture, photography, and jewelry by Mexican artists.

This pedestrian-only street is lined with galleries and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a magical evening. 

If you find yourself in Cabo between November and June, you can even catch the organized weekly evening art walk. 

Traditionally held on Thursday evening from 5 pm to 9 pm, this walk will make your evening fly by while still ending early enough to let you explore on your own. 

Even if you don’t think you’re a big art fan, you won’t regret going on this walk. The vibrant colors and atmosphere are sure to leave you mesmerized. 

9. Chileno Beach

If you love the beach but hate crowds and noise, the Blue Flag beach of Chileno Beach is the place for you. 

Just a short bus ride away from both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Chileno Beach in the Los Cabos Corridor, offers all the peace and quiet you could ever want from your day by the water. 

You can enjoy snorkeling or wading through the calm, clear, shallow waters without the fuss of feeling like you’re sharing your day with the entire world. 

While some people may consider the lack of restaurants within easy walking distance of the beach a negative, it doesn’t have to be! Pack yourself some snacks and drinks and enjoy a nice picnic on the beach. 

You can spend the whole day taking long walks, admiring the rock formations, and venturing into the water. You won’t know where the time has gone by the time you have to head back for the night.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, taking a family trip, or you’re on a romantic getaway, Playa Chileno won’t disappoint. 

10. Cabo Zipline at Wild Canyon

Thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers won’t have to look any further on their Cabo Spring break vacation. 

Taking a zipline tour will offer you the opportunity to see Cabo from a different point of you. Literally! 

Gliding through the air while taking in the breathtaking vistas will combine the area’s natural beauty with a boost of adrenaline. 

There are multiple different ziplining opportunities you can choose from depending on which views you’d like to see while you’re flying down the lines. 

You will find the Monster Ziplines of La Baja, and Bungee Bomber in Wild Canyon. Monster Ziplines have eight zip-lines, including the longest, most adrenaline-rush zip line in Baja with 815 meters, and speeds up to 90 km/h. 

Wild Canyon is located at El Tule along the Tourist Corridor, easily accessible from Cabo San Lucas.

While this may not be an activity for everyone, ziplining is a safe but thrilling experience that is great if you want to experience something a little different. 

Keep in mind agencies will likely have age, height, and weight requirements to participate. 

Check with your operator before you book to make sure everyone in your group will be able to enjoy the adventure. 

11. Have a Party at El Squid Roe

Cabo San Lucas isn’t just sandy beaches and nature adventures. There’s a great nightlife scene here as well!

There is no shortage of nightclubs you can choose from if you want to paint the town red. 

However, if you’re looking for a specific hotspot, make a point to visit El Squid Roe, located right in the middle of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

This club is right in the heart of Cabo’s nighttime action, and for a good reason. You can describe this club and restaurant with one word: party! 

Between the waiters spraying patrons with tequila to the dancing, if you’re looking for some excitement, El Squid Roe is there to deliver. 

If you’re not used to going to nightclubs, or if you’d describe yourself as reserved, then prepare yourself to go out of your comfort zone. 

This is the perfect place for a friends’ trip to Mexico, and it’s a great way to end a great vacation day with a bang. 

12. Marina Cabo San Lucas

A Cabo trip isn’t complete without a trip to the Marina neighborhood.

As the name would have you guess, this is a boating neighborhood. The docks with luxury yachts and vessels offer you hours of picturesque walking and exploring that will feel like you’re in a painting. 

You also won’t have any trouble finding quaint and delicious places to eat in the area. There are countless bars, restaurants, and shops, including Puerto Paraiso shopping and the Luxury Avenue shopping complex.

Marina Boardwalk between Baja Cantina and the Cultural Pavilion is an avenue for the Circuito Cultural from October through July every Saturday, and in August and September once a month. 

However, that’s not all. Being right on the water, you have access to tons of premier activities you might want to check off your to-do list. 

Book an excursion to swim with dolphins, head out on a whale watching tour,  glass-bottom boat tours to The Arch, or a water taxi to Lover’s Beach and Medano Beach. Whatever water adventures your heart desires, you won’t have any problem finding a way to do it in Marina. 

The only drawback to heading to Marina is narrowing down what you want to do!

13. Flora Farms

If you’re a food lover and adore visiting new and highly recommended restaurants, you’re in luck. That doesn’t have to stop just because you’re on vacation!

In fact, Cabo is a fantastic place to visit if food is a significant selling point for you. Especially if you’re looking for a farm-to-table experience, you won’t soon forget.

Flora Farms offers you a little of everything. Located in San Jose del Cabo, about 40 minutes outside of Cabo, this farm is active and more than ready for your visit. 

Flora Farms is one part tourist attraction, one part onside restaurant, Flora’s Field Kitchen, and altogether a must-see. You can tour the farm, go on nature walks, and take a multitude of different classes offered on property. 

All of that on just a regular day of the week!

The farm also hosts numerous events throughout the year. That means no matter when you visit Cabo, you can plan to carve out a little time to visit Flora Farms in all its glory. 

14. Scuba Diving

If you love exploring below the water’s surface, but snorkeling isn’t up to your speed, you can try scuba diving. 

Guess what? Cabo is a perfect place for that too! What better way to experience the beauty of Cabo’s coastal landscape than from below the Sea of Cortez water? 

Cabo boasts clear water and tons of hideaways, which are excellent spots for deeper diving. 

Land’s End, The Corridor, Gordo Banks, Diving La Paz, and Cabo Pulmo are some of the best scuba sites you can choose from. 

You don’t have to worry about being certified before your vacation. There are plenty of agencies that will certify you right on location in Cabo before taking you out to go on your diving excursion. 

The number of diving tours you can go on is nearly endless. It’ll be hard for you to pick just one. 

15. Todos Santos

While not in Cabo San Lucas exactly, Todos Santos, home to Hotel California, is just a short trip away. 

This desert oasis on the Tropic of Cancer is located west of the Sierra de La Laguna mountain range, between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.

At less than 50 miles away, visiting this town is well worth the day trip. Whether you decide to drive or go with a public transportation option, getting to Todos Santos is quick, easy, and painless. 

This quaint small town offers you a picturesque visit that will help you reset after the excitement of Cabo. 

As one of Mexico’s safest towns, you can wander with relative ease. Just let yourself get absorbed in the warm ambiance the city has to offer. You won’t be wanting for places to eat and things to see. 

If you’re still looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by, then pick up something traditional from one of the little markets and shops. 

You’ll be tired by the time you make it back to Cabo, but you’ll be happy you made the trip.

16. Wirikuta Botanical Cactus Gardens

For the plant and cactus lover, you can’t miss the Wirikuta Botanical Cactus Gardens on your Cabo trip. It’s located in Puerto Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo, 1.2 miles from San José del Cabo.

Feast your eyes on over a million plants that aren’t just local but come from all over the world. 

You can easily spend hours getting lost among thousand of plants and not get bored. At over 10-acres, you and your whole family will have room to roam. Make a game out of it and see who can spot the coolest looking plant. 

Between October and July,  the weather is pleasant, is the best time to visit Wirikuta, you will have a chance to see the Huichol show. Between late April to June, its cactus bloom.

Just make sure you don’t touch the plants and are respectful. No trampling, no littering, and no clipping, especially without permission! 

At the time of writing this article, the gardens are temporarily closed. However, they’ll be open again soon. When they do, they’ll be ready for your visit!

Call ahead and check their opening times throughout the year. That way, you can make sure you plan your visit to Cabo when they’re open.

17. Try Some Golf

If you thought Cabo was all about their water-based sports, you’d be right. However, visiting will also give you a chance to improve your golf game as well!

Golfing in Cabo is a unique experience you won’t be able to recreate anywhere else in the world. 

In part, that’s because Cabo is home to courses designed by celebrity golf enthusiasts. If you wanted to try your swing on a course designed by Tiger Woods himself, Cabo is the place to do that!

However, it’s not just the connection to the golf world itself that makes Cabo a golfer’s dream vacation spot. 

Golfing in the Cabo landscape is gorgeous with its blue water and gorgeous panoramic views. In fact, you might be so entranced by how beautiful the course is you forget to pay attention to your game!

Relax and enjoy playing 18 holes in this golf paradise. Some of the famous golf courses are Diamante Golf Club, Cabo del Sol Ocean, Palmilla, Quivira Golf Club, Cabo San Real, and Querencia.

18. Mount Solmar

Another hiking option for the traveler who loves adventure, Mount Solmar towers over Cabo.  Solmar Mountain has different names Mt. Solmar, Vigía Hill, or Av. Solmar.

While many people may admire it from a distance, you can climb it for yourself!

The hike isn’t considered long. However, if you’re not used to hiking, it may not be the best place for you to start. 

It’s not an easy climb, and there are no official hiking trails to make it any easier! In fact, you may find yourself doubting if you’re allowed to hike this peak at all. That’s because there’s no official access to the mountain either. Rest assured, you are to climb this mount!

The hike may not be for the faint of heart, but if you think you’re up to it, the fatigue is worth it! 

Not only will you get a great view of Cabo Bay, but you’ll also have an experience that most Cabo visitors pass on having.  

19. Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort

Cabo San Lucas doesn’t have to be a vacation destination just for people who enjoy planning. 

With over a dozen all-inclusive resort options, if you want a vacation where you don’t have to worry about a thing, you can get that in Cabo. 

No matter what sort of trip you take, a resort-like this will make your trip memorable. However, an all-inclusive resort makes for couples, families, with activities, amenities, and services for all.

Many resorts located right on the beach, have onsite restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and elegant rooms.

All you have to do is show up and be ready to have a good time. Your food and lodgings are taken care of. Most resorts will even offer daily and nightly activities to keep you busy. All included in the price of your stay!

If you’re curious about what it’s like to feel like a celebrity for a few days, add staying in an all-inclusive resort at the top of your Cabo itinerary. 

20. Church of Saint Luke

Located in the downtown Cabo San Lucas, close to the marina, the Church of Saint Luke, or Parroquia de San Lucas Evangelista, is a living piece of Cabo history. No matter your religious beliefs, this little church is worthy of a visit. 

It’s centrally located, making it a great starting point for a day in the city. That also means you’ll have plenty of food options to choose from when you’re done with your visit. 

The Church of Saint Luke was built in 1730 by a Spanish missionary. Admire the architecture and the statues that combine traditional Mexican style with ornate religious styles. 

While this isn’t an all-day sort of visit, this little church is often looked over. You’ll have experienced a little bit of local culture that hasn’t been overly commercialized yet if you visit. 

You’ll also have the bragging rights of visiting someplace most people don’t even know exists! 

A little tip, see if one of the priests or church volunteers is there when you visit. You’ll learn even more about the authentic history of the church and area straight from a local.

21. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

When you visit the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and Preserve, you’ll be experiencing a natural park unlike any others in the northern hemisphere. It’s a World Heritage site and home to the only hard coral reef in North America. 

Not only that, but more than 400 species of fish and multiple other marine animals call this park home!

The park offers so many activities. You won’t get bored. You can kayak, hike, and fish. You can even snorkel to admire this natural aquarium up close and personal. Or you can lay back and enjoy the park’s beauty from one of its beaches. 

As in every natural park, be a responsible visitor. Make sure you collect all your belongings and don’t disturb the local wildlife. That way, you can help ensure that you and plenty of other people can continue to visit the park for years to come.  

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and Preserve is Mexico’s Baja California peninsula,  60 miles north of Los Cabos.

22. Take a Camel Ride in the Desert

The final entry on this list is definitely for travelers looking for a unique experience. 

You might not have thought you could take a camel tour in Mexico, but Cabo has got you covered on that front. 

Taking a camel ride through the Mexican desert is pure fun and adventure. You’ll enjoy the voyage so much. You’ll want to do it again and again. 

In fact, you’ll probably wish you could adopt your camel friend. 

If you’re someone who wants to do things that are outside of the box when they travel, then book yourself a camel riding tour. 

You’ll even get the added bonus of being able to brag about it to your friends. It’s almost guaranteed no one else you know who has gone to Cabo has gone on that particular tour. 

This activity is enough adventure to satiate thrill-seekers while still being safe and accessible to those who prefer a little more relaxation and security in their lives. 

Cabo San Lucas is a dream destination. No matter what sort of vacations you like, from relaxing and quiet to loud and thrilling, you can find more than enough ways to have a blast on your trip. 

So, what are you waiting for? Go get started on your Itinerary now that you know the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

Leave a Comment