15 Best Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas
Looking for things to do in Cabo San Lucas on your next trip to Baja? I’ve put together a list of a few things for first timers, repeat visitors and even someone who’s only in town for a day on a cruise.
Cabo San Lucas, located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With its warm weather and stunning beaches, there are countless things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I provide. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Thank you for your support.
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, there are endless things to do in this beautiful part of Mexico. Cabo San Lucas can be as exciting and action packed as you like.
Most people come to Cabo to take advantage of the location and spend time on the beaches. It’s no wonder because some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the world can be found in this region, including Lover’s Beach, Medano Beach, and Chileno Beach.
Visitors can relax in the sun, swim in the clear blue waters, or take part in a range of water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling or diving.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Baja. The area is known for its excellent sport fishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, and other game fish. Start your Mexican adventure with these best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
1. Tour the Iconic Arco de Cabo
Since it’s one of the most iconic places in North America, visiting the Arch, or el Arco de Cabo, should be at the top of anyone’s list of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas list. Although, you can see the arch from the some of the most popular beaches and many of the hotels in Cabo, getting an in person, close-up tour is definitely best.
To do that, take a boat ride across the Sea of Cortez with either an organized tour or make arrangements with one of the many tour guides right on Medano Beach. You can also find people booking tours (and time shares) at one of the many tour kiosks in the marina.
A tour to the Arch takes you along the stunning Baja coastline, offering spectacular views of the rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Along the way, you may spot sea lions lounging on the rocks, schools of colorful fish swimming in the clear water, and possibly even whales breaching in the distance.
When you reach the Arch, your boat will navigate through the nearby rock formations, allowing you to see the iconic landmark up close. The Arch is a popular spot for taking photos, and many boat captains will pause to allow passengers to snap pictures of this breathtaking natural wonder
Tours to the Arch might differ slightly but most take you to the Arch, Neptune’s Finger – which is the very last rock formation of the Baja peninsula – and the Reserva de Lobos Marinos or the sea lion reserve.
Depending on your tour, some also snorkeling or even scuba diving opportunities, allowing you to explore the diverse marine life that calls this area home
2. Stroll Lover’s Beach
At the tip of the Baja peninsula are two of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Baja – Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach.
Because of Baja’s shape, Lover’s Beach faces the mainland of Cabo San Lucas and is somewhat protected from the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Also known as Playa del Amor, it’s a secluded spot that can only be accessed by water taxi or boat.
Divorce Beach, on the south side of the peninsula, faces the open waters of the Pacific. That means the surf and waves are more turbulent and not as calm as Lover’s Beach. In fact, it it’s not already obvious, the two names come from the differences in the two beaches.
You can access both beaches by boat or water tour. Most organized tours drop their passengers off on Lover’s Beach. From there you can easily walk to Divorce Beach.
The crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez of Lover’s Beach provide a perfect swimming and snorkeling experience and offer an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. However, swimming is not recommended on Divorce Beach because of the waves and currents.
Keep in mind there are no vendors or facilities of any kind on the beach so you might want to take any drinks or snacks and a towel or something to sit on. Even a drybag or something to keep your phone from getting wet isn’t a bad idea.
3. Try Deep Sea Fishing
I could list plenty of reasons why I’m not a fan of deep sea fishing but the main one is because it usually means getting up before the sun to get to your fishing spot. Not my idea of fun on a vacation.
However, deep sea fishing in the Pacific Ocean turned out to be one of the most amazing things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Even though it’s deep sea fishing, the boat only goes a few miles out.
As someone who doesn’t love being on a little boat in the middle of the ocean, there was always land in sight and that was very reassuring. There are probably tours that go further but I was grateful that ours didn’t.
Of course, the best part of the experience is the catch if you are lucky. On our last trip, we not only reeled in mahi mahi but also two marlins!
4. Meet Pancho the Sea Lion
As you return to the marina from deep sea fishing, tell your captain you’d like to meet Pancho the sea lion. Pancho has become quite a celebrity in Cabo San Lucas.
He likes to greet the boats as they return with their catches because he knows they are good for a quick easy meal. Pancho jumps on the back of the boat for his handout. I suspect there is more than one Pancho but it’s still a fun thing to do in Cabo San Lucas.
5. Stand Up Paddle
Stand up paddle, also known as SUP, is a popular activity in Cabo San Lucas. With its calm, clear waters and stunning coastal scenery, Cabo is the perfect place to enjoy this fun and relaxing water sport.
SUP enthusiasts can paddle along the shoreline, admiring the picturesque rock formations and vibrant marine life, or venture out to sea for a more challenging adventure.
If you are a first-timer, the calm water at Medano Beach is the perfect place to paddle or learn to stand up paddle. You can rent a board from your hotel or a tour operator on the beach.
Many of the hotels and resorts have protected roped off areas so you’ll feel comfortable, safely tucked away from boats and jetskis.
There are plenty of places you can rent from right on the beach. Many of the resorts and hotels even have their own rentals. You can rent by the day or by the hour. If you have never tried it before, I suggest starting with an hour.
If you like it, you can always extend your time or do it another day. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, stand up paddle is a memorable experience and one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
6. Plan a Day Trip to Todos Santos
Road tripping and day tripping in Baja California Sur is an incredible adventure that offers breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences and a chance to learn more about Mexican culture.
A day trip to Todos Santos, about an hour north of Cabo, is the ideal way to take advantage of the location.
Todos Santos is known for its picturesque streets and colorful buildings, art galleries and the infamous Hotel California.
The town has a an interesting history and visitors can explore its cultural and historical landmarks, including the 18th-century Mission Santa Rosa de Todos Santos.
Additionally, the area is also home to beautiful beaches, such as Playa Los Cerritos, where visitors can surf, swim, or simply relax and soak up the sun. And catch a gorgeous sunset.
7. Take a Sunset Cruise
Speaking of sunsets, some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen have been in Baja and a sunset cruise is the memorable, and not to mention romantic, way to experience the setting sun.
As the sun goes down over the Pacific Ocean, visitors relax on a luxurious yacht or catamaran and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline, including the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
The warm ocean breeze and tranquil waters create a peaceful atmosphere, and many sunset cruises offer music, drinks, and appetizers to enhance the experience.
When the sun finally dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with a spectrum of warm colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for a romantic evening or special occasion.
There are several tour companies that offer sunset cruises but Cabo Blue’s tour on their sailboat, instead of a bigger yacht, is wonderful.
Since it’s a smaller boat, there’s less people and it’s more about the experience and less of a party atmosphere.
Some of the tours include dinner but we chose one served appetizers, which included ceviche and a few other snacks. The tour also included plent of cold Pacificos. It was the perfect way to end the day.
8. Go Off-Road
For a bit of excitement and to get the adrenaline flowing, an ATV trip in the desert is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Theses tours take you through the desert landscapes, hills and beaches surrounding the city and offer half-day to full-day excursions with varying levels of difficulty and terrain.
Before booking an ATV tour, it’s important to check the operator’s safety record, their reviews, and their policies on things like helmet use and insurance coverage.
You should also dress appropriately for the activity, wearing comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Julio, a Baja local, from Chilango Store Tours took us swimming with whale sharks on our very first trip to Baja Sur. Now he offers tours in Cabo as well. Some of the tours include other activities such as ziplining and beach time.
9. Relax at a Beach Club
If you came to Mexico to relax, there’s no better way to do that than by spending a day lounging by the ocean and having someone else serve the drinks.
Medano Beach has several beach clubs where the only thing you have to do all day is pick out your chair and let someone else do the rest.
One of the most famous is Mango Deck, who is pretty well known for their entertainment and events. Actually some of them can get a bit bawdy. If that’s not your thing they do have some quieter areas.
However, I would totally want to avoid any of the beach clubs if you for some reason find yourself in Cabo during Spring Break.
Depending on the season, most beach clubs will give you a lounge chair for free as long as you eat and drink there. Understandably, they want to make sure it’s worth their while for you to take up space in their club, so there’s usually a minimum of two drinks.
10. Go Whale-Watching
Cabo San Lucas is also known for its whale watching tours, particularly during the winter months when humpback and gray whales migrate to the waters surrounding the Baja Peninsula.
These tours typically last around 2-3 hours and take you out to sea on a boat with a knowledgeable guide who can help you spot the whales and provide information about their behavior and habitat.
Tour operators provide life jackets, binoculars, and other equipment to enhance the experience. And sometimes include food and drinks.
When looking for a tour, it’s important to choose a reputable and responsible operator that follows local regulations to minimize disturbance to the whales and their environment.
Keep in mind that sightings are never guaranteed, as whales are wild animals and may not always be present in the area but it’s a lot of fun looking. To have the best chance at seeing them, plan to visit in January to March.
11. Sample Beer
I always reach for a Pacifico beer when I’m in Baja but for those who have a more sophisticated tastes Cabo has quite the growing craft beer scene, with a handful of local breweries offering a variety of delicious and unique brews.
This region of Baja, and Cabo San Lucas in particular, lends itself well to the brewing of beer. Because of the warm and sunny climate, it’s ideal for growing hops and other ingredients used in beer making. In addition, there’s access to fresh water sources, which are essential for brewing high-quality beer.
Baja Brewing Company is a popular brewery that offers a range of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also has a restaurant that serves pub-style food, making it a great spot to enjoy a beer and a meal and one of the best views in Baja from the roof of Cabo Villas right on Medano Beach.
12. Devour Fish Tacos
Okay, it’s Mexico so you probably don’t need too much twisting of the arm to eat tacos. Actually, some of the best tacos I’ve ever eaten have been in the Baja Sur and my favorite spot is Taco Gardenias. This popular taco stand has been around for over 20 years and is known for serving delicious and affordable tacos.
The menu at Tacos Gardenias is simple, featuring a variety of traditional Mexican tacos made with fresh ingredients.
Some of the most popular tacos include the al pastor (spicy marinated pork), carne asada (grilled steak), and pollo (chicken) tacos. The tacos are served on fresh corn tortillas and come with a variety of toppings, including cilantro, onions, and salsa.
In addition to tacos, Tacos Gardenias also serves other Mexican specialties, including burritos, quesadillas, and tostadas. The stand has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, with outdoor seating available for customers to enjoy their food
The ones I like the best are the fried fish and the fried shrimp tacos. Another plus is all the toppings and salsas they serve. That just makes them even better.
13. Hit the Links
Cabo San Lucas is a golfer’s paradise, with a number of world-class golf courses in the area. The courses are known for their stunning ocean views and the surrounding desert landscape, as well as their challenging designs that cater to players of all skill levels.
A few of the resorts offer packages and even if your aren’t staying there you can still access to the affiliated golf courses. In addition to luxurious accommodations, many of these resorts often provide top-notch amenities like spa facilities and fine dining options and depending on where they are located, access to beautiful beaches.
One of the more popular courses in the Diamante Cabo San Lucas. This resort, located on the sand dunes along the southernmost tip of Cabo San Lucas, is one of the most. popular resort destinations and features a top-100 ranked course designed by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods.
14. Enjoy a Farm to Table Experience
For foodies, farm-to-table restaurants in Baja Sur have become a popular way to experience fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a beautiful setting.
Cabo San Lucas, and Baja in general, is an ideal destination for this type of dining due to the proximity to numerous organic farms and fishing villages. The region’s abundant sunshine, fertile soil, and mild climate allow for year-round cultivation of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Also, the nearby Sea of Cortez provides a bounty of fresh seafood. This makes it easy for restaurants in the area to source high-quality, locally grown ingredients and incorporate them into their menus.
One of the best farm to table experiences in my opinion is Jazamango, a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Todos Santos.
The restaurant, created by renowned chef Javier Plascencia, is set within a beautiful garden oasis and features a farm-to-table concept, with many of its ingredients grown on the property or sourced from local organic farms.
The menu at Jazamango is inspired by the flavors of Baja California and features a variety of dishes that highlight the region’s fresh produce and seafood.
Los Tamarindos is another farm-to-table restaurant located on a historic 17-acre farm in San Jose del Cabo. Ond of the best things about this experience is that they offer tours of the farm.
15. Get Up Early For Sunrise
As I already mentioned, getting up early on vacation isn’t really my thing. But getting up early for a Cabo sunrise is totally worth it.
Due to its geographical location and the unique natural shape of Bajs, Cabo San Lucas is an excellent destination for sunrises. The east-facing coastline provides unobstructed views of the horizon, allowing for clear vistas during sunrise.
Plus, because of the way the light plays on the water, the reflection of the sun, the colors can be truly mesmerizing. You can always go back to sleep after you see it but don’t miss a sunrise in Cabo. They are truly spectacular!
Final Thoughts on Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas
There are so many fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas,. You could easily spend several weeks in Baja Sur exploring the area. For those looking for adventure – there’s ziplining, skydiving and even camel rides. Are you a foodie? Then catch a tequila tasting or a cooking class. Cabo San Lucas is sure to have you busy from sunrise to sunset and every hour in between.
See you on the road!
