Things to do in Cabo San Lucas may seem few in number for such a small sleepy outpost at the bottom of Baja Sur. And chances are, whatever you do in Los Cabos, a beach will be attached. In fact, one of the most swimmable and sought after beaches in the Baja, Medana Beach, lines the shores of the town and often finds itself topping the list for all the things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
But did you know Los Cabos has some 25 “Blue Flagg” beaches that are noted for their beauty and safety and deemed perfect for swimming, sunning, floating and playing? Did you know Diana Flores, the Captain and Quarterback of Mexico’s World Champion Women’s National Flag Football Team was recently tabb as the first-ever Brand Ambassador for Los Cabos? Did you know there are now 28 U.S. cities with non-stop flights to Los Cabos?
There is much to know about Los Cabos as well as much to consider when it comes to things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Here is our list for those who want to get out of their 5-star accommodations and explore the town.
Watch Whales
Encountering a pod of whales up close as they launch their huge bodies out of the water and into the air can only be described as a bucket-list experience. This is the reality for tourists in Cabo as humpback whales and other whale species migrate their hunting grounds in the Arctic to breed and give birth in the warmer waters of the Baja Peninsula.
This remarkable phenomenon happens towards the end of the year, starting as early as November and stretching to April. It is one of the best experiences in Cabo, and tourists go on whale-watching excursions to marvel at these majestic marine mammals in their element.
Ride Camels
While camels are not the first thing tourists would expect to see on a beach, the “ship of the desert” is a common sighting on the Cabo beaches, considering the city is partly beach and desert.
With this comes the opportunity for visitors to enjoy an easy-going ride on the back of the gentle giant, which has become a go-to activity for couples and families vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities for vacationers in Cabo San Lucas. It offers them a rare opportunity to venture underwater and experience exotic marine life.
Luckily, Cabo has multiple bays with crystal clear waters that allow divers to appreciate the ocean’s biodiversity from close encounters with undersea species like rainbow wrasse and parrotfish.
Swim: Things to do in Cabo San
A Cabo San Lucas holiday can’t be complete without a dip into the water. And one of the best beaches in the area is Lover’s Beach, which is interestingly connected to Divorce Beach on the other side.
Separated by a little island on Land’s End, the two beaches are almost name symbolically, giving tourists a clue on what to expect.
While Lover’s Beach features calm and peaceful waters perfect for swimming, Divorce Beach is defined by turbulent waves that make swimming uncomfortable. For non-swimmers, several boat operators and fishermen on-site offer rides to Lover’s Beach and back for a small fee (around $10).
Lover’s Beach is the perfect place to take a dip and enjoy the warm water of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a good idea to get there early, as the beach can get incredibly busy and crowded during the middle of the day.
An easy way to get to Lovers Beach is by joining a cruise or water taxi from Medano Beach. There are local vendors selling snacks and renting out beach umbrellas, but you can bring your own picnic to the beach.
Things to do in Cabo San: Entertainment
Another option is to go kayaking around Lover’s Beach and The Arch! Paddle to a sea lion colony, around Divorce and Lover’s beaches, and snorkel as well. Snacks are usually included and beginners are welcome.
Medano Beach is the center of tourist activity in Cabo San Lucas as it’s full of dining options, shaded beach loungers, and high-rise buildings dotting the coast. The beach is known for its beautiful turquoise waters, which make excellent bases for parasailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Find a variety of local shacks selling fresh seafood and fish tacos. In the evening, enjoy authentic Mexican food and beer at the promenade’s many beachside restaurants and cantinas.
Another favorite beach is Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno) and it is the perfect location for those who are not up for the scene, sounds and energy rising from the beach clubs of Medano. Living up to its name, Chileno Beach is the place to chill. More popular with locals than tourists, this quiet stretch of coastline is considerably less chaotic than the rest of the city. Perfect for families, Chileno is also one of the best-equipped beaches in Cabo, boasting bathrooms, showers, shade palapas, and even disabled access.
There is a ban on motorized water sports here so the calm waters are wonderful for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. As there is a reef just offshore, the bay is full of interesting tropical fish. During whale season, this beach is also a great place to spot – and even hear –migrating humpback whales.
Sip: Things to do in Cabo San: Things to do in Cabo San
Tequila might just be Mexico’s most famous export, so tasting it at the source is a must. For tourists who prefer to take it easy in Cabo San Lucas, nothing beats the serenity of lying on the silky smooth beach sand with a cocktail glass on the side while watching the beautiful sunset on the horizon. This is especially true for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Numerous restaurants and bars line the beaches. One good choice would be Mangos On The Beach, which serves luscious dishes, or Omega Sports Bar, famous for its cocktails.
Taste: Things to do in Cabo San
Tacos are not just for Tuesdays. Taco tasting is a national pass time and one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The town boasts numerous eateries serving tacos of all shapes and sizes with a side of guacamole. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample the local cuisine and rediscover Mexican food.
Almost every restaurant in the city serves tacos with different fillings and guacamole, which can pair with tequila to get the ultimate local experience.
For those who do not want to leave things to chance and miss out on tasting the taco of a lifetime, best advice: take a taco tour. Viator offers a number of choices for this, offering the low-down on the traditional dish with some history and an eye for authenticity. Other walking and tacoing tours, such as Juan More Taco and AvoCabo Food Tours, can also be considered and also offer private tours.
Meanhwile, the fresh seafood in Cabo San Lucas (you can watch the fishermen heaving their catches in the marina area) is also a must. Restaurants and cafes around the marina serve mahi mahi, red snappers, and varieties of sushi and sashimi from these same-day catches. After dinner, the harbor takes on a more romantic tone, with lights and music and drinks and nightclubs. Most restaurants and bars are open until midnight.
Cook: Things to do in Cabo San
If you enjoy cooking and eating and having it all with a really good margaritas, then you should take a cooking class with Cookin’ Cabo.
The tour starts with a sweep of local shops to buy the ingredients need – each day of the week offers a different culinary focus. Visit a local tortillería, where tortillas are from scratch and gain a feel for each ingredient that goes into a good tortilla. Also learn to make local libations before heading to the master kitchen to cook cucina style and also make a proper margarita during this very hands on and authentic class. Other options are plentiful and available through Viator or available at most hotels by private arrangement.
Cruise
Visiting Land’s End is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Land’s End (El Arco de Cabo San Lucas) is a famous, if not the most famous, landmark in Cabo. The arc-shape rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, often refers to as El Arco, is only accessible by water taxi from the downtown marina. Land’s End is one of the most romantic spots to see the sunset – you might even see sea lions gathering along the Los Frailes rock formation.
Many tourists arrange for a glass-bottom boat tour, which allows you to see the sea life below. Land’s End is where the Pacific Sea meets the Sea of Cortez, so currents are strong – swimming isn’t encouraged in the area.
The only access to this area is by boat. You don’t need to do a tour per se. Visitors can catch one of the many water taxis available from the Marina and also Medano Beach.
In these cases the captain takes passengers out on a small boat for a short 30-minute tour around The Arch and some of the other rock formations. Then, passengers can opt to be dropped at Playa de Los Amantes or Lover’s Beach, where you can walk to Playa del Divorcio or Divorce Beach for a specified amount of time. The captain will then come around later for the return at an agreed-upon time.
Lover Beach
Lover’s Beach is a shelter, calm beach. In contrast, you can walk to the other side of the peninsula to Divorce Beach on the Pacific Ocean where the waves are incredibly rough, and swimming is tough and not recommend.
Make it Upscale and hire a yacht. Visitors can get out on a luxury yacht, see the sites, snorkel and drink champagne while exploring the Baja coastline. There is no shortage of private yacht purveyors and even sailboat rental companies in Cabo San Lucas and rates can quite reasonable.
Most fishing charter companies also have a few larger boats that you can hire for the day along with a boat captain. And in Cabo sportfishing is almost a blood sport.
Fishing is one of the most sought after things to do in Cabo San Lucas, and the waters are swimming with marlin, tuna, and wahoo.
Each year, Cabo San Lucas hosts one of the biggest fishing competitions in the world. The top three winners receive more than a $1million in prize money and other winners come back quite a bit richer as well. The next grand tournament, 2023, happens later in October.
Hike
A top thing to do in Cabo San Lucas is to hike to the white cross atop Mount Solmar at sunrise or sunset. The summitting takes around 30 minutes, and bring views of downtown Cabo and all its beaches.
Access to the hiking trail is on a private property south of the Cabo Marina, but there is never a problem and there’s a tip jar for those wishing to help out with the trail’s upkeep. It’s advised that to wear sunscreen and proper walking shoes – carry some snacks and water to keep fueled for the hike.
Shop
While Cabo San Lucas is not a shopping Mecca as other destinations may be, those who are in the mood can head to Luxury Avenue. It is located next to the main mall, Puerto Paraiso Mall. Puerto Paraiso Mall is the place for trinkets, beach fashion, and accessories. Luxury Avenue brings the designer retailers like Louis Vuitton, YSL, and Chanel.
Zip
One of the most electrifying things to do in Cabo San Lucas is to take on the Wild Canyon zip line.
Feel the adrenaline build as you hurtle through the air, soaring over ravines in the middle of the desert. Fly with your friends on tandem lines, with the glittering Sea of Cortez providing a magical backdrop to your aerial adventure.
Sightsee
Cabo San Lucas is a relatively recent town, built as a fishing destination for tuna catches earlier in the last century and then a prominent destination for tourism as time shares began to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s. But there are still some remnants from colonial days when missionaries from Spain sought to settle the land and spread their gospels. Iglesia de San Lucas is a preserved part of that time and is a pivotal landmark in Cabo San Lucas. Built in the 1700s, this beautiful church is one of the most historic buildings in the city. Reminiscent of old Mexico, the church still shows many of its original period features.
Located just a short walk from the marina, Iglesia de San Lucas brings a public area is full of flowers, trees, and places to sit. In contrast to the traditional church, the plaza has been modernized with small shops and restaurants.
Or one can visit a cactus garden. The cactus is a Mexican icon and Wirikuta Botanical Gardens celebrates this with unbridled flair. The 12-acre park boasts over a million cacti and desert plants from around the world — how many can you identify?
However, it’s not all about the humble cactus. A bougainvillea labyrinth awaits as do giant granite pyramids and all manner of botanical nooks and crannies.
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