Heading to Los Cabos? Here’s a comprehensive list of things to do in Los Cabos, covering both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Blessed with wide empty beaches frequented by humpback whales, Los Cabos is easily one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. Despite its location in the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, it’s well connected to many parts of the US and Mexico via a cheap flight.
Many people don’t know that Los Cabos is actually made up of the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo linked by a 34km (21-mile) Tourist Corridor of beach-front resorts and endless miles of coastline. The area was rural until the late 20th century when the Mexican government began to develop Cabo San Lucas for tourism.
Today, Los Cabos is a bustling tourist destination, and there are so many things to do in Los Cabos you’ll need weeks to try them all! You can easily go whale watching, sand boarding, surfing, or swimming in hot springs – all in one day. Here’s my detailed guide to Los Cabos:
Table of Contents
- Things to Do in Los Cabos
- 1. Do a Boat Tour
- 2. Go Whale-Watching
- 3. Swim at Santa Maria Beach
- 4. Snorkel at Chileno Beach
- 5. Get a Massage at Medano Beach
- 6. Learn to Surf at Costa Azul
- 7. Stroll around the Cabo San Lucas Marina
- 8. Bike through Cabo San Lucas on Sundays
- 9. Feast on Baja Fish Tacos
- 10. Have Dinner at Wachinango’s
- 11. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Monalisa
- 12. Catch the View at Pedregal
- 13. Explore San José del Cabo
- 14. Do the San José del Cabo Art Walk
- 15. Go Birdwatching at the San José Estuary
- 16. Have Brunch at Flora Farms
- 17. Go Ziplining at Wild Canyon
- Things to Do Around Los Cabos
- Los Cabos Travel Guide
Things to Do in Los Cabos
1. Do a Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas is hop on a boat tour of Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. You’ll get to admire el Arco, an ocean-carved arch and prevailing symbol of Los Cabos. Every four years or so, the water level gets low enough to reveal a beach under the arch, and that’s when you get the rare opportunity to walk under the arch. Otherwise, you can only admire it from the water.
Next to it are various other dramatic rock formations including the Pirate’s Cave and Pelican’s Rock. They are a hot spot for sea lion colonies and, in the winter, migrating whales. You can do a sunset cruise to see el Arco in the evening, or join a snorkeling trip in a crystal-clear boat. Most of these boat trips will also include whale-watching, especially during the season (read more below).
2. Go Whale-Watching
From January through April, Baja California is one of the world’s best places for whale watching. There are so many species to see, including humpbacks, blue, minke, orca, fin, Bryde’s, sperm, sei, and the iconic gray whales of the eastern Pacific. And you don’t have to travel far to see them – whales can be spotted right off the marina of Cabo San Lucas!
Whale-watching tours prioritize eco-conscious practices and are in high demand, often reaching capacity quickly. Therefore, it’s advisable to secure bookings well in advance to ensure your spot on these unforgettable excursions. We booked this whale-watching tour with a marine biologist and were very happy with it.
3. Swim at Santa Maria Beach
Los Cabos boasts 25 blue flag beaches – this special designation identifies beaches with the highest safety, water quality, and environmental standards. Not all beaches are safe for swimmers – many of the beaches on the Pacific side have dangerous waves and strong undertows. But these beaches are well marked.
Santa Maria Beach is the most swimmable beach near Cabos San Lucas. The protected marine area is relatively quiet and secluded, with calm and shallow waters great for those traveling with kids. A little further from the beautiful sands, you can go snorkeling with an underwater spectacle of colorful marine life.
4. Snorkel at Chileno Beach
Just a stone’s throw from Santa Maria Beach is Chileno Beach, a calm bay that has the best amenities on the stretch of coast between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. You’ll find lifeguards, kayaks and SUPs for rent, beach benches, showers and bathrooms. There’s also a well-paved boardwalk that leads from the carpark all along the beach.
Lauded as one of the best beaches in Baja California, this mile-long beach has shallow waters with lots of marine life, offering some great snorkeling right off the beach! It’s very family-friendly, suitable for those traveling Los Cabos with little ones.
5. Get a Massage at Medano Beach
The main beach in Cabo San Lucas is, as you would expect, the most popular one. Medano Beach is the closest beach to the city center, and it’s lined with a string of beach bars and restaurants.
The most atmospheric is definitely The Sand Bar, known for its excellent seafood dishes and cocktails. You can lie on the sun-loungers here or have a massage on their upper deck with the sea breeze in your face.
6. Learn to Surf at Costa Azul
The surfing in Cabo San Lucas is some of the best in the Americas, drawing avid surfers from all around the world. The variety of the beaches and the large swell window in the area make Cabo a surfer’s paradise. The swell here in summer is brilliant, but it isn’t consistent in winter.
One of the best spots to learn surfing is Costa Azul, where consistent swells make it the ideal place to do surfing classes. If you’re a beginner, I recommend booking a surfing class. High Tide Los Cabos offers private surfing lessons that usually include the use of a surfboard and wetsuit, and guidance from bilingual instructors.
7. Stroll around the Cabo San Lucas Marina
The marina at Cabo San Lucas is the palpitating heart of the city, and it’s always buzzing with activity. Oceanfront eateries and lively bars line the spacious boardwalk, alongside tacky souvenir shops and tour agencies. The Cultural Pavilion hosts theater and dance performances on certain Mexican holidays.
8. Bike through Cabo San Lucas on Sundays
Every Sunday morning (7-11am), the main streets of Cabo San Lucas are closed to traffic for locals to cycle, jog or rollerblade around the city. With no vehicles allowed, people of all ages and backgrounds are free to walk around the streets running parallel to the marina.You’ll find lots of kids on their bikes, adults on skates and seniors strolling at a leisurely pace.
The Ciclovia event in Cabo San Lucas has been taking place for the past 13 years. Amidst the bustling and traffic-filled downtown streets of the city, this event provides a much-needed respite for those seeking an active and healthy lifestyle.
9. Feast on Baja Fish Tacos
You can’t come to Los Cabos without trying the famous Baja-style fish tacos (my favorite kind!). The prototypical Baja fish taco originated in Baja California, and it usually involves deep-fried white-fleshed fish, shredded cabbage, and a creamy white sauce.
Some say that it even owes its roots to the immigration of Japanese fishermen who made their way to Mexico in the 1950s and ’60s, drawn to Baja California’s cold-water currents and biodiversity. As such, the fish taco might have been influenced by traditional Japanese tempura.
Some of the best places to try Baja fish tacos include Taqueria Gardenias, Tacos Guss, and 1&Only Taco in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Our favorite taco place was La Lupita, that serves up outstanding shrimp tacos and grilled seafood in a funky setting.
10. Have Dinner at Wachinango’s
If you’re looking for a full sit-down dinner, one of the best places to have dinner in Cabo San Lucas is Wachinango’s, a quirky seafood joint with over-the-top decor and excellent seafood dishes like grilled octopus and breaded shrimps drenched in caramelized chipotle sauce.
The owner is such a great guy, and he’s always happy to recommend the best dishes. The restaurant is located in downtown Cabo San Lucas and an easy walk fro the marina.
11. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Monalisa
For the best sunset views in los Cabos, head on down to Sunset Monalisa along the tourist corridor. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Cortez, this iconic restaurant offers an unrivaled setting for romantic dinners and special occasions. We made sure to book a table for 5.30pm (check what time the sun sets before booking) and saw the sun’s rays wash the sea in a shade of gold and then disappear beyond the horizon.
We were impressed by the gorgeous setting and atmosphere of the restaurant, but the food was rather disappointing. The menu features a fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, from seafood specialties to pastas and meat. We ordered a duck pasta and ravioli with wagyu beef, and they were both a letdown. The cocktails (at $20 each) were good though.
TIP: The restaurant is popular, so we highly recommend booking a table. You’ll need to pay a deposit of US$20 per person when booking the table, but it’ll be refunded when you show up. You can book a table and just have cocktails – there’s no need to waste money on dinner here!
12. Catch the View at Pedregal
If pricey cocktails aren’t your thing, head on over to the district of Pedregal for a view of Los Cabos. Perched on the hilltops overlooking the center of Cabo San Lucas, Pedregal is considered the wealthiest and most exclusive of Cabo San Lucas’ neighborhoods.
The hillside area is perhaps best known for its luxury resorts and rental properties, but also boasts spectacular views of the Marina and Bahia San Lucas.
13. Explore San José del Cabo
Don’t miss the traditional colonial town of San Jose del Cabo, just 30 minutes away from Cabo San Lucas – to experience a very different side to Los Cabos. The quaint and charming San Jose del Cabo is a historical town with the vibes of a pueblo mágico (magical town). These days, many of its pastel-colored houses have been restored to house indie boutiques, art galleries, cafes and craft beer breweries.
The main square of the town is Plaza Mijares, and overlooking it is the beautiful San José missionary church. This is where you can snap photos of the big, colorful ‘San Jose del Cabo’s letters. Nearby cobblestoned streets are lined with papel picado (paper flags) overhead, and art galleries exhibit work by local artists.
14. Do the San José del Cabo Art Walk
Between November and June, the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is a popular weekly event held every Thursday evening from 5-9pm. This event was established and organized by the Gallery District Association in the hopes of drawing art lovers and tourists away from the beach and into the alleys of this charming town.
The Art Walk centers around the Gallery District, located behind the church and main square. Make sure to coincide your trip with the Art Walk to see the town at its best.
15. Go Birdwatching at the San José Estuary
Just a few minutes’ drive from the center of San José lies the estuary, a nationally protected sanctuary that’s home to over 50 species of birds. Come early to spot these feathered creatures – including red-tailed hawks, herons, egrets, pelicans, caracara and osprey.
The estuary has a visitor center where visitors can find detailed information and maps. Admission is free. During the month of June, you can even spot sealions hanging out in this estuary.
16. Have Brunch at Flora Farms
Despite being enveloped by desert landscapes, San José del Cabo boasts a vibrant farm-to-table dining scene that elevates its culinary offerings significantly. Flora Farms brought the farm-to-table concept to Cabo. Sprawling over 25 acres, the organic farm produces its own vegetables and herbs and has a seasonal menu offering a range of tantalizingly tasty dishes. We had their wood-fired pizza and they we were amazing!
There are a few other farms in the area worth checking out: Acre, Los Tamarindos, and El Huerto. They are great places to spend the day at – you can follow the trails that lead through the farms, enjoy ridiculously fresh goods, chill on the outdoor dining area and enjoy some live music. It’s best to book your table in advance; it gets crowded on Sundays!
17. Go Ziplining at Wild Canyon
If you’re looking for some outdoorsy fun, head to the Wild Canyon Adventure Park where you can go bungee jumping, ride a camel, whisk across the desert on zipline, and traverse the canyon on ATV.
Rock climbing and rappelling are also available; you can test your skills on natural rock formations under the guidance of experienced instructors. Additionally, guided ATV tours offer visitors the chance to explore the desert terrain and rugged landscapes of the Baja California Peninsula.
Things to Do Around Los Cabos
18. Do a Day Trip to Todos Santos
The eclectic and artsy pueblo mágico (magic town) of Todos Santos, is just a 1-hour drive away (75km or 43 miles) from Cabo San Lucas. Todos Santos is known for its many galleries, the slow pace of life, and stunning beaches. It is the home base to many artists and is particularly popular amongst surfers in search of smooth waves and sunny beach days.
Take a leisurely stroll along Calle Centenario, the main street lined with art galleries, studios, and boutique shops. Visit the iconic Todos Santos Mission, a beautiful 18th-century church that serves as a centerpiece of the town’s heritage. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic center and discover charming adobe buildings adorned with colorful facades and wrought-iron balconies.
19. Release Baby Turtles on the Beach
A few miles from Todos Santos is los Cerritos beach, where you’ll find Tortuguero la Playita, a turtle conservation camp that protects the turtles that lay their eggs here. Three species of Sea Turtle (Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Black) nest on the beaches of Todos Santos. Olive Ridleys nest year round, Leatherbacks from October – April, and Blacks from September -February.
They run turtle release programs everyday from December to February from 5.30pm to 7pm, and you’re welcomed to join them with a donation. Check their Facebook page as they update regularly. The volunteers first provide an educational talk about the turtles, then explain the process of hatching, and how the baby turtles need to crawl across the sand to reach the ocean.
Releasing baby turtles is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both adults and kids alike. Our daughter absolutely loved the experience – so did I!
20. Go Sandboarding at Migriño Beach
If you’ve never been sandboarding before, Los Cabos is a great place to try it. The small dunes at Migriño Beach are perfect for those new to the sport.
It’s a fun activity especially for those traveling Los Cabos with kids. The little ones will definitely have fun frolicking in the sand – my daughter loved sandboarding! Book your sandboarding experience here!
21. Explore Bahia Los Frailes
Located in the rugged East Cape, Bahia Los Frailes is only accessible by a rugged, unpaved road. Protected by the imposing Friars rocks that guard the bay’s northwest side, this enclave is undeniably one of the East Cape’s most picturesque spots.
Despite being just a couple of hours from Los Cabos, East Cape freels a world’s away. Home to some of the best beaches in Baja California, East Cape has remained free of tourists, because of how remote and inaccessible it is. The only way to get there is via a notoriously long, bumpy, dusty road, known as being one of the worst roads in Baja. To reach the East Cape, you’ll need a 4WD, a sense of adventure, and plenty of patience!
22. Dip in the Santa Rita Hot Springs
For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Los Cabos, I suggest exploring the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, where hot springs pop out like miniature oases among desert dunes and cacti.
Located around 1.5-hour drive from Los Cabos is Santa Rita Hot Springs, a gorgeous thermal pool surrounded by palm trees. Plan to spend a full day here, bring what you’ll need for the day, including food and water. Eat your lunch and enjoy your beverages in the shaded picnic areas, not by the water. Admission is 180 MXN (US$10).
23. Hike in Cañon de la Zorra
Also located in Sierra de la Laguna, Cañon de la Zorra is a beautiful oasis set amidst the craggy canyon, with waterfalls running down the boulders and into a sublime natural pool.
To get there, it’s a short 3km (2-mile) hike and the trail leads you first to a fresh, clean water hole fed by an impressive waterfall. Be careful going down – it is very steep – but there are ropes and railings. Take your time to swim and sunbathe on the granite stones.
Going up the canyon again, you hike to another point on the river to enjoy the views and observe the wildlife of the Baja California Sur desert. Follow this AllTrails map.
24. Do a Day Trip to Balandra Bay
Around a 2.5-hour drive from Los Cabos, you’ll find the legendary Balandra Bay, lauded as the most beautiful beach in Baja California. With magical swirls of sugar-white sand, shallow spearmint water, backed by cacti-studded mountains, Balandra Bay truly is one of the most spectacular beaches I’ve seen (and I’ve been to many stunning beaches in the Maldives, Seychelles, and the Caribbean).
The sheltered bay is in fact made up of 7 beaches, all of which can be visited at low tide. To get the best view of the bay, hike up the trail (off the first carpark) which will lead to a viewpoint. It’s a short 15-minute uphill walk; even my kid was able to walk it easily. Back on the beach, there are actually palapas (thatched shade) on the beach that are free to use, and kayaks available for rent.
Because of previous accidents, Balandra Bay is now highly protected by CONANP (a government agency). Entrance is free, but it’s regulated. Visitors can enter between two timeslots: 8am-12pm; 1-5pm. Only 450 people are allowed in at each timeslot, so if you come too late, you might not be able to enter. I recommend coming 30 minutes before the start of each timeslot.
25. Book a Island Tour of Espiritu Santo
Alternatively, book a day trip to Espiritu Santo, an uninhabited island north of Balandra Bay. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in the 1990s, and since then, it has remained a pristine wildlife haven. The waters off the island are home to stunning coral reefs and a huge array of marine life: from manta rays to hammerheads and colossal whale sharks.
The highlight of Espiritu Santo actually lies on the tiny islet of Los Islotes, home to a colony of around 400 sea lions. Most will be basking and barking on the rocks, but enter the sea donned with snorkel and mask and you’re treated to the magical sights of them diving and frolicking around in the water. They’re very playful, curious, and completely accustomed to the humans who regularly come to visit – some can even feel a little too familiar.
Espirtu Santo can only be visited on a boat tour – which usually includes snorkeling with the sea lion colony, watching the blue-footed boobies that migrate here from the Galapagos, and lunch on the gorgeous Playa de Ensenada Grande. We booked this Espiritu Santo tour and had a great female guide who made the tour fun and engaging!
Los Cabos Travel Guide
How to Get to Los Cabos
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the main gateway to the area, at just 11km from the city center. Flying into Los Cabos from the US is really affordable. Flights from Los Angeles to Los Cabos are really cheap at $150 return (2.5-hour direct flight). You can fly from New York to Los Cabos for as little as $300 return.
It’s easy to get to Los Cabos from most major cities in Mexico. There are regular services from Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana. You can fly from Mexico City to Los Cabos for just $50 return.
Getting around Los Cabos
By Car
Los Cabos is relatively spread out – it consists of the more touristy Cabo San Lucas and the more traditional town of San Jose del Cabo – which makes it best explored by car. If you’re planning to do a Baja California road trip, you’ll need to rent a car as many Baja beaches aren’t accessible by public transport.
For all my car rentals in Mexico, I always book with Discover Cars as they offer the best prices and excellent customer service. An economy rental car with pickup/dropoff at Los Cabos Airport costs only $150 for a whole week, which is less than $21 a day. Search for car rentals in Los Cabos here!
By Colectivo/Bus
Colectivos (shared minibus or minivan-like vehicles) run all around Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The colectivo fares are cheap, and you just need to flag them down along when you see one. Be sure to have Mexican pesos in hand to pay the fares.
By Taxi/Uber
You can easily flag down a taxi from anywhere in Los Cabos, but make sure you negotiate and agree on a rate before starting the ride. Uber works rather well and prices are very cheap; a trip within the city center of Cabo San Lucas won’t cost more than $5.
How Many Days to Visit Los Cabos?
We spent 3 days in Los Cabos at the start of our Baja California road trip. We barely scratched the surface with 3 days but we still managed to experience a lot of both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
If you want to do everything on this list of things to do in Los Cabos, I’ll suggest spending a week in los Cabos. That will give you enough time to experience it all and have some down time to chill by the beach.
Best Time to Visit Los Cabos
Generally, the peak tourist season in Los Cabos runs from November to April when the weather is most pleasant and chances of seeing whales and whale sharks are at the highest. During this time, temperatures ranging from 24-29°C (75-85°F). This period coincides with the dry season, offering plenty of sunshine and little to no rain.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October. During these months, temperatures can reach around 31-34°C (87-93°F), and there’s a higher chance of encountering brief afternoon showers.
The summer months from July to August are the hottest and most humid, with temperatures often exceeding 32°C (90°F) and occasional tropical storms. However, this time can be ideal for travelers looking for budget-friendly deals and quieter beaches.
Is it Safe to Visit Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. According to data from the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), there has been a noticeable decrease in crime rates, with a downward trend noted since 2017. This suggests that safety and security measures within the region have been effective in addressing previous concerns.
Local authorities in Los Cabos, along with the Mexican government, often implement various measures to ensure the safety of tourists. These measures may include increased police presence in tourist areas, the installation of surveillance cameras, and collaboration with hotel staff and tour operators to enhance security protocols.
Regardless, it’s important to follow common-sense safety practices, such as avoiding isolated areas at night, securing valuables, and using reputable transportation services. Additionally, staying informed about local developments and consulting recent travel advisories can further contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience in Los Cabos.
Travel Insurance for Los Cabos
Don’t forget to consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip! Whether you’re going to Los Cabos for three days or a month, it’s important to have travel insurance in case of incidents. It’ll protect you from emergencies, flight cancellation or loss of baggage.
If you’re unsure where to start, Safetywing offers excellent options for travelers. I personally use their Nomad Insurance plan and highly recommend it for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your travels. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Where to Stay in Los Cabos
Most resorts are located along the Tourist Corridor that stretches between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo on the coastline. These are usually massive all-inclusive resorts that don’t encourage tourists to venture beyond the walls of the resort. I suggest booking an Airbnb, like we did, in the Pedregal area with the best views of Cabo San Lucas.
Airbnb: Lux Pool Unit
We stayed at this affordable Airbnb (pictured) in the upscale, hilltop Pedregal area. The 3-bedroom apartment was spacious, clean and modern; and the sunset views from the balcony were spectacular. Best of all, it’s just an 8-minute drive to the marina. Check rates.
Luxury: One&Only Palmilla
Situated along the stunning coastline of Los Cabos, One&Only Palmilla is a luxurious resort renowned for its world-class amenities and unparalleled service. Set amidst lush tropical gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers lavish villas with private pools. Check rates here.
Mid-Range: Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts
Located just steps away from the beach in San José del Cabo, this boutique hotel features chic and spacious suites with modern amenities and ocean views. Unwind by the pool, dine at the on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine, or take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary beach club access. Check rates here.
Budget: Cabo Inn Hotel
For budget-conscious travelers, Cabo Inn Hotel offers a charming and affordable option in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. With its central location and wallet-friendly rates, Cabo Inn Hotel provides a convenient base for exploring without breaking the bank. Check rates.
Where to Eat in Los Cabos
Wachinango’s
Located in downtown Cabo San Lucas, Wachinango’s is a fun, flamboyant joint famous for their creative seafood dishes. Prices are reasonable (for Baja standard) and the owner is super friendly and will make sure you have a great time! Read reviews here.
Flora’s Farm
This organic farm oasis in San Jose del Cabo offers a farm-to-table dining experience like no other. The restaurant features a seasonal menu crafted from the farm’s own organic produce, ranging from wood-fired pizzas to farm-fresh salads and hearty entrees. Book a table here.
Mi Casa Restaurant
Embrace the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine at Mi Casa Restaurant, a beloved culinary gem in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Housed in a charming colonial-style building adorned with colorful décor and traditional artwork, Mi Casa offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Read reviews here.
El Farallon
Nestled within the luxurious resort of The Resort at Pedregal, El Farallon is perched cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can choose their seafood selections from an ice-filled display before having them prepared to perfection by the talented chefs. Prepare for a hefty bill! Book a table here.
Further Reading on Mexico
I hope you’ve found this Los Cabos travel guide and comprehensive list of things to do in Los Cabos useful! I have tried to include as many things as possible. Let me know in the comments field below if there are any other fun places to visit in Los Cabos worth mentioning in this article.
For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:
- 10-Day Baja California Itinerary
- 20 Best Beaches in Baja California
- 10 Best Hot Springs in Mexico
- 10 Spectacular Waterfalls in Mexico
- How to Visit La Gruta Hot Springs San Miguel de Allende
- Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
- 30 Fun Things to Do in Guanajuato
- 10-Day Guanajuato Itinerary
- Visiting Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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