Top 27 Must-Do Activities in Cabo San Lucas for 2025

Top Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

There are countless things to do in Cabo San Lucas with a variety of activities to suit every type of traveler. This is easily one of Mexico’s top destinations. Check out these 28 best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

1. Lover’s Beach

Visiting Lover’s Beach is an absolute must in Cabo San Lucas. The water-locked beach is only accessible by boat or sea kayak. This makes Lover’s Beach an adventure before you even get there.

The swimmable beach is a dream for those wanting a quick dip before sunbathing on soft sands. However, its winning feature is El Arco. This famous archway rock formation resembles the curves and colors of Portugal’s iconic Algarve coast. At Lover’s Beach, you have exceptional views over this geological attraction. If you catch a boat ride to the beach, the captain will likely detour to take you up for a closer look.

Just how Lover’s Beach got its name is a bit of a mystery. Some say it’s because it is the spot where the Gulf and Pacific Oceans connect. Others that two lovers locked lips here, apparently a Japanese sailor and Mexican woman. Who knows? But visiting Lover’s Beach is easily one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas and the prettiest places in Los Cabos.

2. Whale watching

We highly recommend a whale-watching tour in Cabo San Lucas. Sit back and relax as you head out on this highly rated boat tour, where expert crews lead you to whale hotspots. There is nothing more magical than watching whales in their natural habitat. They are often active here and you may see them breach and occasionally even leap from the water. It is a mesmerizing and wonderful experience when visiting Cabo San Lucas.

The chances of whale sightings during whale season are very high. There is a 90% chance of sightings between December and April, with December and January having the highest number. Many boat tours offer a refund policy or a free next-day tour if you don’t see whales, so keep that in mind when choosing.

3. Snorkeling tour with sea lions

Another sea life highlight in Cabo San Lucas is snorkeling with sea lions. As sea lions are so engaging and playful, it is one of the most fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas. As you enter the water, the sea lions rush up and investigate – twirling and looping around you in a dizzy dance. It is an entirely different experience from snorkeling with fish and even whales. Sea lions are nicknamed puppies of the sea; enough said, really.

This highly rated snorkeling tour specifically takes you to snorkel with sea lions in their natural habitat on a luxury yacht. Cruise to Espiritu Santo Island as you enjoy a fresh breakfast. After swimming with sea lions, manta rays, turtles, and other tropical fish, you make your way to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Isla Partida Beach for some beach time as you enjoy lunch and an open bar.

The best time to snorkel with sea lions is between November and April. The most popular sites to swim with them are Land’s End and Pelican Rock. If you book a boat trip from Marina Cabo San Lucas, you’ll be escorted to see them on a typically hour-long experience. While sea lions are playful, they are relatively harmless. So many tour operators recommend this as a family activity.

4. Take one of the Cabo food tours

You don’t need us to tell you how delicious Mexican cuisine is. Take our word; no Cabo vacation is complete without a food tour. Heading out to sample delectable dishes is easily one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Where exactly you go depends on the tour operator. You might go to a sit-down restaurant in Downtown Cabo before hitting up various beach vendors. Or you might dot between cafes and takeaway street stalls. The best of Cabo adventures includes heading to taste new foods.

Cabo San Lucas has famous fish tacos. Naturally, given its coastal location, the city has incredible seafood. You can try Mexican chocolate clam, smoked marlin, and even sushi. Come with an open mind, and you’ll be blown away by all the different dishes.

This taco tour takes you through downtown Cabo to immerse yourself in Mexican cuisine. Immerse in the culture of the city as you enjoy stops at taco vendors and street stalls to sample everything from spicy salsa to tamales and fish tacos with fresh aguas frescas.

5. Swim with whale sharks

Yes, we are back to talking about whales (or, technically, sharks, considering that whale sharks are the world’s largest fish). However, this whale-watching tour is completely different. Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most magical things to do in Cabo San Lucas and definitely needed its own category. While diving is fantastic, swimming with whale sharks is in a league of its own. There are only a few places on Earth where you can swim with whale sharks, and people travel to Cabo San Lucas just to tick this activity off their bucket lists.

These gentle creatures are sedate and complete gents to swim alongside in the water. It is important not to touch them but through no danger to humans. Touching whale sharks is only dangerous to them, as it damages a layer of mucus that protects them against parasites and bacteria. On swimming with whale shark tours, you can still get super close, though – the animals don’t mind.

Whale shark season is between October and May in Cabo San Lucas. So if you want to experience seeing a whale shark up close in the water, then visit Cabo San Lucas during this period.

6. Hike up Pedregal

Pedregal is a wealthy neighborhood set on a vast hill. It is also a fantastic place to hike for views over San Lucas Bay and the city below. The setting is urban and safe for solo hikers seen, as there are plenty of people around. We suggest allowing an hour for the hike. Still, you could easily spend a few hours enjoying the different viewpoints and exploring this community.

If you want to, you can drive instead of walk – but where is the pride in that? Grab your hiking boots and a bottle of water. Even better if you coincide your walk with sunrise or sunset.

7. Kayak to El Arco de Cabo

We’ve already touched on El Arco de Cabo when discussing Playa del Amor. But El Arco is a standalone attraction, not just a detour from visiting Cabo’s beaches. The massive arch juts out of a rock formation on the southernmost point of Cabo San Lucas. It translates as ‘The Arch,’ but its location has also coined the nickname ‘Land’s End’. The granite rock gives it a pale appearance. It is easy to see how it attracts so much attention – dramatically perched at the end of the peninsula.

It is no exaggeration to say that there are always tours to see El Arco. Whether you want to combine it with a trip to the nearby beaches or wildlife spotting is up to you. To save yourself some money, you could even catch a water taxi to one of the beaches and have a drive-by experience of the formation.

One of the best ways to see the beautiful landscape is by kayak. This highly rated kayaking tour takes you up close and personal to Cabo’s most famous landmark, The Arch. After the sea lion colony and exploring the beaches and rock formations, you’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling. Beverages and snacks are included.

8. Dine at El Squid Roe

El Squid Roe, you are probably wondering, what even is that? El Squid Roe is Cabo’s most electric bar and restaurant. The venue has a live DJ and constant dancing – giving it a fun edge over other venues in Downtown Cabo. However, it also has delicious food. You can grab a beer from the bar and then a restaurant menu. El Squid Roe is renowned for its tacos, pizzas, and massive burgers. Basically, all the comfort food you need.

If you want restaurant recommendations in Cabo San Lucas, Squid is easily within the top three. And if you love a vibrant, slightly chaotic atmosphere, it’s sure to please both heart and stomach. Besides its DJ music and great menu, Squid has a convenient location. You can reach the marina in minutes, surrounded by other leading names like the Hard Rock Cafe San Lucas and the city’s massive shopping mall.

9. El Medano Beach

El Medano Beach is the most popular in Cabo San Lucas. Easy to access on foot or public transport, it is located conveniently on the mainland and right next to downtown Cabo. The spacious sands open out onto calm waters that are popular for swimming. And the beach is always packed with people and action. Numerous restaurants and beach bars dot its shores; where they don’t, beach vendors sell goods and refreshments.

Visiting El Medano Beach is one of the easiest things to do in Cabo San Lucas. If you want a classic beach day, El Medano is a breeze to get to and has an infectiously fun atmosphere. The beach bars also give it a partying edge, with plenty of chances to socialize with new people.

10. Try The Local Beers at Baja Brewing

Baja Brewing is the city’s leading brewery and one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The brewery has a range of cervezas and proudly only uses four ingredients in each beer. These all-important four are premium barley, purified water, brewers’ yeast, and hops. Many of the beers are only available in Mexico, which is exciting for tourists wanting to try something completely new.

The brewery has a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. You can head to the rooftop venue, decked with misters to beat the heat and fire pits to combat chilly days.

11. Scuba diving

Scuba diving is one of the most sought-after things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The city’s surrounding waters are home to colorful fish, dramatic underwater habitats, and larger sea life. It is clear why Cabo San Lucas is considered one of Mexico’s top scuba diving sites.

Of course, even Cabo San Lucas has prime times for sea life sightings. We suggest visiting between December and May if you want to spot incredible animals like whales. This period also has calmer seas, although a wet suit will be needed to keep warm in the water. We’ll talk about whales more later, as there are many things to do in Cabo San Lucas related to its cetacean population.

12. Jet Skiing

Okay, who doesn’t love the thrill of jet skiing? Depending on the make, conditions, and passengers, jet skis can reach up to 70 mph. You could fly across the ocean with Cabo San Lucas in the background. Going jet skiing is a thrill, but it is also one of the most inventive ways to sightsee independently from the water. The Baja coast is beautiful, so make the most of it.

El Medano Beach is the best jet ski destination in Cabo San Lucas. There are jet ski rentals lined all the way along the shores. You can just head up to one and organize an experience on the day. Typical opening times are 7 am until 5 pm.

13. Go On A glass bottom boat tours

A glass-bottom boat ride is a fantastic way to see the underwater world without getting wet. A glass-bottom boat is ideal for non-confident swimmers or families with young children. You still get to see the ocean floor and all the tropical fish, just safely tucked up in the belly of the boat. It is one of the most inclusive and family-friendly things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

Glass bottom boat tours leave from Cabo San Lucas Marina. The tours typically last a couple of hours, serving refreshments during the experience. If it sounds appealing, pencil it in as a morning or afternoon activity.

14. Take a Day Trip to Todos Santos

This might be cheating a little since Todos Santos is an hour’s drive up the peninsula from Cabo San Lucas. However, it is such a pretty town that we had to squeeze it in as a day trip. Besides, if you are staying in Cabo San Lucas for longer than a week, then it is good to broaden out your things to do by exploring the wider region.

So, why visit Todos Santos? Firstly, for the turtles. In Tortugueros Las Playitas A.C., hatchling turtles are released every day between December and February. If you head up there for sunset, you can take part free of charge. It is an amazing initiative and totally volunteer organized, though, so we recommend leaving a donation. Helping release baby turtles is on most people’s bucket lists, and we think it warrants an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas.

Apart from the turtles, Todos Santos is home to the legendary Hotel California and a beautiful little art gallery called Galeria Logan. El Faro Beach and Spa is a fabulous club environment where you can rest peacefully.

15. Puerto Paraiso Mall

Sometimes, you just need some retail therapy. Puerto Paraiso Mall is an upmarket shopping center with plenty of clothing stores and a huge meal hall where you can grab a bite. It is the best place for a real retail experience in Cabo San Lucas. The layout is handy, and the mall is self-contained and air-conditioned. In the height of the midday sun, it’s refreshing to have somewhere cool and shady to retreat to.

Puerto Paraiso is centrally located right next to Cabo San Lucas Marina. After a boat tour, you can head a short walk away from the luxury yachts and tourist boats and get out of the sun to enjoy shopping. The mall is also open super late, opening its doors at 9 am and not closing them until 10 pm.

16. Museum of Natural History in Cabo San Lucas

Sometimes, a museum just ticks the box. The Museum of Natural History is a fantastic addition to your itinerary, especially if you have time to kill in Downtown Cabo. You’ll love the variation – the museum has everything from marine life to a fossil collection.

The Museum of Natural History is also one of the only indoor things to do in Cabo San Lucas. So it is pretty foolproof if you are looking for a stormy or rainy day activity.

17. Party at Cabo Wabo Cantina

Cabo Wabo Cantina is one of the best places to eat and drink in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo Wabo serves classic Mexican cuisine – whether you want burritos, nachos, or traditional tacos. It is far from just a culinary experience, and you’ll find constant action. There’s daily entertainment on the Cabo Wabo stage. There is always something on the go, from celebs to musicians and DJs.

If it sounds familiar, you might know the restaurant’s sister franchises on the Las Vegas Strip and Hollywood Boulevard. The name came from ‘Cabo Wabo’ – a song Hagar wrote in 1988 after being inspired by partying in Cabo San Lucas.

18. Play Golf at Palmilla Golf Club

Where better to play golf than overlooking the Sea of Cortez? The Palmilla Golf Club has 27 holes and a beautiful course that runs parallel to the ocean. With a traditional clubhouse, stunning views, and regular tournaments, it’s easy to see why Palmilla is up there with the best golf courses in Mexico. Travel & Leisure even went as far as to claim it was the best golf course in Mexico – a notable title.

Booking tee times is a breeze online. You can reserve your slot and rock up, hiring golf gear from the on-site shop if you’ve left yours at home. Even if you don’t fancy a game, it’s worth checking out the upcoming tournaments. You can watch some high-quality golf without lifting your own club.

19. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

So you’ve taken a food tour; what next? Well, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with a few local dishes. A Mexican cooking class is one of the most educational and long-lasting things to do in Cabo San Lucas. After all, how valuable is being able to take home a piece of your holiday with you? And your friends and family will love your new recipes.

Most cooking classes give you options for different dishes. You could tackle a taco-making course – learning to make all the ingredients from scratch, even the salsa. Ceviche, tortillas, and churros are also usually on the cards. You’ll be able to get all the top tips and tricks while having a laugh and learning new skills.

20. Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is a beautiful rock formation only accessible by boat unless you are happy viewing it from a distance at Vie’s Beach. Luckily, you won’t be short of options. Boat tours run to take tourists to see Pelican Rock all the time. You can get up close and snap some pictures. And if you are brave, you can even indulge in snorkeling with specific tours. Pelican Rock is famed for sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. An underwater camera is a must.

21. Espiritu Santo Island

Visiting Espiritu Santo Island is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The uninhabited island is a stunning area of natural beauty. The heat-bleached orange peaks and bare soil starkly contrast the white sand beaches and bright blue waters. Espiritu Santo Island has a beauty that stands out from the rest of the Los Cabos area. In fact, it is more reminiscent of the Baja Desert than any traditional tropical island.

To organize a visit for yourself, it’s best to plan a trip up to La Paz or book a boat trip from Cabo San Lucas Marina. A boat trip is an ideal way to experience the island. It has a really expeditionary feel with plenty of wildlife sightings.

22. Visit the Glass Factory

Visiting the Glass Factory is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Especially if you love watching artistic projects in motion. Glass blowing has been used to create products for centuries. And right in the middle of Cabo, you can watch the process for yourself. The Glass Factory not only produces and sells artisan glass ornaments and products, but it also provides tours and demonstrations. The factory opened in 1990 as the only hand-blown glass factory on the peninsula.

It is suggested to visit before 2pm if you want to see most of the action. You can easily book a glass tour online or visit independently if you want to just wander around putting two and two together. Of course, it is nice to browse the shop after as well. The Glass Factory sells everything from figurines to beautiful bowls – perfect souvenirs.

23. Playa del Divorcio

Visiting Divorce Beach is a sneaky addition to our guide on things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Why? Because it is actually located adjacent to Lover’s Beach. While Lover’s Beach has calm waters and faces the Gulf of California, Divorce Beach meets the Pacific Ocean and is known for its rough waves and jagged rocks. The vibe is completely different.

Needless to say, you won’t be swimming at Divorce Beach. The waters are not safe enough to swim or indulge in water activities. And like Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach is only accessible by water. You can catch a water taxi or book an organized tour. Playa del Divorcio is a dramatic and exciting addition to any visit to its calmer neighbor and the iconic El Arco.

24. Santa Maria Beach

Regarding beaches in Cabo San Lucas, one shortfall is that they tend to be either touristy or busy with beach vendors and partiers. Santa Maria Beach is the answer if both of these scenarios send shudders down your spine. Set in Santa Maria Bay, a hotspot for snorkeling amongst colorful fish, Santa Maria Beach is a peaceful alternative to Cabo’s other beaches. You can snorkel independently in shallow, calm waters or just enjoy sunbathing hassle-free on its quiet sands.

Santa Maria Beach is a 20-minute drive up the eastern coastline from Cabo San Lucas. You can hire a taxi or book a rental car. You’ll love the peacefulness when you arrive, and the extra effort to get off the beaten track will be all worthwhile.

25. Ride an Extreme Zipline

Cabo Adventures is one of the city’s leading outdoor activity operators. The attraction hosts numerous different hair-raising things to do in Cabo San Lucas. However, the extreme zipline is by far the mass favorite. You’ll ride the longest and fastest zipline in Mexico, reaching speeds of 100kph at over 4000 feet in the air.

This combination of sightseeing, protected scenery, and record-breaking speeds make this a brilliant activity in Cabo San Lucas, no matter how short your itinerary is.

26. Take a Cactus ATV Tour

Taking an ATV tour is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The best tour provider is Cactus, which offers a complimentary shuttle to a remote area of natural beauty. Jumping on an ATV, you embark on a tour through desert, mountain, and canyon landscapes – ending on a beach with sand dunes and dramatic cliffs. It is a brilliant way to combine an adventure activity with sightseeing Cabo’s scenery.

Cactus has all sorts of ATVs. You could ride a little 250cc Honda or a 1000cc Can-am Sports Max, depending on your capabilities and tour choice. This tour is ideal for anyone who enjoys bikes, quads, and 4WD driving experiences. There is something special about experiencing new terrain from the back of an ATV.

27. San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is a weekly cultural affair that runs from November until June. Every Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, a sightseeing procession winds its way through San Jose del Cabo. The crowd gets to meet some of the city’s top artists and gallery owners – gaining an inside look into the region’s artwork. The San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is essential for any art enthusiast.

As an added bonus, San Jose del Cabo Art Walk also involves wine and cheese tasting. The event itself is free. So treating yourself to the wine and cheese opportunities along the way is a well-deserved treat.

Cabo San Lucas FAQs

Now that we’ve covered all the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, let’s look at some common FAQs. This section will cover all the essentials – from getting to Cabo San Lucas to how many days you should stay there.

What is Cabo best known for?

Cabo San Lucas is best known for its beaches and ocean activities. The resort city is somewhere to scuba dive, sunbathe, and spot marine life like whale sharks and sea lions.

How many days is enough for Cabo?

A week is the perfect length of time to visit Cabo San Lucas. The city is ideal for a relaxing getaway with activities and day trips. Visiting for less than a week defeats the purpose of going to Cabo San Lucas to relax.

How do I spend a day in Cabo San Lucas?

Start your day at the beach before it gets too crowded. Playa del Amor or Medano Beach are our favorites. Next, head to a food tour for lunch, sampling local Mexican cuisine (and hopefully the delicious fish tacos). Then, in the afternoon, head out on a boat excursion – to go whale watching, see tropical fish through a glass bottom boat tour, or scuba diving. You can catch the sunset in the evening while enjoying drinks at the beach bars.

Is Cabo nicer than Cancun?

Cabo is nicer than Cancun. It has more of a luxury, laidback vibe than Cancun, which is more of a party destination. If you want parties, head to Cancun. But for a nice atmosphere, Cabo San Lucas is unmatchable.

How to get to Cabo San Lucas

The easiest way to reach Cabo San Lucas is to fly. It has its own international airport, Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San José del Cabo, which is approximately 40 minutes north of the city.

Los Cabos International Airport is connected with direct flights to many major cities abroad, including cities in the US. You fly straight in for a convenient journey to Cabo San Lucas. And from Los Cabos International Airport, you can catch the Ruta del Desierto bus if you are on a budget or a taxi if you don’t mind splurging a little.

Driving

Fancy a bit more of an adventure? We salute you. Renting a car is an excellent way to combine both Cabo San Lucas and the rest of the Baja California coastline. Highway 1 runs between Tijuana and Cabo San Lucas, treating drivers to stunning ocean views.

This route is ideal for those with a sense of adventure and a bit more time. Just fly into Tijuana and rent a car, or go the whole hog and start the drive from San Diego, crossing the US border.

Getting around Cabo San Lucas

The easiest way to get around Cabo San Lucas is by public bus or rental car. We’ll take a quick look at public buses first.

Public Buses

The bus line runs between Cabo and San José del Cabo, and its buses are easily spotted as they are green and white. This bus line connects Cabo San Lucas with Los Cabos International Airport, plus loops together a network of attractions for tourists sightseeing in the Los Cabos area. Cabo San Lucas’ public buses are a budget-friendly and relatively reliable way of getting around.

Rental Cars

A rental car is our next recommendation. Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom – whether you want to drive to the nearest shops or head up the Baja California Peninsula on a road trip. You can pick a car up from Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo or save getting the bus into the city and start your journey independently from the get-go.

As a last resort, you can use the local taxi system. This is a hit-and-miss way of getting around Cabo San Lucas. The resort city does not have metered taxis, so beware of scams and always agree on a price beforehand.

Best time to visit Cabo San Lucas

The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is in October. October is brilliant for a plethora of reasons. It is at the backend of peak season, with fewer crowds and cheaper hotels.

October is the ideal candidate, and sunbathers will be glad to know that it still reaches an average temperature of 78 Fahrenheit.

Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

Deciding where to stay in Cabo San Lucas is another priority before your visit. After all, what use is a perfect itinerary if you have landed in an appalling hotel? For adults wanting an adults-only experience in Mexico, check out the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts. But otherwise, check out our top three places to stay in Cabo San Lucas for each budget level.

• Budget: Sofia Hostel Cabo

Sofia Hostel Cabo is a fantastic choice for anyone on a budget. Guests access a shared kitchen, terrace, garden, and lounge – all the facilities to cut your costs and relax.

• Mid-Range: Marina View Villas

Marina View Villas is a wonderful mid-range accommodation option. The villas are spacious and just 300 yards from the marina. With plenty of your own space, you also have an outdoor pool and BBQ facilities to enjoy.

• Luxury: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is a top-tier five-star resort with all the facilities you could wish for. From an outdoor swimming pool to a luxe spa with a sauna and a beautiful tropical garden, Nobu is an ideal luxury base in Cabo San Lucas.

To Conclude

There are lots of Cabo adventures to tick off when you visit. By now, you’ve understood the many things to do in Cabo San Lucas. The Baja Peninsula is a beautiful spot for a resort city. And you’ll love all the different sandy beaches and the postcard image of El Arco de Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is a whirlwind of coastal action and exciting ocean-side living.