Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are two cities that make up the area of Los Cabos. Although they might share a coastline, they are very different places. For such a small city, there are numerous fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas to keep you busy.
Found at the tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is where the desert meets the ocean. It’s a place where no matter where you are, you’re only a block away from the water.
This is where you can experience numerous outdoor activities, shop ’til you drop, and drink, dance and party all night long!
I visited Cabo San Lucas as one of the first stops on my honeymoon. It was somewhere I added to our plans at the last minute, but this sleepy little town sure blew my mind. We didn’t want to leave, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Here are the top 21 attractions and things to do in Cabo San Lucas that you won’t want to miss during your holiday.
1. Take a Whale Watching Cruise (one of the most exciting things to do in Cabo San Lucas!)
The Sea of Cortez is one of the best places in this part of the world to get up close and personal with a mighty humpback whale, and you can jump on a whale-watching tour straight out of Cabo San Lucas.
The best time to go to Mexico for whale watching is as early as November, but generally runs from December to April each year.
The waters that surround Cabo are known to be a hotspot for breeding and are also a migratory stop for humpback whales, so your chances of spotting one of these majestic animals are very high.
We were lucky enough to spot a pod of 4 whales playing with each other and jumping in and out of the water several times. Seeing these whales in the wild is one of the most incredible things to do in Cabo San Lucas for couples, families, friends or solo travelers.
Best Whale Watching Tours in Cabo San Lucas
1. Cabo Trek’s Whale Watching Trip. Starting from around $100 USD for an adult, these guys know how to find whales from the sounds and vibrations of the ocean. This is our top choice due to Cabo Trek being an ecotourism company with a certification of responsible whale watching.
Not for the faint of heart, the boats are tiny to ensure minimal disruption to the whales, so you will get wet! The day also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, marine biologist, and bottled water throughout the day. This is a Cabo San Lucas activity you won’t want to miss. Book your spot here.
2. Luxury Catamaran Experience: If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can book a catamaran trip to see the whales instead. This fabulous trip includes snacks and alcohol, plus pick up and drop off. Learn more here.
2. Take a Swim On Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor)
Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach are connected on their own little island along Land’s End. Lover’s Beach looks into the bay and is a beautifully calm piece of water — perfect for swimming and trying out water sports.
On the other side of the island, Divorce Beach has hectic turbulent waves and you are advised against swimming on this side due to the unsafe conditions.
Two beaches that couldn’t be more aptly named.
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.
Many fishermen and boat operators will offer you a return ride across to Lover’s Beach for a small fee (around $10 return). Make sure to negotiate a time for them to come and pick you up.
Another (more fun) option is to go kayaking around Lover’s Beach and The Arch! On this 3.5-hour sea kayaking tour, you’ll paddle to a sea lion colony, around Divorce and Lover’s beaches, and you’ll even have a chance to snorkel.
Included is an experienced kayaking guide, dry bag, snacks and drinks, snorkel gear, and equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced kayaker, this is sure to be one of the best experiences in Cabo San Lucas. Click here for details and to book.
If you’re looking for another place to cool off, check out Santa Maria Beach, which is an easy Cabo San Lucas excursion. Just 20 minutes up the east coast by bus or rental car and you’ll arrive at the beach.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta – A List of The Top 20 and for more beaches in Mexico, don’t miss our list of the Top 10 Puerto Vallarta Beaches
3. Grab a Cocktail & Watch The Sunset
There’s nothing better than enjoying a sunset with a cocktail in hand and your bare feet in the sand. I especially love beachfront bars, where the floor is made of sand and there’s no dress code.
There are many different bars and restaurants in Cabo San Lucas that line the beach and offer you a beautiful view of the sunset. To get away from the crowds, choose one of the smaller restaurants for friendly staff and super fast service.
Mangos On The Beach is one of the most popular places to eat on the beach, well-known for its craziness and party atmosphere. We decided instead to skip the party and grab a blue cocktail at Omega Sports Bar next door where everyone sits outside.
This place has a sandy floor and cheerful staff who were kind enough to offer us colourful blankets to keep warm when the sunset and the air got a little cooler.
Our dinner for two, including cocktails, cost us just 500 pesos at Omega (less than $25USD). Watching the sunset with a cocktail is definitely one of the more romantic things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
4. Jet Skiing, Parasailing & Kayaking at Medano Beach
Medano Beach is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas. It’s within easy walking distance of the centre of town or the marina, and it also offers just about every water sport you could imagine.
Goats On The Road Picks: Best Things To Do at Medano Beach
- Go Parasailing above the gorgeous beaches! Click here for details and to book your spot.
- Rip around on a jet ski with a group of friends or by yourself. Click here for details and to book.
- Chill out on the beach with a drink in hand.
Always wanted to try jet skiing? Want to fly high above the land on a parasail? Feel like taking a leisurely kayak to the archway? These adventurous things to do in Cabo can all be done at Medano Beach.
The beach is also home to many beachfront bars and restaurants, where you can kick back and relax with a drink after a long day of adrenaline-pumping activities.
Prices for watersports differ along the beach, so it’s always a good idea to see if you’re able to haggle the prices down a little bit! Kayak and paddleboard rental start from between $25-$30USD for the hour, while jet ski hire is around $100 per hour.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Playa del Carmen – A List of The Top 21
5. Eat Your Weight in Tacos & Guacamole
Eating tacos is definitely on this list of best things to do in Cabo San Lucas…but it’s also one of the top things to do in Mexico as a whole!
You won’t find tacos or guacamole more fresh or delicious than those in Mexico, and I’ll be honest — Cabo San Lucas is where my love of Mexican food really took off. There are numerous taco fillings, but since Cabo is on the sea, it’s best to choose fresh seafood tacos. They are tasty!
Just about every place in Cabo San Lucas serves tacos and guacamole, so you’re never far away from your next snack. Pair your tacos with tequila, and you’ll feel like a local.
We found the best guacamole at Omega Sports Bar on the beach, I definitely think that is where my guacamole addiction began. If you’re around the main town, head straight for Las Guacamayas for some delicious tacos.
Tacos in Cabo are often around the $1.50-$2 USD price mark, so cheap and so delicious. Alternatively, book this incredibly popular taco and culinary experience.
☞ SEE ALSO: If you’re planning a trip to the other side of Mexico, you won’t want to miss our complete guide to Playa del Carmen, our information on how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and our complete guide on where to eat and where to stay in Playa del Carmen.
6. Dance The Night Away at El Squid Roe
Get out of your comfort zone and grab dinner and a drink at El Squid Roe. It’s a crazy combination of a restaurant, bar and live entertainment venue.
With cocktails in glasses that reach a metre off the table, throwback music and a sparkly disco ball, this eclectic bar keeps everyone smiling and dancing all night long (even if you’re just dancing in your seat).
El Squid Roe can be found on Lázaro Cárdenas in downtown Cabo San Lucas. They’re open every night, serving dinner from about 6pm, with regular live entertainment and themed nights.
Meal prices are probably a little bit more than you would expect in Mexico – around $9 – $20USD for a main meal, depending on your order, and around $4USD for a cocktail – but the portions are very large and the atmosphere can’t be beaten.
Address: Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Downtown, Ildefonso Green, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in San Pancho – A List of The Top 15
7. Take a Cruise Around Land’s End
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 landmark in Cabo.
Goats On The Road Pick: #1 Boat Trip Around Land’s End
Snorkelling Cruise with Open Bar: A fun 4-hour cruise around Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, and the sea lion colony. Swim, suntan, snorkel, and relax! Enjoy an open bar, snacks, snorkelling equipment, hotel pick-up, and more. Book your spot here.
There are no cenotes in Cabo (like there are in the Yucatan), but there are still some amazing rock formations to see and water adventures to have.
These natural formations are located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean becomes the Gulf of California. This is one of the top attractions in Cabo San Lucas, and for good reason.
Take a leisurely cruise around Lands End to check out some of the incredible rock forms, including El Arco and Scooby Do Rock.
You will find many companies in the marina selling their tours. They are all around the same price, but some of them will be open to some negotiations. Some will be legitimate, while others will not. A better bet is to book in advance online with a reputable operator.
We paid around $25 for our tour which cruised us around the bay for about an hour and a half. Each boat operator offers something a little bit different though, so it’s a good idea to compare prices and tour options. For a longer day tour around Los Cabos, click here.
☞ If you’re planning on visiting more areas in the Baja, don’t miss the wineries of the Valle de Guadalupe!
8. Watch Fishermen in The Marina
One of the most interesting ways to spend the evening is by watching the fishermen come back to the marina after a long day of fishing in the ocean.
It actually kind of made me feel like I was a local, and if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Cabo San Lucas, watching the fishermen is a good start.
At the end of each day, just before the sun sets, the fishermen return to the marina from their day on the water. They then clean and gut their fish on one of the metal benches around the docks. It’s not the easiest task due to the thieving pelicans from above, and the sneaky seals next to them!
Marina Address: Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Click here for directions.
9. Take a Day Trip to San Jose del Cabo
The quiet sister to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo offers a more laid-back, authentic vibe to its wild neighbour. This cute little town is about half an hour from Cabo San Lucas, halfway back towards the airport.
As well as its own stunning white sand beaches, San Jose del Cabo offers more of a quiet shopping strip, a beautiful church, delicious restaurant and dining options, and an excellent historic centre.
Take a day trip to experience a little more of the Baja Peninsula and the local way of life. To embark on this day trip you have a couple of options:
- Rent a car online for a day and then drive down the Transpeninsular Highway (Hwy 1) which connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Consider renting a car as one of the things to do in Cabo San Lucas, the freedom to explore at your own pace is incredible.
- Catch the Subur Cabos bus service that runs between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo along the Tourist Corridor. The bus runs every 20 minutes all day, starting at 5:20am in Cabo San Lucas until about 9:30pm, and costs around $2.50 – $3 a ticket.
Click here to find San Jose del Cabo on the map.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico – A List of The Top 21
10. Take a Sunset Sailing Cruise
For an even more incredible sunset experience, take a luxury sailboat from the marina. These cruises take you out to the sea, where you can enjoy sparkling wine, specialty cocktails, ice-cold beer and canapés while you watch the sun sink into the horizon.
These cruises last for around two and a half hours, and also offer you a beautiful sunset view of Land’s End – The Los Cabos Arch and Lover’s Beach.
Tours start from around $100 USD depending on the company and can be booked online in advance. Cruises leave from the marina in Cabo San Lucas. This is one of the most memorable things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Click here to learn about the highly-rated sunset sail in Cabo San Lucas, complete with dinner and an open bar!
11. Swim With Whale Sharks
There are few things as incredible as swimming with whale sharks! Although these sharks are humongous (18-33 feet or 5.5-10m), these gentle giants are herbivores and will calmly swim around you, before continuing on their journey.
In Cabo San Lucas, whale shark season is between September and April as they make their way through the Sea of Cortez.
Swimming with whale sharks is an experience you’ll never forget. It does come at a price though — day trips to La Paz to snorkel with whale sharks start from about $250 USD but it’s worth every penny if you ask me.
Click here to learn more about ethical whale shark experiences, and click here to book a whale shark tour. This trip is definitely one of the best things to do in Cabo.
12. Head Out On a Fishing Charter
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most famous places for fishing charters, and if you’re into fishing, this is one of the things to do in Cabo that you won’t want to miss. You can catch big game fish – marlin, sailfish, tuna, swordfish – just a short way out of the marina.
You’ll need to beat the sun and be up as early as the local fishermen, but they know all the best spots and have no trouble locating the deep-sea fish you’re looking for. Book your spot aboard the Blue Tail with Cabo Sportsfishing Crew and enjoy a day on the water.
If you’re hoping to catch a specific species make sure you chat to the fisherman about which types of fish he searches for each day. Deep-sea fishing is one of the best things to do in Cabo, so you’ll want to make sure you reserve in advance.
13. Go On an Outback Camel Safari (& Get a Free Tequila Tasting)
For a completely different experience, away from the ocean and sea adventures, explore the Baja Desert from the back of a camel!
It’s a side of Cabo San Lucas that not many people think to experience, but an epic voyage nonetheless. Expert guides on your safari will show you the best of the unique Baja Californian culture and the beautiful natural wonders of the Baja desert.
To make it even more of an experience to remember, when you book with Cabo Adventures your day also includes a tequila-tasting lesson and a tortilla-making lesson — what more could you ask for?
Tours start from $109 per person and include tequila and beer. The tour is very popular so make sure you reserve in advance. Click here to book this Cabo Adventures tour, it’s one of the more unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas!
Address: Cabo Adventures – Boulevard Paseo de la Marina Lt 7-A, Marina, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here to find it on the map.
14. Take a Shopping Trip to Luxury Avenue
Although Cabo is a sleepy desert town, there’s an epic luxury shopping centre, presumably for their regular celebrity visitors. Wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas when it’s raining? Shopping is a good option.
The main mall is Puerto Paraiso Mall, where you can find souvenirs, trinkets, gifts, beach fashion, and accessories. This mall leads right into Luxury Avenue, where you can find high-end designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and YSL.
We’re not big shoppers when we’re travelling, but Cabo San Lucas definitely had the best shopping of anywhere we visited in Mexico and is one of the best things to do in Cabo if you’re into that sort of thing. If you find yourself in the Yucatan, shopping is one of the top things to do in Cancun as well.
Address: Puerto Paraiso Mall – Av. Leona Vicario, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
15. Go Scuba Diving or Snorkelling at Cabo Pulmo
If you prefer to live life a little more under the sea than on land, head to Cabo Pulmo for the ultimate scuba diving or snorkelling experience.
Nicknamed the Aquarium of the World, Cabo Pulmo is home to over 300 different species of fish and is an incredible place to try your hand at playing mermaid for a day and exploring the beautiful sea life.
Getting under the water is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas for sure. If you’re a certified scuba diver, Cabo Adventures offers this 2-tank dive at a great price.
For a personalized, 4-hour snorkelling trip (small groups), check out this snorkelling trip with a local scuba and snorkel guide.
At around $100 per person including equipment, guide, transportation, and an open bar, it’s a great deal. Click here to learn more about this experience. There’s also this one that includes much of the same, goes to fewer spots, but is quite a bit cheaper.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Ultimate Travel Guide
16. Go Zip-Lining
Cabo is filled with adventuorus things to do! Flying across the Wild Canyon on a ziplining excursion is just one of the many fun activities you won’t want to miss.
On this tour, you’ll have access to seven lines. First, you’ll get an introduction from your instructor and do a trial run on a small line…but after that, it’s onto the big leagues.
From here you can continue to hire ziplines reaching up to 2,673 feet! Some of the lines are able to have tandem rides – you and 3 other friends can whizz along at once.
Have a look at this fun, highly-rated zipline tour at Wild Canyon, which includes roundtrip transportaion, water, instructor and 7 ziplines. Book your spot here.
Address: Wild Canyon – Carretera Federal Libre Transpenisular, Cabo San Lucas-San José del Cabo KM, Cabo Real, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
17. Watch the Seals Jump Around The Marina
There are seals all over Marina Cabo San Lucas. They spend the whole day swimming amongst the parked boats and playing with the birds that are sitting on the water.
The best time to see them at their liveliest is at the end of the day when the sun is setting and the fishing boats are returning to the marina. They follow close behind the boats, hoping to grab some easy dinner. Watching the seals do their thing is one of the best free things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
18. Experience The Night Life
Apart from El Squid Roe, we didn’t have heaps of time to explore the nightlife of Cabo, and to be honest, we were on our honeymoon so we weren’t that interested in partying.
However, no matter who you chat with they all say the same thing — you can find the best nightlife at Cabo Wabo Cantina, El Squid Roe, Nowhere Bar in downtown Cabo San Lucas, and the Giggling Marlin.
Cabo Wabo Cantina Address: Vicente Guerrero S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
El Squid Roe Address: Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Downtown, Ildefonso Green, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
Nowhere Bar Address: Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 17-Local 12-A, Centro, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
The Giggling Marlin Address: Blvd. Paseo de la Marina s/n, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
If you find yourself travelling Puerto Vallarta, don’t miss the awesome nightlife there. Check out our post on Puerto Vallarta nightlife and get ready to party!
☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Mexico – 8 Reasons To Travel Here Now
19. Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board
Find your strength and learn how to stand up paddleboard on a one-hour paddleboard rental. It’s the ideal activity for a beach holiday, and one you can easily learn with little training — although you do need some upper body strength to get going!
If you’re looking to get some exercise, this is one of the best things to do in Cabo.
If you’re new to SUP and would like to join a tour with a knowledgable guide to tell you about the area (and keep you safe!), check out this experience.
The trip includes a guide, equipment, snorkelling, kayaking, and snacks. Groups are small at a maximum of 6 people, and the duration is around 3. Click here for details.
☞ SEE ALSO: Puerto Vallarta Tours – 10 Best Excursions, Activities and Adventures
20. Join a Tasty Food and Walking Tour
For foodies, you won’t want to miss one of the yummy food tours on offer in Cabo San Lucas.
Taco lovers rejoice! There’s a food tour dedicated strictly to this popular Mexican food. These Mexican chefs know tacos and the best spots to sample them in Cabo — from shrimp and marlin to pork and beef, there’s a type of taco for everyone!
The popular tour is $44 per person and is around 3 hours. It includes drinks, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and tasty tacos and quesadillas from some offtrack spots. Click here for details.
Another fantastic food tour option is run by the same chefs who operate the taco tour. But, with this foodie adventure, you’ll sample different Mexican cuisine.
With a focus on typical street food, you’ll sample various seafood dishes, tamales, esquites, and more (some dishes are a surprise!). The tour is $51 per person including food, drinks and knowledgeable guide. It’s around 2.5 hours long. Click here for details.
If you’re wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas as a foodie, joining one of the above tours is a good start.
Meeting Point Address: Mercabo Gourmet Street Food. Ignacio Zaragoza, Centro, Ildefonso Green, 23470 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Click here for directions.
21. Join a Booze and Food Tour (Tequila!)
You’ve probably been drinking tequila during your trip to Cabo, but why not learn more about tequila, mezcal, damiana liquor, Sotol, Raicilla, and other typical Mexican alcohol?
Join a fun tour that includes pairings of food with booze. You’ll try 10 different types of alcohol, all of which will be paired with unique food (dark chocolate, meat, grasshoppers, agave, candy, shrimp, etc.).
The 1.5-hour tour is around $35 per person including all drinks, food, and a local guide. It’s a highly-rated experience and one of the more affordable things to do in Cabo. Click here to book your spot.
After that, stock up on some tequila to take back home with you — which you can find absolutely everywhere in Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy the drinks while you’re in Cabo, and take a bottle of tequila home with you.
Meeting Place Address: Mariano Matamoros, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas y, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. Get directions here.
Bonus! Volunteer With Dogs
For animal lovers, one of the best things to do in Cabo is to volunteer at the Humane Society. If you have some time to spare on your trip, why not spend it with a furry friend?!
You can walk dogs between 8am and 5pm in January and February, and at different times the rest of the year (due to hotter weather). Or, help out with events and fundraising opportunities at the shelter. Click here for details.
Now You Know What to Do in Cabo San Lucas
I loved Cabo San Lucas because it was a world away from everywhere else I’ve visited in Mexico. Where else does the desert lead you right to an ocean with such an abundance of wildlife?
If you’re planning to travel Cabo, you won’t be disappointed. And the best part is — so many things to do in Cabo San Lucas are FREE! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. For more on travelling to Mexico, don’t miss our epic travel guide!
Cabo San Lucas: Resources & Recommendations
Travel Insurance: We use and recommend Safety Wing. There are a lot of adventure activities in this city! Make sure you’re protected with a good travel insurance policy.
Rent a Car: We recommend Discover Cars. This is a great place to find deals on renting a car in Cabo San Lucas.
Book Tours Online: We use and recommend Get Your Guide and Viator. There are some really cool tours available on both of those platforms. We always like to book tours based on high reviews, and both of these companies offer just that.
Book a Cheap Room: Check out Booking.com deals. For the best deals on short-term hotels, guest houses and hostels, we always use Booking.com. Watch out for last-minute deals, and free cancelation!
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
There are so many great accommodation options in Cabo. Here are a few of our suggestions.
Budget
Seven Crown Express & Suites – rated “Very Good” 7/10. This property is in an excellent location – a 5 minute walk to the center of Cabo and 1 km from Playa del Amor beach. The rooms here are clean and stylish, plus there’s an outdoor pool and an indoor fitness center. Guests can enjoy free continental breakfast as well. Double rooms go for around $45 in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this hotel.
Midrange
San Angel Suites – rated “Superb” 9.2/10. The suites here offer incredible value! Each unit is equipped with its own kitchen, which can save you some money on food during your trip to Cabo. Rooms are beautifully designed and beds are comfortable – they’re euro-top mattresses. There’s a common area with loungers and a rooftop hot tub. Double occupancy in a studio suite starts at $70 in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this suite.
Cabo Vista Hotel – rated “Superb” 9.3/10. These tastefully decorated suites are another great option in Cabo San Lucas. Suites offer guests a kitchen with fridge and electric hob, air-conditioning and more. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The suites are located in a quieter area, a 20 minute walk to the beach and 5 minute drive to downtown Cabo. The architecture of the building is lovely, and the vines climbing up the building are a nice touch. Suites start at around $70 in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this accommodation.
Top End
Breathless Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive (Adults Only) – rated “Very Good” 8.5/10. The location of this place can’t be beaten! Set in front of El Medano beach, this adults-only resort has a stunning infinity pool and modern, luxury suites. Here you’re just steps from downtown Cabo, including the nightlife and numerous restaurants. One person all-inclusive is around $200/night, while 2 people costs $400. Click here to learn more and book this resort.
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