32 Unique Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas + Touristy Activities to Avoid

A complete list of unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas, as well as touristy and unethical activities to avoid.

A colourful sign that reads "Cabo". Each letter is a different colour.

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Cabo San Lucas is a major tourist destination on the southern tip of Mexico’s state of Baja California Sur. As a popular vacation destination, the city has developed quickly, resulting in a whole host of fun things to do. Unfortunately, this development has also resulted in a practice where some companies prioritise profit over ethics like animal welfare. In this article, we’ve listed all the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, including nontouristy spots and unique activities, as well as the unethical activities to avoid on your trip.

Cabo San Lucas at a glance

Dan and Lucy sit smiling on a tour boat. Behind them is the famous Arch of Cabo.
There’s a never-ending list of things to do in Cabo San Lucas

The best things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is known primarily for two things: its banging clubs that make it a world-famous Spring Break destination and its exclusive luxury resorts that are favoured by society’s elites. While an ideal vacation for many visitors to Cabo San Lucas is to soak up the sun and lie by the pool by day and part by night, there’s actually loads to see and do outside the resorts.

From epic wildlife encounters to ocean adventures and rugged outback experiences, we’ve compiled this list of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (not just the touristy things). It’s full of unique experiences that are actually in Cabo San Lucas and don’t require you to leave the city. We’ve also listed the best tours and day trips from Cabo San Lucas later on in the article.

Top 5 Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are the top 5 things to do in Cabo San Lucas:

  1. Relax on Medano Beach or Lover’s Beach
  2. Boat trip to Land’s End and see The Arch
  3. Go whale watching along the coast
  4. Snorkel and SCUBA dive at Pelican Rock
  5. Eat local food at a Taqueria

Cabo San Lucas Map

Unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Beyond the beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, Cabo San Lucas offers a wide variety of unique activities and attractions. Venture off the tourist trail and explore Cabo’s hidden gems with this list of unique and non-touristy things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

1. See El Arco

You’ve probably seen pictures of The Arch (El Arco) as its image is synonymous with Cabo San Lucas. This unique sea arch is a stunning rock formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Located in the Land’s End area, the Cabo Arch is only accessible by boat. Instead of taking a busy party boat, opt for an inexpensive water taxi or rent a kayak and paddle out yourself.

It may be one of the most popular things to do on this list, but it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind view.

El Arco in Cabo Bay, a small arch in the middle of a line of rock formations and one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
El Arco is Cabo San Lucas’ most famous icon

2. Relax on beautiful beaches

Cabo San Lucas is home to some of Mexico’s most stunning beaches. With crystal-clear waters and protected bays, the coast here is perfect for relaxing on sprawling golden sands and swimming in the calm ocean. While many people visit Cabo for the beaches, there are some lesser-known spots that are less visited too. Here are the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Medano Beach – Playa Medano is the most famous beach in Cabo and the main swimming beach in the city. It can get busy and is lined with bustling shops and restaurants.
  • Lover’s Beach Playa del Amor is a sheltered bay next to El Arco, perfect for snorkelling and swimming. This secluded spot is only accessible by boat and is super romantic, hence its name.
  • Divorce Beach – Playa del Divorcio is a wide beach next to El Arco on the exposed Pacific Ocean side of the spit. This unique beach may have currents that are too strong to swim safely, but it offers stunning views.
  • Santa Maria Beach – Playa Santa Maria is a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach tucked between two bluffs. As a protected marine sanctuary, it is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
  • Chileno Beach – Playa El Chileno is a short drive out of the city and a local favourite, featuring a calm bay perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
The golden sands of Playa del Amor completely free of people.
Lover’s Beach is not to be missed in Cabo San Lucas

3. Go whale watching in winter

It’s no secret that we’re huge whale-watching fans and Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places in the world to see these gentle giants. Every winter, from December to March, whale watching in Baja kicks off as humpback whales make their way to Cabo. On a whale watching boat trip in Cabo, you can get up close and have a front-row seat to a dazzling display of acrobatics, including breaching and surface slapping. We’d recommend Whale Watch Cabo and Cabo Trek, responsible and licensed companies with speedy boats that can get up closer than larger boats. You may even see a baby or other species of whale, including grey and blue whales, that also migrate to Cabo during this time.

White and yellow barnacles cover the top of a humpback's head, and can be seen clearly as it breaks the ocean surface.
Whale watching is the best activity in Cabo San Lucas (in our opinion)

4. Snorkel around Pelican Rock

A popular dive site, Pelican Rock is also a great place to snorkel. The reef starts at 3 metres (10 ft) on a sandy bottom and you can see a variety of tropical fish, moray eels, and sometimes even sea lions. You can access the water from Cannery Beach or join a snorkelling tour of Cabo Bay.

Other great snorkel spots in Cabo San Lucas include Chileno Bay, Lover’s Beach, and Santa Maria Beach. You can snorkel right from the beach in these spots.

A couple of sea lions lie lazily on a rock formation in Cabo Bay.
Snorkelling or diving at Pelican Rock is super fun

5. Take a boat trip

Taking a boat tour in Cabo is one of the most popular activities. There’s a whole variety of different boat types and tours to choose from. Enjoy a day sailing along the coast on a luxury catamaran or in a glass-bottom boat in Cabo Bay. Alternatively, rent a boat in Cabo and paddle yourself around the bay.

A small RIB lined with tourists in orange life vests stop to admire Cabo's rock formations.
You can’t visit Cabo San Lucas without taking a boat trip

6. Try watersports

Cabo San Lucas’ huge bay is an aquatic playground and the perfect place to take to the water and enjoy some activities on the water. From jet skiing to parasailing, there’s a whole host of fun things to do in the bay that are bound to get your adrenaline pumping. Zoom across the bay’s glassy surface, soar above limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, or cruise across the bay.

Two whales breaching in front of the Arch of Cabo making large splashes.
Can you spot the two whales in Cabo Bay?

7. Get a photo with the Cabo sign

It might be pretty touristy to get a picture with a sign of the place you’re visiting, but it’s also a unique way to memorialise your vacation. Nestled on the west side of the marina, the Cabo sign is a small, colourful installation that most people walk right past. Stop for a moment and snap a pic with the sign for a free souvenir.

A striped lighthouse behind the bright and colourful Cabo sign.
Many people walk right past the Cabo San Lucas sign

8. Bar crawl hidden gems

Cabo may be known for its lively nightlife with lots of clubs and bars to choose from. Discovering the best drinking spots on a bar crawl through Cabo is one of the most popular activities in Cabo San Lucas, but can be expensive and extremely crowded.

For something a little less touristy, swap your margarita for mezcal, a similar spirit to tequila, made locally from agave. Learn more about the production process and its cultural significance to the region on a tasting tour in Cabo.

Two cocktails on a seaside bar in the sunshine.
Cabo San Lucas is known for its party scene

9. Eat in local restaurants

There’s no shortage of restaurants to choose from in Cabo San Lucas but many are chains, incredibly overpriced, and overrated. For real authentic food, head to a local taqueria (taco joint) or independent restaurant. Or explore further afield at a farm-to-table restaurant for a unique dining experience.

A small line of tables at the restaurant Taco Loco. The tables are outside but shielded from the sun by a thin wooden roof.
There are some delicious local restaurants in Cabo San Lucas

10. Take a taco tour

Tacos may be synonymous with Mexican cuisine and there’s no better place to try authentic tacos than at a local restaurant. Join a taco-tasting tour in Cabo San Lucas to taste these delicious delicacies in the best taquerias in town.

Fresh tacos and a basket of fries laid out on a table at Taco Loco.
Cabo San Lucas is home to authentic Mexican cuisine

11. Shop for sustainable souvenirs

While most shoppers in Cabo choose the bustling Puerto Paraiso shopping mall, those looking for a unique souvenir will want to get off the beaten path. Head to Santo Cabo at Flora Farms for handcrafted, natural, safe, and non-toxic body care products or Eclectic Array, an ethical fashion brand that supports artisans from all over Mexico.

A large shop full of brightly coloured clothes.
Swap the tourist tat for sustainable souvenirs

Non-touristy things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Although we like to see the main things to do in a destination, we always find the most rewarding experiences are the lesser-known gems that most vacationers miss. Now we’re going to delve into the things you probably didn’t know you could do in Cabo San Lucas – those activities that really fly under the tourist radar.

12. Go SCUBA Diving

Snorkelling in Cabo may be popular but it’s also a lesser-known SCUBA diving destination. Dan got his PADI open-water certification while diving in Cabo San Lucas and we both enjoyed being able to dive together for the first time. We’d recommend Dive Cabo who we had a great time diving with.

While it’s not the best place in Mexico for diving (we’d highly recommend you check out Cozumel for that!), Cabo does have a really unique underwater ecosystem. Not only can you see a whole variety of tropical fish, eels, and octopus, but larger animals like sea lions and whales are also sometimes spotted on dives in Cabo San Lucas. The visibility isn’t always the best but that does make it a great place to learn to dive as you’ll be prepared for anywhere else you go after. You can also witness the rare phenomenon of the underwater sandfall, a cascade of grains of sand that mimics that of a waterfall.

A view underneath the waves: Dan is SCUBA diving and gives the "OK" sign. The water is murky and colourful, spanning the whole spectrum of the rainbow.

13. Spot pelicans and sea lions at the Marina

While most visitors to the marina are there to board an expensive boat tour, spotting wildlife in the marina is completely free. Pelicans are often found lounging around on boats while sea lions can be spotted soaking up the sun or swimming in the shallow waters.

A group of brown pelicans making themselves comfortable on small boats that are docked in a harbour.
Can you see the pelicans in these boats?

14. Go hiking in the mountains

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head into the dusty mountains around Cabo. There are several stunning hiking trails to choose from that offer panoramic views of cacti-strewn hills and rugged coastlines. Here are a few of the best hikes in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cerro del Vigía – Also called Mt Solmar, this trail traverses rocky terrain, you can take in views of the Cabo Arch and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Cerro de la Z – Cerro de la Zeta leads up a winding path to the top of a hill that is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Cabo San Lucas.
  • Fox Canyon – Also called Cañón de la Zorra, this trail leads to waterfalls and swimming holes through a scenic canyon near Santiago.
  • Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve – A protected reserve north of Cabo San Lucas known for its diverse native species of plants and animals.
The whole of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas sweeps across the horizon. The sun is very low in the sky which is illuminated with yellows and oranges.
Hiking offers the best views of Cabo San Lucas

15. Take a cooking class

What better way to immerse in local culture than by taking a Cabo cooking class? Learn new skills as you prepare fresh Mexican dishes as part of a class taught by a local. And even better? You get to eat your hard work for dinner!

Fresh limes atop vegan tacos in Cabo San Lucas.
Get stuck in with a hands-on cooking class

16. Visit an organic farm

There’s been a huge rise in the popularity of farm-to-table restaurants in Cabo. El Huerto is the closest to Cabo San Lucas, offering delicious dishes prepared with sustainable and local ingredients. If you’re going out a bit further afield to San José del Cabo, you could also check out the popular Flora Farms and ACRE restaurants.

Fresh fruit on display at a Farm-to-Table restaurant, one of the most unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in Cabo San Lucas

17. Explore the Museum of Natural History

Cabo’s Museum of Natural History is a small museum showcasing artefacts and informative displays about the geological and archaeological history of Cabo and the surrounding Baja California Sur area. Entry is only a couple of dollars and can be paid in USD or pesos.

The sun setting behind the mountains of Chileno Bay. The beach is completely empty and the water is calm.
The Natural History Museum is a great place to learn more about Cabo

18. Admire art in beautiful galleries

While San José del Cabo may be known for its incredible art scene, you don’t have to miss out in Cabo San Lucas. Head to the Hector Estrada Art Gallery and see works by Panamanian artist Hector Estrada, a talented painter and sculptor.

If you’re a keen art lover, consider joining the San José del Cabo Art Walk, which takes place every Thursday evening and visits the best artistic spots in town.

A painted mural of a whale with brightly coloured patterns decorating it.
There’s some beautiful graffiti art in Cabo San Lucas

19. Visit an animal sanctuary

Calling all animal lovers, Cabo San Lucas is a great place to visit an animal rescue sanctuary like Los Cabos Humane Society. Get your fix of puppy love, volunteer and walk a rescue dog, and learn about the great initiatives the shelter has to care for animals in need. If you’re more of a cat person, there’s also an on-site cattery where you can help socialise the cats in need of a cuddle.

Acre Dogs, part of ACRE Resort also has an animal sanctuary that is home to dogs, donkeys, miniature Pygmy goats, and free-roaming peacocks.

A dog walking along a sandy road. The dog is dark and has no collar.
Take a dog on a walk for a unique day out

20. See the Church of Saint Luke

The Cabo Church of Saint Luke (Parroquia de San Lucas Evangelista or Iglesia de San Lucas) is a tiny but charming historic church nestled in downtown Cabo San Lucas just a couple of blocks west of the marina. It was created in 1730 by a Spanish missionary. The nearby town square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes, is a great place for people-watching and holds festivals and events throughout the year.

A view over the rooftops of Cabo San Lucas at sunset.
Cabo San Lucas is more than just the downtown marina area

21. Swim with sharks

Get in the water with earth’s greatest predators with Cabo Shark Dive. Swimming with sharks is an epic and safe experience with trained professionals who value your safety and the wellbeing of the sharks. They are not fed but a chum box is used to attract them so you can see them up close in the wild. Several studies have confirmed that chum boxes do not disturb natural shark behaviours in the way that feeding does.

If you’re interested in diving with sharks naturally, we’d recommend heading to Cozumel where you can see reef sharks, or Cabo Pulmo where you can see bull sharks, without feeding them or using chum as an incentive.

22. Release baby turtles

Release baby sea turtles into the ocean is a bucket list activity for many travellers (us included). Endangered olive ridley and green sea turtles (locally called black turtles) nest on the beaches along the west coast of Baja near Cabo. Turtle eggs are collected by sanctuaries and raised in a hatchery to stop poachers from stealing the eggs or predators from killing the babies. Tourists can then witness or help to return these babies to the sea by releasing them in a coconut shell, under the guidance of a marine biologist, from July to September – a magical and educational experience.

  • Releasing baby sea turtles can sometimes cause more harm than good. Turtles magnetically imprint on the part of the beach where they are born and return years later to give birth in the same spot. Touching a turtle with bare hands can interrupt this process, as well as carrying the risk of transmitting disease or causing stress. While marketed as an ecotourism activity, these experiences are not good for the turtles.

Unfortunately, we can’t find any turtle sanctuaries in Cabo that we can guarantee are 100% ethical. Almost every establishment offering baby turtle releases is either blatantly exploiting the babies for tourism purposes or is claiming to be an eco-tourism project but is still making mistakes that are detrimental to the turtles (called greenwashing). We’d highly recommend you check the ethics and reviews of a tour (especially the bad reviews as this is where you’ll find the ethical concerns of other travellers who have already participated in the experience) before you book. We have more information on other controversial activities in Cabo below.

A large turtle slowly making its way back to the ocean along the wet sand of a beach.
Turtles come to Cabo from July to September

Unethical things to avoid in Cabo San Lucas

As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in Cabo San Lucas. There are also some activities on offer that can be harmful, especially when it comes to experiences involving animals. Here are a few touristy things in Cabo San Lucas we wouldn’t recommend and why.

23. Riding animals

Riding a horse down a beach at sunset or hopping atop a camel among sand dunes may sound like a cool experience but it’s often at the detriment of the animal. There’s no way to guarantee the treatment of animals that are used for captive animal tourism purposes and unfortunately, many of these animals are highly mistreated.

While some horse-riding experiences will be run by owners who genuinely care and look after the horses, that’s not true for others who prioritise money over animal welfare. We were heartbroken to see quite a few sad-looking horses in our time in Mexico and there’s just no way to truly guarantee how well the horse you’re riding is being looked after.

Camels are not native to Mexico. The importation of camels for the pleasure of tourists is exploitative.

Unfortunately, many horses and camels are mistreated, beaten, malnourished, and forced to work every day in the heat of the scorching sun carrying tourists. It’s better to skip the experience if you can’t ensure it’s going to be an ethical one.

24. Swimming with captive animals

Swimming with dolphins is a dream for wildlife lovers all over the world, but making this dream a reality can be more harmful than you know. Swimming with dolphins in Cabo is offered in the confines of a shallow pool, guaranteeing you the opportunity to get up close to these incredible creatures.

Unfortunately, this is also incredibly cruel. Dolphins are highly intelligent and social animals that swim vast distances every day in the wild. Keeping them in captivity, in a tank up to 200,000 times smaller than their natural environment, is simply abusive.

While you can swim with dolphins in Cabo San Lucas, we’d encourage you to skip this experience. There are many places in the world where you can swim with wild dolphins ethically, in a way that doesn’t impact them negatively. We’ve had the pleasure of swimming with dolphins naturally in the ocean a few times and it beats the cruel practice of keeping dolphins in captivity by far.

An aerial image of Cabo Adventures showing a small pool with dolphins in it and a large car park by the marina.
Captive dolphins are kept in a tiny pool that is smaller than the visitors’ car park

25. Feeding animals

Another element of animal encounters that many people are unaware of is incentivisation. This normally takes place in the form of food. Feeding wild animals can harm them by interrupting their natural feeding patterns or providing poor nutrition. It can also be bad for the species, that comes to associate humans with food, losing the skills to hunt naturally and putting them at higher risk of harm like boat strike accidents. An example of this is attracting sharks by baiting them with food, known as ‘chum’.

26. Touching or holding animals

As we mentioned in the releasing baby turtles section, touching animals can be physically harmful and cause psychological stress. Unfortunately, this isn’t just an issue in animal experiences where you could stretch out your arm and touch an animal. It’s also common to see people in the street in Cabo offering you the opportunity to hold an animal, like a parrot, iguana, or monkey as a photo opportunity.

This exchange of money to hold or touch an animal creates a demand and contributes to the illegal wildlife trade, where animals are poached from the wild and traded on the black market. These animals are often mistreated, kept in cruel conditions, and exploited. We’d encourage you to avoid all experiences that involve paying money to touch or hold an animal.

There is one exception to this rule in the region: Baja’s grey whales. In this encounter, the whales approach your boat and can be petted. The experience is never guaranteed (in fact, on our three-day trip we saw countless whales but didn’t touch one) as it’s completely the whales’ choice to approach the boat for contact. The environment is highly regulated and the guides are licensed and well-trained to protect the whales. This is a rare occurrence where the wild animal chooses to be touched and it is therefore ok.

A man stands smiling under a parasol with a small monkey balanced on his forearm. Nearby is a sign in English and Spanish that reads "Photo with the monkey". There are unfortunately many examples of this kind of animal exploitation throughout Central America.
It’s unethical to pay money to feed, touch, or take a photo with captive animals

27. Taking an unlicensed whale watching tour

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (the number 1 thing in our opinion), but it’s important it’s done properly. We were saddened to see that many of the unlicensed boats in Cabo would completely break all the Mexican whale watching regulations set out to protect the whales. Party boats, private yachts, and water taxis would chase the whales, get too close and scare them off. While these may be a convenient or cheaper option than booking a licensed whale watching tour, they’re risking the physical and mental well-being of the whales, disrupting natural behaviours like mating and raising calves.

We recommend whale watching in Cabo with Whale Watch Cabo or Cabo Trek, both responsible and licensed companies. We’ve curated a complete list of responsible whale watching companies in Cabo to help you choose an ethical tour.

A small cloud pluming into the air - a blow from a whale in nearby waters. Many boats are following the signal.
Unlicensed boats chasing a whale in Cabo San Lucas
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Tour companies to avoid in Cabo San Lucas

There are certain tour companies in Cabo San Lucas that prioritise profit over all else. We’ve just run through the harm that engaging in popular but unethical activities can have. One of the biggest impacts you can have on your trip is choosing where you spend your money wisely. If the tour company you’re thinking of booking through offers any kind of unethical activity, we’d strongly encourage you to consider spending your money elsewhere.

Booking with locally-owned companies over international chains and brands is more sustainable as the money benefits the local community, rather than leaking abroad.

Touts and hawkers can be persistent, stopping you in the street and trying to encourage you to part with your money. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Often these cheap prices mean an unlicensed guide, lack of care, and disregard for local regulations.

Yellow and white hotel buildings lining the shoreline of Cabo San Lucas.
There are some touristy and unethical activities on offer in Cabo San Lucas

The best tours in Cabo San Lucas

There are so many tours to choose from in Cabo, from full-day tours to only a couple of hours. We’ve shortlisted the best tours in Cabo San Lucas with local companies that value responsible and eco-friendly tourism, in the list below:

The best day tours from Cabo San Lucas

Still not got your fill of things to do in Cabo? If you want to get out a bit further afield and explore the beautiful Baja California Sur Peninsula, here are some awesome day trips from Cabo.

28. Swim with whale sharks

Floating alongside the largest fish in the sea is an epic experience. Enjoy swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, explore the stunning coastline, visit Balandra Beach, Mexico’s most beautiful beach, and eat fresh fish tacos in Baja’s capital, the charming colonial town of La Paz.

Dan swimming with a whale shark, making a 'thumbs up' sign at the camera.
Swimming with whale sharks can be done ethically in La Paz

29. Sail to Espíritu Santo Island

At the stunning Espíritu Santo Island, visitors are rewarded with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day cruising around the island on a luxury catamaran taking in the stunning scenery. While not as popular as whale sharks, you can also swim with sea lions in La Paz at Isla Espíritu Santo.

Mountains covered in red and orange shrubbery slope down to the beachside glamping campsite on Isla Espiritu Santo.
Isla Espíritu Santo is a remote island paradise

30. Explore San José del Cabo

At the other end of Cabo’s tourist corridor lies San José del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas’ more relaxed little sister, this charming town is known for its vibrant artistic scene with galleries, festivals, and events.

A multicoloured sign that reads "San José del Cabo" in front of a cathedral in the sunshine.
San José del Cabo is only a short journey from Cabo San Lucas

31. Dive in Cabo Pulmo National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected marine park east of Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo is the place for SCUBA diving. Enjoy breathtaking visibility and epic encounters with marine life like bull sharks and sea lions.

Dan stands at the stern of a boat in his wetsuit, looking out at rock formations.
Cabo Pulmo is the best place to dive in Baja

32. Touch a grey whale

A rare exception to the no-touching rule the friendly whales of Baja are a sight to behold. Witness mother and baby approach your boat in search of contact and spend your evenings in Magdalena Bay Whales Camp in the heart of the protected lagoon. Magdalena Bay is fairly far from Cabo so, if you don’t plan to visit, it might be best to plan a multi-day trip.

Two grey whales in the water. They are floating their long shiny bodies in the water.
Get up close to grey whales on a multi-day tour from Cabo

Our experience in Cabo San Lucas

We visited Cabo San Lucas in February, at the end of our month backpacking Baja California Sur. It gave us some of the best whale watching of our lives. We saw adult humpbacks breaching, babies learning to tail slap, and an epic heat run (where males compete for a female). We chose to stay in the middle of Downtown, away from the marina area and constantly, glaringly loud dance music. We also spent a couple of nights in an ocean-view hotel, which we’d highly recommend.

We did find Cabo San Lucas to be incredibly overpriced. The commercial elements and Americanised culture aren’t really our vibe and we preferred the quieter and more authentic towns we visited in Baja. But we didn’t hate Cabo. It’s lively and has a lot going on and a lot to offer. It has beautiful beaches, Dan got PADI certified and discovered the magic of the underwater world, and we took in some stunning coastal views. It really depends on your vibe and the kind of vacation you’re looking for. Cabo San Lucas might be worth it to you too.

Dan standing in the shallows of Monumentos Beach with his arms out.
We had the best time in Cabo San Lucas

Things to do in Cabo San Lucas by traveller

Cabo San Lucas offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences for every type of traveller. Here are some more suggestions of things to do in Cabo San Lucas by traveller and interest.

Free and cheap things to do in Cabo San Lucas for backpackers

  • See El Arco rock formation
  • Relax on Medano Beach
  • Explore Cabo San Lucas town
  • Snorkel at Pelican Rock
  • Hike to the top of Cerro del Vigía

Romantic things to do in Cabo San Lucas for couples

  • Kayak to Lover’s Beach
  • Take a sunset cruise
  • Get a couple’s massage
  • Eat out at a local taqueria
  • Try mezcal on a tasting

Fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas for families

  • Go whale watching
  • SCUBA dive in the bay
  • Spot pelicans and sea lions in the marina
  • Try watersports
  • Visit an ethical animal sanctuary
The white, sandy beach on Cabo's Tourist Corridor stretches as far as the eye can see. The coast is lined with many hotels.
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas can be tailored to your interests

Staying in Cabo San Lucas

There’s a large variety of accommodations in Cabo from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget. We’ve shortlisted the best hotels and hostels below.

Cabo San Lucas Hotels

  • Budget: Sofia Hostel – An excellent budget option in the centre of Cabo San Lucas. They provide a shared kitchen, a terrace, a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation features airport transfers and a continental breakfast so you can save more for the big experiences.
  • Boutique: Bahia Hotel & Beach House – This urban-style boutique hotel has an upscale, modern and chic vibe and is just minutes from the vibrant nightlife in Downtown, making it perfect for those who like a lot going on. It is also close to Cabo San Lucas’s most popular beach, Playa Medani.
  • Beachfront: The Cape, A Thompson Hotel – This stunning property sets the bar high and is a favourite with couples celebrating a special occasion. We particularly loved watching whales swim by as we sipped cocktails on the Rooftop and live music at dinner in Jazz on the Rocks.
  • Boujee: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – This luxurious beachfront resort is famous for its breathtaking coastal views, extensive facilities, and a blend of contemporary Japanese minimalism with locally-sourced natural, Mexican materials.
  • Sustainable: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – An opulent hotel offering ocean views from every room and most rooms also have private plunge pools. It offers a luxurious spa, upscale restaurants, hot tubs, multiple swimming pools, and a private beach area.
An aerial view of The Cape (a Thompson Hotel). A long swimming pool separates the many hotel rooms from the quiet beach below.
Cabo San Lucas has some beautiful hotels

Cabo San Lucas Travel Information

To ensure your journey to Cabo is seamless, here’s all the essential travel information you need to know to help you plan your trip to Cabo San Lucas.

Eating in Cabo San Lucas

From beachside bars to fine dining establishments, Cabo San Lucas is home to a diverse dining scene, featuring a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste and preference. A variety of restaurants can be found in Cabo San Lucas, offering everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international flavours. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Cabo:

  • Taco Loco – A popular spot set on Marina Boulevard between markets and souvenir shops, Taco Loco offers authentic food at cheap prices.
  • Tacos Guss – With authentic tacos and large portions, Tacos Guss serves a variety of local delights from pollo (chicken) to chapulines (grasshoppers).
  • Taqueria El Gran Pastor – A local street food stand known for its authentic Mexican flavours served hot and fast, perfect for a late-night snack.
  • Los Tres Gallos – A high-end Mexican restaurant with a charming courtyard and live music, this popular spot makes for a lovely night out.
  • Tropical Kitchen – A vegetarian haven offering fresh, healthy foods from savoury Budda bowls to sweet vegan açaí.
  • Manta – Enjoy panoramic coastal views and world-class service in comfortable outdoor seating with craft cocktails and fine wines.
Two cocktails on a seaside bar in the sunshine. Past the drinks is a view of El Arco (The Cabo Arch) across the water.
There are some great places to eat in Cabo San Lucas

Getting to Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. The main airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) near San José del Cabo. The city is directly connected to many major flight routes, with convenient transportation options on the ground to get you to your destination.

From the airport, you can book a private Cabo airport transfer or taxi, take the public bus, or hop on a shared shuttle from Los Cabos airport.

Getting around Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas features a great transportation network, with a compact downtown area and scenic coastal roads. Getting around Cabo San Lucas is easy on foot, especially around the marina and Medano Beach.

You can take a bus or taxi for convenience, allowing you to easily navigate the area no matter your preference or budget. Renting a car in Cabo is a great way to get around on your own schedule.

A bus stop in Cabo San Lucas in the sunshine. The street is lined with palm trees and a couple of people are waiting to catch the bus to San Jose del Cabo.
It’s easy to get to Cabo San Lucas by bus, taxi, or transfer

How many days should you spend in Cabo San Lucas?

The ideal number of days to spend in Cabo San Lucas depends on your interests, travel style, and preferred pace. Three to four days is perfect for a quick getaway and to get a flavour of the city and all it has to offer. Five to seven days is better, as it allows you to take some fun tours and see more of the area. If you’re interested in seeing more of Los Cabos, including San José del Cabo, we’d recommend one to two weeks.

If you’re visiting Cabo for whale watching, we’d recommend leaving a little wiggle room in your itinerary. Whales are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed so having time to go a second time can sometimes result in a better experience. Tours can also be called off for bad weather, so it’s good to have a little extra time for rescheduled tours to fit into your itinerary.

A humpback mum and baby break the surface together to breath. The town of Cabo San Lucas can be seen in the background.
We recommend at least five days in Cabo San Lucas

FAQs

We’ve covered a lot of useful information about Cabo San Lucas in this guide but if there’s anything else you’re wondering, it’s probably in the below FAQs.

What is there to do in Cabo San Lucas?

Some of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas include whale watching, SCUBA diving, and making the most of the impressive local beaches. There is also a plethora of local independent restaurants serving up delicious dishes not to be missed such as tacos and totopos with fresh guacamole. Don’t miss the many churches and stunning galleries, and be sure to pick up a souvenir from an independent artisan.

What is Cabo San Lucas best known for?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular town known for its impressive rock formations such as El Arco (the arch), its vibrant nightlife, and its lavish 5-star resorts. After reading this article, you now know that there is a lot more to Cabo than the touristy and most famous spots.

Is it worth it to go to Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, especially if you’re a keen whale watcher or a fun-loving partygoer, and there are many more things to enjoy in Cabo that are fun for every kind of traveller. Be sure to plan your trip according to the season and the weather to make the most of your time.

Is Cabo San Lucas safe?

Yes, as a very popular tourist destination, Cabo is safe to visit and to explore. It is important to exercise caution as you would anywhere. Avoid walking alone at night, leave valuables at home where possible, don’t flash your money and be sensible around ATMs, trust your instincts and watch your pockets.

Why is Cabo San Lucas so popular?

Cabo San Lucas has a lot to offer tourists and is well connected with direct flights arriving daily from various major cities. The picturesque landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and rock formations, attract visitors seeking scenic views. Cabo is also famous for its hospitality, boasting luxurious resorts, numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

What is the famous rock in Cabo?

The famous rock in Cabo is called El Arco (The Arch). It is a natural sea arch that makes for a stunning backdrop and is synonymous with the landscape of Cabo San Lucas. Another less famous Cabo rock formation is Pelican Rock, a dive site not far from El Arco that is home to all manner of sea creatures and birds at different times of the year.

What is the most swimmable beach in Cabo?

Medano Beach and Chileno Bay are amongst the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas. Unlike some of the more famous beaches such as Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, they have calm waters and minimal currents, which make for perfect swimming conditions.

As always, exercise caution when swimming in open water as the currents and weather can change quickly.

Can you get around Cabo San Lucas without a car?

Yes, getting to and around Cabo is very easy without a car as there are reliable buses, taxis, and also Uber for less accessible destinations.

Is Cabo San Lucas a walkable city?

Yes! Cabo is very walkable especially if you are staying near the marina or downtown. If you are staying on the tourist corridor, then we’d recommend making use of the public bus system to get to the centre of town. There are also some beaches that are less pedestrian-friendly which will require a short taxi ride or a boat trip to access.

Do they accept US dollars in Cabo San Lucas?

US dollars are largely accepted in Cabo San Lucas, especially in the most touristy areas. However, for the best value for money, we recommend arriving with Mexican Pesos and using these where possible.

Do they speak English in Cabo San Lucas?

Being such a popular destination, English is widely spoken throughout Cabo San Lucas, particularly around the marina and the main strip. It is important to learn some basic Spanish greetings and phrases as this will enhance your experience and will be highly appreciated.

Can I use my cell phone in Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, you can use your cell phone in Cabo San Lucas. The majority of U.S. carriers offer international plans that allow calls, texts, and data while travelling in Mexico. It’s a good idea to check with your carrier before your trip to understand any roaming charges you may incur or to alter your payment plan. There is also plenty of free wifi available in cafes, hotels and restaurants throughout Cabo.

Cabo Bay from a distance. Behind green-brown shrubbery, a curving bay housing a large cruise ship in bright blue waters.
We hope you have an epic time in Cabo San Lucas!

Read next:

An Ethical Guide to Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo

The 18 Best Beachfront Hotels in Cabo

Where to Eat in Cabo San Lucas: 25 Best Restaurants

The 15 Best Day Trips from Cabo

10 Tips for Taking a Boat Tour in Cabo

A Concise Guide to SCUBA Diving in Cabo

How to Get Around Cabo: 10 Modes of Transport

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