Are you planning to visit Cabo for the first time? The cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are fantastic destinations for a vacation, offering warm weather, beautiful beaches, and lots of fun things to do.
Of course, your first decision is whether to stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, and my guide to San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas will help you make that choice.
Once you’ve decided where to base your vacation, it’s time to start planning your itinerary.
I fell in love with the Baja California peninsula on my first visit. In fact, I loved it so much that we bought our own home in El Pescadero, around an hour north of Cabo San Lucas.
So, I’ve put together my local’s list of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. My carefully curated selection includes unique experiences, luxury tours, and all the must-dos for your Cabo vacation.
Where is Cabo?
Cabo, or the Los Cabos municipality, is an area at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The peninsula is made up of two states: Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur in the south.
Although many people think of Cabo as a single destination, it actually comprises two cities, San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, which are around 20 miles apart.
The easiest way to get to Los Cabos is to fly into Los Cabos International Airport and then drive around 20 minutes along Highway 1D to San Jose del Cabo or 30 minutes to Cabo San Lucas.
Now that you know where to find Los Cabos, let’s take a look at the best things to do in Cabo.
Take a Day Tour of Los Cabos
A guided tour is the best way to discover the Los Cabos area. This 7-hour tour of Los Cabos will take you into the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas and the historic center of San José del Cabo.
Guided by a local expert, your tour will include souvenir-hunting in Cabo San Lucas, a visit to the Glass Blowing Factory, and a ride in a clear-bottom boat to the famous El Arco stone arch. You’ll also enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch and sample local chocolates, candy, and tequila.
The itinerary includes free time for shopping or exploring the Art District, and round-trip transportation is included in the tour price.
See El Arco
This is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo and a must-do for your Baja Peninsula vacation.
The dramatic El Arco rock formation sits at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, in an area known as Land’s End. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best way to see El Arco is by taking a water taxi around Land’s End or by walking underneath the arch at low tide. Whichever route you take, the view will certainly be memorable.
Take a Los Cabos boat tour
You can choose from a wide range of different boat trips in Cabo, from luxury yacht charters and sunset cruises to pirate ship adventures. Most Cabo boat tours depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, but some tours are also available from San José del Cabo.
If an organized boat trip doesn’t appeal, why not rent a boat in Cabo marina and sail yourself around the bay?
A Private Yacht Tour
This 3-hour private yacht charter is the perfect way to celebrate a special day with friends or family.
You’ll sail past El Arco and along the Cabo coastline on a 52’ Luxury yacht with enough space for up to 18 guests. Swim in the sea, try snorkelling or paddle boarding, or just relax and soak in the scenery while you enjoy snacks, drinks, and lunch or dinner.
Luxury Catamaran boat tour
Explore the Sea of Cortez on a luxury catamaran tour of Cabo San Lucas. You’ll sail past El Arco and out to two secluded bays to try snorkelling and SUP boarding in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.
The crystal-clear waters are perfect for spotting tropical fish, and you might even see humpback whales during the migration season.
You’ll spend 4 hours on board this luxury 2-level catamaran, and this private boat tour includes all necessary equipment, a delicious deli-style lunch, and an open bar.
A Sunset Cruise
Sunset dinner cruises are one of the most popular things to do in Cabo. This Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a chance to watch the sun set over the sea from a double-deck catamaran with a dance floor and 360° viewing platform. You’ll also enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet and open bar.
As well as sailing past El Arco, you’ll see Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock, and Land’s End. You could even spot a colony of sea lions on this amazing 2.5-hour cruise.
Pirate Ship Cruise
This popular Pirate Ship sunset cruise is one of the best things to do with kids in Cabo. You’ll spend 2 hours on board a pirate boat as you sail past landmarks like El Arco and Pelican Rock on the Sea of Cortez .
Throughout your cruise, the crew will entertain you with a pirate show, games, and sea shanties while also sharing fascinating stories of Cabo’s sea-faring history. Your cruise includes a pirate-style BBQ dinner and an open bar with soft drinks, local beers, and cocktails.
It’s a fun-filled evening perfect for the whole family.
Get active or relax on beautiful beaches
The sandy beaches around Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Cabo San Lucas’s beaches face either the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez, while the beaches in San José del Cabo all overlook the Sea of Cortez.
The soft sands and crystal clear waters are ideal for relaxation or water sports, and you’re sure to find the perfect beach for your vacation.
Playa El Medano (Medano Beach) is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas, offering a variety of beach bars, shops, and amenities. Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) is a quieter beach that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling, but only accessible by boat, and nearby you’ll also find Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio). Playa El Chileno (Chileno Beach) is popular with families and has calm waters ideal for snorkelling.
San José del Cabo’s pristine beaches, like Playa Palmilla and Playa Santa Maria, are quieter and generally have fewer amenities. They’re a good choice if you want to avoid the souvenir vendors on Cabo San Lucas’s beaches. Playa Costa Azul is another excellent beach for surfing.
Try Water Sports
Cabo San Lucas is a great place to try out some water sports. You’ll find a wide range of tours on offer, whether you want to explore the area in a kayak, go snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, or try parasailing for a different view of the bay.
Kayaking
The Sea of Cortez coastline is an ideal location for kayaking, offering a unique view of the massive cliffs and rock formations surrounding Cabo.
This 4-hour Kayak tour of Los Cabos combines two popular water activities in one fun-filled tour as you explore the waters of Cabo’s Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay. There’s also time to relax on the warm, white sands of Chileno Beach.
Your tour price includes beverages and snacks, all kayaking and snorkelling equipment, and instruction from an experienced guide.
Snorkelling
Pelican Rock is a popular site for diving and snorkelling. You can spot marine life like tropical fish and moray eels in the water, as well as pelicans and sea lions on the rock.
Other good snorkelling spots include Playa Chileno, Santa Maria Beach, and Playa del Amor, and you can snorkel straight from the sands on these beaches.
Scuba Diving
Cabo isn’t the best location for scuba diving in Mexico because the underwater visibility here isn’t as good as places like Cozumel or the Riviera Maya. However, the Cabo ecosystem makes it a great choice for spotting larger species, such as sharks and whales.
If you’re new to scuba diving, Cabo has several diving schools like Manta Scuba and Cabo Adventures, where you can get your PADI diving certification.
Parasailing
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with this thrilling Cabo San Lucas Parasailing Experience. Your tour starts with a full safety briefing before you head out onto the waters overlooking Cabo San Lucas.
Each member of the group will take their turn to be fitted into a tandem parasailing harness and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city, El Arco, Lovers’ Beach, and the bay from nearly 600 feet in the air. You’ll spend around 10 minutes in the air and have the option of skimming the water with your feet before returning safely to the boat.
This parasailing boat tour lasts around 1.5 hours in total, and the cost includes all safety equipment and complimentary bottled water.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a fun and exhilarating way to explore the Los Cabos area, and you can choose from tours suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.
Horseback Riding in Cabo San Lucas
This fantastic Cabo Horseback Riding tour begins when you’re collected from your vacation accommodation and driven to Migriño.
You’ll explore the beach and desert on horseback, riding along rocky paths with the sea breeze on your face to a viewpoint where you may be able to spot Gray Whales. A tequila tasting session rounds off the tour before you head back to your accommodation.
This horseback riding tour lasts 2 hours and includes return transportation, loan of your horse and safety equipment, and the complimentary tequila tasting.
Horseback Riding in Wild Canyon
This 4-hour Horseback Riding tour at Wild Canyon will take you on horseback from the top of the canyon down to a peaceful oasis.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll be given full instructions before you mount your horse. Together you’ll travel down to the bottom of Wild Canyon, taking in the beautiful landscape along the way.
You’ll visit a local animal sanctuary where you can meet macaws, reptiles, and other animals. Your experience ends at the Lion’s Den restaurant, where you’ll enjoy quesadillas, guacamole, and a choice of margarita, daiquiri, tequila, or an alcohol-free smoothie.
All necessary equipment, admission to the animal sanctuary, lunch, and drinks are included in your tour price.
Drive an ATV
Off-road adventures like ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) tours are a fun and exciting alternative to horseback riding.
No experience is generally required for ATV tours, but please check the minimum age before booking, as some tours aren’t suitable for children under 16.
Beach and Desert ATV Tour
This 3-hour Cabo ATV tour will take you through desert trails and along oceanfront cliffs in Cabo San Lucas.
You’ll receive full safety training from an expert guide before putting on safety gear and heading out on your ATV. You’ll travel through the Baja desert, along riverbeds and mountain trails, and finally on the white sands of Migriño Beach.
Your ATV adventure ends with a tequila tasting as you look out over the magnificent Pacific Ocean.
This tour is suitable for beginners, and round-trip transportation from your accommodation is included in the tour price.
Beach and Desert 3-in-1 Tour
For even more excitement, why not try this 3-in-1 Beach and Desert Tour?
As well as driving an off-road ATV or UTV (Utility Task Vehicle), you’ll explore the local landscape on horseback or camel rides, and ride high above the ground on an exciting Sky Bike. The tour ends with a tequila tasting on the beach.
This 3-hour adrenaline-filled tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or accommodation, expert guides, and full safety training. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 16 years, but a Kids Club and nanny service are available.
Soar down a Zip Line
Thrill-seekers will love this Zip Lines and UTVs tour in Los Cabos. You’ll explore a UNESCO-protected biosphere and take part in a range of exciting activities, including a 20-minute off-road UTV ride, rock climbing, and rappelling.
The highlight of your 3.5-hour tour will be a 500m flight along the longest zip line in Cabo. The world-class safety features include Petzl safety equipment and double safety lines, so you can feel totally reassured as you soar through the canyon.
The tour is led by highly trained guides. The price includes a delicious meal of homemade quesadillas and a fresh salad bar, as well as beverages and all necessary safety equipment.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo, with humpback whales migrating to Cabo every winter between December and March. This 2-hour Whale Watching Boat Tour is an unforgettable experience for your Cabo vacation.
You’ll take a thrilling ride on an 8-meter boat, stopping first at El Arco for photographs before heading out to either the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez in search of humpback whales.
A marine biologist accompanies the tour, and the group size is limited to 12 participants for a more personal experience.
Other species of whales also migrate to Cabo, so you might also see grey and blue whales. You may even be able to hear the whales sing through the boat’s onboard hydrophone.
Swim with sharks
Swimming with sharks is an even more adrenaline-filled adventure that you can experience in Cabo. Companies such as Cabo Shark Dive offer safe shark experiences using chum boxes to attract sharks without disturbing their natural feeding patterns. The tours are run by trained professionals who ensure your safety and the well-being of the sharks.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or have scuba diving experience for the basic snorkelling tour. You can even remain on the boat and still see the sharks’ dorsal fins in the water.
If you’d prefer a shark swimming experience without chum boxes, other locations in Mexico such as Cozumel and Cabo Pulmo also offer shark experiences. These allow you to observe bull sharks or reef sharks in a totally natural habitat without the incentive of chum boxes or feeding.
Explore the local cuisine
Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have a great selection of restaurants that cater to different markets. Cabo San Lucas restaurants are often more expensive and serve Western cuisines to appeal to the tourist market.
If you want to experience authentic Mexican food, you’ll find a better selection of eateries in San José del Cabo. These include farm-to-table restaurants, taquerias, and street food vendors.
Farm-to-table dining showcases local and seasonal produce, and it has become a popular way to dine in the Los Cabos Area.
Flora Farms and Acre Resort are two of the best places to eat in the San José del Cabo area, or you could visit El Huerto if you want to dine in Cabo San Lucas. Reservations are recommended and may be required, so check before heading out for the evening.
Food tours and cooking classes are also great ways to experience the local cuisine of the Los Cabos area. You’ll find tours offered in both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas Food Tour
This 3.5-hour Cabo San Lucas Food Tour gives you a taste of the city’s local cuisine. You’ll visit five different tasting locations in downtown Cabo San Lucas, sampling local favorites that include fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and an authentic Mexican dessert.
The tour is led by an expert tour guide, and the price includes enough food for a satisfying lunch plus one soft drink.
San José del Cabo Cooking Class
This fun San José del Cabo Cooking Class offers a more hands-on introduction to Mexican cuisine. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture as you prepare authentic Mexican dishes under the guidance of a local expert.
Working in a small group, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes, including ceviche, guacamole, and roasted salsa. You’ll enjoy a premium open bar during the class and, best of all, you get to eat your creations for dinner, followed by homemade flan.
The class includes a tequila and mezcal tasting, and soft drinks are also available. Vegan options and food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
Take a Day Trip to Todos Santos
If you have access to a car, it’s worth traveling beyond Los Cabos to the small coastal town of Todos Santos. Sitting on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, around an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is a bohemian town, popular with artists and surfers alike.
Todos Santos carries the ‘pueblo mágico’ (magic town) designation, thanks to its well-preserved heritage and traditional architecture. It boasts pristine white sand beaches, amazing places to dine, and quaint shops selling local crafts and other unique gift ideas.
I love visiting the Todos Santos area, and spend around two months of each year in our house in the neighboring village of El Pescadero. It’s the perfect place for a day trip from Los Cabos.
Learn more about Todos Santos and El Pescadero in our guide to the Best Things to Do in Todos Santos.
For more inspiration, check out our list of the best day trips from Cabo.
Explore the Local Nightlife
Enjoy the lively nightlife in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, a popular destination for college students on Spring Break. The city has a reputation as a party town, and you’ll find everything here from laid-back bars with live music to high-energy clubs.
Bar crawls in Cabo are a popular vacation activity, but the establishments can be very crowded and the drinks prices are often high, especially in the high season. Popular hotspots in Cabo San Lucas include El Squid Roe, Mango Deck, and Mandala. For a fun but more upscale option, check out Rooftop 360 at Corazón Cabo, the highest rooftop deck in Cabo.
If you’d prefer chilling out in an authentic Mexican bar to dancing until dawn in a club, you might prefer a night out in San José del Cabo. The nightlife tends to be more low-key here, and because it’s not so touristy, the prices tend to be lower. Check out Mixology Fusion Bar and Simaruba Rooftop Bar for a laid-back evening.
Help the Sea Turtles
The Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles that live in the Los Cabos area are vital to the region’s ecosystem, but both species are currently endangered.
Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts has been involved with the Los Cabos sea turtle protection and release program for nearly 20 years. This vital program safeguards sea turtle nests, and the trained staff help release hatchlings into the ocean, boosting the turtles’ survival rate.
The sea turtle nesting season lasts from late July to November, and the hatching season is generally in September. There’s no way to know exactly when the turtles will hatch, so there’s no set schedule for the releases.
Check out the local art
The San José Del Cabo Art Walk takes place each Thursday night from November through June. It’s a chance to stroll through the colorful Gallery District, spot public artworks, visit local art galleries, and enjoy food and drink in the local restaurants.
This is undoubtedly one of the must-dos on a San José Del Cabo vacation, and you can find out more in my guide to the San José Del Cabo Art Walk.
Although San José del Cabo is more renowned for its art scene, Cabo San Lucas also boasts some impressive street art and art galleries featuring local artists. You may also like to visit the Hector Estrada Art Gallery to view works by the Panamanian artist and local resident, Hector Estrada.
Go shopping in Cabo San Lucas
You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to artisanal jewelry and local textiles in Cabo San Lucas.
Head to the prestigious Luxury Avenue mall for the top designer brands, and you’ll find more top brands, dining options, and entertainment in the popular Puerto Paraiso Mall.
Shop for authentic souvenirs in San José del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas has many souvenir shops selling mass-produced gifts aimed at the tourist market. If you’re looking for something a little more authentically Mexican, San José del Cabo is a better place to shop.
The smaller city has a great selection of boutique stores selling handmade items, home decor, and unique souvenirs. The Plaza Artesanos shopping mall is also worth checking out.
Other good options for sustainable souvenir shopping include Eclectic Array for fabulous ethical fashion and Santo Cabo at Flora Farms for fragrances, natural beauty products, and other sustainable gifts. Some of my favorite souvenirs from Cabo are textiles and hand-painted ceramics.
Go hiking in the mountains around Cabo
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful landscape around Cabo San Lucas. The mountains around Cabo offer several hiking trails, all featuring stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
Popular hiking trails include the Cerro del VigÃa trail for views over El Arco and the Cañón de la Zorra trail (Fox Canyon), which leads through a canyon to waterfalls and swimming holes.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, you might prefer to book a hiking tour of Los Cabos. This will give you the benefit of a local guide, and your tour price also includes lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore the Museum of Natural History
Visiting the Museum of Natural History in Cabo San Lucas (Museo de Historia Natural de Cabo San Lucas) is a great way to learn more about Los Cabos and the local area. Also known as the Museum of the Californias (Museo de las Californias), this small museum features a range of exhibits and artefacts explaining the area’s geological and natural history, including skeletons of local animals.
The museum is located near Plaza Amelia Wilkes, and the small entry fee can be paid in pesos or USD.
Visit the Iglesia de San Lucas
The Parroquia de San Lucas Evangelista, or Church of Saint Luke, is a small, historic church built in 1730. It’s located in downtown Cabo San Lucas, just a short walk from the marina.
The church is worth a visit to see its local architecture, and the nearby Plaza Amelia Wilkes is a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the local culture.
That wraps up my list of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
These fascinating cities in the Baja California peninsula are both great destinations for your Mexico vacation, offering a contrasting mix of high-energy fun and peaceful relaxation.
Whichever city you choose to stay in, this list of fun things to do will help ensure you have a great time in Los Cabos!
