8 Exciting Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The alluring Mexican coastal city of Cabo San Lucas lies at Baja California’s southernmost tip. It has long been one of the country’s top destinations, with countless activities and experiences waiting to be had.

From exciting whale watching to ATV adventures through the Sonoran Desert, there’s so much to do here. When I went to Cabo and stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, I really enjoyed all the fun things to do in Cabo.

Here are our picks of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas during your visit to the tip of the Baja Peninsula.

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The Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Discover Cabo’s Picturesque Beaches

One of the main reasons millions of tourists flock to Cabo’s shores each year is the beach. The endless coastline boasts stunning white sand combined with deep turquoise seas. It’s like something from a postcard.

Although there are plenty of beaches to choose from in Cabo San Lucas, some you can’t afford to miss.

Medano Beach is one of the busiest, and for good reason. It offers two miles of pristine shoreline safe for swimming and an abundance of cabanas for hire, perfect to lounge and catch a tan. Isn’t that why we all go to the beach?

Additionally, there are plenty of bars and restaurants around the area. You can have ice cold bottles of beer delivered without moving an inch.

Another beach in Cabo San Lucas that’s worthy of a visit is Lover’s Beach, also known as Playa Del Amor. Getting to this beauty is a challenge in itself, but totally worth it for that untouched feeling it holds.

Lover’s Beach isn’t accessible by foot, you must take a boat there. It’s much smaller than other stretches of sand in Cabo San Lucas and not commercialized. It’ll just be you and other visitors with the sound of waves crashing the shore.

Go Whale Watching

If you’re wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas during winter, whale watching is a must. Cabo is one of the top whale spotting locations in all of Mexico. This is because the sea surrounding the peninsula is a prime hub for whales.

Each year, families of whales travel up the Pacific Coast from late-November through mid-April. During this time visitors have an opportunity to see them up close. A couple whale species congregate in this region, but the most commonly spotted is the humpback whale. 

Unfortunately, spotting whales is not guaranteed. However, to increase your chances, plan to book a tour through a reputable company with plenty of good reviews.

Here are some whale watching tours we recommend:

Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas – This 2.5 tour offers an action-packed, family-friendly excursion with marine biologist on board to answer any questions about the adorable creatures. In addition to whales, you’ll also get up close and personal with sea lions. This public tour is limited to ten participants. If you have a large group, you can book a private tour instead.

Whale Watching Tour with Photos Included – Board a sizable boat and head out to sea for two hours while the captain brings you to locations where whales are common. Even hear whale songs with a hydrophone described by a marine biologist. All while discovering what the Sea of Cortez has in store. 

Luxury Sailing Whale Watch & The Arch – Relish in the lap of luxury on this high-end, two hour catamaran whale watching cruise. Pass by stunning beaches, including Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, and keep on the lookout for humpback and grey whales. As a bonus, transfers and alcoholic beverages are included.

Cabo Arch Sailing Tour

Seeing Cabo Arch is one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas. This particular landform has become the city’s cover photo in recent years. It’s a unique rock formation at the meeting point between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, often referred to as “Golden Arch.”

Be sure to depart as early as possible. The area gets really busy as the day goes on, with tons of people hoping to get that prime Instagram shot.

Here’s a tour we recommend you check out:

The Arch Tour with Amazing Captain in Cabo San Lucas – Venture out in a glass bottom boat to see wonderful attractions like sea lions, Pirate’s Cave, Pelican Rock, and of course, gorgeous Cabo Arch. Hear some incredible facts from your bilingual guide and have a dip at Lover’s Beach before returning to the port.

ATV Adventures 

Of the top things to do in Los Cabos, an ATV adventure is one of the most thrilling. Hit the Baja countryside and drive a high-powered quad through the beautiful Sonoran Desert, massive dunes, and tropical rainforests. 

Plenty of tour operators offer ATV excursions on all kinds of terrain, with different distances, and lengths. Choose which suits you and ride off into the distance.

Below are our ATV tour recommendations:

Los Cabos Beach & Desert ATV Adventure – Cruise through the Mexican desert on your very own quad bike. Soak up unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean and ride across the Beach of Migriño. Most hotels offer free pick-up and a guide will accompany you throughout the excursion. All you have to do is follow them. No prior experience is required, and the company will provide any gear you need.

4×4 ATV Adventure with Tequila tasting & Mexican Buffet Lunch – How would you like to see areas of Cabo San Lucas which normally go unseen? Drive off the beaten track through back roads and forests to an ecological farm. At this stunning site, a traditional Mexican meal and local tequila await.

Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling in the warm waters around Cabo San Lucas has to be on your Cabo adventures bucket list. Yeah, swimming is fun, but diving deep under water and searching for diverse marine life is much more enjoyable.

Did you know that the Sea of Cortez is the most biologically diverse body of water in the world? Housing over 900 fish species and 2,000+ marine invertebrates. Needless to say, you have a high chance to catch a glimpse of something special here. 

Check out these top snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas:

Snorkeling Experience Tour in Cabo (open bar & lunch included) Cabo Blue Boat – Take a break from the beaches and sail out to sea on a Cabo Blue Boat. Indulge in water sports, whether you want to go snorkeling or stand up paddle boarding, there’s plenty of options. An open bar is available on board, and lunch is provided. What else could you ask for?

Cabo San Lucas Marine Park Snorkeling Tour with Manta – Gather your family and set off on a two-hour snorkeling tour through Cabo San Lucas Marine Park. Go underwater and spot different types of tropical fish, or, for those certified, spend the afternoon scuba diving. You’ll also get to see sea lions and the famous El Arco.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Act like a cowboy for the day on a horseback riding tour along a beautiful Cabo San Lucas beach. From sunset rides to evening trots, there’s something for everyone.

Any companies operating these tours will have well-trained and friendly horses for beginner rides. There will always be a staff member alongside the horse ready control the direction of the trot.

If you’re lucky enough, you may spot some wildlife during your excursion. All sorts of animals reside on Cabo San Lucas’s beaches, including roadrunners, coyotes, quail, and more.

Check out these exciting horseback riding tours:

Cabo White Sand Horseback Adventure – This guided horseback tour is a wonderful day out in Cabo San Lucas for couples. It takes participants along the coast to see various forms of flora and fauna, dolphins, sea turtles, and seals. The horses are impeccably trained and well cared for. Anyone can join regardless of skillset, you’ll be shown the ropes. Free transportation is included with every booking and all safety equipment is provided.

Horseback Riding Tour in Cabo San Lucas  – Trot for three hours and thirty five minutes to a Baja Californian Ranch, jaw-dropping beaches, secluded deserts, and seaside cliffs. There will be many opportunities to stop and snap some photos, including a break at a 20 foot tall cactus. Like many Cabo activities, hotel pick-up and light snacks are provided on this horseback excursion.

Day Trip To La Paz

After a couple days exploring Cabo San Lucas, you may want to experience something new in Baja, California. Just under two hours from Cabo San Lucas is the capital of Baja California Sur, the city of La Paz. The city is famed for fascinating nature, immaculate landscapes, and pristine waters.

Day trips to La Paz are hugely popular from Cabo San Lucas, with so much to do there. Imagine swimming with whale sharks, sand boarding, and seeing the lovely Malecon Promenade. Not to mention, cool street art, yummy food, and charming Cathedral of La Paz.

Below are some day tours to La Paz we recommend:

Day Trip to La Paz & Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas – Put on your best walking shoes because this day trip has tons of exploring. Set off early in the morning to see traditional Mexican villages and the tropic of cancer. Stop for a stroll along the Malecon Promenade and see where all the city’s action happens. Finish off the day with an extra-strong margarita at the famous Hotel California in Todos Santos.

La Paz City Tour from Los Cabos – This eleven hour tour is the perfect way to explore the delightful city of La Paz with a knowledgeable guide who knows all the best locations. Discover the history of Laz Paz and how it has evolved into a major tourist destination over the years. Enjoy eight stops in total at places like Balandra Beach, the Chimney, and Hotel California. All with the luxury of your own private air-conditioned vehicle.

Day Trip to Todos Santos 

Another popular day trip destination from Cabo is the town of Todos Santos. Todos Santos is situated on the Pacific Coast and surrounded by the awe-inspiring Sierra De La Laguna Mountain Range. It’s hard to believe these views are only an hour drive from Cabo San Lucas.

Todos Santos has an entirely different vibe than Cabo San Lucas. It’s dotted with rich Colonial structures, traditional restaurants with a massive selection of regional dishes, and cute corner shops selling crafty Mexican art.

Below are some fun Todos Santos tours from Cabo San Lucas:

Todos Santos Day Trip from Cabo San Lucas – Learn the background of Todos Santos and its relationship with community artists, a partnership which has shaped this coastal town. Get picked up in a private minivan and drive the Pacific Coast before reaching the lovely Todos Santos. Stop by several galleries, factories, and crafts stores with an experienced guide. The final stop is at Hotel California, where a yummy buffet lunch is served. In total, the trip lasts for six hours.

Todos Santos City Tour – Hit the magical town of Todos Santos for a half day of sightseeing with stops at a Mexican blanket factory, a regional sweets store, theater, and watch a pearl demonstration. The drive there and back goes up the Pacific Coast, so it’s going to be a scenic one. Pick-up and drop-off is included. Just be sure to confirm your hotel is on the list of locations, if not, choose somewhere close to where you’re staying.

As our list of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas comes to a close, we hope you’ve found some exciting activities to book for your vacation. This tropical paradise will only get more popular as time moves on, so get there soon!

Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Maria Haase

The post 8 Exciting Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico appeared first on San Diego Explorer.