Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

A vacation in Los Cabos promises to be as relaxing or action-packed as you please. As one of Mexico’s most popular beach vacation destinations, Los Cabos includes San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Only twenty minutes apart, these sister towns are a study in contrasts and entice travelers for different reasons. Once a sleepy fishing hamlet, Cabo San Lucas is now a tourism hotspot, known for its vibrant nightlife, sun-dappled beaches and heart-pumping water sports. For those who prefer an authentic Mexican meal followed by a leisurely amble through art galleries and quaint boutiques, San Jose del Cabo has got you covered.

Both towns have a bounty of adventure and leisure activities suited to visitors of all ages. Wondering what to do in Cabo first? Here are some of the highlights.

cabo marina logo

Things to do Cabo San Lucas

Want to lounge on the beach by day and dance the night away with friends? Bars, clubs and restaurants offer DJ and live music to accompany a non-stop party scene in Cabo San Lucas. Standouts include Cabo Wabo Cantina, with rock music every night of the week, and Mango Deck along Medano Beach. Cabo San Lucas is generally known as a party town, but opportunities for late night carousing are just one of its many charms.  When presented with all the things to do in Cabo San Lucas, visitors will be hard-pressed to narrow down their itineraries. Visitors can try their luck on dune-buggy rides and ATV adventures, canopy zip-line tours, snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing and boat excursions to Cabo’s stone arch. During the high tourism season, its best to reserve your Cabo San Lucas tours at least one day in advance.

For some quality beach time, keep in mind that currents and conditions vary wildly around the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Some shorelines offer excellent snorkeling, while others boast notable surf breaks. Medano Beach is considered the safest swimming beach in Los Cabos. Water taxis can be found offshore for a quick jaunt to nearby beaches and the marina. Lover’s Beach on the east side of Land’s End Rock is accessible and mild, whereas Divorce Beach is known for its strong currents and powerful undertow. Before plunging into the ocean for a quick swim, remember that many of the beaches in Los Cabos have strong riptides, so look for warning signs first.

Things to do in San Jose Del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo feels worlds away from its rowdier sister town, and has a decidedly laid-back atmosphere. Celebrated for its Old World charm and lovely cobblestone streets, the town has transformed into a premier destination for art lovers, foodies, golfers and vacationers who want to relax and soak in the ambiance of a Spanish colonial town. Visitors to San Jose del Cabo can be part of the Thursday night Art Walks, where charming local galleries open their doors. Handmade items from all over Mexico can be found here. Los Cabos shopping offers something for everyone, with dozens of boutiques selling unique items, from clothing and handicrafts to jewelry. On Saturdays, the local farmers’ market (Mercado Organico) offers organic produce as well chances to stock up on souvenirs.

From late-night taco stands to the most elegant of fine dining, food-lovers will find the area brimming with gastronomic delights. Restaurants and dining in Los Cabos cater to all of your cravings. Experience the complex flavors of authentic moles and chiles en nogada in restaurants such as Campestre or Mi Casa. For the best in farm-to-table cuisine in San Jose del Cabo, visit Don Sanchez Restaurant, which also boasts an extensive wine list.

Golf in Los Cabos

The Los Cabos area is one of the premier golf destinations in North America. Boasting spectacular ocean views and the finest clubhouse amenities, these signature championship golf courses challenge even the most skilled veterans. For those looking for the best golf in Los Cabos, consider the following courses: the 9-hole Mayan Palace Golf Los Cabos; the 27-hole Palmilla Golf Club; and the 18-hole Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course.

Golfing in Cabo

Cabo Activities on the Water

Cabo boasts an array of exciting water sports and activities to keep vacationers busy all day. From sailing to surfing, snorkeling to scuba- there is a water activitity suitable for every type of visitor to Los Cabos.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Hoping to do some snorkeling in Cabo?  Half and full-day tours are available from both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, or you can explore at your own pace from Santa Maria Beach, where snorkeling gear can be rented. Either way, you’ll be amazed at the variety of tropical fish, sea turtles and rays in the sea’s crystalline waters.

A number of fascinating dive sites can be found along the Los Cabos corridor. Whether you’re a total novice or seasoned pro, Los Cabos scuba diving promises unforgettable explorations and chance encounters with massive rays and hammerhead sharks.

Scuba Diving in Cabo

Boating, fishing & water sports

Boating in Los Cabos is a popular activity, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the many treasures of the Sea of Cortez.  Local marinas have everything from luxury yachts and sail boats to state-of-the-art fishing vessels. Marina at Puerto Los Cabos is the gateway to some of the world’s top sportfishing grounds, where anglers regularly land yellowfin tuna, striped marlin, amberjack and other prime catches. One of the best things about Los Cabos fishing is the bite is always on, rain or shine, year-round! For those who are staying closer to Marina Cabo San Lucas, plenty of seafaring adventure awaits. Besides deep sea charter trips, you can embark on all sorts of excursions, including whale watching tours, catamaran cruises and romantic sunset sails. Several operators offer sailing excursions in Los Cabos, with some featuring add-on options like snorkeling.

Surfing

Los Cabos has consistent waves year-round, and the area’s diverse breaks offer a nice range in difficulty to suit both beginners and the advanced. When it comes to surfing in Los Cabos, it’s all about timing and location. Fall and winter visits are better suited to the Pacific side of the Cape, whereas Spring and Summer belong to the Sea of Cortez. There are challenging left and right breaks, some more accessible than others, convenient to both towns in Cabo, where you’ll find plenty of surf shops that offer board rentals, sales and surf lessons.

Surfing in Cabo

Kid-friendly things to do in Cabo

A variety of hair-raising adventures will ensure your children are never bored in Los Cabos. If swimming alongside dolphins and bungee jumping doesn’t capture their interest, a visit to Wild Canyon may do the trick. The Baja Peninsula’s biggest and coolest theme park, Wild Canyon features off-road racing, camel rides and even a petting zoo brimming with exotic creatures! Of course, there are plenty of other kid’s activities in Los Cabos, from kayak excursions to wildlife watching in San Jose’s Estuary and Bird Sanctuary.

Additional Cabo Activities Resources:

  1. Travel and Leisure, Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/cabo-san-lucas
  2. Cabo Wabo Cantina, http://www.cabowabocantina.com/
  3. Cabo del Sol, Ocean Course http://www.cabodelsol.com/content/golf
    _ocean.html
  4. Pisces Sportfishing, http://www.piscessportfishing.com/
  5. Restaurant Bar Campestre Los Cabos http://restaurantcampestreloscabos.com/
  6. Mi Casa Restaurant, http://www.micasarestaurant.com.mx/