Nestled in the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is a beachfront nirvana where the desert meets the ocean. The sizzling hot resort city is a choice holiday spot for Hollywood stars and music celebrities, drawing big names like Will Smith and Selena Gomez, looking to experience a little piece of this coastal heaven. But “Cabo,” as it is popularly referred to, does not discriminate against social status.
The beautiful city gladly opens its doors to ordinary folks coming to enjoy its overdose of fun adventures. From plunging into the clear turquoise waters to swim with dolphins and sailing across the scenic coast while watching incredible ocean giants to taking bite-sized chunks of mouth-watering Mexican delicacies or dancing the night away in an electrifying nightclub, the fun never stops in Cabo San Lucas.
However, this barely scratches the surface as far as the activities awaiting visitors to the city. With so much to do, it can be challenging for first-timers to know where to start and when to stop (if that is an option). Whether tourists are traveling solo, honeymooning with their better halves, or vacationing with family, here’s the down low on the best things to do in one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations.
UPDATE: 2023/10/25 16:24 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There’s More To Do In Cabo San Lucas!
This article has been refreshed with four new things to do in Cabo San Lucas, additional hotels, expanded talking points, and tips for travelers to Mexico. From stunning white sand beaches to resorts worth writing home about, there are endless reasons to book a trip to Cabo. Have fun, and be safe!
Things To Do in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone, thanks to various offerings spanning the Indoors and outdoors. From pristine beaches with silky smooth sand and wild desert adventures to high-end hotels with abundant amenities, check out the top attractions for first-timers in Cabo.
1 Hike The Iconic Mt. Solmar
Ocean scenery from the resort, Cabo San Lucas
One thing to do while in Cabo San Lucas is to hike the iconic Mount Solmar, a popular route with a 544 elevation increase. This mountain is 135 meters above the popular Lands End area in Cabo San Lucas.
Most people say this hike is easy (besides uphill sections), and it isn’t rated as dangerous or overly challenging by hiking/trail websites. Therefore, Mt. Solmar could be a fun family or even solo activity for people in Mexico who want to see something different.
Another thing to consider when doing this hike is checking out the beaches below. Like most of the city, the sand is soft, and because this hike is a doozy on warmer days, diving into the water when you make it back down to level ground is the perfect ending.
Hike Time: Less than an hour on average
Skill Level: Any
2 Check Out Pelican Rock
Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
The next idea for people in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is to check out Pelican Rock. Here lies one of the natural attractions that lies in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, located at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula (Baja California Sur) and only accessible by boat.
Of course, various companies can take tourists out to Pelican Rock, as well as people chartering their own boats from shore. One of the interesting things about Pelican Rock is that it’s untouched by humans, being its own little nature preserve off the mainland.
Snorkeling is also a MUST in the waters surrounding Pelican Rock, as it is clear, filled with fish, and boasts peaceful conditions. Much of Mexico’s waters will be warm and calm, much different than the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.
Address: North Pacific Ocean, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours
3 Walk Along The Cabo San Lucas Marina
Mesmerizing scenery from the resort’s pool, Cabo San Lucas
Something else to do while in Cabo San Lucas is to check out the massive Marina. Here is where cruise ships dock and release excited passengers into the city by the day, as well as a place for other boats to dock. There is an adjoining neighborhood along the Marina, which boasts stunning homes and vegetation.
Much of the city is a vacation destination, meaning everything in the eye’s view will be pretty. The same goes for even the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The marina features 380 slips and accommodates vessels up to 200 feet with a max 12-foot draft for those with a boat.
If you’re on a cruise, this is also where your ship will likely dock and depart after a day of fun in Mexico.
Address: Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours
4 Have A Blast At Wild Canyon Adventures
Airplane at Cabo San Lucas Airport
The next idea for those in Cabo San Lucas is to check out the area’s amusement park: Wild Canyon Adventures. Here lies the Adventure park with a glass-floored gondola for bungee jumps, plus ATV rides & an animal sanctuary.
Although most people don’t associate Cabo with high-speed thrills and coasters, this amusement park complex is highly rated and quite popular among locals and visitors. Wild Canyon Adventures boasts tours of the animal sanctuaries, giving a bit of educational value between the fun.
Most people spend around $20 for entry and can stay from the park’s open to close. It’s also open nearly 365 days of the year.
Address: Carretera Federal Libre Transpenisular, Cabo San Lucas-San José del Cabo KM, Cabo Real, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: $20 and up per guest
5 Go On A Whale Watching Cruise
Encountering a pod of whales up close as they launch their huge bodies out of the water and into the air can only be described as a bucket-list experience. This is the reality for tourists in Cabo as humpback whales and other whale species migrate their hunting grounds in the Arctic to breed and give birth in the warmer waters of the Baja Peninsula.
This remarkable phenomenon happens towards the end of the year, starting as early as November and stretching to April. It is one of the best experiences in Cabo, and tourists go on whale-watching excursions to marvel at these majestic marine mammals in their element.
Price: Starts at $50 per person
Take advantage of whale-watching tours offered by local operators to enjoy front-seat views of the gentle giants for the best experience.
6 Ride A Camel Along The Sandy Cabo Beaches
While camels are not the first thing tourists would expect to see on a beach, the “ship of the desert” is a common sighting on the Cabo beaches, considering the city is partly beach and desert.
With this comes the opportunity for visitors to enjoy an easy-going ride on the back of the gentle giant, which has become a go-to activity for couples and families vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.
It is a fantastic experience, and riders enjoy breathtaking views of the coast as the camels plod gently up the undulating dunes and along the soft beach sand. Conveniently, numerous Cabo camel riding tours are locally available to take travelers on this fantastic journey.
Price: Starts at $100 per person
The Cabo camel rides have proven to be a major draw for all ages; tourists might want to book early before they sell out, as demand is pretty high.
7 Snorkel In The Clear Waters Of Cabo Bays
Beautiful Santa Maria beach by Cabo San Lucus has full life guarding and bathroom facilities
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities for vacationers in Cabo San Lucas. It offers them a rare opportunity to venture underwater and experience exotic marine life.
Luckily, Cabo has multiple bays, such as Chelino and Santa Maria Bay, with crystal clear waters that allow divers to appreciate the ocean’s biodiversity from close encounters with undersea species like rainbow wrasse and parrotfish.
For those who prefer not to stay above water, kayaking or paddleboarding are great alternatives allowing visitors to view the rich marine life through the clear waters of the Cabo beaches.
Price: Snorkeling starts around $90 per person
For guests planning to snorkel at Santa Maria Bay, head out early to beat the crowds and enjoy the bay without too much competition.
8 Take A Plunge Into The Soothing Waters Of Lover’s Beach (Playa Del Amor)
A Cabo San Lucas holiday can’t be complete without a dip into the water. One of the best beaches in the area is Lover’s Beach, which is interestingly connected to Divorce Beach on the other side. Separated by a little island on Land’s End, the two beaches are almost named symbolically, giving tourists a clue on what to expect.
While Lover’s Beach features calm and peaceful waters perfect for swimming, Divorce Beach is defined by turbulent waves that make swimming uncomfortable. For non-swimmers, several boat operators and fishermen on-site offer rides to Lover’s Beach and back for a small fee (around $10).
Tourists should avoid Divorce Beach at all costs, however good a swimmer they are. The waters can get too rough and can expose them to risky conditions.
9 Enjoy The Sunset While Sipping A Margarita At Cabo’s Beachfront Restaurants
Scenic panoramic aerial view of Los Cabos landmark tourist destination Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
For tourists who prefer to take it easy in Cabo San Lucas, nothing beats the serenity of lying on the silky smooth beach sand with a cocktail glass on the side while watching the beautiful sunset on the horizon. This is especially true for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Numerous restaurants and bars line the beaches; these are a favorite spot to soak in the sights and sounds of the city’s coastlines. A great choice would be Mangos On The Beach, which serves luscious dishes, or Omega Sports Bar, famous for its cocktails.
A dinner for two, plus cocktails at Omega Sports Bar, costs around $20, and staff can offer customers blankets to keep the cold at bay.
10 Tickle The Taste Buds With Tasty Tacos And Guacamole
Tropical Boat Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
While in Mexico, it’s only fair for tourists to indulge in one of the country’s most famous culinary offerings. Cabo San Lucas boasts numerous eateries serving tacos of all shapes and sizes with a side of guacamole. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample the local cuisine and rediscover their love for Mexican food.
Almost every restaurant in the city serves tacos with different fillings and guacamole, which can be paired with tequila to get the ultimate local experience.
Price: Cabo tacos cost around $1.50-$2
Go with the fresh seafood taco if you are unsure what to eat; they are out of this world!
11 Get The Adrenaline Flowing With A Wild Canyon Zip-Lining Adventure
Aerial view of Lovers Beach at Lands End, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Not for the faint-hearted, zip lining is one of the most thrilling activities for first-timers in Cabo San Lucas, and it doesn’t get better than the Wild Canyon Zipline. Whizzing through the air on a cable between two high platforms with the glistening Sea of Cortez as the backdrop is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will surely blow away tourists.
Furthermore, zip lining offers a chance to witness the dramatic beauty of the Los Cabos landscape other than the beach, featuring desert canyons and mountains. A zip line tour is one of the best ways to discover the charming city of Cabo San Lucas.
Wear a closed-toe pair of shoes and long, comfortable pants for the best experience during zip-lining.
12 Check Out The Wirikuta Cactus Gardens
The cactus is an icon in Mexico and a prominent species in the country’s desert vegetation. At the Wirikuta Botanical Gardens, the facility celebrates the national symbol with over a million species of cacti and other succulents.
The garden spans 12 acres and can be visited at Puerto Los Cabos near San Jose del Cabo. But guests have much more to see at the Wirikuta Cactus Gardens other than the cacti. There is a sculpture garden with charming pieces by local artist Gabriel Macotela.
Visitors can also get lost in a maze of bougainvillea, marvel at granite pyramids, or enjoy a bike ride along the nearby Puerto Los Cabo Marina.
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13 Let Loose On the Dancefloor At El Squid Roe
Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is world-renowned for its unparalleled nightlife and El Squid Roe accords visitors with a taste of what it feels like. This lively downtown Cabo joint has live entertainment with a combination of a bar and a restaurant.
The charged atmosphere features sparkly disco balls, booming throwback music, and a thronged dance floor with patrons dancing the night away. Visitors can down cocktails in meter-high glasses or mingle with locals in one of the best after-hour scenes in Cabo.
The venue hosts themed nights with regular live entertainment to appeal to all preferences.
Address: Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Downtown, Ildefonso Green, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Hours: Open daily, 9 am – 3 am
While prices are slightly higher than other joints in Cabo ($10-20 for a meal and $4 for a cocktail), El Squid Roe serves large portions of delectable dishes that tourists won’t mind spending extra.
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Beautiful wide view on the ocean bay and docks for pleasure vessels in golden hour, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Although Cabo San Lucas is not known as a shopping Mecca, shopaholics still have an opportunity to fulfill their hearts’ desires. Luxury Avenue is the ideal shopping destination and an excellent escape from the coastal attractions. It comprises a main mall, Puerto Paraiso Mall, where tourists can buy cute souvenirs, beach wear, gifts, and other accessories.
Along Luxury Avenue, those with a penchant for premium-priced items can shop at high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, YSL, and Chanel.
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