Discover the hidden gems of Cabo San Lucas beyond the party scene. Check out our guide to the best things to do in this sun-drenched beach town.
When I think about Cabo San Lucas, the first thing that comes to mind (and most likely to everyone else’s) is a sun-drenched playground for celebrities. But, to be honest, this idyllic beach town is so much more than that.
Yes, its reputation as a party town is well-earned, but it also offers tons of activities as soon as you venture out the main strip (and out of the comforts of your resort).
If you’ve been itching to go to Cabo but don’t know how to plan your trip (trust me, I’ve been there), then this guide is for you. Read on and check out my list of some of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Things to do in Cabo
1. Hit the beaches
The beach scene in Cabo San Lucas is unlike any other.
Medano Beach is the heart of the Cabo action. Boasting soft sand and turquoise waters, it’s great for swimming, people-watching, and grabbing a drink at a beachfront bar. Expect it to be lively, especially during peak season!
If you’re looking for something more secluded, Lover’s Beach is accessible only by boat and offers a secluded escape for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun with your special someone. Other relatively less-touristy spots are Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach, both offering calmer waters ideal for families with young children.
If lounging isn’t your style, you can also go on a surf trip to Cerrito (great for beginners), Costa Azul (for advanced surfers), or Acapulquito (for beginners and experts alike). If you’re more invested in the sand than the waters surrounding it, believe it or not, camel rides are a great way to experience the stunning scenery of Cabo. These camel tours often include tequila tastings and Mexican lunches—great for foodies!
2. Enjoy water activities
I’m not going to lie through my teeth and say just lounging under the Mexican sun is overrated, but take my word for it: if you want to make the most of your Cabo San Lucas getaway, ditch the pool chair every once in a while and engage in some of the water activities Cabo is known for!
Cabo is a snorkeler’s paradise. Head to Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay for calm, clear waters perfect for beginners. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, tours to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park will leave you speechless with its incredible biodiversity. Speaking of biodiversity, from early December to mid-April, you can take a whale-watching tour and witness humpback whales frolicking in Cabo’s waters.
If you’re much more interested in the waters’ surface than what’s underneath them, you can also take up parasailing and surfing lessons (if you’re new to either sport, there’s no better way to learn than in Cabo’s warm waters). If you want a slower-paced adventure, try stand-up paddle boarding. Glide across the water at your own pace, taking in the scenery and enjoying a unique perspective of the coastline.
3. Savor the local cuisine
Trying out the local cuisine is probably one of the best ways to experience the local culture. Obviously, the chefs at your resort can probably whip some of these up, but there’s nothing like getting their OG versions.
Seafood in Cabo is as fresh as it gets. Feast on perfectly grilled fish, savoury fish ceviche marinated in citrus juices, or creamy lobster dishes. Of course, no trip to Cabo would be complete without trying out their classic tacos. Forget the sad, single-shelled variety you might find back home. Here, tacos are made with fresh tortillas piled high with grilled fish, succulent meats, or even cactus for the adventurous eaters. Don’t forget to load them up with fresh guacamole, which is practically a religion in Cabo!
Now Cabo isn’t just about tacos, fish, and fish tacos. The humble pitahaya fruit is prized by the locals. With a sweet and slightly floral flavor, it’s a refreshing treat on a hot day. You can find it on its own, blended into smoothies, or even incorporated into cocktails for a unique twist. Another seemingly humble-yet-prized culinary offering is Comida de Pobres. This traditional, typically budget-friendly meal is a stew made with beans, often combined with meat, vegetables, and spices.
4. Visit Todos Santos
Cabo San Lucas is fantastic, no doubt about it, but to any artist or creative, the true gem of the Baja California peninsula would probably be Todas Santos, the artists’ colony just an hour away from Cabo.
Yes, it is a coastal community, but it doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of a party town. Instead of your typical tourist spots, the streets here are quiet and lined with vibrant colonial-era buildings and galleries showcasing paintings bursting with life, intricate sculptures whispering stories, and handcrafted jewelry catching the sunlight. Everywhere you look, there are pops of color: a turquoise doorway here, a magenta-painted balcony there—testaments of a bygone era.
If you’re into colonial architecture or if you’re looking for some regional art to take home as a souvenir, the village of Todos Santos is definitely worth visiting.
5. Explore downtown marina
One of the best things about Cabo is that you really don’t have to wander far from your resort to explore what it has to offer. You just have to explore the marina.
Forget stuffy malls; here, the shopping experience is as vibrant as the turquoise water. High-end designer boutiques? Check. Charming local shops selling handcrafted souvenirs? Absolutely. You can find everything from sparkling jewelry and designer clothes to hand-woven tapestries and quirky local art. Had your fill of shopping? Check out the luxury yachts moored nearby. If it’s food you’re after, the marina also boasts a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to white-tablecloth fine dining. Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the bobbing boats, indulge in delicious Mexican fare, or grab a quick and tasty taco from a street vendor.
At night, the marina takes on a festive energy, with live music spilling out from trendy bars, and restaurants transforming into dance floors. Cap off your day by mingling with fellow travelers, and taking in the view of the city lights across the water.
6. Attend a traditional fiesta
There’s a lot of hype around Cabo’s party scene, but I for one think that a cultural immersion in Cabo isn’t a bad idea and is a unique way to experience Cabo. Try attending a traditional fiesta while you’re there.
The Feast of San Lucas is celebrated annually between October 14 and October 18. During this week-long celebration, make sure you don’t miss the “Day of the Great Dawn” (El Gran Dia), where the statue is taken on a boat procession at sunrise.
If you’re vacationing in Cabo around September, you can also celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the locals. These fiestas aren’t just spectator sports; they’re an invitation into the heart of the Cabo San Lucas community. As such, it’s important to treat them with the respect they deserve.
7. Don’t forget the natural wonder El Arco
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Cabo, it’s El Arco. This iconic rock formation was carved by relentless winds and crashing waves over millennia. The natives that used to populate the area regarded the arch and its surroundings as sacred sites.
Apart from its historical and cultural significance, due to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez and the cooler waters of the Pacific converging near the arch, El Arco is teeming with marine life.
Take a boat tour to El Arco and experience its grandeur from all angles.
In Conclusion
There’s a wealth of resources online when it comes to planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas. That said, the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time Cabo tourist. There’s just so much to do! My advice? Keep it simple. I’ve already listed my top picks; stick to whichever piques your interest. Build from there, and I guarantee you’ll have a grand time in Cabo.
