30 Best Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas [Mexico] 2024

George Alvarez
Written By:
George Alvarez
Last Updated:
January 3, 2024
Here is a look at the best things Cabo San Lucas has on offer. Discover why this is such a famous place to visit and how to plan the perfect stay.
Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas

When it comes to lively beachside destinations in Mexico, it doesn’t get any better than Cabo!

At least in my opinion ...

Many plan on coming here for a few days and often end up spending weeks, and you may find yourself changing your plans once here too!

This fun city is situated in the north-west of Mexico, and is known for its beautiful beaches, hectic party scenes as well as its vibrant Baja Culture

In this comprehensive guide, I want to explore everything you need to know about Cabo San Lucas

Such as ...

  • The best things to do here
  • Where to stay
  • What to budget

And much more.

Let's dig in ...

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Getting to Know Cabo San Lucas

Why Visit Cabo San Lucas?

visiting Cabo San Lucas

There’s a reason many have already heard of this bustling city without even having looked for it. 

Cabo is known for its debauchery and wild nightlife scenes, ranking as one of the all-time best party destinations in Mexico. 

Whether you’re after a beachside bar or a no holds barred scene, you’re going to find it all here, and in spades too!

Given its coastal location, Cabo San Lucas is also home to some truly stunning Pacific beaches.

These range from the popular Medano beach for water sports, to the more tranquil Playa del Divorcio. 

Coming to these around the mid-afternoon is a must, given that the dark red sunsets here are truly spectacular - something that has to be witnessed to be believed.

The other reason you’ll want to visit Cabo is to base yourself in a centrally-located hub for exploring other nearby gems. 

Baja California Sur is much smaller than most of the other Mexican states, which means getting between destinations is very easy (more on this later).

You’ll want to visit the surfing paradise of Todos Santos, as well as head into the surrounding desert biome.

How to get to Cabo San Lucas

flying into Cabo San Lucas airport

Cabo San Lucas is found in the extreme north-west of Mexico, within the arid region of Baja California Sur. 

Given it’s such a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike, getting here is quite a breeze.

Fly

Nearby you can find the San José del Cabo international airport, which is just a half an hour drive from Cabo. 

San José has direct flights arriving from the USA daily, and connects very well with the rest of Mexico too. 

Typical domestic, direct routes include from Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara and Toluca, with a one-way costing between $30-60. You can compare flights here on Skyscanner.

Bus

If you're already somewhere along the Baja California Peninsula, then you can also take the bus to get to Cabo. 

La Paz is often visited before or after, with the bus ride taking around 3 hours. 

From Tijuana it takes a pretty lengthy 26 hours, although it’s a popular route as there are many destinations to visit along this narrow strip of land.

To get in and out of Cabo you’ll first need to head to San José del Cabo where the main bus terminal is.

You can check bus schedules here with CheckMyBus.

Ferry and Bus

Finally, you can also use a combination of ferry and bus to get to Cabo. 

Those on the mainland can take a ferry from Los Mochis (Chihuahua) or Mazatlán (Sinaloa) to La Paz, and then take the bus over as usual. 

The ferry ride takes around 13 hours, so you’ll be spending a good day getting to Cabo from the mainland.

DirectFerries has information on this route!

Getting around Cabo San Lucas

getting around Cabo San Lucas by boat

This is the most simple section to answer, as pretty much everything you’ll want to see or do is near Medano Beach. 

Anything further out into the city just becomes like any other busy, metropolitan area of Mexico, offering little tourist value or reason to be there (aside from the day trips, but even then all logistics will already be handled for you).

Walking is the best way to get around Cabo, which is more than safe during the day. 

At night you’ll want to be careful in certain parts, and avoid walking along the beach alone during these hours. 

Using Taxis is a good way to get around Cabo, just make sure to agree on a rate before getting in, so you don’t get ripped off (unfortunately this can be somewhat common, given they know most foreigners don’t have a good handle on their language).

That's one of my top travel tips, so please try to remember it! Otherwise, you might end up spending much more on taxis than you need to! 

The airport is also quite a way from the city, so you’ll either need to take a taxi or use the bus to get to your destination within Cabo. 

These can easily be arranged within the airport, where there are dozens of desks just after you leave arrivals.

Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas?

where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

As already mentioned in the previous section, you’ll find that the only good area is around Medano beach, and also along the Lázaro Cárdenas Avenue (near the harbour). 

These areas are where you’ll find all of the best hotels, restaurants and amenities.

They also have a more safe and touristy atmosphere, with a large range of accommodation options too which is perfect for those with varying budgets.

  • Top budget pick - For those looking for a basic room and nothing more, then you’ll want to stay at the Sofia Hostel. It’s well located, and also has a fun, sociable atmosphere. 
  • Top mid-range pick - Our top recommendation for a mid-range hotel has to be the Capital O Hotel Dos Mares. Located right next to the harbour, you’ll have an on-site pool for a quick dip in-between those frequent trips to the beach and city. 
  • Top luxury pick - Lastly, for those looking for a high-end hotel, then you’ll want to stay at the Marina Junior Suite & View. Offering rooms with a terrace and sea view, it’s located just footsteps from the popular Médano beach.

If you are keen to save money on your accommodation, then check out our excellent guide on top ways to get cheap hotel deals.

Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Right, let's get into why you are really here ...

1. Visit the Stunning Arc

Cabo San Lucas' Famous El Arco

Undoubtedly, out of all the things to do on this list, this has to be the most famous and popular of all. 

El Arco is a stunning, natural rock formation that can be seen from Medano beach. 

This rocky outcropping separates the Sea of Cortez from the Pacific, and for me ranks as one of the best things to see along the whole of the Mexican Pacific! 

It’s best to go around the evening time, given you’ll have a picture-perfect setting with the sunset as a backdrop. 

There’s also some low-key beaches here too, like Playa del Divorcio which is best for those who don’t like the crowds. 

I highly recommend going with this glass-bottom boat tour, where you’ll be able to spot exotic and colourful fish along the way!

You’ll also see the nearby sea lions camped out on the rocks, where you’ll get to spend time on the Playa de los Amantes. 

Just be sure to book your tickets in advance as they do sell out in popular tourist months.

2. Get some Awesome Views from Cerro de la Zeta

Whilst you can be forgiven for partying the night away followed by a day of bronzing up on the beaches, you may feel you’ll need to change things up after a while. 

This is where the peak of the Cerro de la Zeta comes in very useful. 

Rising up 123 m above the sea, this mirador is located on top of a mountain west of Cabo, and is by far the best place for views over the city and surrounding Pacific.

It takes around 40 minutes to walk up, where you’ll see many exotic shrubs and cacti along the way. I recommend taking lots of water given it can get quite hot too. 

The best time to start heading up is around 5:00pm, when the midday heat has just begun to die down, and you’ll be up just in time for the sunset. 

This detailed hiking trail gives you more information on the route, and can be useful when planning your own ascent up Cerro de la Zeta. 

If you're looking for free things to do in Cabo San Lucas then I can highly recommend this spot! 

3. Visit Pelican Rock

The Pelican Rock in Cabo San Lucas

Whilst there’s definitely better places for snorkelling within the Baja Sur region, Cabo still has some pretty good options of its own. 

Pelican Rock is one of the best options for snorkelling here, where you’ll see a whole range of beautiful, marine wildlife species. 

It’s located close to Playa de los Amantes, and on most days the conditions are usually very good for swimming with some very clear water underneath (this can sometimes change, so you’ll need to speak to a tour operator if you’re not too sure).

For those looking to snorkel at Pelican Rock, here’s a useful guide with some top tips.

Given that Pelican Rock is located close to El Arco, it does make sense to combine these two into a trip to make the best use of your time.

The best way to see Pelican Rock is with this Pirate Ship Cruise which sets off around sunset, where you’ll get a good glimpse of this gem.

It also includes a dinner and entertaining show! Again, I recommend booking your tickets here in advance, as they are known to sell out well before.

4. Explore the Hidden Beach of Playa de los Amantes

Exellent Playa De Los Amantes in Cabo San Lucas

The majority of travellers will spend most of their time along Medano beach, given it’s the easiest to access. 

For those looking for a more secluded slice of paradise, then you’ll want to head to Lover's Beach (as it’s translated from Spanish).

Much smaller and quieter, the waves here are also more relaxed and suitable for swimming.

It’s also a great place to go snorkelling, where you can easily spot many different species of tropical fish due to its clear conditions. 

The only real way to get here is by boat, which can easily be organised from Medano beach where there’s a tonne of small rides waiting for passengers.

The majority of tourists visit this beach whilst on a tour to the Arch, given their close proximity. 

Whilst it’s technically not impossible, you can hike to this beach from the mainland, however it’ll be hard given the rocky outcroppings!

For an idea of what to pack, check out this beach vacation packing list if you're planning to spend some time here.

5. Tour the Museum of Natural History

Between the drinks and beach visits, you’ll also find that Cabo has some other great attractions that are not so often visited. 

One of these is the Museum of Natural History, which contains quite a surprising range of artefacts. 

With 7 different rooms, here you’ll find several displays of fossils as well as remains of birds, reptiles and marine life found in and around these parts. 

You’ll also find the skeleton of a woman who belonged to the Pericú, a tribe which flourished along this cape for over 10,000 years until the arrival of the Spaniards. 

The Museum is located just four blocks west of the Marina, along the Calle Cabo San Lucas. Whilst closed on Mondays, it’s open Tuesday through to Sunday from 10:00am until 7:00pm.

Here's some more information about the Natural History Museum if you're interested!

6. Walk along the vast Playa Pedregal

the spectacular Playa Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas

As we’ve already seen, Cabo San Lucas is filled with beautiful beaches, and is the perfect place to come for a good roasting session! 

For those looking for an expansive beach with little to no other humans around, then Playa Pedregal is your best bet. 

Although the majority of the resorts are close to here, this beach is still much less crowded, and is good for a more private experience. 

It stretches for just under a mile from its rocky cliffs to the east, and you can even keep continuing over west to Playa el Faro. 

It’s very important to note here, that you cannot swim in Playa Pedregal! 

The waves and its currents are notoriously strong, so if you want to go for a dip you’re better off heading to Playa de los Amantes. 

Playa Pedregal is west of Cabo San Lucas, and the best way to get here would be with a taxi (unless already staying at the resorts nearby).

7. Kick your night off at Baja Brewing

Excellent glass of Baja Brewing Beer

You’ve probably already picked your top venues for a night out in Cabo, given there’s a truly huge variety of bars and nightclubs to be enjoyed here. 

However one of my favourites to kick things off has to be Baja Brewing

This craft beer bar is located right next to Medano Beach, so you’ll have some truly spectacular views of blue sea and golden sands whilst pounding down the pints. 

Founded in 2007, Baja Brewing is the first brewery to have been established in Baja California Sur. 

Since then, it’s become a popular hotspot, with a range of authentic, artisanal beers enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. 

It’s located along the rooftop of Cabo Villas next to the beach, and is open Monday to Sunday from 8:00am until 11:00pm.

8. Get Rowdy at Cabo Wabo

Cabo Wabo
Source: Countedx58 via Wikipedia

Having just sampled the entire drinks menu at Baja Brewing, you may be wondering (well, to some degree still I hope!) where’s best next for a sesh.

Of all the options there are to be enjoyed in this city, Cabo Wabo is by far the most famous of them all. 

Founded in 1990 by the legendary rockstar Sammy Hagar himself, Cabo Wabo quickly became the place to be to have the most memorable nights in the city.

Here you can enjoy live music most nights of the week, where there’s also a solid range of both tasty foods and cocktails. 

When here you must try the Cabo Wabo cocktail, as well as the El Diablo for an extra kick. 

Cabo is located just a couple of blocks west of the Marina, and is open Monday until Sunday from 9:00am until 1:00am. 

9. Day Trip to Todos Santos

Todos Santos
The waves starting to come in at Todos Santos!

Those who love surfing will love Baja California Sur, which is situated along the southern tip of the peninsular. 

This is where the Pacific waves roar their best, and there’s no better surf destination here than that of Todos Santos

It’s so good in fact, that annual surf competitions are often held here with challengers coming from all corners of the globe! 

Playa los Cerritos is one of the best beaches here for catching a good surf. 

Aside from surfing, it’s also got a more relaxed atmosphere, which may be just what you need after the endless bustle and party of that in Cabo San Lucas.

You can easily spend the day relaxing in a hammock next to the beach, or getting involved with a yoga class. 

Todos Santos is located 76 km north of Cabo, and you can get here in just an hour by bus or driving.

10. Live it up on Medano Beach

Awesome Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas

The true epicentre of Cabo, Medano beach can best be summed up in the following three words - The Good Life

Reminiscent of something you’d find in Cancún or along Miami, Medano beach is very popular with its restaurants and hotels lining the sands. 

There's endless good vibes here, usually with music playing and friendly locals and tourists mingling together. 

It’s a great place to do some popular water sports too, such as jet-skiing and renting a kayak. 

There are also a tonne of other things to do along the beach, which is best summarised in this Medano Beach guide.

This beach is also where you'll find the boats that can take you to the Arch and Playa de los Amantes. It’s pretty easy to catch a ride to these gems (just speak to the boat captains and they’ll take you wherever you want). 

I recommend coming here between 9:00am and midday, and also from 2:00pm until 5:00pm (in-between these times the sun can get pretty intense). 

Regardless you’ll want to make sure you lather on the sun-cream to avoid getting burnt.

11. Get your Adrenaline Fix at Wild Canyon Adventures

ATV in Mexico

This amusement park is by far the best place to come for a day of thrills and fun when in Cabo San Lucas. 

It’s worth buying a full-day pass here, given there’s a real tonne of awesome things to see and do (and trust us, you won’t want to leave!). 

Given Wild Canyon’s name, you’d be right in guessing that it’s located within the arid mountains, which makes certain activities like its zip-line a must-do when here! 

There’s also a Bungee Jump and glass-bottom Gondola for those who can brave the heights.

For those who want something that’s easier on the stomach, then you can hire an ATV and ride around the desert, or also visit the animal sanctuary they have on-site. 

If you're looking for fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas then this is your place! 

Wild Canyon Adventures is located roughly 22 km north of Cabo, and you can get here in just half an hour by taxi.

12. Parroquia San Lucas

When you think of Mexico, it’s common to think of the spaghetti-western version that’s portrayed in many popular films and series. 

Whilst these are mostly found within the mainland (in the north), Cabo San Lucas does also have its own colonial gems which are reminiscent of this now distant past. 

One of these is the Parroquia San Lucas, a cute catholic church that was built in 1730, and is one of the main churches still used today in Cabo. 

Interestingly, this church was first built by a Jesuit missionary, however it was actually destroyed by native tribes in the area who were against the idea of a church on their turf. 

Since then it’s undergone several reconstructions, and now sits peacefully within Cabo. 

Thankfully it’s pretty straightforward to get to, as it’s just four blocks west of the Marina, and just two blocks from Cabo Wabo (although I wouldn’t recommend heading here after a few Diablos…).

13. Go Snorkelling at Chileno Beach

School of Fish in in Cabo San Lucas

Having visited many beaches in and around the Cabo San Lucas area, I believe that the very best has to be Playa Chileno

This stunning playa is by far the most attractive, and given it’s outside of the city, means it’s also less heaving than others like Medano.

The other great thing about Chileno is that its waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as the waves here are much calmer. 

Within these clear, tropical waters you can spot everything from Manta Rays and Starfish to Tuna and Sea Urchins. 

It’s also good to come snorkeling here given the conditions are good year-round, which often isn't the case in other parts along the Mexican Pacific. 

Visiting Playa Chileno has to be one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas so what are you waiting for?

Chileno Beach is located roughly 15 km east of Cabo, and you can easily get here driving or with a bus within 20 minutes. 

14. Fly over the Pacific with Cabo Sky Tours

aerial view of Cabo San Lucas
Enjoy aerial views of Cabo San Lucas!

When it comes to seeing a new city well, you’re going to want to do a lot of exploring, whether that’s with tours or independently. 

Cabo has various tours and things to see to keep the majority of travellers busy, however this one certainly takes the cherry. 

Cabo Sky Tours for me is the very best, as you’ll fly above the coastal city whilst strapped into an open aircraft! 

The views are truly insane as you can imagine, where you’ll get an eagle-eye view over the bustling city and arid landscape, which then meet the multi-coloured blues of the Pacific Ocean. 

Each ride takes around 30 minutes, although you can book simultaneous slots for a longer experience. There’s no website to book through directly, however you can contact them directly through their Instagram page.

15. Hike Mount Solmar 

When it comes to hiking in and around Cabo, Mount Solmar offers a more challenging experience to that of the Cerro de la Zeta hike. 

Rising to around 135 m above the Pacific, this rocky terrain will reward hikers with surreal views over the Arco, and also a more peaceful atmosphere that can often be hard to find in this bustling city. 

From here you’ll also have gorgeous views over Playa de los Amantes, Divorcio and Medano. 

I recommend coming around sunset for some unforgettable sunset views.

The hike up will take between 45 minutes to an hour depending on your fitness level, and you’ll want to wear hiking shoes or trainers with good gripThese are a must for any Mexico packing list!

It’s a free hike, although there are walking tours you can go to where you’ll be shown some secret gems along the way.

This walking tour is a great idea as not only will you hike to the peak, but you’ll also be shown around some hidden beaches too.

There's also another unique experience that you can do, which you can read about in this Mount Solmar guide.

16. Go Shopping at Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall

Whilst travelling should be about getting stuck into the unknown, seeing new places and having new experiences, it’s always good to have a comfortable time-out every now and then.

For those looking to buy some new clothes or are simply curious, then the Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall is the best place to head to. 

Here you can go watch a movie at the Cinemex, or simply go and browse the mix of designer and local shops and all they have to offer. 

You’ll even find Picante Sport Fishing here, with whom you can head out with for a deep sea fishing trip (more on this later). 

The Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall is located just off the Lázaro Cárdenas Avenida, and is very easily accessible from the Harbour. It’s open every day of the week from 9:00am until 10:00pm.

17. Eat Authentic Mexican Foods

Delicious Authentic Mexican Food

The truth is that Cabo has a large, multicultural variety of food.

Here you can find everything from Asian delights to top European cuisines, given the city is well renowned as a popular holiday destination. 

The best food though, will always be the local dishes. 

In Cabo you’ll find many top restaurants serving tasty Mexican food, with one of my favourites being Los Tres Gallos.

Here they serve classics from all over the country, such as mole from northern Mexico to the Yucatán speciality of Cochinita Pibil. 

If you’re still feeling adventurous after a visit here, then other highly popular Mexican restaurants to try out in Cabo include Maria Corona as well as Edith’s Restaurante.

18. Explore the Marina

Cabo San Lucas Marina

One of the liveliest areas you can visit in all of Cabo San Lucas is the Marina, and you'll want to head here at least once during your trip. 

Here you’ll find many popular restaurants such as La Chatita and Jack’s Steakhouse, as well as the Puerto Paraíso Mall which has a variety of food, shopping and entertainment options. 

There’s also a tonne of tour providers here too, who often try their luck with you as you walk along the harbour front. 

Whilst this can get somewhat annoying after a while, it’s perfect for those looking to buy tours since you can begin to negotiate better prices and deals. 

The Marina is an ideal location to base yourself in or near, since it’s close to all of these amenities and is also a safe area to walk around during both the day and the night. 

It’s within walking distance of the popular Medano beach too, and connects up well with the south-west part of the city.

The Marina is one of the most-frequented attractions in Cabo San Lucas so allow some time to just wander around! 

19. Head to La Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas at night

Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas during the day

Having already mentioned a couple of Cabo’s best nightlife venues in this guide, this city really does deserve a nightlife guide of its own. 

There are all sorts of bars, low-key venues and high-end nightclubs all waiting to be explored, and the very best can be found in and around the Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas

You can kick things off at Shaga Bar, or the nearby popular Jungle Bar

From here, there are several nearby nightclubs to choose from. 

El Squid Roe is by far one of the most popular, with a wide range of drinks and cocktails on hand, and also live DJs most nights of the week. They also do some really good tacos and burgers for those in need. 

Next door you’ll find Mandala, another big nightclub that’s also great for dancing, and is one of the most popular and well-known venues found throughout Mexico.

If you're looking for things to do in Cabo San Lucas at night then make sure you hit up some of these awesome venues!

20. See Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales jumping out of the waters of Cabo San Lucas

Spending most of the year in the icy waters of the Bering Sea, Humpback Whales make their annual migration to Cabo for breeding season.

From November until April, they can be found just off the waters of Cabo, in both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. 

If you’ve never seen a Humpback Whale before, then you’ll for sure want to add it to your Mexico Bucket List. 

There’s nothing quite like watching a 30 tonne Whale breach the sea and leap into the air! 

If you’re lucky, you may also be able to spot the newborn baby Whales making their first few glides through the ocean. 

Of course they’re going to be located deeper in the sea, so you’ll need to go with an organised tour to see these beautiful species. 

I recommend heading on this specialised whale watching tour, where you’ll also have the chance to see Orcas and Sperm Whales. They also offer great flexibility with several departure times daily. 

If you're backpacking through Mexico and you're looking to spot more marine life then head to Isla Mujeres and Puerto Escondido too! 

21. Head to La Coyota Craft Store

When it comes to buying souvenirs, it’s often the markets we’d first recommend heading to when in Mexico (or pretty much anywhere else in Latin America). 

However when it comes to Cabo, this place is by far the best, and for various reasons. 

La Coyota Craft Store is actually a two-story house that has a really warm, homely feel, and is decorated with all kinds of authentic trinkets and designs. 

Here you can find everything from religious artefacts, crucifixes and handcrafted clothes to ceramic pottery, colourful shot glasses and traditional bed linens. 

Each room also has its own theme going on too, making it much easier to imagine where’d you put each of these must-buys!

This awesome post gives a great overview of La Coyota Craft Store and what you can expect.

This gem is located along Avenida Leona Vicario, within the downtown district. 

It’s open Monday until Friday from 9:00am until 5:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

22. The Sunset Cruise

sunset in Cabo San Lucas
Enjoy a striking sunset from your cruise! 

Often when travelling, you tend to rush certain activities and try to cram everything in before leaving. 

This must-do, however, lets you fully relax and enjoy what will be a very memorable evening. 

A sunset cruise is one of the most iconic things you can do in Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll get the very best spot in town to watch the electric skies that accompany the sunset. 

Whilst there are many different services and companies to choose from, this sunset dinner cruise for me is the very best as it includes many awesome services. 

Here you’ll also have a fajita dinner (along with other classic Mexican dishes), as well as an open bar for those looking to get boozy. 

There’s a live band on deck too, and later on a DJ for some solid cruising vibes. 

This tour is also great as you’ll visit many of the top coastal attractions along the way, such as El Arco and Pelican Rock. Finally, you’ll be able to watch the sunset in one of the best areas of Cabo.

23. Get a Massage at the Beach

massage on the beach

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that matter most. 

Whether you’ve been on the road for months on end, or need something to help soothe the hangover, a professional massage is always a good idea. 

Some of the best services can be found along Medano beach, with Lands End Cabo Massage being one of the most popular. 

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing massage overlooking the Pacific, and here they offer a variety of treatments and services ranging from a traditional massage to using heated stones for deeper muscle targeting. 

So if you're wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas then why not give your body a rest, and simply relax?

Lands End is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm every day of the week, and is located along Medano Beach right next to Baja Brewing.

24. Go Diving

diving in Cabo San Lucas

Given its spectacular Pacific coast, many who come to Cabo decide to venture into the deep blues beneath, and they aren’t regretting it either. 

One of the best places to dive in Mexico, here you can spot a whole range of marine life and exotic species. 

From December until April, you can also see some larger beauties such as Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Whale Sharks. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive Mako Shark too! 

Between the months of March and October is the best time to spot Acrobatic Mobulas, which are known for their eccentric, gliding movements.

There are many reputable companies to go diving with in Cabo, such as Nautilus Dive Tech as well as Dive Ninja Expeditions

It’s also a good place to get your PADI Open Water License, or even just try out diving to see if it’s your thing or not. 

The overall best time to go diving in Cabo is between December until March.

This is when the waters are at their most clear, making for some spectacular “crystal-like” viewing conditions!

25. Swim with Dolphins

dolphins swimming

Arguably one of the most popular activities in Cabo San Lucas; swimming with Dolphins really is a must. 

These friendly mammals are pretty easy to find, meaning you’re virtually guaranteed many sightings within a single tour. 

Thankfully, Dolphins can be spotted year-round in Cabo, unlike other species here that are only seasonal. 

The most common species found in this area include the Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin as well as the Spinner Dolphin. 

Now, there are two different ways you can spot them. 

The first is going to a professional centre such as with Cabo Adventures, where you can swim with Bottlenose Dolphins in a clear saltwater pool. 

The other, more popular option is to go with a tour. 

This luxury sailing ship tour is perfect for spotting wild dolphins, who occasionally swim next to the ship. 

You’ll also have plenty of time to snorkel with them, as well as spot various other underwater delights such as Manta Rays and Sea Turtles.

Find more details on prices and availability here.

26. Explore nearby San José del Cabo

Colorful rosary decorations in Misión San José del Cabo Church

Most who head to Cabo San Lucas may have already heard of this city, mostly because it’s where the main airport of the region is located. 

However it’s barely touched by tourists, yet I still think it’s worth a day trip to explore San José del Cabo and its numerous gems. 

You’ll first want to head to the cute Plaza Mijares in the centre of town, which is home to the Misión San José del Cabo Church

You can also visit the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery, which is full of religious style paintings and sculptures. 

In San José del Cabo, they also have their own Dolphin centres such as Dolphin Discovery where you can swim with the friendly animals. 

Now for those who love natural settings and bird watching, you’ll want to head to the Estero San José

This protected wildlife sanctuary is home to many stunning birds such as the Red-Tailed Hawk as well as White Herons. 

As you can see there are tons of things to do in San José del Cabo so make sure you play this place a visit.

It's just a 33 km drive east of Cabo, which takes around half an hour to arrive.

27. Head on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

deep sea fishing

For those who love fishing, or even are tempted by the idea of it, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Cabo is located next to both the Sea of Cortez, as well as the big Pacific Ocean, which means an abundance of great fishing opportunities. 

Regardless of the time of year you can head on a trip, however different seasons will vary what you’re most likely to find. 

April until late October is the overall best time, where you can catch everything from Yellow Fin Tuna and Sailfish to Mahi Mahi as well as the elusive Marlin. 

It’s very easy to organise a fishing trip here as there are many companies who will take you out (usually start very early in the morning and return by the afternoon). 

One of these is Picante Sport Fishing, whose agency can be found within the Puerto Paraíso Mall. 

28. Go for a Camel Ride

camel on a beach

When in Cabo, it’s easy to be swept away by the beautiful Pacific Coast, and thus believe you’re in a faraway tropical paradise. 

The truth is, however, that Cabo is very much a desert landscape. As such, you’ll find many natural settings and animals which may otherwise surprise you. 

Whilst not exactly the Sahara, Mexico’s Baja Desert is still a beautiful place to come to, and is a great way to spend the day exploring. 

There are plenty of Camel residents who can take you for a tour of their home, where you’ll also see some unreal scenery along the way. 

I recommend going with this camel riding tour, where not only will you get direct pickup from your accommodation, but you’ll also have an ATV experience included as well to spice things up further.

29. Dine in style at The Office on the Beach

shrimp ceviche

In true Cabo style, there’s no way you can come to this Mexican city without visiting The Office on the Beach at least once!

Located right on the sands of Medano Beach, this picturesque restaurant is a great place to sample some of the finest Mexican dishes. 

These include the seafood delights of Shrimp, Tuna Tiradito as well as fresh Ceviche. 

There’s also other tasty dishes like Fajitas and Tostadas, as well as many other global cuisines for those who are a little more fussy. 

The Office on the Beach is open from 7:00am until 10:00pm everyday, meaning it’s a great option for some breakfast too. 

It’s situated right next to Baja Brewing, which is a popular next destination to get those first beers in. 

30. Go Souvenir Hunting

Mexican souvenirs

With any trip to a new exotic location, you’re going to want a nice memory (or 3!) of the time you spent there. 

Given that Cabo is a very touristy place, this makes my work of bargain hunting that much easier. 

You can easily find many souvenir shops along The Harbour and by Medano Beach. 

For those looking for more authentic goods, then you’ll want to head to the Marina Mercado, where they have endless stalls selling both authentic and novel goods. 

Some of the best souvenirs you can buy from Cabo include a hat, bottle of tequila or a Cabo-printed t-shirt (because well… when in Cabo!). 

The Marina Mercado is located near Plaza Gali south of the Marina, and is open from 8:00am until 8:00pm every day of the week.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo has a tropical desert climate, given that it’s located in an arid region next to the Pacific Ocean.

The dry season here begins in February and lasts until June, but to be completely honest there’s very little difference in rain regardless of the season here! 

Average temperatures range from 69-81°F, with highs of 89°F and lows of 61°F. 

With anywhere from 0-0.5 inches of rain each month, it’s by far the best time for hitting the beaches. 

It can be more expensive though given it’s a more popular time of year for those looking for a warm summer vacation.

The wet season is strange here, given there’s actually little difference from the dry season!

Beginning in July and lasting until late January, it’s the temperatures that actually vary the most. 

Average temperatures rise to between 73-84°F, with the hottest highs of 91°F and evening lows of down to 61°F. 

Rainfall increases somewhat to between 0.5-2.5 inches throughout each month. Whilst there’s a little more rain, it more than makes up for it with some better sea temperatures. 

Whilst it can get somewhat uncomfortable and oppressive in the summer months, it’s still a good time to visit Cabo (as well as being a much cheaper time too).

You can check Cabo’s climate with WeatherSpark.

How long should you spend in Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo really does have a special something for everyone, and even the most grumpy of travellers will have a hard time complaining here! 

Given there’s so much to see and do, I recommend spending a minimum of 5 days in Cabo San Lucas. 

This will be plenty to chill out along its beautiful Pacific beaches, and also to go further out into the Baja Sur region (such as to Todos Santos). 

You’ll also be able to visit many of the different gems around the city without feeling rushed, and can afford a day of a heavy hangover (or two).

What is a good budget for Cabo San Lucas?

Given that Cabo is such a popular destination to visit in Mexico (and also that there’s a big US crowd here), prices aren’t going to be the cheapest in this area.

If you’re looking to travel cheaply, it’s still possible though. A budget of $25 per day will be plenty, where you’ll find many well-located hostels for a stay. 

You can also find some authentic local restaurants too, where you can eat tasty Mexican food without breaking the bank. 

For those who want to splurge some more on better food and comfort, you can expect a daily budget of anywhere from $35-50 a day. 

Thankfully there’s a really large range of hotels here, so you can browse a variety beforehand and choose what suits you best. 

You’ll also be able to eat at some of the better restaurants along the Harbour and near Médano beach.

Remember that the budgets above don’t account for any long buses, flights or extras for activities and tours.

Can you just book a tour for Cabo San Lucas?

For those who don’t have much time, or prefer having things handled for them, then a tour will come in very handy. 

I recommend this amazing day tour, where you’ll visit the Arco as well as be able to snorkel the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific on the Playa del Amor.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the coast on a kayak too!     

Where to go after Cabo San Lucas?

After having spent the past week living it up in Cabo, you’ll probably need a good rest first of all! 

However, Mexico is one of the best places to visit in the world and there are plenty of awesome destinations waiting for you. If you intend to do some more exploring after then you'll be thoroughly rewarded.

I recommend heading across to Mazatlán on the mainland. 

Home to one of the longest promenades in the world, this city has both character and a beautiful setting, and is one of my favourites in Mexico. 

Once you’ve arrived here, the best thing to do is to jump on this guided city tour, where you’ll see all the best sites whilst flying around on a local Pulmonía!

If you're travelling around Mexico then here are some other guides you may find useful:

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