15 Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)

Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.

Cabo San Lucas might not be one of the largest cities in Mexico, but it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico with millions of tourists coming here every year.

Chileno Beach

Chileno Beach is the perfect spot when you need a break from all things Cabo. It is the local’s beach, skipped over by many of the visitors to Cabo, and perhaps as a result it is also known as one of the cleanest beaches in all of Mexico.

The beach is fully outfitted with a parking lot, showers, and access for disabled people. However, it is truly prized for its gorgeous, calm waters and fun tide pools. It can get crowded on weekends, but it is still worth a visit.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a rock formation near Lover’s Beach, which forms a distinct, arch-like hole in the spot where the Pacific Ocean becomes the Gulf of California.

The rock was formed over 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. The image of the rock, against the water, with its dramatic shadows against the sunshine, is emblematic of Cabo.

If you make a trip, you must visit the arch, as it is destined to be destroyed eventually by the waves and tides.

Mt. Solmar

Mount Solmar is home to some of the best panoramic scenes in Cabo. On a climb up the mountain, the highlights are the gorgeous views of the Baja Peninsula.

The best option is to use the guide Enrique, who runs the facilities at the trailhead. On a clear day, you can get fabulous shots of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as it can be steep in places. There are organized excursions up the mountain in groups, which end up being quite a bit of fun, too.

Socorro Island

Socorro Island is a volcanic formation about 300 miles off of the coast. It is a 50-square-mile island, which rises drastically to 3000 feet. It is known as one of the best places to scuba dive in Mexico.

A diver can easily see a humpback whale, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks in a single dive. The volcano is still active, with the last noted activity in 1993.

It is named after the Virgin of Perpetual Help, and its only population is the workers at the naval base and their families.

Aqua World Cabo

This 15,000 square meter water park is a great family attraction in Cabo. Among its 20 different attractions, there is something for the adults, small children, and everyone in between.

Located in downtown Cabo, it is easy to access and includes waterslides as well as pools and lounge areas. Visiting Aqua World Cabo is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas with kids.

Whale Watching

The coast off Cabo San Lucas is well-known for the whales that frequent it. There are several tours in Cabo that all promise a whale sighting. The typical whale-watching tour begins early, around 8 am in the morning, at the pier of Cabo.

You’ll spend a day out on the sea, and if you are lucky enough to see a whale, a whale shark, a killer whale, or dolphins, it will be a day to remember! Be sure to bring your camera.

Cabo Winery Restaurant at Los Cabos Winery

The restaurant at Los Cabos Winery is a favorite among Cabo regulars, and with good reason. The atmosphere, with tables sandwiched among barrels, is unbeatable.

There is often a piano player, as well, and the seafood and steak are top-rated in Cabo. Not to mention the potential for wine pairings!

Mercado Mexicano

The Mercado Mexicano is a tourist-oriented market with every possible souvenir you could ever think of from Cabo. There is no denying this place is a tourist trap, but you can get some cool pieces to remember your trip by—everything from trinkets to hats to t-shirts to posters. Be sure to bring Mexican Pesos and barter as prices are negotiable!

Playa del Amor

One of Cabo’s most interesting, and popular, beaches, Playa del Amor is a calm, secluded strip of beach that is ideal for sunbathing and diving.

It is known as Lover’s Beach because of how secluded it is, lending itself to privacy, although these days it is so beloved by tourists that it doesn’t often offer that much privacy. The beach adjoint to it is known as Divorce Beach, where the waves are much wilder and more dangerous.

Snorkeling/Diving at Cabo Pulmo

At about two hours from Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo is a world away. However, the drive is really worth it. Cabo Pulmo is home to one of only three coral reefs in all of North America.

The reef at Cabo Pulmo is over 5,000 years old, and home to a marine reserve as well as being a very popular diving area. The marine life is incredible, and the town is tiny.

Most visitors go to check out the amazing natural riches of the area, centering around Los Arbolitos, which is the area’s best beach. If you are looking for something more secluded, try Playa La Sirenita, which can only be reached by foot or boat.

Watersports at Medano Beach

Medano Beach is the most popular for swimming in Cabo San Lucas. Logically, it can get quite crowded, but that doesn’t stop all the tourists from visiting it both weekdays and weekends.

The beach has a great location, within walking distance from the town center and the marina. Medano Beach is also ideal for those who love water sports.

You can jet ski, kayak, parasail, and more on Medano Beach, which has different vendors and facilities set up for tons of activities.

San Jose del Cabo

Just 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo is a colorful town with a long history. When you visit San Jose del Cabo, you’ll find a more laid-back village with a distinct Spanish colonial vibe.

Walk around the historic district, founded in 1730, popping into the many art galleries and visiting the Mission San José Church.

Be sure to grab some Mexican food, as well—a favorite is La Panga Antigua, located in a 150-year-old colonial-style mansion. Together with Cabo San Lucas, the two towns are called ‘Los Cabos’.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world (up to 60 feet long!), and despite their intimidating name, they are harmless to humans. They abound in the seas surrounding Cabo San Lucas, and a favorite activity while in Cabo is to go on a swimming excursion with them.

There are many tour operators that offer a swim with whale sharks. The price for an adult usually ranges from $175-200, and it includes transportation, guides, a full-day outing, equipment, a photographer, and lunch and snacks.

The best time to go is in whale season, between November and April, but there are Whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas almost year-round.

Go shopping at Luxury Avenue

Luxury Avenue is a boutique mall located near the marina in Cabo San Lucas. The upscale shopping center is known for the brands it houses, which range from Fendi to Cartier.

Apart from luxury fashion, you can also find other luxury items on sale, such as Montblanc pens and Swarovski crystals. A perfect way to spend the day for shopaholics.

Wild Canyon Adventures

Wild Canyon Adventures is a popular theme park just outside of Cabo San Lucas. It has a distinct outdoor adventure vibe, with activities that include zip lines, ATV racing, and bungee jumping. Wild Canyon Adventures also offers a sailing tour that departs from Cabo