Los Cabos is a beautiful area located at the tip of Baja California Sur, Mexico. This region is well-known for its stunning beaches, incredible golf courses, and world-class resorts.
However, there is much more to Los Cabos than just luxury hotels! In this article, we will discuss 11 fun things to do in Los Cabos that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to relax on the beach, Los Cabos has something for everyone!
Where is Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is a municipality located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. It includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as well as the Resort Corridor area along the Trans-peninsular Highway.
Los Cabos is also home to a number of interesting historical and cultural attractions. The area was first settled by the native Cochimi people and later became a part of the Spanish Empire. The name Los Cabos means The Capes in Spanish.
In the early 19th century, Los Cabos was frequented by pirates, who used the area as a base for their operations. Today, Los Cabos is a thriving area that’s popular with luxury travelers.
Best Things to Do in Los Cabos
There’s no shortage of things to do in Los Cabos. Here’s our pick of the best activities. Depending on the amount of time that you have available and your personal preference, you might choose to visit a couple or the whole list!
1. Cabo San Lucas Marina
Home to luxury yachts and lively restaurants and bars, the marina is a great place to people watch and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also find a number of boutiques in the Golden Zone shopping areas, selling souvenirs and local artisan products.
In addition, the Cultural Pavilion holds regular dance and theater events. There are a number of charter companies offering fishing, snorkeling, and whale watching tours.
2. San José del Cabo
One of the best things to do in Los Cabos is to explore the charming town of San José del Cabo. This quaint city features beautiful architecture, lively plazas, and a number of excellent restaurants.
Visitors can also enjoy art galleries, museums, and shopping in San José del Cabo. Stroll through the cobbled streets, browse the colorful markets, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this charming place.
Held every Thursday evening, the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is a great opportunity to admire the work of local artists. San José missionary church is located in the old town on Plaza Mijares, and was reconstructed in 1940.
San José del Cabo is also known for its sandy beaches such as Playita Beach and El Ganzo. Head to San José Estuary nature reserve to see herons, ibis and hummingbirds in their natural habitat.
3. Beaches in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico. Just be sure to check before swimming that they are safe as the currents can be strong in parts.
Playa del Amor, also known as Lover’s Beach, is a secluded beach that can only be accessed by boat. Some say that it takes its name from the fact that two seas are brought together here: the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.
For those who want to experience Los Cabos’ nightlife, Medano Beach is the place to be. This beach is located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas and is full of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing.
Divorce Beach is located just south of Cabo San Lucas, and is known for its dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. It’s not safe to swim here due to the strong currents.
4. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
Another great activity in Los Cabos is to take a boat tour to see the iconic El Arco rock formation. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is one of Los Cabos’ most popular attractions.
Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, El Arco is a natural arch formed by centuries of erosion. Also known as Land’s End, the famous landmark has become a symbol of Los Cabos.
This natural wonder is the spot where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. While the arch is beautiful to look at, it’s also a great place to go swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
There are many tour operators in Los Cabos that offer trips to El Arco, and it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss. These tours typically include stops at nearby beaches and reefs, making them the perfect way to spend a day in Los Cabos.
5. Los Cabos Golf Courses
Los Cabos is also known for its world-class golf courses that wind their way through desert landscapes and along the Sea of Cortez. Golf enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with 18 different courses, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Cove Club Course at Cabo del Sol and the spectacular Norman Course imagined by Greg Norman at Puerto Los Cabos.
These courses offer stunning views, challenging hole designs, and impeccable conditions. Los Cabos is home to some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, such as the the Cabo del Sol Pro-Am.
For those who want to perfect their swing, there are several golf academies located in Los Cabos. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, there’s a course for you in Los Cabos.
6. Wildlife Activities in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is also a great place for wildlife lovers. You can spot egrets, cormorants, humpback whales, sea lions and dolphins at certain times of the year.
For those who want to get up close and personal with marine life, Los Cabos is home to several whale watching tour operators. On land, you can find desert animals such as lizards and snakes, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
As well as iconic species like the desert bighorn sheep, the area is also home to a number of lesser-known animals, such as the Baja California Tree Frog. These creatures play an important role in the local ecosystem, and their presence helps to keep Los Cabos biodiversity healthy.
7. Sierra de la Laguna Mountain Range
Los Cabos is home to some of the best hiking in Mexico. The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains are a stunning natural backdrop for hiking, biking, and bird watching.
The mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles, mountain lions, and mule deer. With its dramatic landscapes and abundance of activities, the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere is one of Los Cabos’ best-kept secrets.
They offer trails of varying difficulty, meaning there is something for everyone. And, at the end of a long day of hiking, you can relax in one of the many hot springs that dot the mountainside. Hiking in Los Cabos is an experience you won’t want to miss!
8. Cabo Pulmo National Park
One of the best things to do in Los Cabos is to visit Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. Located on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula, it is home to the largest coral reef in the Gulf of California.
Visitors can go snorkelling or scuba diving in the clear waters at Cabo Pulmo Beach, and see a variety of fish, turtles, and other marine life. The park also offers hiking and bird watching opportunities, making it the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of Los Cabos.
Thanks to its natural beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre is one of Cabo’s most popular tourist destinations.
9. Gastronomic Experience at Tamarindos
Tamarindos is a cookery school and farm-to-table restaurant in San Jose del Cabo that offers an array of fresh, locally-sourced dishes. The restaurant is located in a beautiful setting with an outdoor patio that overlooks the farm.
Tamarindos is committed to using only the freshest ingredients, and they source their produce from their own farm wherever possible. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes that have been updated with a modern twist. In addition to their seasonal menu, Los Tamarindos also offers cooking classes, farm tours, and a variety of other events.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a fun activity, Tamarindos is the perfect place to experience the best of Los Cabos. We enjoyed a welcome cocktail before heading on a tour of the farm, then helping to prepare some dishes like guacamole before sitting down to a delicious dinner.
10. Todos Santos
This small town is located just north of the municipality and is known for its quaint shops and cafes. Todo Santos is also home to a number of art galleries, making it a great place to spend a day exploring the local culture.
Visitors to Todo Santos can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the historic center, shopping for handmade crafts, and sampling local cuisine. Oystera is a beautiful oyster bar and shopping gallery. You can also see the original Hotel California that inspired the song by The Eagles.
The town hosts a number of annual festivals, including the Tropic of Cancer Music Series in January and the Todos Santos Film Festival in November.
Head to El Faro Beach Club & Spa for some rest and relaxation. The chef here is very talented and also cooks at El Mirador Oceanview Restaurant, which has panoramic coastal views.
11. Take a Sunset Cruise
Looking for something special to do on your Los Cabos vacation? Why not take a sunset cruise? Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning sunsets, and there’s no better way to experience them than on the water.
Cruises typically last around two to three hours and include dinner and drinks. You’ll get to watch the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
And of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some amazing photos. So if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, be sure to add a Los Cabos sunset cruise to your list of things to do.
How to Get to Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a beautiful vacation destination that is easily reached by plane. If you’re flying, Los Cabos International Airport (also known as San José del Cabo Airport or SJD) is located just a few miles from the city center.
Several airlines offer direct flights from major U.S. cities. Aeromexico also has flights from Mexican cities. We took an Aeromexico business class flight (Clase Premier) from London Heathrow to Mexico City, visited the capital and then flew on to Los Cabos from there.
The journey time between Ciudad de Mexico and San José del Cabo is just one hour and twenty minutes. The business class seats are extremely comfortable and you’re served snacks and a soft drink of your choice. Once you land, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
If you’re driving, Los Cabos is about a 22 hour drive from San Diego. There are several toll roads along the way, so be sure to have some pesos on hand.
Getting Around Los Cabos
We recommend hiring a car to get around Los Cabos, as public transportation is limited. We rented a Jeep Wrangler from Avis which we picked up in Los Cabos and returned to La Paz airport.
They offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. We recommend hiring a SUV, so that you can explore the area’s many beaches and trails. You’ll have all the freedom you need to explore everything this stunning destination has to offer.
And with Avis’s convenient online booking system, it’s easy to find the perfect car and get on the road in no time. So whether you’re visiting Los Cabos for business or pleasure, Avis is a great choice for car hire.
Where to Stay in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in Mexico. For those who are looking for luxury, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the perfect choice. This resort offers stunning ocean views, delicious food at El Barrio and Humo as well as agave tastings at Candil bar. You can enjoy a fantastic massage at Alkemia Spa as well as a unique Savasana experience, before participating in a stargazing experience arranged by the resort’s Ambassadors of the Environment.
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel is a stunning property located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. The hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez and features an infinity pool, a spa, and a rooftop bar, as well as a variety of dining options. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa is situated in the heart of Todos Santos. This charming property owns the lovely El Faro Beach Club nearby as well as El Mirador Oceanview Restaurant. You can enjoy incredible sea views while tasting delicious Mexican food.
Practical Information for Los Cabos
Mexican pesos and US dollars are accepted in most locations – bearing in mind that ATMs in Los Cabos dispense money in pesos. You can exchange money at local banks, the airport and some hotels. While credit cards are welcome at most major hotels and restaurants, tipping should be done in cash in either pesos or dollars.
The weather in Los Cabos varies depending on the time of year that you visit. August is generally the hottest month, with highs of 91°F and lows of 78°F. The coolest month tends to be January, with lows of 61°F and highs of 79°F. The average temperature from December to March is below 81°F.
The temperature can dip quite a bit during the evenings so pack a jacket or light sweater.
