One of the most popular places to visit in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas is already well-known as a top tourist destination.
The thriving heart and culture of the Baja California region, here we can find beautiful Pacific beaches, iconic natural formations as well as endless entertainment options. We can also find many lesser-known experiences and highlights nearby too, which is ideal for those who want less crowds and more authenticity.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the very best things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas, and within the surrounding region. This includes a mix of popular attractions and lesser-known gems, as well as how you can visit each one during your own trip to Cabo.
7 Best Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas
Below we’ll now explore the very best experiences and things to do in Cabo San Lucas, as well as anything important you need to know when planning your own trip here.
Visit The Iconic Arch Of Cabo San Lucas
Viewable from the mainland, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas is by far the most elegant natural landmark you can visit around the city.
With an almost perfect circular shape carved out of the nearby rock face, it’s surprising to hear that it’s not actually man-made at all. When visiting this formation close-up, we also learn that there is the hidden beach of Playa del Divorcio which is tucked just behind it.
There are boat tours departing frequently from the main beach of Médano – however I highly recommend heading on the mid-afternoon boat tours where you can see the beautiful red sunset just behind the arch. Just remember to fully charge your camera before coming so you can get your own memorable shots when here!
Go Deep-Sea Fishing In The Mexican Pacific
If you’re after both a more novel and thrilling adventure, then consider heading on a fishing charter for the day.
Given Cabo San Lucas is located right out on the open Pacific Ocean, this means it’s easy to access remote parts that are teeming with all kinds of exotic and colourful fish species. This includes Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna as well as the iconic Blue Marlin – which makes Cabo one of the most popular fishing spots in all of North America.
There are many different fishing charter companies around Cabo’s harbour, however I personally recommend Boats Baja who offer a variety of fishing charters and custom trips, as well as luxury yachts for hire. It’s also important to know that the best time of year to go deep-sea fishing in Cabo is between July and October, although other months are also ideal for catching certain fish species.
Hike Up The Cerro De La Zeta
Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the best, and in the case for Cabo this is enjoying the crimson sunsets that hang over the Pacific Coast.
Whilst you can head to the beach to see these, another great idea is to hike up to the main viewpoint or mirador as it’s known in Spanish. Cerro de la Zeta is a small mountain located just west of Cabo San Lucas, and offers arguably the best views over both the city and surrounding coast. We can also find lots of desert vegetation up and along the route, making for a more authentic experience (which is even better given it’s not such a touristic destination).
The hiking trail is roughly 2km in length and takes about an hour to walk up, so if you want to see the sunset then it’s worth leaving around 4:00pm. Official opening hours of this path is between 6:00am until 8:30pm, so you could also hike up during sunrise for a memorable experience.
Snorkel In Chileno Beach
There are many fantastic beaches in and around Cabo, which have both beautiful golden sands as well as lots of atmosphere and amenities nearby.
However if you’re looking for a more remote and paradisiacal beach experience, then look no further than Chileno Beach. Less popular than those like Médano, here we can enjoy beach life without loud music or massive crowds. The waters here are also very calm and are ideal for both swimming and snorkelling, where we can spot a whole range of different exotic fish species here.
Chileno Beach is located some 15km east of Cabo, and you can easily get here in just 15 minutes with a taxi (it’s located along the same road that heads to the airport). Although it’s still less busy than the popular beaches of the city, it’s worth heading here during the weekdays or early in the morning for the most tranquil experience possible.
Get An Adrenaline Fix At Wild Canyon
Located within the remote desert peaks outside of Cabo, Wild Canyon is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist sites to visit in the region.
Roughly a 30 minute drive from the city centre, in this adventure park we can enjoy a whole range of adrenaline-pumping activities. This includes going zip-lining and bungee-jumping, as well as riding the glass-floored gondola for an especially memorable ride above the arid landscapes. If you’re not into such daring experiences, then there’s also other more relaxed activities to enjoy here, such as heading on an ATV ride as well as seeing local animals within the on-site animal sanctuary.
Wild Canyon is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week, although it’s best to come as early as possible before the crowds (and hot sun) begin to arrive.
Enjoy The Heated Nightlife Scenes
Whilst there are many varied things to see and do all over Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding region, this city of course remains famous for its legendary nightlife scene.
This makes it a popular place for many to come and enjoy a wild weekend (or week), given the large range of pubs, bars and nightclubs dotted all over the city. Bars like the Monkey Business Bar and Jungle Bar are great places to get things kicked-off, which are both centrally located next to the harbour and serve all kinds of local beers and cocktails.
Those who are after an iconic experience can head to Cabo Wabo, which is famously owned by rockstar Sammy Hagar and has its own awesome vibe with both tasty food and drinks flowing all night. When it comes to finding a memorable nightclub, both La Vaquita and El Squid Roe are perfect for their loud music, varied drink menus and late closing hours.
Go Surfing In Todos Santos
Looking to catch a wave or two when in Baja California? Whilst Cabo San Lucas has its own awesome spots, the very best is located in nearby Todos Santos.
A small town located an hour north of Cabo, here we can swap the loud city vibes for a more relaxed, carefree town atmosphere. Between lounging in hanging hammocks and taking part in yoga sessions, it’s here where we can also find some awesome waves to ride. Beginners and those in need of a refresher will want to head to Cerritos Beach, where conditions are easier to catch a wave.
However in some areas the waves here can get pretty big, given the swells and its particular location along the Pacific. And as such, Todos Santos hosts its own annual surfing competition where we can watch surf pros from all corners of the world flock to ride these giant waves.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo
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