Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, Los Cabos is a municipality comprising two towns – Cabo San Lucas and San Jose de Cabo. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, Los Cabos is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning desert landscapes, and world-class resorts.
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The Baja Peninsula separates the Gulf of California from the Pacific Ocean and stretches for over 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) from Tijuana in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south. The Peninsula is home to numerous natural attractions and popular tourist destinations, including the Valle de Guadalupe wine region, the Sierra de San Francisco cave paintings, and the historic city of Loreto.
The region of Los Cabos is one of the top destinations in the Baja Peninsula. This beautiful destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak in the local culture as well, with delicious restaurants, cooking classes and opportunities to admire local art and artisan markets.
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As we quickly discovered during our time in Los Cabos, this is a region you can’t visit just once – a place we will go back to again and again. So if you are looking for some inspiration for the best things to do in Los Cabos, Mexico – check out this list of our favourite activities there!
About Los Cabos – The Two Towns
The two towns that makeup Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, are equally gorgeous and appealing, but they are also very different.
Whether you’re seeking peace and tradition or something upbeat and vibrant, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Cabo have something that appeals to every taste.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is the more vibrant of the two towns. It’s upbeat and offers a lively nightlife scene and many tourist attractions. There are many adventures to be had for those seeking a few thrills from their vacation.
Cabo San Lucas is also home to the iconic rock arch, “El Arco” or “The Arch”, a natural rock formation located in the Pacific Ocean at the southern tip of the Peninsula and one of the most iconic things to do in Los Cabos.
The huge yachts that line the marina in Cabo San Lucas are an impressive sight, and the whale-watching tours are an absolute must if you want to experience the majesty of the ocean from San Lucas bay.
Cabo San Lucas is home to some stunning beaches, the most popular of which are Divorce Beach and Medano Beach.
San José del Cabo, Mexico
San Jose del Cabo, on the other hand, is a quieter town with a more traditional Mexican feel. It’s known for its historic center, which features colonial-era buildings and charming cobblestone streets. The town is also home to some excellent restaurants, many of which specialize in fresh seafood.
The streets are lined with taco stands, plenty of shops and traditional restaurants. The beach features a host of beautiful hotels and resorts and is the perfect place for a romantic sunset walk.
Nights in San Jose del Cabo are quieter, with cozy bars and restaurants forming the main haunts of those who want to stay out late. It doesn’t have the same party atmosphere as Cabo San Lucas, making it ideal for travelers who want a quieter experience.
How to Get to Los Cabos
Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. There are several ways to get to Los Cabos.
Fly: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is a mere eight miles North of San Jose del Cabo and 23 miles away from Cabo San Lucas. The airport connects the region to over 40 locations, both domestic and international. Outside of the USA, the only international connection is with Toronto, Canada.
Drive: If you are driving from the United States or Canada, you can reach Los Cabos by taking the Baja California Highway, also known as Highway 1. This scenic route runs the length of the Baja Peninsula and offers stunning views of the desert landscape.
Bus: If you prefer not to drive, you can also reach Los Cabos by bus. Several bus companies offer service to the area from major cities in Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana.
How to Get Around Los Cabos
The easiest way to get around Los Cabos, especially if you want to jump between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, is by car. You can rent a car from Los Cabos International Airport to use for the duration of your stay.
Uber is widely available in Los Cabos and is easily the best alternative to having your own vehicle. We found the rates – fairly affordable, ranging from $5-10 for a short ride and higher for rides between Cabos San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Metered taxis in Los Cabos are hard to come by, with most taxi drivers charging whatever they want rather than relying on the official meter.
Public transport is available within each town, but both towns are easily explored on foot. Cabo San Lucas also has a water taxi on the marina if you want to visit some of the most popular beaches.
Things to do in Los Cabos
There is plenty of things to do in Los Cabos, with activities for foodies, art and history lovers, water sports enthusiasts, partygoers, and sun soakers alike.
We spent a week in Los Cabos during our recent visit. It was plenty of time to visit Cabo San Lucas and check out the main attractions in San Jose del Cabos, enjoying the beaches and the sea life of the Pacific Ocean.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Los Cabos!
Things to do in San Jose del Cabo
1. Explore San Jose del Cabo
The town of San Jose del Cabo is known for being a cultural hub of the area. The town is steeped in tradition and provides an authentic Mexican experience. The streets are colourful and full of shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of cool art galleries.
Plaza Artesanos is an absolute must when exploring San Jose del Cabo. The shopping mall is home to over 75 vendors, selling a selection of traditional wares and souvenirs ranging from rugs to jewellery that you’ll want to pick up. The Art District can be found in the main plaza downtown, and it is home to cool traditional Mexican artworks.
2. Join an Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo
Every Thursday from 5 pm until 9 pm, the Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo becomes the top thing to do in Los Cabos. Taking place during the winter months (from November to June), the Art Walk is an excellent opportunity to explore the local art scene, meet local artists, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
During the Art Walk, art galleries and studios in the historic art district stay open late and welcome visitors with free wine and snacks. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore the galleries and view the latest works by local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Almost all of the paintings and sculptures are available to purchase.
And there is more to this walk than just the Art District. You will also get to see the historic church, the town plaza, and City Hall. The latter has a historic clock tower that is famed throughout Los Cabos and certainly makes its mark from an architectural standpoint.
3. Enjoy Sunset Drinks at Viceroy Hotel
If you are looking for a great place to watch sunset in Los Cabos, we have a spot for you. The Viceroy Hotel, located just a short walk from San Jose del Cabo, is home to the Cielomar Rooftop, a gorgeous rooftop bar with expansive views of the ocean and Baja desert landscape.
It’s a great spot to come for sunset drinks or a meal. Drinks are not cheap, but the cocktails are delicious. If you want to stay for dinner, the restaurant highlights fresh seafood, flame-grilled fare, and wood-fired pizza made with seasonal ingredients.
4. Take a Mexican Cooking Class
In our opinion, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than to take a cooking class. And given how delicious food is in this part of Mexico, a Mexican cooking class is definitely one of the best things to do in Los Cabos.
During our visit, we took a cooking class at Tamarindos Restaurant, not far from San Jose del Cabo. The restaurant itself was awesome, set on a farm run with traditional harvesting principles.
We got to select what dishes to cook and the chef guided us through a hands on cooking experience. Together with our group, we made a four-course meal, and enjoyed the amazing flavours of our hard work following the class.
5. Dine at Acre Restaurant
Situated in the quiet and picturesque San Jose del Cabo, Acre Restaurant is considered the best restaurant in the town. The restaurant is located on 25 acres of greenery and features modern architecture and design.
The food at the Acre is described as a marriage of global influences, and this sums up the menu perfectly. Try the shrimp ragu or half-roasted chicken. The Baja oysters are also not to be missed. The cocktail bar is a great addition, and the signature drinks are worth it.
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
6. Take a Boat Tour to visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is often rated as one of the top things to do in Los Cabos and is one of the primary reasons to visit this town. The jagged limestone rock formation, known as Land’s End, is beautiful to view, especially at sunset. The rocks around it are home to a resident sea lion population – they sometimes hop onto the boats heading to the harbour.
Numerous boat tours are available to take you to the arch – you’ll find some great recommendations below. Many boat tours also include a visit to Lover’s Beach, Playa del Amor, in the itinerary. Some allow you to paddleboard up to the rocks and the Arch and watch the sea lions lazing in the sun. Others, also offer an opportunity to snorkel around Neptune’s Finger and admire the tropical fish that reside in these waters.
7. Try Authentic Mexican Tacos
Tacos are an integral part of Mexican culture and cuisine, and Los Cabos is the place to be if you want to try authentic tacos. We had so many tacos during our time in Los Cabos but found two spots particularly excellent.
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal, located in the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s downtown, offered delicious authentic tacos in a vibrant environment. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, excellent food, and extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. The taco selection is enormous, and we strongly recommend the Crunchy Volcano. If you’re in Cabos San Lucas, there is a location there too.
Taqueria El Paisa is another great spot for tacos found in Cabos San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This restaurant offers a more no-frills Mexican taco experience. The taco selection is small, but the prices are super affordable, and the quality is excellent. You’ll see lots of locals grabbing a bite here throughout the day – that’s how we knew it was a great spot! We loved both the shrimp and chicken tacos, so try both and don’t miss a giant bowl of guacamole on the side!
8. Spend the Day at Medano Beach
Medano Beach is the most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas. This swimmable beach sits on the tip of Cabo San Lucas, in the Bay of San Lucas, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for soft white sand and sparkling azure waters. The beach features several restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great spot to hang out for the day.
The water at Medano Beach is calm and clear, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports, although we prefer to keep the beach and waters clean and stick to non-motorized water activities.
One of the main attractions of Medano Beach is the view of the iconic El Arco rock formation, which is located just off the coast. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the rock formation up close, or simply enjoy the view from the beach.
The best time to visit this beach is early in the morning or later in the evening, especially if you prefer a quiet atmosphere.
9. Go Golfing
There are plenty of golf courses to choose from in Los Cabos, with several championship courses located in the area. There are no shortage of spots to play golf in Los Cabos!
Cabo del Sol Golf Club is largely considered one of the best golf courses in Mexico and features ocean views and challenging terrain. There are two championship golf courses at Cabo del Sol Golf Club: Cabo del Sol Ocean Course, known for its stunning ocean views and Cabo del Sol Desert Course, dramatic elevation changes, deep arroyos, and stunning Baja desert landscape.
Cabo Real Golf Club is another excellent golf course located in Los Cabos. This 18-hole, par-72 golf course is located on the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Other notable golf courses include Palmilla Golf Club, located inside the One & Only hotel, Quivira Golf Club and Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club.
10. Go Sportsfishing
Sportfishing is a very popular activity in Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas has been named the striped Marlin capital, and the waters off the coast of Los Cabos are home to a variety of other game fish, including dorado, tuna, wahoo, and sailfish, to name a few.
A number of fishing charters and outfitters provide half-day, full-day, and multi-day fishing experiences in Los Cabos. While some fishing charters concentrate on offshore big game fishing, others specialize in fly fishing. The majority of fishing charters include everything you need, including rods, reels, and bait, and many of them let you choose to have a qualified fishing coach on board.
For the best fishing day trip, book a charter with a reputable tour company to ensure a safe and responsible fishing experience.
11. Take a Boat Trip Along Los Cabos Coastline
If you want to see more of Los Cabos coastline, consider chartering a boat with Cabo Adventures. We joined an afternoon sunset cruise on one of their 8-person luxury yachts and were surprised at how awesome and affordable the experience was! The French-made catamaran was modern and comfortable and offered a smooth journey along the coast of Baja California Sur.
We visited The Arch and its sea lions and sailed past El Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, past Santa Maria Bay and other beaches, all the way to Chileno Bay beach. Here we had an opportunity to jump off, do some snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and enjoy some drinks and snacks on board. The crew from Cabo Adventures was fantastic and made our experience on board really fun!
12. Go Whale Watching
Every year, thousands of whales migrate to the warm waters off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, including humpback whales, gray whales, and even blue whales. The whale-watching season in Los Cabos officially starts in mid-December and lasts until mid. April.
There are plenty of whale-watching tours available in Los Cabos, with the majority lasting between 2-2.5 hrs. Each whale-watching tour is different; some are offered on larger boats, while others offer a more intimate experience on smaller vessels or even kayaks. Many tour operators have a whale sighting guarantee, meaning that if you do not see a whale during your tour, they will ask you to come back for around round at no additional cost.
Where to Stay in Los Cabos
There are a plethora of hotels, B&Bs and resorts in Los Cabos, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
During our visit, we stayed at Hacienda del Mar Resort, a mid-range resort located on the hotel strip, not far from Cabo San Lucas. The traditional Mexican-style architecture of Hacienda del Mar is absolutely gorgeous, and the resort offers the perfect combo of affordable rooms and beautiful pools, stunning beach and excellent dining. The resort is massive, offering over 500 rooms, including 270 guest rooms and suites with a private terrace or balcony with ocean views.
We loved that Hacienda del Mar has a number of sustainability initiatives, cultural activities and ways to contribute to the local community.
The hotel has plenty of amenities on offer as well. The spa provides a place to relax and refresh, while the fitness centre helped stay active. The pools were not too crowded and the private cabanas were a perfect place to hang out for the day.
There are several restaurants at the resort, providing a great selection of dishes ranging from Asian to traditional Mexican cuisine.
READ MORE: Staying at Hacienda del Mar Resort
Los Cabos offers a ton of activities and attractions that will appeal to a wide range of visitors. From its stunning beaches and world-renowned golf courses to its exciting water sports and great restaurant choices, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The area’s natural beauty, combined with its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, make it an ideal destination for those seeking a great trip to Mexico.
