27 Epic Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas (and Beyond)
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you).
Beaches with buzz? Eye-popping resorts? Stunning coastal scenery? Check!
Welcome to Los Cabos, Mexico, the chic desert-meets-the-sea resort destination in Baja California Sur.
It’s a favorite escape for celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Justin Bieber and George Clooney – and for us too! We’ve explored pretty much all the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas and surrounding region.
To put the area in perspective, Los Cabos (“the capes”) includes the two main cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. While “Cabo” often refers to the entire area, sometimes it just means Cabo San Lucas. We use it here to refer to the whole fabulous destination.
We visit Cabo at least once or twice a year – it’s our family’s favorite go-to holiday place. (Most months, except for maybe August and September, are good times to visit Los Cabos.)
Based on our umpteen visits, we’ve written stacks of travel articles on Cabo for top North American magazines, newspapers and our Los Cabos travel guide.
There’s whale watching between December and March, sailing, championship golf, sportfishing (Cabo hosts the richest marlin fishing tournament in the world), awesome scuba diving and so much more…
Featured reader comments
“This is a super helpful list, even for those of us who’ve visited Cabo numerous time! I’m looking forward to my next trip in a few months and will definitely check off a few of these items while there.”
~ India
“I love all of your suggestions and keep coming back to your site for excursion ideas.”
~ Jennifer
“I just want to thank you so much for your blog. I have been to a friend’s timeshare… two years in a row now, and your blog has helped us plan both trips. Thank you, thank you, thank you. There are people out there reading, and you literally changed my entire Cabo experience.”
~ Natalie
Best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (and Los Cabos)
Whether it’s your first time to this sunny Mexican beach paradise or you’re a repeat fan like us, check out these 27 wickedly fun Cabo activities from our list below.
1) Go whale watching
Every year between mid-December and early April, thousands of gray, humpback and other whales migrate from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warm waters off the Baja California Peninsula to mate and give birth.
You see mainly humpback whales
They’re the most active and acrobatic, and you often see them right from the shore as they spout and leap.
But to see them up close, take a whale watching boat tour – hands down one of the best things to do in Los Cabos in winter!
Whale tours
You’re almost guaranteed to spot whales on a tour. We’ve gone whale watching in Cabo at least six times now and had fantastic sightings on all trips except one.
Consider this top-rated small-group Zodiac tour with Cabo Expeditions, which we’ve personally enjoyed. Their tours are eco-conscious and led by expert guides (and the company is uniquely trained and authorized to rescue whales in trouble).
Or you might like this luxury catamaran experience, complete with mimosas, delicious snacks and a hydrophone to hear the whales’ haunting songs. The last time, we chose this option (with Cabo Adventures) and loved the comfy French-made catamaran.
Prefer a larger catamaran?
The Sun Rider 100 offers a buffet brunch and an open bar on this whale watching tour. They’ve been in business for a long time in Cabo and also have a good rep (though the bigger boat won’t get as close to the whales).
If you happen to be unlucky and don’t spot a whale, tour operators usually give you another tour complimentary. (They don’t want you to be unhappy!)
Bonus: All tours sail past Land’s End. One of the most famous Cabo San Lucas attractions, these dramatic rock formations are home to the famous rock Arch at the tip of Baja.
2) Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay
Santa Maria Bay is one of the three best places to snorkel in Cabo. And you might see whales too!
A popular way to get there is on a snorkeling boat tour.
We had an absolute blast on this luxury 4-hour sailing-and-snorkeling cruise – starting with the mimosas as we boarded the yacht to the snorkeling, swimming, seafood lunch (with specialty cocktails) and sailing with the wind on our return.
(You’ll snorkel at Santa Maria Beach or Chileno Bay, which is similar, depending on the conditions.)
Or maybe you’d like to kayak here?
We’ve gone on this kayaking and snorkeling adventure with Cabo Outfitters, where you kayak to and snorkel at both Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay – excellent!
The kayaking adds to the fun.
But you can also do it yourself.
Beat the crowds and drive (or take the bus) to Santa Maria Beach first thing in the morning – and have the beach and water all to yourself. (Of course, there’s a lot of development around this popular bay now.)
Book your stay at Santa Maria Bay: The 5-star Montage Los Cabos offers direct access to this beautiful quiet stretch of swimmable beach.
3) Visit Flora Farms
Flora Farms has been a favorite for years, constantly evolving and getting better.
Hidden away at the end of a bumpy sand road near San Jose del Cabo, this 25-acre organic farm grows a colorful array of flowers, veggies and herbs.
At its heart is its field kitchen and farm-to-table restaurant.
A great way to experience Flora Farms is to join a free walking farm tour (reserve here), then savor a leisurely lunch.
Dinner is just as enticing. Maybe lemon chicken, zucchini-and-fresh-herb pasta, wood-oven pizza or organic salad with home-made burrata cheese?
Better yet, share everything family-style for the maximum flavors.
Tip: Alternative farm-to-table resto in Cabo San Lucas
If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas and don’t want to make the 30- to 40-minute drive to Flora Farms, try El Huerto. Just outside town, this beautiful farm-to-table alternative is surrounded by orchards and fruit trees. It’s pricey (especially the wine), but worth it for a special night out.
Pssst! Order the El Camino cocktails, made with mezcal chili syrup, ginger, rosemary, grapefruit and lemon juice.
4) Have fun at Medano Beach
One of our favorite Cabo San Lucas activities is totally free. We’re talking about hitting the beach!
Now, there are many fabulous beaches in Cabo. But Medano beach is the it beach.
Picture-perfect golden sand? Check. Calm waters? It’s one of the few beaches in the area where you can safely swim.
You can also enjoy lots of fun water activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
Tip: Enjoying Medano Beach
The bars and beach clubs are congregated around the stretch of sand closest to town.
The further you walk along Medano Beach away from town, the quieter it gets.
5) Hike up the Pedregal
That rocky mountain (hill?) you see rising just behind Cabo San Lucas is Pedregal, which means “rocky ground.”
It’s home to uber-swank, multi-million-dollar luxury villas (Sylvester Stallone is said to be a home-owner) – all clinging to the mountainside within a private gated community, where the roads are made of rock and stone slabs.
For a great outdoor cardio workout, we enjoy walking up the steep switchback roads in Pedregal.
The walk offers awesome views. Up top, you can see the marina way down below on the Sea of Cortez side plus the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean on the other side.
To get there from town, walk west along Lazaro Cardenas and cross Miguel Hidalgo. You pass through a security gate and guard to get into the Pedregal gated community.
The road starts to climb soon after that. You’re aiming to make it to the top near the white round observatory.
(Heads up: The last time we went, this access was restricted. The security guard redirected us to another entrance, and we ended up taking a new route up Pedregal to a different viewpoint.)
Tip: Walking or hiking in Cabo San Lucas
Go first thing in the morning before it gets hot (you want to be back down before 9:30 am).
And take water.
6) Chow down on seafood tacos
One of the funny quirks we’ve cottoned on to about Mexican food? Not all tacos are cut from the same tortilla. Some are ho-hum, while others are seriously scrumptious!
After trying many places, we’ve found some of Cabo’s best tacos are served at Tacos Gardenias.
Once a humble hole-in-the-wall, this taco joint has tidied itself up over the years. Even high-heeled, mini-skirted, 20-somethings spill out of taxis for a bite here before going clubbing.
But “Mama” (the founding grandma) still runs the kitchen and takes orders.
While we sometimes mix it up and order fish tacos, we love the fresh shrimp tacos the most.
With all the fixings on the side, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas, it’s taco perfection – all for a modest price. A strong margarita makes it even better.
We’ve also discovered a new taqueria, La Lupita Taco & Mezcal.
They take tacos to the next level with creative options like shrimp tempura with curry sauce (divine!) and pork pastor tacos with a cheesy crust, stuffed with onion, cilantro and pineapple.
Bonus: There’s rocking live music after 7:00 pm.
Tacos (and margaritas) will never taste the same back home. Sigh…
Tip: Cabo food tours
If you’ve got a real crush on tacos, this Cabo taco tasting tour might tempt you.
Or check out this award-winning food tour. You visit five different family-owned eateries in Cabo San Lucas on a food-focused walking tour (maximum group size of 15). Tasting tacos is, of course, part of the tour.
7) Swim with whale sharks
Whale sharks aren’t whales. They’re the largest sharks in the world, growing up to 40 feet long in size.
But don’t worry, these gentle giants feed only on plankton and krill, scooping them up with their cavernous mouths.
Between October and February, they gather in the Bay of La Paz, about a 2-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas – offering a once-in-lifetime opportunity to swim with them.
And take it from us… Swimming with whales sharks in La Paz is one of the most awesome bucket-list experiences in Mexico!
You can book an all-day snorkel tour from Cabo to encounter these endangered wonders.
A spotter plane looks for the whale sharks from above, communicating their location to your boat captain. When your guide yells “Jump!,” you leap into the water and swim alongside these magnificent creatures, while peering at them through your snorkel mask.
Whale sharks feed close to the surface, so what’s amazing is that you swim almost within arm’s reach. (But remember, no touching, as this can hurt their skin.)
Book your stay in La Paz: We love the Spanish colonial-style Club El Moro Hotel & Suites, right on the Malecon.
8) Splash out on a splurgey hotel
Cabo is the place to go to pamper yourself silly at a fabulous hotel.
(One of the differences between Cabo and Puerto Vallarta, for example, is that Cabo has way more uber-luxe resorts.)
Over the years, we’ve stayed at many of the swankiest hotels in Cabo.
There’s the fabled One & Only Palmilla.
Once the holiday getaway for a Mexican president’s son, it now spoils privileged guests with Mexican-inspired beachfront suites, a drop-dead gorgeous (virtually private) swimmable beach and a restaurant run by a Michelin-star chef.
We also love The Cape, a Thompson Hotel. Think splendid views of Cabo’s 200-foot-high rock arch and a hip contemporary vibe. It’s one of the coolest hotels in Cabo for adults.
For an all-inclusive hotel (for families and couples), you can’t beat the luxurious Grand Velas Los Cabos. It blew us away with its stylish suites and foodie-worthy restaurants.
See our reviews of 23+ Cabo hotels: They’re the top luxury hotels in Los Cabos!
9) Go on an Art Walk
On Thursday evenings from November to June, San Jose del Cabo comes alive with its vibrant Art Walk.
The town’s art district buzzes as dozens of galleries stay open until 9:00 pm, inviting you to browse, enjoy wine tastings, attend talks and meet the artists behind the creations.
With downtown streets closed to cars, the evening transforms into a pedestrian-friendly cultural celebration. Live music fills the air, adding to the festive vibe.
Best of all? It’s free!
Over the years, the Art Walk has become one of the most popular events in Cabo – you won’t want to miss it.
Tip: Dining in San Jose del Cabo
Be sure to make restaurant reservations well in advance if you want dinner in town on Thursdays.
The restaurants are packed on Art Walk nights.
10) Fly on a zipline
For thrill-seekers, one of the most fun things to do in Cabo is to whizz through the air like a bird on a wire – aka ziplining.
A zipline is a cable strung between two platforms standing on a cliff high off the ground some 100 to 200 feet or more apart.
You’re strapped into a harness that hangs from a pulley, attached to the zipline. Step off the platform and you speed down the cable to the next elevated platform.
Not only is ziplining in Los Cabos exhilarating, you get to see Cabo’s dramatic desert landscapes and rugged canyons.
You can choose from three different ziplining operations:
Ziplining and UTVs with Cabo Adventures
Three generations in our family enjoyed this fun ziplining eco-tour in a mountainous biosphere reserve.
The course includes one of the longest ziplines in Cabo at over 1,800 feet.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You also climb up a Via Ferrata, rappel down rock walls and brave a “commando bridge.” And you get to drive your own 4×4 UTV on a specially designed course through the Baja desert.
Home-made quesadillas and a fresh salad bar await at the finish line.
Canopy Costa Azul
Canopy Costa Azul is another place to check out for family-friendly ziplining in Cabo.
They’re located in a desert canyon setting near San Jose del Cabo.
Wild Canyon Adventures
Get psyched! You’re in for extreme thrills with a Wild Canyon park pass.
On a 1-day park pass, enjoy camel rides, horseback riding, off-road UTVs, bungee jumping (or a swing from 300 feet high) and unlimited ziplining.
Plus, you can drive a UTV over the Los Cabos Canyon Bridge (one of the longest hanging wooden bridges in the world). At more than 1,000 feet long, it’s one of the coolest things to see in Cabo San Lucas!
Transfers are included to and from this canyon adventure park, which is located just 20 minutes away from both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Tip: Ziplining in Cabo San Lucas
Wear long cool pants and closed-toe shoes like runners.
11) Party at El Squid Roe
You haven’t experienced Cabo if you haven’t partied at El Squid Roe.
Clubbers rave about its three stories of throbbing energy with flashing neon lights and dance cages.
You can’t beat the people watching! Servers with tequila spray tanks roam the crowds, and revelers hang over railings above to watch dudes and divas shake it up on the dance floor below.
While El Squid Roe is open for meals during the day (try the guacamole made at your table), the real party heats up after 11:00 pm.
Some nights the non-stop fun continues long after official closing. (Is that the sun coming up?)
12) Learn to stand-up paddle board
The SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) craze has hit Cabo.
We love heading out early in the morning on a SUP board from Medano Beach and paddling to Land’s End and back!
Many rental shacks on Medano Beach rent out paddle boards.
The cost varies, depending on how busy they are (and how well you negotiate). But expect to pay about $25 USD for an hour.
It’s easy to learn how to SUP. But if you want a little help, check out Cabo SUP. They organize guided SUP tours early in the morning from 7:00 to 9:00 am.
Also look at Cabo Nature’s guided paddle boarding tours. They take you paddling along Land’s End, with a snorkel stop at Pelican Rock followed by a picnic at Lover’s Beach (see #16).
If you don’t have your own wheels and would like a ride from your hotel, you might like this guided 3-hour SUP tour.
It includes roundtrip transfers, along with instruction and either snorkeling at Pelican Rock or relaxing on the beach (your choice).
Tip: Stand-up paddle boarding in Cabo
If paddling to Land’s End on your own in winter, leave well before 8:00 am and return by 9:30 am (10:00 am at the absolute latest).
After that, it’s not safe, what with all the cruise ship tenders going back and forth and other boats departing from the marina.
Also, the wind often picks up around 10:00 am – and then it’s really hard to paddle back, as you’re usually paddling against the wind.
13) Jog or stroll around the marina
When it comes to places to visit in Cabo San Lucas, the marina is Cabo’s central hub.
Go for a stroll or jog on the waterfront promenade skirting the marina. Check out the luxury yachts moored in the water while you’re at it.
Maybe do some shopping too? Or kick back with a beer, ice cream or cappuccino and enjoy some people watching.
We also love the pelicans that hang out at the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
Book your stay on the marina: The welcoming Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos in the heart of Cabo offers fantastic marina views – and equally impressive rates to match!
14) Shop on the beach
Every time we visit Cabo, we inevitably end up buying something from one of the beach vendors.
Dressed in white, the vendors stroll up and down Medano Beach – hawking silver jewelry, sun hats, ceramic plates, beach wraps, Mexican blankets, children’s toys and more.
We once even bought a pair of polished wood grizzly bears. (Go figure! It must be because we’re Canadians.)
Of course, you have to haggle. But that’s part of the good-natured fun. (Here’s how to bargain in Mexico!)
And (most of the time) you end up with a nice Mexican souvenir to take home as a little Cabo memento.
15) Eat at an Italian restaurant (really!)
Okay, you’re in Mexico.
But in Cabo, the Italian food is really good. Don’t ask why!
Chances are you won’t want to eat guacamole and enchiladas every night. So treat your taste buds to a change, and check out Cabo’s great Italian restaurants. Three of our favorite ones are:
La Dolce
Tuck into wickedly yummy home-made pasta and wood-oven pizzas, served in a cheerfully busy and family-friendly place. That’s La Dolce!
Il Forno
Il Forno is an authentic trattoria boasting an extensive wine list and fresh Italian food.
We’re fans of their fettuccine with rib eye strips in a creamy cherry tomato sauce, as well as the four-cheese gnocchi with shrimp and asparagus. (But watch their wine prices – they’re a bit high.)
Salvatore G’s
The portions are enormous, the prices are affordable (wines too!) and the food is lip-smacking delish at this legendary Italian restaurant. Be sure to make reservations at Salvatore G’s!
Pssst! Save this post!
We'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later
Bonus! You'll get our free guide on how to save up to 25% on luxury travel!
16) Visit Lover’s Beach
Lover’s Beach, or Playa del Amor, is one of the prettiest beaches in Cabo.
Tucked between soaring cliffs at Land’s End, this golden patch of sand offers calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling – especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Naturally, chilling out at Lover’s Beach is one of the top things to do in Cabo!
The only way to reach it is by sea. Most people jump on a water taxi to get there (see #18 below).
Or you can rent a kayak or SUP board from Medano Beach and paddle over there.
Kayaking to Lover’s Beach
For a guided experience, consider a kayaking tour to Lover’s Beach and the nearby arch with Cabo Outfitters. The fact that it gets a 5-star rating probably says it all. But we’ll add our two cents worth too.
We have gone on other tours with Cabo Outfitters and are always highly impressed with their guides and how they organize everything. Plus, it’s interesting to learn about the sea life and area from a local!
Glass-bottom kayak to Lover’s Beach
For a different experience, you can even paddle a glass-bottom kayak to Lover’s Beach!
Be careful
Lover’s Beach (on the Sea of Cortez side) is connected to Divorce Beach (on the Pacific Ocean side).
While Lover’s Beach is safe, don’t go into the water on Divorce Beach, which has dangerous rip currents.
17) Take a sunset cruise
One of the most romantic things to do in Cabo San Lucas for couples is to set sail on a sunset cruise.
You’ll see the last of the sun seekers linger on Lover’s Beach, sail around Land’s End and watch the sky turn neon pink and fiery orange.
And you’ll glide silently back through the sea as night weaves its starry magic.
You can even book a private sailboat charter for two – it’s a very special way to propose…
Romantic sailing cruises are only one type of sunset cruise, though.
Other sunset cruises in Cabo run the gamut from classy dinner cruises to party booze cruises. Check these out:
Cabo Sails
Gather a group of up to 4 friends and family for a private charter aboard a power cruiser. The 42-foot-long boat can be yours for a relaxing 3-hour sunset cruise, with an expert crew to serve you.
Or go on a shared sunset sailing cruise with others (small group). Appies, wine and drinks are included, of course!
We’ve gone with Cabo Sails and it was a lovely experience.
Rissalena
This custom-designed catamaran takes a maximum of 24 guests for a classy dinner cruise.
It’s not a party boat, and it offers some of the best Cabo San Lucas sunset cruises with dinner.
See the Rissalena website to book.
PezGato
PezGato runs a variety of different sunset cruises.
You want the party cruise? PezGato offers Cabo’s original sunset party cruise with an open bar, dancing and a boatload of fun.
Or go for their fun Mexican flavors cruise with dancing, unlimited premium drinks and a Mexican taco buffet on the CaboMar catamaran.
Alternatively, consider their sunset jazz-and-wine tour with appetizers. This cruise on PezGato’s stable 65-foot Tropicat suits couples and families (it’s not a booze cruise).
Sun Rider 100
For a sunset dinner cruise on a large double-deck catamaran, the Sun Rider 100 offers a dance floor and 360-degree views throughout.
Just before sunset, enjoy the fresh Mexican buffet.
Cabo Blue
We have to include this popular sunset trimaran cruise on the Cabo Blue here. It’s reasonably priced, the music playlist is fun and it gets tons of great reviews!
18) See Land’s End by water taxi
If you want to set foot on Lover’s Beach (#16 above), the easiest way is to hop aboard a water taxi.
It’s also an easy way to see Land’s End up close during the daylight hours.
And what about those humongous sea lions that often lounge around on the rocks at Land’s End, barking loudly? Chances are you’ll get to see (and hear!) them too.
Cabo’s water taxis are small wooden boats that putter back and forth all day long between the marina, Land’s End and Medano Beach.
The ride costs about $20 to $25 USD roundtrip from Medano Beach to Land’s End.
It should be about the same price going from the marina, but you might pay more when cruise ships are in port.
This is the cheapest water taxi ride from the marina (just under $20 USD p.p.) that we’ve found. It’s a shared ride (about an hour long) on a 30-foot boat.
Elevate the experience by going on a unique all-glass boat tour, where you can see fish through the boat’s glass bottom and sides.
19) Explore Todos Santos
Ahhh… Todos Santos – a true gem among Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos or “magic towns.”
Visiting this small colonial town is one of the nicest day trips you can take from Cabo San Lucas.
Surrounded by a lush oasis of palm groves and fertile land producing mangos, avocados, oranges, and papayas, it was once a thriving hub of sugar mills in the 19th century.
Then when the paved highway from Cabo arrived in the mid-1980s, American artists flocked here, transforming it into a quaint and idyllic Baja community.
What’s there to experience in Todos Santos?
Wander art galleries, craft studios and jewelry shops, scattered higgledy-piggledy among cute coffee bars and garden courtyard restaurants.
Perhaps pick up some fine hand-crafted beaten silver earrings or a unique bronze sculpture or oil painting.
Tips for the scenic drive to Todos Santos
Thanks to a recent highway upgrade, you can now zip up to Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas in about an hour. The 50-mile journey winds north along the Pacific coast, passing through rolling scrubland desert.
On your way, take a break at Los Cerritos Beach to watch surfers shoot in on the waves. On your return, stop at Agricole for their famous strawberries, coconut and cream take-out dessert – a sweet ending to a great day of exploring!
Book your stay in Todos Santos: We love both the gorgeous Villa Santa Cruz (beautiful secluded beach) and affordable La Poza Boutique Hotel (on a bird lagoon).
20) Play golf in Cabo
Are you a golfer? Well then, planning what to do in Cabo San Lucas is easy for you! With more than a dozen championship golf courses, Los Cabos is a golf paradise.
Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Tiger Woods have all designed spectacular courses here. Several consistently rank among the 100 best courses in the world, according to Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
These 5 top Cabo golf courses are open to the public to play:
Puerto Los Cabos
Puerto Los Cabos is a 27-hole golf resort on the East Cape (near San Jose del Cabo).
It features three separate 9-hole courses by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. Each has its own “culinary palapa” with a bartender and chef.
Cabo Real Golf Club
During the PGA Senior Grand Slam tournament in 1996, whales breaching just a few yards offshore almost stole the show from the golf action taking place on the greens.
Today, Cabo Real, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is on every golfer’s must-do play list when visiting Cabo.
The first 9 holes are spectacular – and relatively gentle. Broad fairways offer mesmerizing ocean views as they wind along the coastline (keep an eye out for those whales!).
The tougher back 9 requires real skill. Fairways snake through the desert around canyons and arroyos.
The elevated green for the 14th hole is 500 feet above sea level.
Teaser: Every hole boasts ocean views.
Diamante’s Dunes
Diamante’s Dunes is a private course, designed by Davis Love III. Giant dunes, winds, jaw-dropping ocean views and split fairways make it a stunner!
Occasional tee times are offered for non-Diamante-hotel visitors (especially if you’re looking to buy a home).
Cabo Del Sol Cove Club Golf Course
Hugging the Sea of Cortez, this renowned Nicklaus course (formerly known as the Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course) has a 3-hole finish guaranteed to have you gawking at the views.
Take pictures? Or swing? Tough choice at the Cabo Del Sol Cove Club Golf Course.
Palmilla Golf Club
Wide fairways. Bunkers galore – over 80! Tees on their own little grassy islands, surrounded by desert brush and cacti, forcing you to execute shots with precision.
It’s signature Jack Nicklaus, and the first Nicklaus layout in Mexico.
On this 27-hole course, start with the Arroyo front-9 (with its fearsome doglegs) and choose from two back-9 options (pick the Mountain).
The Mountain’s 5th hole is awesome, but will have you trembling in your cleats.
You have to shoot over not one, but two super wide canyons. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a water reservoir to distract you. There’s no other par-4 like it anywhere.
Service is outstanding at the Palmilla Golf Cub, and there are lots of scenic photo opps.
No doubt about it, Palmilla is one of the best golf courses in Cabo.
21) Try deep sea sportfishing
Hook up with one of Cabo’s premier fishing charters for a “reel” experience of a lifetime!
The waters off Cabo – known as the “Marlin Capital of the World” – teem with magnificent marlin, swordfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, snapper, wahoo and more.
So fertile are the waters that some 12,000 marlin are caught annually (most fishing is catch-and-release).
And every October, Cabo hosts the world’s richest fishing tournament, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue.
If you want to head out for a morning or day, more than 500 fishing vessels – from 21-ft budget boats to luxury 100-ft yachts – can help you test your mettle against these trophy-sized fish.
The average marlin caught weighs between 100 and 500 lbs, but lucky sport fishers have fought with beauties weighing up to 900 lbs or more.
Most of the best fishing grounds, including Gordo Banks, the Golden Gate Bank and Jaime Bank, are found within 40 miles of the Cabo San Lucas marina.
The fish bite year-round.
But marlin fishing is best between May and November. Cabo in summer is particularly hot for marlin fishing (yep, pun intended!), especially August to October.
April to December is good for dorado.
You need a fishing license, which can be bought the day of your trip at the marina.
Daily fishing charters cost anywhere from $350 to upwards of $9,500 USD.
22) Hike to a canyon waterfall and pools
Tucked away in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, the Canyon of the Fox is a lush oasis with a boulder-strewn river, natural freshwater pools, towering cacti and a gorgeous 45-foot-high waterfall (Sol de Mayo).
When we want a break from Cabo’s usual buzz, hiking and swimming here is the perfect off-the-grid adventure.
A 90-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas leads to the Rancho Ecologica Sol de Mayo, a privately-owned ranch where the waterfall is found. From there, it’s a short scramble to the waterfall – or do as we do, and extend your hike to hidden pools upstream.
A guide is wise for safety on the longer hike, and a 4WD helps on the last stretch of rugged sandy road leading to the ranch.
Guided Fox Canyon hikes
We’ve gone a couple of times with Cabo Outfitters – they’re a fantastic choice.
We’ve also enjoyed a waterfall hiking day trip with High Tide Los Cabos, another company we recommend.
When booking, ask to do the longer hike to fully appreciate the wilderness setting and enjoy a satisfying workout along the way!
23) Watch a blockbuster at Puerto Paraiso Mall
Catch the latest Hollywood flicks at the multiplex cinema in the Puerto Paraiso Mall.
Ten air-conditioned theaters show first-run films; many are in English (with Spanish sub-titles).
Get tickets for the VIP theaters if you can.
For a few pesos more than the regular theaters, you sink into big reclining leather seats, lie back and watch Bradley Cooper or Scarlett Johansson in cushy comfort.
24) Taste different tequilas
Tequila tasting? Sign us up!
Did you know that tequila is made solely from blue agave grown in specific Mexican states like Jalisco?
Mezcal, on the other hand, is any agave spirit grown outside these regions. It has a distinct smoky flavor, thanks to the agave being cooked in underground pits. We now prefer mezcalitas to traditional tequila-based margs.
Go on this private guided tequila-and-mezcal tasting at to Tequilera Santos Destilados in downtown Cabo San Lucas, and you’ll discover all kinds of fun facts and secrets about Mexico’s iconic spirits.
In their cool tasting room, you’ll try six handcrafted tequilas and three artisanal mezcals.
No throwing back shots! This 90-minute experience is about appreciating the nuances of tequilas (from Blanco to Extra Anejo) and mezcal. Sips are paired with bites like agave hearts, dark chocolate, cheese – and even grasshoppers!
By the end, you’ll be a total pro on these legendary drinks, with a whole new love for their complex flavors and fascinating backstories.
25) Scuba dive in Cabo Pulmo
If you’re still wondering what to do in Los Cabos, how about scuba diving?
We’ve gone scuba diving in Cabo several times at different spots. But Cabo Pulmo was the most memorable dive site. (We went with Manta – highly recommended!)
October and November are two of the best months in Cabo for warm water and clear viz. And the weather is lovely and warm on land for other holiday activities too.
What will you see diving in Cabo Pulmo? Sharks are almost guaranteed.
We saw bull sharks and a tiger shark. Thrilling!
Porkfish, moray eels, octopus, sea turtles and moray eels are also commonly sighted.
26) Ride a camel
Say what? For something quite different, you can make like Lawrence of Arabia and ride a camel in the desert!
This popular camel safari adventure takes you to a ranch about a 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas.
You’ll meet your camel, then ride for 15 minutes or so along the edge of the ocean.
After, you’ll learn how to make Mexican tortillas (which you get to eat, of course!) and enjoy a mezcal and tequila tasting.
It’s definitely one of the most unique Cabo excursions!
The tour is run by Cabo Adventures.
We’ve mentioned them before. In biz for more than 10 years, they’re one of Cabo’s premier adventure tour operators – probably the biggest too.
If you’d like a longer camel ride, this combo camel ride and UTV adventure starts off with an hour of camel riding.
It’s followed by an hour of big-thrills fun on a UTV, where you drive off-road through mountain trails, ending up at Migrino Beach.
27) Take a Mexican cooking class
We prefer eating to cooking. But this Mexican cooking class combines both. And it gets rave reviews.
First, you shop for various ingredients with your master chef guide. Then you go to your chef’s home to learn how to make tortillas, salsa, chicken mole, guacamole, tacos, chili rellenos and more.
The best part? Sipping on bougainvillea-infused margaritas as you tuck into the feast you learned to make.
If you’re a foodie and/or love to cook, this is something you must do in Cabo San Lucas!
Now you’re set to experience the best of Cabo!
We love Cabo, Mexico. And we’re pretty sure you’ll love it too!
The weather is great, the beaches are super clean, the resorts are cushy and the people are friendly.
And as you can see, there are scores of fun and unique things you can do – more than enough to turn your Cabo visit into one of the best trips ever!
(Oh, you can also see comments and reader questions at the end of this post. And if you don’t already know, check out our Cabo Visitor blog too – it’s all about Los Cabos and has tons more information.)
More Cabo activity guides
- What a Fluke! Whale Watching in Cabo
- Snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach: All You Need to Know
- Flora Farms Dishes Up Yummy Farm-to-Table Eats
- Swim With Whale Sharks in La Paz: Best Tours
- Explore Beyond Cabo: 10 Cool Day Trips
Like this travel guide on Cabo? Then pin it!
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is perfect for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Cruises: CruiseDirect offers amazing deals on cruises (including Holland America, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn and other lines we’ve reviewed).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
About the authors
