The 10 best things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Fringed by sublime golden beaches and azure seas at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is a tale of two cities – San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas – and they couldn’t be more different. San José del Cabo is a subdued place where art galleries abut quaint restaurants, brewpubs and sidewalk cafes, whereas Cabo San Lucas is known for its tequila-soaked fun, with thumping nightclubs and packed beach bars.

But this guide to the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas proves that the town is more than its storied nightlife. Wade around the warm, clear waters, then retreat back to a palapa (a thatched shade structure) on the soft sands, or dive into a variety of water activities, from board sports like surfing and paddleboarding to reeling in big game fish or snorkeling in their underwater world. Taste superior farm-to table cuisine, hike up Mt Solimar to see it all from above, and yes, get in a little day drinking and nighttime revelry too.

Whether you come to unwind, let loose, get sporty or a mix of all three, Cabo San Lucas can accommodate – get started with our favorite things to do in Cabo.

1. Paddle to El Arco, Playa del Amor and Playa del Divorcio

There’s no better way to experience El Arco, the iconic rock arch at Land’s End, than by heading out on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Start your adventure at Playa Médano, where you’ll find tour guides and rentals. Then make your way toward the towering rock formations that have become Cabo’s most famous landmark.

Tucked in the shadow of the arch is idyllic Playa del Amor, where you can take a dip in the little bay or lounge on the white sands and enjoy the dramatic towering landscape all around you. Stroll around the rocks to Playa del Divorcio on the Pacific side for a totally different vibe of crashing waves and deep blue ocean.

Planning tip: Go early in the morning, when conditions are most calm, and if paddling sounds like too much effort, you can always hop in a water taxi or take a tour to the same spots for a more leisurely experience.

2. Hike up Mt Solmar for glorious views

Enrique at Ascenso al Cerro del Vigía leads a guided morning hike up the steep but rewarding Mt Solmar. The trek begins behind a locked gate near the Cabo San Lucas marina and winds up on a cactus-studded, loose rock trail. It’s challenging, but once at the top, you’ll be blessed with incredible views of town, Land’s End and the ocean.

Planning tip: This hike is on private land, and Enrique is currently the only authorized guide. It gets hot even in the morning, so bring plenty of water. 

3. Step out for some wild nightlife

Cabo San Lucas’ party scene is legendary, and for many, it’s the top reason to visit. Start your night with swanky drinks at Sur Beach House for a chill vibe as the sun dips below the horizon.

From there, hop along the beach bars before ending up at El Squid Roe, a multilevel club known for its high-energy dance floors and raucous atmosphere. 

Cabo Wabo Cantina, founded by rock musician Sammy Hagar, is a long-standing favorite for live music, while Mandala offers DJ beats and Asian-inspired glamor. 

End the night back on the beach, laughing with new friends around a bonfire before the first rays of pink flash across the sky.

Planning tip: To get around, Ruta del Desierto buses run up and down the coastal highway, making stops at hotels, beaches and restaurants, and the ridesharing app Uber is available in Los Cabos.

4. Snorkel and swim at Playa Chileno

Playa Chileno is one of Cabo’s finest beaches for a low-key day of sun, swimming and snorkeling. This is the go-to spot for locals, and it’s easy to understand why. The swimming conditions are fantastic, with gentle sandy entry points suitable for everyone, including little ones.

The northern part of the bay features a blend of boulders and sand, and you might spot puffer fish there. Just off the southern part of the beach is an even greater variety of critters and corals, with small fish often swimming in close, hoping for a breadcrumb snack. 

Many day tours visit this beach, but if you're equipped with gear, diving on your own from the beach is a breeze.

Planning tip: Go early to snag a palapa, as they fill up quickly. Then after your swim, rinse in the public freshwater showers and nap in the shade of the thatched roof.

5. Go deep-sea fishing

Fishing charters run half- and full-day excursions from the marina. Experienced crews will guide you through every step of reeling in big game fish like marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorado so it is fun for everyone, from those new to sport fishing to salty old pros. Even if you’re a first-timer, the likelihood of hooking a big, hard-fighting billfish is high.

Prime striped marlin season runs from November to March, while summer months promise tuna and dorado; blue and black marlin are most abundant from July to October.

Planning tip: For those who like their water creatures supersized, gray whales pass by Cabo from January to March.

6. Soak in healing hot springs in Santiago

About 90 minutes from Los Cabos, west of the small town of Santiago in the quiet foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna, Santa Rita Hot Springs sits amid giant boulders and palm trees. Soak in the thermal pools, then explore the surrounding area along a river path leading into a scenic canyon, or make your way along a dirt road to an impressive waterfall at Rancho Ecológico Sol de Mayo. The ranch is the gateway to Cañon de la Zorra, a spectacular canyon area with hiking trails.

Planning tip: The springs are closed on Wednesdays.

7. Day drink on Playa Médano

The party starts during the daytime in Cabo San Lucas. The white sands of Playa Médano are lined with beach bars, restaurants and sun loungers. The beachfront Mango Deck has an all-day happy hour with two-for-one drinks. Or simply stroll to find what'll become your favorite spot, stopping to swim or lounge whenever the desire hits. The views of Land’s End and El Arco in the distance are the cherry on top.

8. Taste Cabo’s farm-to-table dishes

Cabo San Lucas has a thriving farm-to-table dining scene, and a bounty of locally grown ingredients are transformed into inspired, artistic dishes. 

El Huerto, located just minutes from downtown Cabo, is one of the loveliest options. Surrounded by magical-feeling farmland, this restaurant serves up Mediterranean, Mexican and Asian flavors in a friendly, upscale family-style setting.

Flora's Field Kitchen is in the foothills around San Jose del Cabo, about a 40-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. It has rustic-chic looks that rival the excellent quality of the food. Known for its lemon-roasted chicken, this institution is a favorite for both tourists and locals. 

Planning tip: Make a reservation at Flora’s Field Kitchen way ahead of time – this place is in high demand, especially on weekends and during high season. You can even take a garden tour or cooking class.

9. Shred (or watch) at Zippers

Baja is a dream surfing destination, and Zippers, about 25 minutes northeast of Cabo San Lucas, has the most impressive waves. Beginners should not even consider paddling out here, and it can be daunting even for intermediate riders – but everyone can have a blast watching the experts when the surf is pumping. Grab a burger and a beer at Zippers right on the beach and enjoy the spectacle. 

This wave works best on a south swell that tends to hit from May to October. It gets crowded during these times, but the atmosphere can be really fun.

Detour: If you’re a beginner who wants to learn to surf, head to Cerritos Beach, 60km northwest of Cabo San Lucas, for easier beach breaks, plenty of surf schools and a chilled-out vibe.

10. Recharge in Todos Santos

While growing fast, Todos Santos (about an hour's drive from Cabo San Lucas) is still a lovely place to visit for a bit of calm and culture, with numerous galleries, boutique stores and craft shops around the main plaza. It’s said that Todos Santos lies on a vortex convergence, leading to claims that it resonates with spiritual power. Whether you believe that or not, it definitely makes for a refreshing escape from the frenetic pace of Los Cabos.

Planning tip: For great hiking with striking panoramic views, head for the cliffs of Punta Lobos, where you’ll hear sea lions barking on the rocks below.