Things to do in Los Cabos

Things to do in  Los Cabos

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Los Cabos' twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have long been one of Baja California Sur’s top beach outposts but have grown into evermore dynamic outdoor adventure destinations in recent years. When it comes to things to do in Los Cabos, you can post up in your resort and hit the nightclubs or take your pick from snorkeling and scuba diving, whale-watching, horseback riding, 4WD excursions, and more. Like unwinding at the beach? Make Lover's Beach, with El Arco’s distinctive rock arch in the distance, your first stop.

Top 15 attractions in Los Cabos

Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco)

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A signature landmark of Los Cabos, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas—known locally as simply “El Arco” or “the Arch”—is a limestone arch carved by time, tide, and wind. The natural attraction runs down to the water’s edge at Land’s End, the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas (which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula) and into the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand for prime photos.More

Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor)

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With white sand and jade-colored water, it’s no surprise that this postcard-ready beach has a reputation for inspiring romance. Rock formations frame the beautiful scene, and, since Mexico’s Playa del Amor faces the relatively calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, it’s ideal for snorkeling right off the shore.More

Medano Beach (Playa Médano)

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The waters of Cabo San Lucas may be wild elsewhere, but at Medano Beach (Playa el Medano), there is plenty of safe, calm swimming, along with beach fun for the whole family. Los Cabos’ most popular beach offers up a long stretch of sand filled with towels, sun umbrellas, volleyball, pleasure boats, and bars, backed by resorts and high-rise apartment buildings.More

Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa María)

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Stretching around a secluded cove, Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa María) is a protected marine sanctuary and an excellent spot for snorkeling or sunbathing. Santa Maria’s serene setting offers a nice alternative to the noise and excitement of Cabo San Lucas’ beaches, and snorkeling with a variety of colorful fish is just a short swim from shore.More

San Jose del Cabo Church (Parroquia San José)

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Located in the heart of the old town, San Jose del Cabo Church (Parroquia San José) was founded by Jesuits in 1730. This iconic Catholic church, with brilliant white bell towers and a striking interior, pays homage to Jesuit priest Nicolas Tamaral, who was martyred on the site where the building now stands.More

Balandra Beach (Playa Balandra)

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The untouched shores of Balandra Beach are some of La Paz’s most beautiful. With calm waters sheltered from the Gulf of California and a shallow sandbar stretching from one side of the bay to the other, it’s the perfect beach for swimming and wading. It’s also part of the national marine park and one of La Paz’s last undeveloped beaches.More

Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno)

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Protected by the Chileno Bay, the waters at Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno) are calm, warm, and clear, while the reefs just offshore act as a home to an abundance of sea life. The beach, considered one of Los Cabos’ best-kept secrets, mimics the feel of Caribbean shores. Sun-seekers will enjoy the seclusion and the top-notch snorkeling opportunities.More

San Jose Estuary (Estero San José)

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Located between San Jose del Cabo and Los Cabos Marina, the San Jose Estuary (Estero San José) is home to hundreds of species of birds and colorful wildlife and is a prime destination for bird-watchers. Nature lovers also flock to this sanctuary for sunrise kayak journeys and relaxing sunset hikes.More

Isla Espiritu Santo

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Isla Espiritu Santo, off the coast of La Paz in the Gulf of California, is part of the national marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This long narrow island is abundant in wildlife, both above and below the ocean’s surface, and a popular destination for travelers looking to experience some of the best of Mexico’s outdoors.More

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

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Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo) contains the oldest living reef on North America’s Pacific coast, home to corals, colorful fish, and larger species such as whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this marine park is a rich destination for reef snorkeling and scuba diving.More

Sierra de la Laguna

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Cabo San Lucas may be known for its beaches, but the seaside town also offers adventure options that involve more land than sea. The Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, with its abundant oak and pine forests, is a rugged escape for those looking to explore the great outdoors. The Tropic of Cancer dissects the range; in other words, the area is tropical, but its elevation helps keep it relatively cool.More

Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla)

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Calm water, roped-off swimming areas, and soft sand make Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) one of the most family-friendly beaches in Los Cabos. Snorkelers, swimmers, and anglers will all find something to love here, but not everyone is quite so active. Score a free-standing palapa and you’ll have a shady place to lounge with picture-perfect views.More
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Hotel California

Hotel California

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Hotel California is a boutique hotel in Todos Santos, a town near Los Cabos, Mexico. Ideal for those looking to escape into the Baja California countryside, the hotel is decorated in a colonial Mexican style, while its 11 luxurious suites contains furnishings from around the world.More
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Land's End

Land's End

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Located at the southern end of Cabo San Lucas, Land’s End features dramatic rock formations jutting out into the sea, hidden beaches, and a rich variety of sea life. Here you can seek out the remote stretch of sand known as Lover’s Beach, admire sunbathing sea lions, and see the picturesque El Arco, or archway.More
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Sand Falls

Sand Falls

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Rugged arches both define Cabo San Lucas’ coastline and create some of the area’s best scuba diving. One of those dive spots is known as Sand Falls, located by the arch that stands at the head of the harbor. Discovered by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, this natural phenomenon is a cascade of—as the name suggests—sand.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in Los Cabos

Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
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Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride with Mexican Buffet and Tequila Tasting
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Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride with Mexican Buffet and Tequila Tasting

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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas
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4x4 ATV Adventure with Tequila tasting and Mexican buffet lunch
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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas
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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

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Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak
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All about Los Cabos

When to visit

For beach-goers and sun-seekers, the high season from December to April boasts postcard-perfect weather and a vibrant nightlife scene. However, it gets incredibly busy and expensive at this time. Those seeking a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds should visit in May and June or in October and November—the prices are more reasonable, and temperatures are warm with an average of 80°F (27°C). Hurricane season officially starts in mid-May and runs through November, although the worst of the storms typically occur in August and September; budget travelers will find great deals on accommodation during these months, but do be prepared for inclement weather if you wish to take the risk.

Getting around

If staying in or around the downtown areas, then Los Cabos is quite walkable. The marinas in both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are easy to explore on foot, with many restaurants, beaches, and bars clustered together. For exploring further afield, taxis are efficient and relatively cheap, so long as you agree on a price beforehand. Water taxis also wait at the marina to take travelers to nearby beaches and sights, including Land’s End, for negotiable prices.

Traveler tips

Not all beaches in Los Cabos are swimmable. Many are rocky and have steep drop-offs, strong currents, or large swells, making them unsafe and not very enjoyable. If you want to swim, head to Medano Beach, which has 2 miles of sandy shoreline, or Chileno Beach, which is popular with locals and great for snorkeling. Or, hop on a boat and head over to Lover’s Beach, a picture-perfect sandy beach among rock formations.

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People Also Ask

What is Los Cabos known for?

Located on the tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos boasts plenty of sunshine and beachy scenery, thanks to its position along the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean. In addition to relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches, travelers to Los Cabos hit the water: snorkeling, whale watching, and parasailing.

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What should you not miss in Cabo San Lucas?

The rock formations known as Land's End (El Arco) and found at the southern end of Cabo San Lucas serve as one of the most iconic images of the area, so have your camera ready. Hop aboard a water taxi or boat tour to get the best view from the azure waves.

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What is there to do in Cabo at night?

From laid-back beach bars to thumping clubs, you’ll find something of interest within Cabo San Lucas’ thriving nightlife scene, most of which is on the two main streets: Lázaro Cárdenas and Paseo de la Marina. Two nightlife mainstays—El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina—remain tourist favorites for their colorful, lively atmospheres.

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Are Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas the same?

No. Cabo San Lucas is one of the main towns (the other being San Jose del Cabo) in the Los Cabos municipality, which stretches across Mexico's Baja California peninsula. In the 1970s, the government made Cabo San Lucas into a tourist destination; due to its popularity, it became synonymous with Los Cabos.

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Is Los Cabos expensive?

Yes. Compared to other Mexican destinations, Los Cabos is pricey. Like most beach locales, there's both high-end luxury resorts and less costly options. Transportation and meals tend to be more expensive than in other vacation spots like Cancun. Flights to Los Cabos can be expensive, especially in peak season.

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Is Los Cabos safe for tourists?

Yes. Los Cabos is safe overall, but travelers should remain aware of their surroundings. That’s because petty crimes such as pickpocketing, cell phone theft, and purse snatching can still occur. If you go out at night, it’s recommended that you take a taxi back to your accommodations instead of walking.

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Frequently Asked Questions