10 of the Top Things To Do in Los Cabos (When You’re Bored of Your Resort)

Located an hour from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town), long recognized as a hippie artist hot spot. If you want a break from the large resorts of the tourist corridor in Los Cabos, this is the place to be: Todos Santos has quaint boutique shops, modest beachfront rentals, and a laid-back surfing culture.

Start with a lunch of fish tacos at Santo Chilote, where the salsa bar is the star. Then, wander through the town center on an art tour that takes you to several local galleries. Finally, catch the sunset on Playa La Cachora—it offers one of the best views in all of Baja California Sur.

Related: 10 of the Most Magical Towns in Mexico

Los Cabos is a major breeding spot for the environmentally vulnerable olive ridley sea turtle. Thanks to accelerated development along the coast, the future of their habitat is in question. However, there are several organizations that take protecting these turtles seriously, allowing visitors to participate during the peak hatching season of August and September.

The baby turtles are smaller than you might imagine and must survive the treacherous beaches and find their way into the waves. Book your turtle release experience to ensure you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the turtles and how to assist before releasing some yourself.

Cabo is an excellent place to go for your first surfing experience, as there are several beaches with gentle waves and more than enough knowledgeable instructors to help get you standing on the board in no time. The best beaches for surfing lessons are Cerritos, up the coast near Todos Santos, or Costa Azul, close to the town center of San José del Cabo. All ages can participate, and many outfitters include board rentals with the lesson fee. Once you’re a bit more experienced, try the more demanding breaks at El Tule, too.

Related: 10 Top Beaches in Mexico for Every Type of Traveler

Although it’s just a 15-minute drive from San José del Cabo’s town center, Flora Farms feels like a remote part of the peninsula. The main attraction is the 25-acre (10-hectare) organic farm, and when you come to dine at the gorgeous open-air restaurant, you’ll be eating food made from ingredients grown in the gardens. Meanwhile, all the meat comes from a nearby ranch that practices sustainable and humane husbandry. Flora Farms also has regular concerts under the stars that feature local and visiting songwriters.

The Arch (El Arco) is the most recognizable landmark in Los Cabos, an imposing stone arch that walks into the sea off the far southern end of the Baja California peninsula. The small spit of land that The Arch caps is called Lands End, home to several attractions fit for hikers.

Climb up Mt. Solmar, which has a panoramic view of the ocean in front and the town behind you, then reward yourself with a visit to either Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) or Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio)—depending on your mood. Alternatively, take a boat ride with a local captain and tour The Arch up close.

The Baja California peninsula is a geological wonder, an isolated desert home to scores of species of marine and land-based life. Camels, though not native to the region, don’t seem particularly out of place along the dusty sands. On a camel tour, you’ll make friends with the desert beasts on a route along the beach. Post-tour, throw yourself back into Mexican culture proper with a tequila tasting.

Cabo Pulmo National Park protects what experts agree is the oldest coral reef on the Pacific side of Mexico, clocking in at 20,000 years young. More than 3,000 species call this place home, and some divers may be lucky enough to spot whales, dolphins, and incredible schools of fish all at once. With the appropriate training, you can even discover a 19th-century shipwreck underwater. However, if you’re already certified, book an excursion that includes a few dives and transport from your hotel.

Los Cabos has some of the best sportfishing in the world, and the main reason people come from all over the world to fish is the marlin. A marlin has a distinctive shape, with a high dorsal fin and a swordfish-like snout. Marlins are also huge, with the biggest ever caught in Los Cabos weighing 993 pounds (450 kilograms). This is not a job for your normal tackle box—that’s why taking a fishing tour with a knowledgeable outfitter is key.

Los Cabos is a hot spot for all kinds of flora and fauna, from cacti to marlins to whales. For those curious about discovering the ecology of the region, the Museo de Historia Natural de Cabo San Lucas is a necessary stop (and offers a good break from the sun). It features fossils of ancient plants and animals from paleolithic times, all discovered in the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It also explores the history of sailors and other humans who once called the region home.

Insier tip: Looking for more history, but outdoors? Take a history walking tour of the city.

After the heat of the day, you’ll want to recover from all your excursions (or all that lounging by the pool—that can be draining, too). So, take in the unique landscape of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, including El Arco and the clear waters of the Gulf of California, with a sunset cruise. There are options for every vibe: party boats that have open bars, tranquil luxury sailboats, and even pirate ships with dinner services. Whatever you choose, just make sure to relax and pat yourself on the back for getting out of the resort gates.