Los Cabos offers various activities and adventures, whether on land, in the air, or beneath the water, perfect for any traveler’s dream vacation. Visitors can dive into the clear waters of the Sea of Cortes through thrilling experiences like jet skiing, sport fishing, and scuba diving, or marvel at the vast Pacific Ocean with whale-watching tours and serene sunset cruises. For those interested in culture, the region's museums, art galleries, and historic sites provide a rich exploration of local heritage and creativity. Luxury travelers will find themselves drawn to the prestigious golf courses, pampering spas, and gourmet dining crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. At the same time, party enthusiasts can enjoy vibrant nightlife at clubs and entertainment spots along cobblestone streets. Whether your passion is adventure, cultural discovery, or relaxation, Los Cabos promises a memorable journey full of excitement and inspiration.
1. Go Whale Watching and Experience Nature's Greatest Spectacle 🐋✨
It’s not just U.S. and Canadian snowbirds who escape to sunny Los Cabos to avoid the chilly winter months. Every year, an estimated five to ten thousand whales make the journey from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warmer waters of Baja California Sur to breed in the coves and inlets of the region. Humpback and gray whales are the most commonly spotted species, though blue whales, sperm whales, and even orcas are occasionally seen in the waters surrounding Los Cabos. Whale-watching season runs from mid-December through mid-April, and during this period, nearly every adventure tour operator and cruise company in Cabo San Lucas offers daily whale-watching trips. Some tours even feature hydrophones, allowing guests to hear the whales’ mesmerizing songs while witnessing this awe-inspiring natural event.
2. Party Like a Rock Star 👨🏻🎤
Los Cabos has earned a reputation for its vibrant nightlife, a scene ignited by rock legend Sammy Hagar when he and his Van Halen bandmates opened the iconic Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas in 1990. The grand opening, which included a performance by Van Halen, was a major event, even covered by MTV. Cabo Wabo’s fame has only grown, leading to spin-off locations in Hollywood and Las Vegas. "The Red Rocker" himself continues to perform at the original Cabo Wabo, often attracting renowned musicians for guest appearances during his annual October birthday bash concerts. With live music and lively happy hours, this legendary venue is a must-visit party destination all year round.
3. Catch a Fish Bigger Than You 🎣
In 2011, a vacationing fisherman from Michigan made history in Cabo San Lucas by catching a massive 1,213-pound blue marlin after an intense 28-hour battle. While not every catch requires such stamina, Los Cabos has long been celebrated as one of the world’s premier sport fishing destinations, particularly for black and blue marlin. In fact, the area's original draw as a tourist hotspot was its exceptional marlin fishing. October hosts Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament, known as “The Super Bowl of Sport Fishing,” but anglers can chase after big game fish all year round, including marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
4 Explore Land’s End 🤯
At the southernmost tip of the 750-mile-long Baja California peninsula lies Land’s End, a dramatic headland marking the meeting point of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. This iconic spot, located at the tip of Cabo San Lucas, is one of the top attractions in Los Cabos. While sunset cruises offer stunning views of the area, a more intimate experience awaits those who explore landmarks like El Arco—a breathtaking natural rock arch—along with Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, The Window to the Pacific, and the scenic Lover’s and Divorce Beaches. You can reach these sites by water taxi, known locally as a panga, or join a tandem kayak tour for an adventurous approach.
Tip: For an underwater view without getting wet, hop on a glass-bottom boat departing from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
5. Play on One of the World's Top 100 Golf Courses 🏌🏽
Los Cabos became a premier golf destination in the 1990s thanks to legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, who designed stunning courses at Palmilla, El Dorado, and the renowned Cabo del Sol. Nicklaus’ visionary layouts have since inspired other golf greats like Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Davis Love III, and Tom Weiskopf to create their own world-class courses in the region. As of 2022, three courses in Los Cabos—Diamante Dunes Course, Quivira, and Querencia—are ranked among Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Querencia is private, but guests at select resorts can enjoy exclusive tee times at Diamante and Quivira. Notably, these are the only golf courses in Mexico to make the prestigious list.
6. Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining on a Working Farm 😋
A growing culinary trend in Los Cabos is the rise of exceptional farm-to-table restaurants. The area is home to a vibrant organic farming community in Miraflores, but it’s the small enclave of Ánimas Bajas, just outside San José del Cabo, that boasts three of the most celebrated farm-to-fork dining spots: Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, El Huerto, and Los Tamarindos. These establishments offer intimate al fresco dining experiences in the heart of working farms, making them favorites among food lovers looking for a fresh, authentic meal.
7. Experience Off-Road Thrills Baja 1000 Style 🧗🏽
The Baja California peninsula gained international attention in the 1960s with the launch of the Baja 1000, a legendary off-road race across the region’s challenging desert and mountain landscapes. Over the years, this iconic event has drawn participants from Hollywood stars like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman to NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Robbie Gordon. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional racer to feel the rush. Los Cabos offers a variety of off-road adventures, from exhilarating dune buggy rides along secluded beaches to heart-pumping desert excursions in Baja 1000-style vehicles.
Tip: Adrenaline junkies will find plenty to do in Los Cabos, from ATV rides and dune buggies to zip lining and rappelling with Canopy Costa Azul, just minutes from San José del Cabo.
8 Savor Authentic Baja-Style Fish Tacos 🌮
Fish tacos have ancient roots in Mesoamerica, but the modern version of this beloved dish originated in Baja, California, in the 1950s, in towns like Ensenada and San Felipe. Today, Baja-style fish tacos are a must-try when visiting Los Cabos, where the fish is often caught fresh daily, and traditional recipes are revered. Some of the best spots to enjoy these tacos include La Lupita in San José del Cabo and Tacos Gardenias in Cabo San Lucas.
Tip: For a unique twist, head to Nido restaurant at Viceroy Los Cabos, where you can enjoy elevated fish tacos with Japanese influences in a nest-like setting by a stunning pool.
9. Perfect Your Shopping Skills in San José del Cabo 🛍️
While Cabo San Lucas is known for its nightlife, San José del Cabo is the go-to destination for shoppers. The city’s historic Art District features boutique galleries offering everything from Mata Ortiz pottery to contemporary art. Plaza Artesanos is a treasure trove of Mexican handicrafts, including blankets, hammocks, and unique souvenirs. Fashion lovers will find resort-style clothing at Plaza del Pescador, while food enthusiasts can explore Mercado Municipal and the weekly farmer’s market for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and organic meats. For those in search of luxury, The Shoppes at Palmilla offer high-end items like limited-edition Clase Azul tequila, Taxco silver, and bespoke Mexican art.
10. Discover the Magic of Todos Santos 🪄
Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos (or "Magical Towns") program, launched by the Secretariat of Tourism in 2001, aims to highlight towns with significant cultural or historical importance. It’s no surprise that Todos Santos, a thriving artists’ enclave since the 1980s, was the first town on the Baja California peninsula to receive this recognition. Once a prosperous sugar mill town in the 19th century, Todos Santos now features a unique blend of surfer chic and historic charm. Visitors can enjoy stunning boutique hotels like Hotel San Cristobal for ocean views or Rancho Pescadero for its farm-to-table dining and wellness services. Less than an hour from Cabo San Lucas, it’s a must-visit for day trippers and surfers alike.
11. Help Protect Endangered Sea Turtles 🐢
Each year, five of the world’s eight sea turtle species nest on the beaches of Los Cabos, including Olive Ridleys, the smallest, and Leatherbacks, the largest, which can weigh up to a ton. To protect these vulnerable creatures, several local resorts and conservancies run volunteer programs to help baby turtles safely make their way to the ocean. This heartwarming experience is available from July to November, allowing visitors to play a role in the survival of these endangered animals.
If you want to join this cause: Hilton hotels in Los Cabos, are certified by SEMARNAT and PROFEPA, offers guests the opportunity to witness Olive Ridley sea turtles hatch right at the resort.
Read more: https://www.hiltonloscabos.com/es/experiencias/liberacion-tortugas/
12. Elevate Your Tasting Experience with Tequila and Mezcal 🍹
Los Cabos is the perfect place to sample some of Mexico’s finest tequilas and mezcals. Las Ventanas al Paraíso offers a sophisticated Tequila and Ceviche Bar, with over 200 options and an on-site tequila expert to guide your tasting experience. Mixology lovers can’t miss Comal at Chileno Bay Resort, where award-winning bartender Osvaldo Vazquez crafts mezcal-based cocktails with innovative twists. For the ultimate tasting experience, visit Clase Azul Los Cabos, home to a six-seat Omakase bar, fine dining at La Terraza, and curated cocktails at El Bar. Their A Taste of Culture experience pairs these drinks with dishes designed to enhance the flavors.
13. Dive Into the Wonders of Cabo Pulmo 🌊
Cabo Pulmo, a small community on the East Cape, is a model of marine conservation success. Once overfished, its waters were declared a national marine sanctuary in 1995 and have since flourished, boasting the highest concentration of marine life in the Sea of Cortez. The area is home to one of North America’s oldest living coral reefs, teeming with dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and countless fish species, making it a diver's paradise.
14. Indulge in Luxurious Spa Experiences
While Los Cabos was once famous for its beaches and sport fishing, it has now become a top destination for luxury spa treatments. The region boasts some of the best spas in Latin America, with resorts like Grand Velas and Montage Los Cabos leading the way in opulent spa services. These lavish retreats offer everything from romantic couples' treatments to beachfront massage cabanas, redefining the destination spa experience.
15. Catch the Perfect Wave in 🏄🏼♂️
The Los Cabos region offers year-round surfing opportunities. In the summer, surfers flock to the Sea of Cortez side, with popular spots like Playa Monumentos and Zippers in Costa Azul, and hidden gems like Nine Palms and Shipwrecks on the East Cape. In winter, the action shifts to the Pacific coast, with top surfing destinations such as Los Cerritos, San Pedrito, and La Pastora.
16. Set Sail to See El Arco and Lover’s Beach 🏖️
One of the must-do activities in Los Cabos is a sunset sail at the confluence of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. These nightly cruises offer stunning views of iconic landmarks like El Arco and Lover’s Beach, culminating in breathtaking sunsets. For a more luxurious experience, Caborey’s sunset dinner cruise includes a multi-course meal and live entertainment aboard a 144-foot catamaran. If you’re staying at a luxury resort like Las Ventanas al Paraiso, elevate your evening with a private sunset dinner aboard a 58-foot yacht.
17. Relax on the Sandy Shores of Playa El Médano 🏖️
Playa El Médano is Cabo San Lucas' largest and most popular beach, stretching two miles of golden sand. Visitors can swim, rent wave runners, or paddle boards, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of beachside bars and resorts. Mango Deck is a favorite for its party vibe, while The Office on the Beach offers a more laid-back setting, perfect for enjoying a meal with your toes in the sand.
18. Explore Art in San José del Cabo’s Gallery District 🎭
Every Thursday from November to June, San José del Cabo’s historic Art District hosts the popular Art Walk event, where galleries stay open late, inviting visitors to explore local and international works of art. Street performers, live music, and mariachis add to the lively atmosphere. The district is also home to great bars and restaurants, including the state’s first microbrewery, Baja Brewing Company, and the beloved La Lupita Taco & Mezcal.
19. Stroll the Boardwalk at Cabo San Lucas Marina
The Cabo San Lucas Marina is another prime location for leisurely shopping and sightseeing. The boardwalk runs from the cruise ship terminal to Playa El Médano and is lined with shopping malls like Puerto Paraíso and Luxury Avenue, as well as popular restaurants like Solomon’s Landing and Baja Cantina. The highlight of a stroll along the marina, however, is watching luxury yachts and freshly caught fish being weighed on the docks.
20. Tick El Squid Roe Off Your Party Bucket List 🪩
El Squid Roe, located in downtown Cabo San Lucas, is a nightlife institution that guarantees a wild time. Spread over three floors, this kitschy and over-the-top bar and restaurant has been a go-to party spot since the late 1980s. Visitors can expect lively dancing, drinks, and a festive atmosphere, complete with souvenir t-shirts to commemorate the night.
21. Feel Like a Star at Esperanza Resort ⭐
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, has served as the backdrop for several Hollywood films, including the 2020 Netflix comedy Desperados and The Heartbreak Kid (2007). Perched on a picturesque bluff with its own private beach, this luxury resort offers stunning sea views, an award-winning spa, and exquisite dining options like Cocina del Mar, where guests can enjoy a meal with ocean vistas and document-worthy cliffs.
👋🏼 We hope this blog has been helpful.
Have you done any of the above activities, or do you know of any missing in this top? Let us know in the comments, we love to know the experience of other travelers.
Published on Oct 21, 2024
