What to Do in Los Cabos: The Ultimate Insider Guide
With over 20 years of experience Mita Residential manages & rents luxury estates, villas, and condos in the top beach destinations in Mexico: Punta Mita and Los Cabos, Mexico.
Los Cabos ranks among Mexico's most dynamic destinations, offering far more than beautiful beaches. The region encompasses two distinct towns, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, connected by the Tourist Corridor, each with unique character and experiences.
Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos sits where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This convergence creates exceptional opportunities for marine life encounters, water sports, and dramatic landscapes where desert meets sea.
Boat Tours and Marine Adventures
Boat tours rank among essential Los Cabos experiences. The dramatic coastline and abundant marine life make time on the water unforgettable, with options ranging from luxury yacht charters to glass-bottom boats.
Visit the Arch and Land's End
El Arco (The Arch) stands as Los Cabos' most iconic landmark, a natural rock formation at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. No first-time visitor should miss this dramatic sight.
Boat tours depart regularly from Cabo San Lucas marina, offering close-up views of the Arch and surrounding rock formations. You'll pass sea lion colonies lounging on rocks and see pelicans diving for fish.
Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor) is nearby and accessible only by water taxi. This beautiful stretch of sand offers calm waters on the Sea of Cortez side, while Divorce Beach on the Pacific side features powerful waves best admired from shore. Sunset tours offer particularly dramatic lighting for photography.
Whale Watching
Whale watching stands as one of Los Cabos' most spectacular seasonal experiences. Gray whales and humpback whales migrate through these waters from December through April, with peak sightings typically November through March.
Witnessing these magnificent creatures breach, spout, and interact with their calves creates memories that last a lifetime. Tours range from large boats to intimate pangas, with some operators offering marine biologist-led excursions that provide a deeper understanding of whale behavior.
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez "the world's aquarium," and whale watching season proves why. The calm, clear waters provide exceptional viewing conditions for these annual migrations.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The underwater world accessible from Los Cabos rivals anywhere in Mexico. Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay offer premier snorkeling with calm, clear waters and abundant tropical fish. Both beaches feature protected coves where even beginners can explore vibrant marine life.
For serious divers, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (about two hours away) represents one of the world's most successful marine conservation stories. Fish populations have recovered dramatically, and the only coral reef on North America's Pacific coast creates exceptional diving.
Closer to town, Pelican Rock near Land's End offers popular dive sites with sea lions, rays, and tropical fish. Snorkeling tours to multiple sites throughout the day provide variety and maximize time in the water.
Outdoor Adventures
Beyond beaches, Los Cabos offers adventure throughout the dramatic Baja landscape. Desert, mountains, and coastline combine to create diverse exploration opportunities.
ATV and Off-Road Tours
ATV tours through Baja's desert landscape have become a Los Cabos signature experience. Tours traverse sandy washes, climb mountain trails, and visit remote beaches inaccessible by road.
The scenery combines towering cacti, rugged mountains, and Pacific coastline in ways that feel almost surreal. Options range from single ATVs to side-by-side vehicles accommodating couples or families. Cabo Adventures and other operators offer half-day and full-day excursions through varied terrain.
Camel Safari
Camel safaris offer something unexpected in Los Cabos. Riding through desert landscape with mountain and ocean views, this activity has become popular for families and groups seeking something different.
Tours typically include ranch visits and opportunities to learn about Baja's unique ecosystem. The leisurely pace allows time to absorb the dramatic scenery stretching from desert floor to distant sea.
Zip-lining
Zip-line courses offer aerial perspectives on Baja's canyons and coastline. Several operators provide courses ranging from beginner-friendly to adrenaline-pumping, with some combining zip-lining with ATV rides or beach visits.
Soaring above the desert landscape reveals the region's scale and beauty in ways ground-level exploration cannot match.
Golf in Los Cabos
Los Cabos has earned recognition as one of the world's premier golf destinations. The region boasts numerous world-class courses designed by legends including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, and Tom Fazio.
The settings define Los Cabos golf. Desert cacti frame fairways. Ocean views appear on multiple holes. Mountains rise in the distance. The combination creates visually stunning rounds unlike anywhere else.
Notable courses include Quivira (dramatic cliff-top holes), Diamante's Dunes and El Cardonal courses, Cabo del Sol, and Palmilla. Year-round warm weather and minimal rainfall make Los Cabos ideal for golf vacations any time of year.
Beaches in Los Cabos
Los Cabos offers diverse beaches, though not all are swimmable due to strong Pacific currents. Understanding which beaches suit different activities ensures the best experience.
Swimmable Beaches
Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay rank as the best swimming and snorkeling beaches, with calm, protected waters and excellent visibility. Both feature amenities and easy access.
Palmilla Beach offers another good swimming option with gentler waves. Médano Beach serves as the main beach in Cabo San Lucas, swimmable in designated areas and offering restaurants, water sports rentals, and lively atmosphere. This is where the party happens, with beach clubs and vendors creating constant energy.
Always check conditions and flags before swimming, as currents can change.
Beaches for Scenery
Some beaches reward visitors with beauty rather than swimming. Lover's Beach near the Arch offers a dramatic setting best reached by water taxi. Divorce Beach on the Pacific side features powerful waves dangerous for swimming but spectacular to watch.
The rugged Pacific-facing beaches throughout the region showcase Baja's wild beauty even when currents keep swimmers on shore.
Explore San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo provides essential contrast to Cabo San Lucas energy. This quieter, more artistic town features colonial architecture, a tree-lined plaza, and beautiful mission church dating to 1730.
The Art District draws visitors to galleries showcasing local and international artists. The Thursday night Art Walk (November through June) transforms downtown as galleries open late, musicians perform, and restaurants spill onto sidewalks. This weekly event captures San José del Cabo's creative spirit.
Beyond art galleries, charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafes reward wandering. The Estero San José nature reserve offers excellent birdwatching where a freshwater lagoon meets the sea.
For travelers seeking culture and authenticity beyond the beach, San José del Cabo delivers.
Day Trips from Los Cabos
Several destinations within reach expand the Los Cabos experience with different characters and attractions.
Todos Santos
Todos Santos earned Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) designation for good reason. About an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, this artistic community features galleries, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants.
The famous Hotel California draws curious visitors (though it wasn't actually the Eagles' inspiration). Pacific beaches include popular surf spots, while the charming downtown features historic buildings and creative energy throughout.
Todos Santos makes an ideal day trip for travelers seeking authentic Baja California character.
La Paz
La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, sits about two hours from Los Cabos. The beautiful malecón (waterfront promenade) stretches for miles, and the authentic Mexican atmosphere feels less touristy than Los Cabos.
The real draw lies offshore. Swimming with whale sharks (seasonal, typically October through April) and sea lions at Espíritu Santo Island creates unforgettable wildlife encounters. The island's protected waters offer exceptional snorkeling and kayaking.
La Paz rewards those wanting deeper Baja exploration beyond resort areas.
Spas and Wellness
Los Cabos has become a wellness destination, with world-class spas at luxury resorts throughout the region. Treatments incorporate local ingredients like desert botanicals, sea minerals, and agave.
Experiences range from beachfront massage to traditional temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies to yoga sessions with ocean views. The dry desert climate and natural beauty create ideal conditions for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Many villa guests prefer in-villa spa services, bringing professional treatments directly to their private terrace overlooking the sea.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Nightlife in Los Cabos varies dramatically between the two towns.
Cabo San Lucas delivers the party. Clubs, bars, and late-night energy center around the marina and main strip. Spring break crowds, bachelorette parties, and travelers seeking excitement find their scene here. Music pumps, drinks flow, and the energy continues until early morning.
San José del Cabo offers more sophisticated evening options. Wine bars, live music venues, and restaurant lounges cater to those preferring conversation over dance floors. The Art Walk creates festive Thursday nights, while other evenings remain relaxed.
The region accommodates everything from spring-break energy to refined mezcal tastings.
Dining in Los Cabos
The culinary scene ranks among Los Cabos' greatest attractions. The range spans cliffside fine dining to casual beachfront seafood, farm-to-table innovation to authentic Mexican taquerias.
Flora Farms has become a destination unto itself, with its 25-acre organic farm producing ingredients for exceptional meals. MICHELIN recognition has elevated the region's reputation, while Baja Med cuisine (fusing Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian influences) continues evolving.
From fresh fish tacos at beach stands to multi-course dinners with ocean views, dining experiences define Los Cabos visits. Cooking classes offer hands-on engagement with local cuisine, while tequila and mezcal tastings provide liquid education.
Private chef experiences in villas offer an alternative to restaurant reservations, bringing exceptional cuisine directly to your table.
Things to Do with Kids
Los Cabos welcomes families with diverse activities suited to all ages. Calm-water beaches at Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay provide safe swimming and snorkeling for children. Glass-bottom boat tours offer marine life viewing without getting wet.
Camel safaris entertain kids while traversing the desert. Wildlife encounters from whale watching to swimming with sea lions create lasting memories. Many resorts offer kids' clubs and family programming.
Villa accommodations often suit families better than hotel rooms, with space to spread out, private pools, and flexibility around children's schedules.
Best Time to Visit Los Cabos
Los Cabos enjoys over 300 sunny days annually, making it a year-round destination.
Winter (December through March) brings whale watching season, ideal weather, and peak demand. Holiday periods and spring break draw crowds.
Spring (April through May) offers warm weather with fewer visitors as whale season ends.
Summer (June through September) brings higher temperatures and occasional tropical storms but also lower rates and emptier beaches. Hurricane risk peaks August through October.
Fall (October through November) provides excellent weather with reduced crowds before the holiday season. Whale shark season begins near La Paz.
Water temperatures remain swimmable year-round, hovering between 68-84°F depending on the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Los Cabos best known for?
Los Cabos is known for its dramatic Land's End rock formations, including the famous Arch, world-class golf courses, sport fishing (particularly marlin), luxury resorts, whale watching, and vibrant nightlife. The unique geography where desert meets ocean and Pacific meets Sea of Cortez creates exceptional natural beauty.
Is Los Cabos safe for tourists?
Los Cabos is considered safe for tourists, with well-developed tourism infrastructure and an economy dependent on visitors. Tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor are well-patrolled. Standard travel precautions apply as anywhere.
How many days do you need in Los Cabos?
Plan at least 4-5 days to experience highlights without rushing. A week allows beach relaxation, activities, day trips, and culinary exploration. Golf enthusiasts, fishing devotees, or wellness seekers often extend to 10 days or more.
What is the difference between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas is the livelier town with marina nightlife, beach clubs, and tourist energy. San José del Cabo is quieter and more artistic, featuring colonial architecture, art galleries, and upscale dining. The Tourist Corridor between them hosts most luxury resorts.
Experience the Best of Los Cabos
Los Cabos offers remarkable diversity within a compact region. From the iconic Arch to whale watching encounters, world-class golf to farm-to-table dining, art galleries to desert adventures, the destination rewards every type of traveler.
Whether visiting for a long weekend or extended retreat, Los Cabos delivers memorable experiences at every turn. The combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and culinary excellence explains why travelers return year after year.
Planning Your Los Cabos Experience?
Coordinating whale watching tours, securing tee times at exclusive golf courses, booking the best restaurants, and arranging day trips to Todos Santos typically requires hours of research and dozens of emails.
Mita Residential guests in Los Cabos skip all of that.
A dedicated concierge knows which whale watching operators find the best pods, which golf courses match your skill level, and which restaurants deserve your limited evenings. They arrange ATV adventures, snorkeling excursions, and spa treatments. They coordinate transportation and timing so experiences flow seamlessly.
No researching operators. No competing for reservations. No logistics to manage. Just exceptional experiences throughout your stay.
Contact Mita Residential to explore our collection of distinguished villas in Los Cabos and discover how our concierge team handles every detail.
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