Los Cabos gives you two distinct moods in one trip: desert drama and clear blue water. Some days call for a boat ride and cold drinks. Others are better spent on a quiet beach, in the surf, or wandering San José del Cabo after sunset. Start with the classics, then mix in a few slower hours. That balance makes the place stick with you.
Take a boat trip to El Arco
The granite arch at Land’s End is the postcard sight, and it’s still worth doing first. A short boat ride from the Cabo San Lucas marina gets you close to El Arco, Lover’s Beach, the sea lion colony, and the jagged rock formations where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez.
- Glass-bottom boats for a quick, cheap ride
- Private pangas for more time and fewer people
- Best light in the morning
- Bring cash for the marina
If the sea is calm, ask to stop for photos near the arch. It goes fast, so keep your phone ready.
Credit to @p
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch is one of those things you don't appreciate until you actually need it, especially when you're trying to snap photos from a rocking boat.
Spend a day at Medano Beach
This is Cabo’s most swimmable, most social beach, and the easiest one for a full lazy day. The water is usually calm enough for floating, paddleboarding, and hopping on a kayak. Beach clubs line the sand, but you can also claim a spot with a towel and keep it simple.
Expect music, vendors, and a steady stream of boats offshore. That energy is part of the appeal. Order grilled fish tacos, rent a chair, and stay until late afternoon when the light softens and the beach starts to feel less hectic.
I tossed WEKAPO Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof in my bag last minute and it ended up being the most useful thing I packed for claiming our perfect spot on the sand.
Go whale watching in season
From roughly December through April, Los Cabos turns into one of the best places in Mexico to see humpback and gray whales. You do not need a fancy tour. A small licensed operator can give you a close, memorable outing.
- Book early morning trips for calmer water
- Pick a smaller boat if you want less crowding
- Wear a light layer, it can feel cool offshore
- Keep expectations open, wildlife runs on its own schedule
Even on quieter days, the boat ride alone is beautiful. On lucky ones, you may spot breaches, tail slaps, and calves traveling with their mothers.
Photo by Adam Ernster on Pexels
Someone in our group had Bushnell H2O Xtreme 10×42 Compact Waterproof Binoculars – Fu… and I was jealous the entire time, wishing I had a closer look at those breaching whales.
Walk the Art Walk in San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo has a different rhythm from Cabo San Lucas. The historic center feels slower, more local, and better suited to an evening stroll than a loud night out. Between November and June, the Thursday Art Walk fills the gallery district with open doors, street music, and people drifting between shops, wine bars, and small courtyards.
- Start near Plaza Mijares
- Browse galleries without pressure
- Stop for mezcal or coffee halfway through
- Look up, the colonial facades are part of the charm
Go around sunset. The town looks best then.
Credit to @p
Picked up Women's On-The-go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal on a whim and now it's a travel staple.
Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay
If you want clear water without a long excursion, these two bays are the easy answer. Both are known for calmer conditions and better visibility than many beaches around Cabo. Santa Maria Bay has a horseshoe-shaped cove that feels sheltered. Chileno Bay is convenient, family-friendly, and often easier for a quick half-day stop.
| Santa Maria Bay | Scenic cove, good reef access |
| Chileno Bay | Easier entry, solid facilities |
Bring your own mask if you can. Water shoes help too, especially on rockier sections near the shore.
Photo by Frank Cordeiro on Pexels
I brought QingSong Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults last time and it was a smart call, making it so easy to breathe and see all the incredible marine life.
Ride ATVs through the desert and dunes
ATV tours are one of the loudest, dustiest, most fun ways to see the wild side of Los Cabos. You’ll leave the resort strip fast and head into dry riverbeds, cactus-studded trails, and sandy stretches near the Pacific.
- Migrino and nearby desert routes are popular
- Expect dust, bumps, and big open views
- Closed-toe shoes and sunglasses help a lot
- Morning tours are cooler
Some outings add a camel ride or beach stop, but the main draw is the setting: huge sky, rough terrain, and that raw Baja feel you won’t get from a pool chair.
Photo by Roy Serafin on Pexels
Not gonna lie, Professional Motorcycle Motocross Goggles 2-Pack Dirt Bike A… was one of my better purchases for keeping the desert dust out of my eyes.
Take a day trip to Todos Santos
Todos Santos makes an easy change of pace. This small town on the Pacific side has colorful streets, local galleries, boutique shops, and a slower rhythm than Cabo San Lucas.
Go for a half day if you just want to stroll and eat. Stay longer if you want lunch, shopping, and a beach stop. Playa Los Cerritos is nearby if you want to add surfing or a sunset drink.
The drive takes about an hour. Bring cash for small shops and roadside stands. This is a good pick for travelers who want a break from boats and beach clubs without giving up great scenery.
Credit to @p
This is where Fodor's Los Cabos: with Todos Santos really came through for me, helping me uncover all the hidden gems beyond the main street.
Hike Mount Solmar for the best views in Cabo
Mount Solmar is the classic short hike in Cabo San Lucas. The payoff comes fast: sweeping views of the marina, the city, and the Pacific crashing against the rocks.
- Go early, before the heat builds
- Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops
- Bring water, even for a short climb
- Check current access details before you go
The trail starts near Land’s End and can be steep in spots, with loose rock underfoot. It’s manageable for many active travelers, but it still feels like an adventure. Clear mornings are best for photos.
Credit to @p
Pro tip from experience: bring 10L Small Hiking Backpack Travel Daypack Lightweight Packabl….
Eat your way through Baja flavors
One of the best things to do here is simple: eat well. Los Cabos has excellent seafood, strong farm-to-table restaurants, and taco spots that earn repeat visits.
- Fish tacos with a cold beer
- Chocolate clams, a Baja specialty
- Fresh ceviche near the marina
- Dinner in San José del Cabo for a quieter night
For something different, book a dinner at Flora Farms or Acre. Both are popular, so reserve ahead. If you prefer casual meals, keep it local and order what was caught that day. In Los Cabos, a great meal can be the whole evening.
Photo by Nothing Ahead on Pexels
Grabbed Easy Mexican Seafood Cookbook 2025: Quick before my last trip and it made such a difference in understanding the local culinary traditions.
Los Cabos works best when you mix the obvious highlights with a few off-beach hours. Pair one water activity with a town visit, a hike, or a long lunch, and the trip feels fuller fast.
