Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

  • Published 2022/10/30

A destination that offers great weather and stunning scenery is the tourist-centric city of Cabo San Lucas.

It’s the perfect place to experience a high-adrenaline outdoor adventure.

This city has the most alluring desert landscapes and beaches at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

Your Baja California experience will never be complete if you miss out on one of the world’s hottest vacation destinations, as this place offers more than just its natural beauty.

Here are some of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

Capture the Beauty of The Arch

Scenic view of the arch

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Cabo San Lucas has a distinct landmark—a rock formation at the tip of the Baja Peninsula called El Arco (The Arch).

Land’s End, the other name for El Arco, is a popular tourist spot and the central focus of most vacation photos taken in the city.

Closeup view of the El Arco

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Here, you will see the Pacific Ocean meeting with the Sea of Cortez, a truly picturesque scene with a stunning backdrop of the mountains within the mixture of turquoise waters.

Home to different marine animals, you will be able to see en route El Arco lazy sea lions basking on the La Lobera and humpback whales near the arch when in season.

Boating at El Arco

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Hike with Dogs at Mt. Solmar

View of the blue ocean from Mt. Solmar

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Challenge yourself to new heights at Mt. Solmar, which has a full view of Cabo San Lucas.

Just south of Cabo’s Downtown area above Land’s End, you can access this mountain that overlooks Divorce Beach and Lover’s Beach.

However, you can only have access to the beginning of the trail with the help of a local guide together with his dogs.

Resorts and residential buildings at Mt. Solmar

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You can get to the summit within an hour of hiking, including a few rest stops while taking photos along the way.

The local guide will provide information on the area’s geology and the mountain’s folklore and its surrounding waters.

Admire the view from the top and make sure you have a lot of energy for the hike!

Trail along Mt. Solmar

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Sport Fish at San Jaime Bank

The San Jaime Bank is the place to go if you want to fish in the Tinaje Trough’s deepest part.

Its 600-feet-deep plateau and three 150-feet seamounts are natural homes for fish, which means it’s a great spot to catch everything–from Tunas to Blue Marlins.

An underwater current also paves the way to connect this bank to Golden Gate Banks’ warm waters that attract other fishes such as Dorado, Yellowfin, and Striped Marlin.

Many of the world’s fishing tournaments and top sportfishing events occur yearly in the port of Cabo San Lucas, such as Bisbee’s Black and Blue and Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.

Ernest Hemingway himself traveled to Baja California Sur to experience and discover the amazing reward of sport fishing in this city–enough to encourage any sport fisherman to test its waters.

Sport fishing has become a world-class pursuit in the waters of Cabo, and anglers from all over the world chase after its renowned species, such as marlin, dorado, and roosterfish.

Don’t forget to check out the best season for each specie through a fishing calendar or local report.

Explore Both Lovers and Divorce Beach

Waves crashing on the shores of Lover's beach

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Usually known as Playa del Amor, Lover’s Beach is a spot near El Arco that is well-known to most sunseekers.

This is one of the many places you can visit if you want an incredible ocean view or just a quiet place to stroll with your beloved.

You can easily access this little secluded piece of land via a water taxi from Medano Beach.

Most water adventurers visit this place to rest, as it’s also accessible via paddleboard or kayak.

Sandy shores of Lovers Beach

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Just a short walk from Lover’s Beach is Playa del Divorcio, or what is well known as Divorce Beach.

This stretch of clean, white sand facing the Pacific Ocean is a great place for sunbathing and relaxation, but it is advisable to stay out of its waters as things can get rough due to the strong currents, crashing waves, and rip tides.

People enjoying at Lovers Beach

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You shouldn’t miss this beautifully secluded place if you want peaceful, long walks along the beach.

Bring a pair of water shoes with you as the sand can get quite hot during the afternoon!

Dive with Sharks at Gordo Banks

Just 29 miles off the shore of Cabo San Lucas marina is the seamount of Gordo Banks.

It is a funnel to the area’s currents that brings nutrients to the canyons, making it the perfect feeding ground for many fishes, including large predators.

Schools of hammerhead and hound sharks can be seen at this dive spot.

But above all else, the sightings depend on uncontrollable factors such as the clarity of the water, moon cycles, and the depth of the dive.

On numerous occasions, species like Mobula ray, whale shark, and humpback whale have visited this dive spot.

Get ready to have an exhilarating experience with the sharks at Gordo Banks!

Experience Shopping in Paradise at Puerto Paraiso Square

Sign board of Puerto Paraiso Square

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Since its doors opened in 2001, Puerto Paraiso Square has been a symbolic shopping center near the marina of Cabo San Lucas.

Visitors enjoy the spectacular sunset view and its wide range of entertainment and activities here.

The mall’s interior includes indoor waterfalls and spacious open areas, flaunting classical Mexican-colonial design mixed with modern and sleek amenities.

Christmas decorations at Puerto Paraiso Square

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Dine in restaurants in front of the marina or at popular chains such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Houlihan’s, and Johnny Rockets.

Enjoy a game or two at Casino Codere or watch the latest shows in their cinema on top of your shopping spree at internationally renowned brands such as Forever 21, Cloe, and Sunglass Hut.

There are also green areas for recreation.

Meanwhile, children can also have fun at the video arcade and trampoline park.

Take a break from the city’s waters and enjoy in this shopping paradise.

Indulge in Extravagance at Luxury Avenue

Signage of Luxury Avenue

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Just adjacent to Puerto Paraiso Square is a leading luxury shopping center in the city with a prime waterfront view, the Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall.

With a sophisticated ambiance paired with elite service, this boutique mall is where you will find famous luxury brands worldwide, such as Swarovski, Montblanc, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Exterior view of Luxury Avenue

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Its contemporary architectural style with lavish finishing touches make it an iconic attraction for visitors to the city.

Inside Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall, you will see quartz columns, fine wood, granite, marble floors, and fountains in and outside the mall, an atmosphere that exudes extravagance and luxury.

Treat yourself to shopping therapy in the city’s most luxurious mall!

Dance the Night Away at El Squid Roe

Street view of El Squid Roe

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Tables turn into dance platforms at El Squid Roe once the clock strikes midnight.

A vacation at one of the world’s hottest destinations will not be complete if you don’t experience and celebrate the Baja lifestyle.

Most of the magic in Cabo San Lucas happens where nightclubs, cantinas, and live rock music venues (some owned by music legends) are.

Situated in Cabo’s downtown nightlife district, the dynamic place of El Squid Roe is bustling with people early in the evening and continues up until late in the morning.

Make sure to reserve your seats and enjoy VIP treatment.

Entrance to El Squid Roe

Thelmadatter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There’s no waiting in line here—stay in a private section with full waiter service for the whole night.

This multi-level dance club offers you a unique clubbing experience with its elegant interior, world-class sound system, giant disco ball, great music, food, and a liter-sized drink.

Move to the beat of this bar’s music and enjoy the night away!

Play Golf at Cabo San Lucas Country Club

This real estate development located at the heart of the city is a paradise for golfers.

Cabo San Lucas Country Club will give you an extraordinary golf course experience, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

Landscapes of desert and mountains beautifully frame the country club.

The 6,865-yard of land offers 18-hole courses and a perfect gaming experience with a spectacular view.

It also offers the golf shot experience with 20 shooting stations covering different distances, open to both beginners and professionals.

This is the only illuminated driving range in the area where everyone can play even at night.

You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Viva Restaurant Sport & Bar if you get hungry from all the playing.

Discover the experience Country Club has to offer.

Relax at Sea Spa Land’s End by Solmar Hotels & Resorts

Cabanas at Sea Spa by Solmar

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Ease your mind and body at Sea Spa by Solmar.

Situated at the Land’s End area in the city, Solmar Hotels & Resorts is an exotic getaway at the southern border.

Aside from the spa’s beautiful amenities, the spa collection will give you a relaxing time within the city.

Enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean along the rocks of Land’s End as you indulge in any of the spa treatments.

Bathe in luxury in Sea Spa’s signature treatments, where the natural elements included in your experience become the foundation for your body’s healing and sensory pleasure.

Other Things to Do Nearby

While Cabo San Lucas has a lot to offer, there are popular destinations beyond it worth visiting that are only 30 minutes away.

Here are other things you can do nearby while in Cabo San Lucas:

Uncover the Wonders of Tourist Corridor

A place connecting the two cities in Los Cabos, Tourist Corridor is where some of the world’s finest resorts, incredible beaches and bays, and championship golf courses are.

This 20-mile stretch of land with stunning scenery is situated near Los Cabos’ best bays for water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Blue Flag Beaches, such as Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Beach, are also in the area.

Los Cabos continues to dominate the golf scene in Latin America, with 18 golf courses that are currently open for play.

Eight of the 18 stunning golf courses by some of the best designers, such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Tom Weiskopf, are in the Tourist Corridor, making it a golfers’ paradise.

Surely, this is a perfect place to stay whether you are traveling alone or with a group.

Swim in the Calm Waters of Playa Palmilla

Shoreline of Palmilla Beach

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Playa Palmilla, or Palmilla Beach, is a family-friendly beach with calm waters.

Situated 27 kilometers from Cabo San Lucas, this area is surrounded by oceanfront luxury houses, home to the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course.

It’s also the place where you can easily access the world-famous One & Only Hotel resort.

Signage of Palmilla Beach

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Named one of the Blue Flag beaches in Los Cabos, tourists gather here to swim in its waters, sail on small boats, or take quiet walks.

But aside from recreational activities, it also hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Ironman Triathlon.

Palmilla Beach has a lot to offer travelers, so make sure to visit!

Aerial view of Palmilla Beach

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Have A Hearty Meal 23400 District

The very heart of San Jose del Cabo is at 234000 District.

Food is celebrated in this district, bringing strangers closer together while making lifelong memories.

From open-air stalls to fusion restaurants, this district has it all.

Get to taste food from Fiorenza Restaurant, Casa Don Rodrigo, Baja Brewing Co., and more.

Delight in the taste of the city’s specialties.

Appreciate the Culture and Arts of San Jose del Cabo

Gallery at San Jose del Cabo

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If you want a more laid-back and artistic journey highlighting Mexican culture, San Jose del Cabo is the right place for you.

It will take you no longer than 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas to get to this beautiful city.

Colorful streets of San Jose del Cabo

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The Art Walk San Jose del Cabo showcases historic architecture and colorful buildings in the art district downtown every Thursday evening.

It allows visitors to peruse the galleries flaunting local works in the artisan shops.

Most towns in these historic downtown streets are also lined with local art boutiques and trendy coffee shops.

Souvenir shop at San Jose del Cabo

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If you’re looking for a more traditional festival, Mexico offers the Day of the Dead and San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend Concert Series.

The jazz performances span two days and showcase some of the best Latin talents.

Enjoy Estuary San Jose del Cabo’s Paradise

Lagoon at Estuary San Jose del Cabo

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The green haven of Estuary San Jose del Cabo, enjoyed by many exotic plants and animals, is but a short walk from the historic downtown of San Jose del Cabo.

Freshwater from the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains almost kisses the saltwater from the Sea of Cortez, forming a special ecosystem with the mountains of Baja California Sur.

An erget at Estuary San Jose del Cabo

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Walk or bike along the paved path that runs along a lush portion of the biological paradise.

You can ask guides to take you to Estero de San Jose del Cabo for a relaxed activity and tour.

Revel in this estuary and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Cactus at Estuary San Jose del Cabo

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Final Thoughts

Cabo San Lucas is the perfect getaway—may it be to pamper yourself, celebrate an occasion with family and friends, or simply have fun.

Fall in love with the beauty of its pristine blue waters and its rich nature as you experience the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

If you’re planning your next beach adventure, this is the ideal place for you.

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