6 Breathtaking Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

More than three million people visit Los Cabos (the region encompassing Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo) each year, and for good reason. Located on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the area boasts beautiful beaches, oceanfront resorts and a serious nightlife scene. But there’s more to Cabo San Lucas than suntans and margaritas. The region is simply bursting with unforgettable experiences, from golfing to hiking. Here are six ways to take your trip to Cabo to the next level.

1. Go whale watching

Between December and April, humpback whales and gray whales migrate down to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean to mate and give birth. Seeing the whales breach, slap their tails on the water and swim alongside their calves is nothing short of amazing, and every excursion offers a different experience. There are many tour companies offering whale watching tours in the area, and peak viewing months are January through March. Be sure to choose an operator dedicated to eco-friendly practices and responsible whale watching.

2. Take a cooking class with a local chef

The Baja region has a rich culinary history, and there’s no better way to experience the local flavors than to cook a meal yourself, alongside an expert local chef. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make flavorful street tacos, fresh guacamole or authentic mole, it’s all available. Most classes start with a guided tour of a local market, where you’ll pick out fresh ingredients. Then, the fun really begins. Some classes even take place in the home of local Cabo residents, giving you a feel for everyday life. Not into cooking on vacation? A local food tour is another great option.

3. Hike in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Just 16 miles outside of San José del Cabo, Sierra La Laguna is a UNESCO protected biosphere known for its biodiversity. Most notably, it’s the main breeding sanctuary for two species of native hummingbirds. A day spent hiking in the reserve gives you the opportunity to spot the hummingbirds as well as more than 900 plant species, while escaping the crowds back in town. Multiple trails wind through the hilly terrain, ranging from quick day hikes to multi-day backpacking routes. Explore on your own, or take an excursion alongside an expert local guide. Either way, the best time of year to visit is between November and April to avoid both oppressive summer heat and the heavy rains that hit the area in early fall.

4. Sail to Land’s End at sunset

Cabo’s most famous landmark is undoubtedly El Arco, the craggy, arched rock formation that rises up from the waters where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. It’s the centerpiece of the area known as Land’s End and a popular tourist attraction. While it’s a beautiful boat ride any time of day, taking a sunset sail is definitely the way to go. Board a sailboat from the downtown marina in Cabo San Lucas and be whisked away. As you sip a cocktail, you’ll enjoy epic views of the Cabo coastline before encountering the main event: the rocky beauty of Land’s End set against the watercolor backdrop of the evening sky.

5. Take a day trip to Todos Santos

A small coastal town at the foothills of the Sierra Laguna mountains, Todos Santos is big on charm and history. Once a Jesuit mission and then a hub for sugar production, today this town of 7,000 is both an artists’ haven and a surfer’s dream. Spend a day wandering the town’s cobblestone streets, marveling at the colorful colonial facades and browsing in local galleries and boutiques. Of course, save enough time to sink your toes into the surrounding white-sand beaches.

6. Soak up the sun on Playa del Amor

Because it’s most easily accessed by boat, Playa del Amor, or Lover’s Beach, tends to be less crowded than the beaches in town. Tucked away between two rocky cliffs, this beach boasts golden sands, impossibly turquoise waters and some of the best swimming and snorkeling in the area. Be sure to swim only on the bay side — the Pacific side, comically called Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach) is known for its punishing waves and powerful riptides, so swimming is not recommended. Take a quick water taxi or glass bottom boat ride to arrive at this little stretch of paradise. Or, if you’re feeling like a little exercise, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard and get there on your own.

Find endless summer in Cabo

There’s so much to do in and around the Los Cabos area, it would take a lifetime to see it all. Enjoy the sights and surf at a leisurely pace when you become the co-owner of a second home on the Baja Peninsula. With a luxury vacation home in Cabo, you’ll be perfectly poised to soak up the Mexican sunshine while exploring everything the area has to offer.

6 breathtaking things to do in Cabo San Lucas