Things to do in  Cabo San Lucas

The Bahia de Cabo San Lucas (Bay of Cabo San Lucas) is the cape’s hub for water sports and beach activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, parasailing, and more. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the bay is lined with scenic stretches of sand and swimmable beaches, with Medano Beach being the safest and most popular in Cabo San Lucas.

A signature landmark of Los Cabos, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco) is a limestone arch carved by water and wind. The natural attraction is found at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas—which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula in the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand.

The waters of Cabo San Lucas may be wild elsewhere, but at Medano Beach (Playa el Médano), there’s plenty of safe, calm swimming, along with beach fun for the whole family. One of Los Cabos’ most popular beaches offers up a long stretch of golden sand that’s colorful with towels, sun umbrellas, volleyball, and bars, backed by resorts and high-rise apartment buildings.

With white sand, jade-colored water, and a secluded location at Land’s End, it’s no surprise that the postcard-ready Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) has a reputation for inspiring romance. Granite rock formations frame the beautiful scene, and since the beach faces the relatively calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, it’s ideal for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding right off the shore.

The most popular cruise port on the so-called Mexican Riviera, Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port welcomes liners from around the world. Known for its natural beauty, nightlife, and endless beaches, Cabo San Lucas marks the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and acts as a gateway to the region.

Protected by the Chileno Bay, the waters at Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno) are calm, warm, and clear, while the reefs just offshore are home to an abundance of sea life. The beach is considered one of Los Cabos’ best-kept secrets, where sunseekers can bask in the seclusion and enjoy its many snorkeling opportunities.

Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas, the first luxury community of Cabo San Lucas, is still one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. It’s home to numerous 5-star resorts, restaurants, shops, and a thriving nightlife scene—but the area’s best feature is arguably its expansive views of the marina and ocean, which you’ll see at every turn.

Stretching around a secluded cove, Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa María) is a protected marine sanctuary and an excellent spot for snorkeling or a relaxing day on the sand. Santa Maria’s serene setting offers an alternative to the noise and excitement of Cabo San Lucas’ beaches, and you can snorkel to spot colorful fish just a short swim from shore.

Located off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Pelican Rock features dramatic rock formations and a small, gravelly beach that's often crowded with snorkelers, swimmers, scuba divers, and cliff jumpers. This protected spot at Land’s End is famous for its abundant wildlife, both above and below the ocean’s surface, and popular with Los Cabos snorkeling tours.

Located about 1.5-hour drive north of Cabo San Lucas, Fox Canyon (Cañon de la Zorra) has a short hiking trail through the Baja California Desert passing by a freshwater lagoon and 40-foot (12-meter) waterfall. Bring your bathing suit and keep your eyes out for local wildlife and indigenous plant species in this secluded natural oasis.

The Marina Cabo San Lucas is a top attraction for visitors and locals alike. It’s a swanky place to keep your yacht or the go-to spot to hire a boat charter for fishing or other water-based activities. You can book dolphin tours, parasailing, diving, and more from the Marina. There’s also a boardwalk for strolling and people-watching, plus some excellent hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Location. Location. Location. These small, lesser-known beaches are steps from the entrance to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, and offer an escape from the area’s more popular tourist spots, such as Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach nearby. By some accounts, Playa Empacadora and the adjacent Playa Coral Negro officially comprise the Cannery Beaches, but other beaches are sometimes included in the group.

If you’re looking for a luxurious golf course and resort on the Cabo San Lucas coast, this top-line beauty is probably it. The resort blends all the amenities with natural beauty: coastal dunes, ocean and beach views, and even an artificial “swimming lagoon” at the center. To golf at any of the high-end courses, you’ll usually need to be a resort guest or member, and to pay caddy and golf fees.

Unlike its serene neighbor dedicated to lovers, this secluded, cheekily named beach is known for having riptides and tumultuous waves, making it suited for sunbathing but dangerous for swimming and snorkeling. Although the beach is known by name among locals and tourists alike, it's reachable only via boat—making it popular with those looking for a secluded, dare we say romantic, experience.