Things to do in  Los Cabos

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

One of La Paz’s last undeveloped seafronts, Balandra Beach has some of the most pristine shores in Mexico. With calm waters sheltered from the Gulf of California and a shallow sandbar stretching from one side of the bay to the other, it’s an all-ages favorite for swimming, wading, and kayaking. Water activities abound here, but you can also hike in the surrounding hills with views of protected mangrove forests and the turquoise bay below.

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.

Isla Espiritu Santo, an uninhabited island off the coast of La Paz in the Gulf of California, is one of the most impressive—and isolated—destinations in Mexico for wildlife enthusiasts. Part of the protected Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has sea lions and neon-colored parrotfish in its waters, a variety of endemic mammals and birds on land, and untouched white sand beaches dotting its perimeter.

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.

At Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, you can explore pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and desert landscapes, and spot an abundance of fish and sea life. This protected park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its snorkeling and diving 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.

Located in the heart of San José del Cabo, San José del Cabo Church (Parroquia San José) was founded by Jesuits in 1730. This simple Spanish colonial-style church, with brilliant white bell towers and a peaceful interior, pays homage to Jesuit priest Nicolas Tamaral, who was martyred on the site where the building now stands. Inside, you’ll find colorful depictions of saints and other religious figures, while the outside square bustles with activity.

Located on the coast of San José del Cabo, the San Jose Estuary (Estero San José) is home to hundreds of species of birds, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and ospreys. Nature lovers and birdwatchers flock to this lush, green sanctuary for relaxing walks to spot the wildlife, and it’s the ideal spot to take a break from the bustle of the nearby towns.

Cabo San Lucas may be known for its beaches, but the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range serves up opportunities for adventure beyond the sea. Located in the south of the Baja California peninsula, visitors flock to the region for hiking, the chance to spot rare birds, horseback riding, and climbing, while surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere Reserve. As you walk through its oak and pine forests, you’ll pass hidden waterfalls, thermal pools, and dramatic rock formations.

Calm water, lifeguards, and soft sand make Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) one of the most family-friendly beaches in Los Cabos. Snorkelers, swimmers, and stand-up paddleboarders will all find plenty to enjoy here, or you can simply relax, rent an umbrella and a beach chair, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.