If ever you’ve dreamed of a place where desert meets sea, where mornings begin with whale sightings and nights end under a sky full of stars — welcome to Los Cabos, Mexico.
When I first arrived here, I didn’t know what to expect aside from turquoise seas and beach bashes. But Los Cabos was a total surprise to me — one of raw beauty mixed with friendly people, wonderful food and adventures that never stopped.
Following my own visits to both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, this is my very own list of 15 unforgettable things you absolutely must do in Los Cabos.
📘 Key Facts About Los Cabos, Mexico
| Category | Details |
| Country | Mexico 🇲🇽 |
| State | Baja California Sur |
| Location | Southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez |
| Coordinates | Approx. 22.89° N latitude, 109.91° W longitude |
| Main Towns | Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo |
| Municipality | Los Cabos Municipality |
| Airport | Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) – located near San José del Cabo |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (GMT-7) |
| Climate | Desert climate – hot, dry summers and mild winters |
| Best Time to Visit | December to April (for pleasant weather and whale watching) |
| Famous For | El Arco rock formation, luxury resorts, whale watching, scuba diving, and world-class beaches |
| Popular Beaches | Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, Chileno Beach, Palmilla Beach |
| UNESCO Site Nearby | Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (recognized for its coral reef ecosystem) |
| Average Temperature | 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F) year-round |
| Main Activities | Snorkeling, whale watching, sailing, art walks, desert tours, fishing, and nightlife |
| Local Cuisine Highlights | Fresh seafood, fish tacos, ceviche, and tequila tastings |
| Emergency Number | 911 (works across Mexico) |
1. Paddle Out to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
No trip to Los Cabos is complete without visiting the El Arco — that dramatic stone arch rising from the sea where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
I rented a kayak from Medano Beach early in the morning, when the water was glassy and calm. Paddling toward the Arch felt like floating into a postcard — pelicans swooping, sea lions lounging on the rocks, and the sunlight turning the cliffs gold.
👉 Tip: Go in the early mornings to avoid the boat crowds. Bring a waterproof camera — you should not miss to take photos of these moments!
2. 🏖️ Relax at Lover’s Beach (and Sneak a Peek at Divorce Beach)
Right beside the El Arco there is Lover’s Beach, one of the most romantic (and photogenic) spots in Cabo. It is accessible only by water taxi or kayak, it’s a hidden cove which is surrounded by a towering rock walls and a soft sand.
But here’s the twist — walk to the opposite side and you’ll find the Divorce Beach, open to the wild Pacific with huge waves. Although it is not safe for swimming, but they are perfect for watching nature’s raw power.
I remember sitting between the two beaches, laughing and also thinking at the irony — calm and chaos just a few meters apart.
3. 🐋 Go Whale Watching (Seasonal Magic!)
If you visit this place between the December and April, you’re in for something extraordinary. Every winter, the humpback and gray whales migrate to the Baja’s warm waters to give birth.
On a January morning tour, I experienced one of those life-affirming moments where nature brought out her full power in front of us: an enormous tail fin broke the surface within minutes – reminding me to appreciate life more fully than I was doing previously.
👉 Pro tip: Choose smaller eco-friendly tours for a respectful, up-close encounter.
4. 🐠 Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Beach
Los Cabos has beaches but you can’t swim there — but the Santa Maria Bay and Playa Chileno are safe havens for snorkelers.
I slipped on my mask at Santa Maria and floated above coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. The water over there was so crystal clear, calm, and it is full of color.
👉 Best time: Morning, before the tour boats arrive.
Both bays are part of protected marine sanctuaries — so remember, look but don’t touch the marine life.
5. 🍹 Taste Local Tequila (and Mezcal!)
Tequila here isn’t just a party drink — it’s a craft. I stopped by Tequilera Santos Destilados for a tasting and learned how the blue agave is cooked, distilled, and aged.
Each and every sip told a story — smoky mezcal, crisp blanco, rich añejo. I left with a warm buzz and a newfound appreciation for Mexico’s liquid art.
👉 Insider tip: Always sip, never shoot. Locals will respect you more for it.
6. 🌅 Set Sail on a Sunset Cruise
Imagine gliding past the Arch as the sun melts into the ocean — that is the Cabo’s signature sunset experience.
I joined a catamaran sunset cruise, complete with live music, open bar, and laughter echoing over the waves. As the sky turned from orange to pink to purple, everyone on board went so silent. That’s Cabo magic which you can see right there.
7. 🏜️ Ride a Camel Along the Desert Shoreline
Yes, you read that right — camels in Cabo!
A short drive from the town will take you into the desert, where these gentle giants carry you along sandy trails overlooking the sea. It is surprisingly peaceful, and you’ll end the tour with a local meal and a tequila toast.
It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it is one of those “only in Cabo” experiences you’ll talk about for years.
8. 🎨 Explore San José del Cabo’s Art District
While Cabo San Lucas buzzes with the nightlife, San José del Cabo will make you to feel like that you are stepping into the old Mexico.
Every Thursday night (November to June), the historic center will come alive with the Art Walk — the streets will be lined with the galleries, musicians, and local crafts.
I wandered from one studio to another, chatting with artists, sipping wine, and soaking up the creative energy.
If you love culture as much as cocktails, this is your spot.
9. 🏄♂️ Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding from Medano Beach
Medano Beach is the heart of Cabo’s social scene — and it is the best place to rent a paddleboard.
Gliding over calm turquoise water, I paddled past anchored yachts toward the Arch while pelicans skimmed the surface beside me.
It’s a workout and a meditation rolled into one.
10. 🐬 Visit Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
A couple of hours north there lies Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO-protected marine park and it is one of the oldest coral reefs in North America.
Snorkeling here will make you feel like as if you are entering an underwater Eden — schools of colorful fish, rays gliding like dancers, even reef sharks cruising peacefully.
👉 Tip: Go with certified eco-tours. Cabo Pulmo’s fragile ecosystem depends on sustainable tourism.
11. 🏔️ Hike Sierra de la Laguna
When you’ve had enough beach time, head inland to Sierra de la Laguna, a mountain range filled with waterfalls, canyons, and cactus-studded trails.
I joined a local guide for a half-day hike and was rewarded with panoramic views of the desert fading into the sea. The air smelled of sage and sunshine — pure bliss.
12. 🌮 Eat Like a Local
Forget the hotel buffets — Cabo’s street food scene is so incredible.
I fell in love with the Tacos Gardenias, a humble spot where they will serve shrimp tacos so fresh they practically melted. Add some lime, salsa verde, and you’ve got a heaven in a tortilla.
Food here ranges from gourmet to grab-and-go — but it’s always full of flavor.
13. 🐠 Go Sport Fishing
Cabo has long been known as the “Marlin Capital of the World”, so taking part in sport fishing charters is sure to provide an exhilarating experience – whether you are experienced angler or not, reeling in tuna under that scorching sun and enjoying cold beer as you do so is sure to feel like something out of an adventure film!
14. 🏖️ Spend a Lazy Day at Palmilla or Medano Beach
Some days, the best plan is no plan.
Palmilla Beach in San José del Cabo is family-friendly, calm, and perfect for swimming. Medano Beach, on the other hand, is lively with beach bars, vendors, and music.
Either way, bring sunscreen, a hat, and your favorite beach playlist.
15. 🌄 Day-Trip to Todos Santos
An hour north of Cabo, Todos Santos will make you feel like a world away — a bohemian town filled with art, surf vibes, and cobblestone streets.
I shopped its boutiques, sat in cafes sipping iced coffee and managed to get into the famous Hotel California. (Yes, that one — or at least the one that inspired the song’s myth!)
It’s the perfect day trip when you crave something quieter and more soulful.
❤️ Why Los Cabos Steals Every Traveler’s Heart
What makes Los Cabos so unforgettable is, that it isn’t just for the landscapes alone — it’s all about the the energy.
It’s waking up to the sound of waves, meeting locals who greet you with warmth, and watching the sky turn every shade of sunset.
Whether you crave adventure, romance, or relaxation, Cabo will wrap it all into one unforgettable package.
So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to fall in love with this corner of Baja where the desert meets the sea.
🌞 FAQs About Visiting Los Cabos
1. When is the best time to visit Los Cabos?
The best months are from December to April, for perfect weather and whale spotting. May-June is lower season with great prices and August-September can bring storms.
2. Are all beaches in Cabo safe for swimming?
No. Some beaches have strong currents — always check local flags or lifeguard advice. For smooth and safe swimming, check out Medano Beach, Chileno Beach or Palmilla Beach
3. Do I need to speak Spanish?
There is plenty of English spoken, at least in the tourist area, but a couple of phrases — “gracias,” “buenos días,” etc. — here and there make all the difference to people who appreciate your trying.
4. Is Los Cabos expensive?
Compared to other Mexican destinations, Cabo can be pricier — but you can balance luxury resorts with local eateries and public beaches to stay on budget.
5. How do I get around?
Taxis and services like Uber are a simple work around. To explore beyond Cabo, rent a car or take guided tours.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Every time I think of Los Cabos, I picture that shimmering line where desert meets ocean — wild, beautiful, untamed. It’s a destination that keeps calling you back, not just for the beaches, but for how it makes you feel: free, alive, and a little more in love with the world.
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