Los Cabos encompasses two cities at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur. They include the laidback atmosphere of San José del Cabo and the energetic vibes of Cabo San Lucas. They are quite literally as different as night and day with San José del Cabo offering beautiful views of sunrise and Cabo San Lucas providing dramatic views of the sunset. Together, they offer a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Here are our picks for the top 10 things to do in the region.
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El Arco / Lands End
Most people recognize Los Cabos by the rugged rock formation known as El Arco, which translates to The Arch. This is also known as Land’s End because if you draw a line due south on the map, the first continent you will touch is Antarctica.
This distinctive landmark rises from the sea at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez and is a popular tourist spot. Take a water taxi or one of many boat cruises to see The Arch – view it from the water, enjoy the sea lions lazing on the rocks, or stop at Lover’s Beach.
Marina Walk
The Marina area of Cabo is a buzz of activity day and night with a charming and scenic waterfront that offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, and boutiques.
This popular neighborhood is a picture postcard with the mountains as a background. The marina is a great place to shop or take a leisurely stroll past luxurious yachts and fishing boats returning with their catch of the day.
Enjoy a meal with a view or sit back and relax with a cocktail while you take it all in.
Boat Cruises
Numerous tour operators in the region offer a variety of cruises on a variety of boats. There’s everything from catamaran tours to private sailboat charters. Day cruises include trips to Land’s End and Lover’s Beach, snorkeling cruises, and glass bottom boats that offer a chance to view coral reefs and marine life.
In the evenings, excursions range from upscale dinner cruises to party booze cruises. Most popular are the cruises simply to enjoy the stunning sunset.
Old Town
San José del Cabo’s downtown district is known to many as Old Town. To experience culture, architecture, and history dating back to the 1700s, this is the place to see the Colonial, Pre-Hispanic, and modern history of Cabo San Lucas, particularly in the main square known as Plaza Mijares where the mission church and town hall are located.
This district seems frozen in time, from its cobblestone streets to its traditional arts and crafts vendors. With several art galleries and boutiques in the neighborhood, Old Town is also the site of the city’s Art Walk, which is popular among visitors. The culinary scene is just as authentic, with several restaurants serving regional cuisine such as handmade tortillas.
Whale Watching
Whale watching off the shores of Cabo is an extremely popular attraction for tourists. The best time to observe these massive but docile creatures is December through April during their seasonal migration to the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska.
A variety of boats and tours are available for this memorable experience that includes gray and humpback whales, as well as whale sharks.
Tours include knowledgeable guides or marine biologists.
Playa Santa Maria / Snorkelling
Santa Maria Beach lies along the Tourist Corridor in Los Cabos, close to Chileno Beach, and provides visitors with a swimmable beach in a sheltered cove of calm blue water and toffee-colored sand.
This area is considered a protected marine sanctuary, so in addition to being a great place to swim and sunbathe, it’s also a great spot for snorkeling. Morning hours are best for seeing tropical fish including iridescent blue fish and clouds of yellow porkfish. Of course, this is just one area that provides the opportunity to snorkel. There are many, many more throughout the region that are excellent for diving as well. Click here for more information.
Off-Roading
Adventure seekers will love Cabo’s rugged countryside terrain for adrenaline-packed off-roading experiences.
Several tour providers in the region offer guided ATV excursions through the Baja California desert, through sand creeks, on canyon trails, and alongside seaside bluffs. One tour even visits an eco-farm along the way.
Follow along behind an expert guide as you learn about local flora and fauna along the way.
Ziplining and Rapelling
The desert mountains and canyons surrounding Los Cabos make this region perfect for adventure sports, including ziplining and rappelling. Thrill seekers will find several tour operators that offer both experiences, sometimes individually or as a package deal and many include lunch.
Zipline over the greenery of the Baja forest canopy and dusty cactus-studded canyons, or rock climb the Baja mountainside and then rappel your way down again while safely tethered to ropes and carabiners.
Horseback and Camel Rides
A great way to experience the outback is with a guided scenic horseback ride. Animals such as coyotes, roadrunners, and quail can often be seen during the guided ride. Beach rides are also available.
However, if you would prefer to experience the beaches and Baja desert safari style, camel rides are offered by a select group of tour providers. These docile creatures allow for a relaxing and educational experience as riders experience the flora and fauna of the region. Some providers also include Tequila tasting venues along the way.
Deep Sea Fishing
Sport fishing is a world-class pursuit in the deep blue, marine-rich waters around Los Cabos with several prominent tournaments held here annually.
For an unforgettable vacation experience, deep-sea charters are available and provide all the tackle necessary for your trip.
Catch and release excursions help anglers to land trophy fish such as Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, and Billfish. There is also Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo.
Bonus Pick: Golf
If you love golf, you’ll love Los Cabos, which currently boasts a diverse array of 18 golf courses and more in the planning phase. The region provides a stunning mix of landscapes that offer players beautiful mountain views, emerald-green fairways alongside cactus-covered foothills, and refreshing sea breezes from the Pacific or Sea of Cortez.
Golfers can tee up on world-class layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Photo Credits:
All photos via Unsplash and Pixabay
Exceptions: Playa Santa Maria and Old Town via Visit Las Cabos