The ultimate sunny escape from the United States, Cabo is a dreamy beach destination on Mexico’s southwestern coast. Having visited for the first time recently, I had no clue what I was in for and my expectations were wildly exceeded. Cabo can be anything you want it to be. It can be a party destination, suited for those looking for a wild weekend away. It can be a relaxing destination, checking into a five-star hotel, lounging by the pool during the day, and the spa at night. And it can even be the ultimate romantic destination with a loved one. This list will provide you with some of the best things to do in Cabo, whether you’re traveling with girlfriends, a significant other, or even solo!
10 of the Best Things to Do in Cabo
Below you’ll find a list of the top things to do in Cabo. Like I mentioned earlier, this destination is perfect for any type of traveler looking to get away for a quick beach trip. If you do plan to visit Cabo, make sure to check out How to Spend a Weekend in Cabo for the ultimate weekend guide!
1. Splurge On a Nice Hotel
There are loads of incredible, five-star hotels scattered throughout Cabo. And once you get that small taste of luxury, you’ll be itching to return to Cabo before you even leave. When I flew down to Cabo for a quick getaway, I checked into the Nobu Hotel and was beside myself with how incredible the property was, how delicious the food was, and how attentive the staff was.
If you’re looking for more luxury hotel stays, I recommend using Expedia or Booking.com to search.
Read about my stay at the Nobu Hotel here: Staying at the Nobu Hotel in Cabo
2. Rent a Boat
Unfortunately, the ocean water near Cabo is pretty rough, and advised not to swim in due to strong currents. And although you should be cautious when swimming near your hotel, renting a boat will allow you to venture to places where it is safe to get in the water!
If you have the money, I recommend splurging on a private experience with Cabo Sailing. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could look into a boating trip with Cabo Adventures. (Note: I used Cabo Adventures when I visited Cabo, and just thought the experience was mediocre. While it’s affordable, the boats are packed with tourists and it personally wasn’t for me). For more boating options, check out Viator!
3. Rent ATV’s and Explore the Desert
One group experience that I loved was renting an ATV with G-Force Adventures. This activity lasted a good chunk of the afternoon and was a unique way to see a part of Cabo that I didn’t know existed. An area away from the beaches and instead into the desert! By the way – did you know that there was a desert near Cabo?
4. Drink Tequila (All-Inclusive Anyone?)
While in Mexico – drink tequila! Instead of checking into a luxury five-star resort, you could instead check into an all-inclusive resort and take advantage of the endless amounts of tequila (and food) served! By choosing an all-inclusive, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content without worrying about the price tag.
5. Watch the Sunrise
Regardless if you stay out too late partying or drinking too much tequila, I urge you to get up early and watch the sunrise one morning. (Perhaps you stay out all night and stumble home as the sun begins to rise?). Aside from the beauty of the sunrise, you might even have the hotel property to yourself!
6. Watch the Sunset
Cabo has some pretty epic sunsets – painting the sky bright pinks and oranges just before the sun plunges behind the horizon signaling the end of the day. One popular spot to watch the sunset is Sunset Monalisa. You’ll have world-class sunset views while you sip cocktails and eat delicious food. If you want to visit the Sunset Monalisa, make sure to book reservations in advance and definitely make sure to reserve a table outside. Historically, they don’t ask where you want to be seated but if you don’t clarify outside you’ll be indoors and unable to see the sunset.
7. Eat Dinner in Town
It may be tempting to stay on hotel property, especially because there are some pretty great hotels in Cabo, but I urge you to get out and head into town for a tasty Mexican dinner! I dined at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal where the tequila flowed freely and the live music kept me up late into the night! (Pst… in my opinion, it’s one of the best restaurants in Cabo!). If you visit La Lupita, be aware that there are two locations – one in Cabo San Lucas (this is the one you want) and one in San José del Cabo (this is not the one you want).
8. Venture Off Hotel Property
Piggybacking off of my previous point – I urge you to venture off hotel property when you visit Cabo! Aside from renting ATVs, hopping on a boat, or exploring the town, there are so many other things great things to do in Cabo. You can ride camels, go whale watching, eat your heart out on a food tour, or participate in other water activities. I recommend figuring out what you’d like to do and Googling “food tour Cabo” or “whale watching Cabo” to search for the perfect day options off of hotel property.
9. Eat at a Fancy Restaurant
Just like there are fancy hotels in Cabo, there are also fancy restaurants! If you’re visiting for more than one night, perhaps you can go more casual one night and all-out another night. I personally loved the restaurants at the Nobu Hotel Cabo, especially Nobu and Ardea Steakhouse.
10. Visit Cabo with Girlfriends
I think that one of the best things that you can do in Cabo is to visit with girlfriends! It’s such a beautiful and fun place and perfect for a girls’ weekend. With flights to Cabo being affordable, there’s no reason not to venture south of the border and bond with friends in the Mexican sun.
I’m eager to go back to Cabo again and explore more of what this fun beach town has to offer. What are your top things to do in Cabo San Lucas? Anywhere fun you’ve stayed? Let me know in the comments below!
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.
Kylee is a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse passionate about making travel affordable and accessible to nurses. Inspiring nurses to travel both near and far, Kylee began Passports and Preemies in 2017 while volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia as a way to reach nurses and advocate for the prevention of nurse burnout by traveling. Kylee is the original creator of the “8 Day Vacay” – a vacation geared towards nurses who aim to take advantage of the potentially 8 days off between work weeks with no need to use PTO.
