Los Cabos covers the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the coastline between them. You come for desert landscapes, dramatic rock formations, beaches, marine wildlife and warm, dry surroundings for much of the year.
Cabo San Lucas is the livelier centre, with a marina and plenty of visitor activity. San José del Cabo has a quieter historic core with galleries and traditional streets. The distances between places are significant, so where you stay shapes how you experience the region.
How many days: 5
Spend a day around Cabo San Lucas, including a boat trip to the famous rock formations. Allow another for a suitable swimming beach or snorkelling excursion. Set aside time to explore San José del Cabo and its historic centre without rushing.
Use your remaining days for a coastal drive, a desert activity or a marine wildlife excursion when conditions allow. Five days balances sightseeing and relaxation. If you are staying primarily at a resort, you may prefer longer with fewer organised activities.
What to do in Los Cabos
- See El Arco by boat
- Take a boat from Cabo San Lucas towards the distinctive rock arch at Land's End. You will also see rugged cliffs and the meeting area of the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California.
- Explore San José del Cabo
- Walk through the historic centre, visiting its main square, galleries and surrounding streets. It provides a calmer contrast to the marina atmosphere in Cabo San Lucas.
- Visit a swimmable beach
- Choose a beach specifically recognised as suitable for swimming, such as Médano or Chileno when conditions permit. Many attractive stretches of coastline have dangerous currents and shore breaks.
- Go whale watching
- Join a responsible wildlife excursion during the whale migration season. Sightings depend on nature and conditions, so choose an operator that respects viewing distances.
- Snorkel at Santa María Bay
- Explore sheltered coastal waters where rocky habitats attract marine life. Visibility and access depend on sea conditions, so check before entering.
- Walk around Cabo San Lucas marina
- Follow the waterfront to watch fishing boats, excursion vessels and daily harbour activity. It is an easy introduction to the town's busy side.
- Explore the desert landscape
- Take a guided walk or suitable off-road excursion through the peninsula's arid terrain. The contrast between cacti, mountains and blue water is central to the area's character.
- Visit Todos Santos
- Make a day trip to this small Pacific-side town known for its historic streets, galleries and creative atmosphere. Leave time for the surrounding landscape rather than treating it as a quick stop.
- Watch sunset over the Pacific
- Find a safe viewpoint along the western coastline. The open horizon and desert scenery make sunset a simple highlight.
- Try a guided kayaking trip
- Paddle along suitable sections of coast when the water is calm. A guide can help with local conditions, boat traffic and protected marine habitats.
What to eat and drink
- Eat Baja fish tacos
- Try fish in soft tortillas with cabbage, salsa and lime. Both battered and grilled versions are common.
- Order grilled seafood
- Look for locally available fish or prawns cooked simply with citrus and vegetables. Ask what is fresh rather than choosing by familiarity.
- Try seafood ceviche
- Enjoy seafood prepared with citrus, onion and herbs. Choose a reputable kitchen with careful chilled storage.
- Taste chocolate clams
- These large regional clams are associated with Baja California cooking. Try a properly cooked preparation if they are available.
- Explore traditional Mexican breakfasts
- Order chilaquiles, eggs with salsa or breakfast tacos. A substantial morning meal is useful before outdoor excursions.
- Enjoy fresh fruit drinks
- Cool down with citrus, watermelon or other seasonal fruit drinks. Ask about added sugar if you prefer something lighter.
Getting around
Cabo San Lucas marina and the historic centre of San José del Cabo are walkable individually, but the two towns are far apart. The resort corridor is also spread out. Taxis, prearranged transfers and hire cars are common options, while local buses serve parts of the main route.
A hire car is useful for Todos Santos, beaches and independent exploration, although driving after dark on unfamiliar roads is best avoided. Confirm taxi fares before departure and arrange airport transfers in advance if you want a straightforward arrival.
Good to know
- Many beaches are unsafe for swimming because of powerful currents and steep shore breaks.
- The desert sun is strong even when sea breezes make temperatures feel comfortable.
- Tropical storms can affect the region during the warmer, wetter part of the year.
- Whale watching is seasonal and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- Distances between resorts, beaches and towns can be longer than they appear on a map.
- Use reef-conscious behaviour and follow local wildlife guidance during marine excursions.