Are you looking for things to do in Cabo San Lucas?
“There are no bad days in Cabo”. The unofficial slogan certainly does ring true for this pulsating city, and you will certainly feel the same after a visit.
Whilst popular as a party destination, there is also an array of beaches surrounding the town and lots of opportunities to experience nature.
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Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
For those who want to venture more off the beaten path, Cabo is a perfect destination as there are many lesser-known gems to discover, as well as the typical hotspots.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about a trip to Cabo!
Why Travel to Cabo San Lucas
From the gorgeous weather to the endless array of nightlife, Cabo has at least something for everyone.
For those who love water sports, you will find almost unlimited options as there are many companies that offer everything from paragliding to deep-sea fishing tours.
Beaches and great weather also await you, with hot temperatures year-round and a mixture of both busy, commercialized beaches and more off the beaten path spots.
See the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas here to get an idea of when the shoulder season is if you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds.
Those who love a good night out will feel right at home here, with plenty of nightlife options that will be covered later in this guide!
Getting to the city is relatively easy, as Cabo is close to the San José del Cabo international airport.
From the airport, you can expect about a half an hour drive or the bus that can take you directly to the city for as little as $4.
There are direct flights from the USA daily, with flights as cheap as £20 leaving from Los Angeles. What more could you want?
Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?
The region of Baja California Sur is a lot safer than most other regions in Mexico, especially those which are frequently covered in the news and give Mexico its bad reputation.
Cabo San Lucas is a pretty safe city, however, there will always be cases of low-key theft and robbery, with those who are out at night drinking or swimming in the sea more likely to experience this than others.
How to avoid these problems?
Drink less or don’t take out anything you don’t mind losing (keep credit cards in your accommodation!) and either go to the beach in pairs!
Or do what I do and bury your belongings in the sand (of course in a bag, and please don’t forget where you buried it…).
Cabo San Lucas Costs and Budget
Cost Breakdown:
🇺🇸 1USD – 🇲🇽 24MXN
My daily budget:
Up to 900MXN per day
Suggested daily budget:
600-900MXN / $25-38US
Is it possible to travel to Cabo San Lucas on a budget? Most certainly, yes! I like to travel smart to keep my costs down.
The table below is a great guide to working out what a trip will cost you here.
On a backpacker’s budget, you should be able to stick to a modest $25. When doing a comparison of Cabo vs Cancun you’ll find Cabo is much better value for money.
You will also need to do factor in the costs of extra activities such as snorkeling, boat trips, or surfing.
Maybe check out some of Cabo’s top-rated hostels as a method for saving extra money during your stay.
Cabo San Lucas – a 3-day Itinerary
Despite Cabo being renowned as a great destination, you can easily pack everything you want to see and do in 3 days if you are time-strapped.
- [1 Day] on the Beach : Use this day to explore some of the more off the beaten path beaches such as Playa Pedregal and incorporate a tour to El Arco.
- [1 Day] visiting Hotspots : Start your day off by hiking to Cerro de la Zeta to experience great views of the region and then heading to the main avenue to try out some local Mexican cuisine.
- [1 Day] experiencing Cabo : Simply put, a day to enjoy Cabo! Head for some snorkeling on Pelican’s rock, then grab drinks at Squid Roe before descending upon the night for some truly unforgettable antics.
Spend more time here if you want to enjoy more off the beaches or head off to nearby Todos Santos if you want to learn to surf and enjoy some of the best waves in the region.
Remember that this is a basic guide. You can modify it depending on your needs and what you want out of a trip to Cabo!
Head over to my guide on Baja California Sur to learn more of the off the beaten path experiences in and around the Baja California Sur area, if that’s what you’re into!
Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Here you will learn about the destinations and events that you can see and experience within Cabo San Lucas.
Are you planning on spending more time traveling around the region?
The Arch
The main attraction to see in this town is the Arch “El Arco”, which forms a bridge between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
Whilst you can easily book through your hostel and/or online, you can also head to Medano beach, where many organized tour groups and fishermen will be waiting for you.
The price for a tour will cost you anywhere from $20 – $35, and I recommend using Baja’s Water sports, where you can see through a glass-bottom boat.
Also depending on who takes you, you may be able to make a stop at Playa de los Amantes which is a beach that hides behind the arch.
Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Medano is great but heads a bit further and you will be rewarded. Playa de la Raza and Playa del Divorcio can be accessed via boat or a long walk around the cove.
Further west from these and you will find the hotel zone with a long stretch of beaches (you can sneak in relatively easily), and then even further are Playa Pedregal and Playa el Faro.
Please note that all the beaches (apart from Medano and La Raza) are not suitable for swimming, as there are strong rip currents underneath!
Pelican Rock
This is the best area to snorkel, and the rock itself is frequented by seals.
It is located close to the Arch, and again tour companies that offer services to the area can be found on Medano beach and around the town.
You can swim from La Raza but be careful as the waves get strong here so please wear a life vest.
Cerro de la Zeta
A great observation point of the town and sea. The hike to the top can take between 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your fitness level.
For me, this is the best area to watch the sunsets, and for those who can’t be bothered to walk can always take the free shuttle down (or up).
Events and Festivals in Cabo
As one of the party hubs of Mexico, it is only natural that festivals are drawn to the region like a moth to a flame.
Whilst there are many that glitter the city, below I have selected two festivals that are great to come and see!
Even if you are not all keen on participating (just sitting back and watching with a beer or bottle of tequila will suffice).
For more you can see a full schedule here.
- Los Cabos Surf Festival: (Cabo San Lucas – June) Come to see surfers from all over the world battle it out, with some of the best surfing spots in the world located in this area of the Baja Californian peninsula.
There will be opportunities to practice as well, and you can travel to Todos Santos to get yourself booked into a surf camp!
- Los Cabo’s International Film Festival: (Cabo San Lucas- November) Thousands come here annually to see upcoming directors who aspire to make this festival big on the international stage).
Find an interesting mix of films here, ranging from old-school comedy to current happenings on our planet. Some shown publicly on screens outside. For the full festival experience, you’ll need to buy tickets.
Both are fantastic festivals in Cabo that are worth attending. Will they align with your travel plans?
Travel Tips for Cabo San Lucas
You’ll find there are factors to consider that arise only once you’ve arrived.
Now you’ve begun the trip planning process it makes sense to check things like the weather and decide what you’re going to carry.
Let’s see some useful things to know before traveling to Cabo San Lucas.
Best Time to go to Cabo San Lucas
The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is between the months of November and June.
Temperatures are still hot (around 23°C on average) whilst rain is at its lowest compared to the rest of the year.
Between June and September, there is an increased risk of hurricane weather and higher levels of precipitation.
If you don’t mind these storms coming and going, then you will be rewarded with even hotter temperatures as well.
Visit in October and March to spot Whale Sharks.
From April to December for a chance to see Humpback whales, Orcas, and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins.
Vaccinations
Ensure you’re updated with the recommended jabs before you set off.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor am I certified to give medical information in any way.
Here is a recommended list for the area, and as stated by the disclaimer be sure to seek advice from your doctor before heading out!
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are all necessary, whilst a Rabies or Meningitis vaccine may be required for those who are working in environments where there is a higher risk to exposure.
Got Travel Insurance for Cabo San Lucas?
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Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips
A trip here must include a hike up to Cerro de la Zeta, and some time on some of the more chill beaches like Playa Pedregal and Playa el Faro.
If you have more time, then consider visiting other areas in the region such as La Paz and Todos Santos.
For accommodation, there are many hostels around Cabo and are all good value for money.
A place I suggest for backpackers is the Cabo Inn, which has cheap beds, a terrace as well as delicious breakfast included. There is also a security guard on the door at night.
And for those who are interested in what the nightlife in Cabo San Lucas has to offer, head to Cabo Wabo and El Squid Roe.
Drinks are cheap, and the hours go on well into the morning.
Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
In this article, we have covered the Mexican hotspot of Cabo San Lucas and delved into what makes this city such a great spot for backpackers and vacationers alike.
As well as what to do, you will now have more insight regarding activities, festivals, nightlife, safety and the best time to visit this great city!
This guide is more focused on a short break to the city, however, if you have more time then I 100% recommend combining this with a trip around the region.
There’s so much to see in this part of Mexico!
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