By Beth Whitman, on December 22, 2015

The best things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas has more sides to it than a diamond has facets. As a matter of fact, this little gem, located at the tip of the Baja peninsula in Mexico, has such a vast array of things to do that hanging out in your hotel room should be banned. From whale watching to dining right on the beach (complete with candles or even a fire pit nearby), Cabo is out to make your vacation one you’ll always remember.

Here are some of my favorite options that include a little bit of romance and a little bit of fun. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for a long weekend or are planning an extended stay. If you don’t squeeze it all in, you can always return!

Romance

Many first-timers go to Cabo for a special occasion: a honeymoon, anniversary, or perhaps a first getaway together. Whatever the reason, couples are catered to in some spectacular ways. Beautiful beaches, sunshine, and warm ocean water are everyday occurrences. But for something special, it just takes a bit of planning.

Beth and Jon whale watching in Cabo

 

Expedia Viewfinders love Mexico. Like my colleague, Kara, you might choose to surprise your significant other with a trip to Cabo. What could be more romantic than to be whisked away (or to whisk someone away) to this tropical locale?

If you’ve already made Cabo your go-to destination as a couple, plan a return trip to rekindle your romance. That’s just what Anne did with her husband. (Psst—she’s got some great tips for making the most of that romantic getaway.)

One of the most romantic dinners I’ve ever experienced was on the beach at 12 Tribes Restaurant at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa. No other dinner experience has ever compared to having a waiter cater to Jon and me, oceanside, at our own private table on the beach that included lamp lighting and a fire pit while we kicked back in comfortable chairs and sipped champagne.

While the area can definitely play host to some wild behavior, it’s not difficult to find the quiet side of Cabo and enjoy it with your loved one. Drive just outside the downtown marina area and you’ll find a number of activities and beaches that are only lightly visited by tourists.

Palm trees near the marina

 

Wild and adventurous

If your inner wild child is looking to break free, don’t let all this talk of romance make you think twice about a trip to Cabo. It’s easy to spend your nights merrymaking and your days adventuring. 

For an outdoor adventure, head east of Cabo to find a desert that’s perfect for off-roading on an ATV. These excursions are easy to book on Expedia, through your hotel concierge, or directly with the ATV company.

Perhaps not as adventurous but definitely wild (at least for me as my heart pumped with excitement throughout the trip) is whale watching. Heading out to the open waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, you’re almost guaranteed to see your fill of whales during the high season (January to March). I loved my morning on the water. Actually, I enjoyed sharing it so much with my favorite traveling companion that I might also add this to my list of romantic experiences!

Lots of people go to Cabo for a different kind of wild experience—a getaway with friends. This kind of adventure might include never leaving the poolside bar during the day, and not venturing much farther than the hotel’s restaurant for dinner and a hot-tub soak at night. Nothing wrong with any of those scenarios! Anne found herself in Cabo with friends as part of a surprise birthday trip from her husband (again, romantic and wild). She found splitting up during the day and coming together as a group at night made for an excellent getaway.

You’ll need to work off some of that food and drink after visiting the many amazing bars and restaurants in the downtown area. It’s not as difficult as you might think to stay fit while on vacation in Cabo. There are plenty of outdoor activities, yoga classes, and fitness centers to visit. Sure, it’ll take a little discipline, something most people want to leave at home, but if you take care of yourself while you travel, you’ll feel much better when you return home—and much less guilty about polishing off that bowl of chips and guacamole!

Viewfinder Tip: It’s not necessary to rent a car while in Cabo. And by not doing so, you might find that you’re much more relaxed. 

Accommodations

Cabo has a ton of options for accommodations. If you don’t want to make a lot of decisions during your vacation, consider an all-inclusive resort. In addition to being more or less catered to during your stay, the beauty of staying at an all-inclusive hotel is that you’ve paid for everything up front so you know your expenses ahead of time. This might be a great option for families and for those really wanting to just relax and enjoy the vibe of a resort property.

If you’re looking for a hotel, there’s a wide range to choose from, but start with these top properties.

What style of travel do you prefer: romantic or adventurous?