The Ultimate Cabo San Lucas Summer Guide

It’s time for the summer vacation of a lifetime, and the destination is Los Cabos! Consisting of the cities of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor between them, this gorgeous area leaves nothing to be desired, and promises a vacation full of beachy adventures and supreme relaxation. Spend your mornings swimming in your oceanside infinity pool, afternoons sipping on margaritas with your feet in the sand, and evenings dining out at ritzy local restaurants. Turn the thrill factor up and go on daring excursions like diving with sharks or pamper yourself with the best in spa treatments. The world is your oyster when you come to spend a summer vacation in Los Cabos, and you’ll find the opportunities for leisure and entertainment are limitless.

At times it can feel like there’s so much it can be difficult to decide where to start, which is why we’ve crafted this handy local guide for your Los Cabos summer vacation. Whether you’re a first-timer needing a general overview of activities, or a routine visitor looking for fresh ideas, this ultimate Cabo San Lucas summer guide is for you!

Summer Cabo Water Activities

Cabo and the surrounding area boast a unique location right at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the shimmering blue-green water of the Sea of Cortez meets the boundless waves of the mighty Pacific. Naturally this marine playground lends itself to a host of aquatic adventures, including everything from leisurely dinner cruises to wildlife excursions. Below are some of the most popular and the must-do Cabo water activities!

Sea Kayaking

Imagine gliding past El Arco, the iconic rocky arch of Cabo, getting the ultimate view from right on the water, spying tropical fish and stingrays darting beneath you. Sea kayaking can be a challenging but unforgettable experience, and many tour companies offer highly experienced guides that are familiar with taking beginners out on the water. Local companies include Cabo Expeditions, and you can find a wide selection of tours on Viator. In San José, you can book a kayaking excursion with Cabo Outfitters, who offer a stunning journey through the San José Estuary, where you can spot exotic birds and explore freshwater wetlands just off the coast. Whichever kayaking experience you choose, you’re bound to have an amazing time!

Snorkeling

The gorgeous waters offshore are teeming with life beneath the surface, and when you go snorkeling you can get up close and personal with tropical fish, stingrays, and sometimes, even sharks! For some low-key snorkeling that you can do all on your own, rent or purchase your own gear and head to popular spots like Playa Santa Maria in the Tourist Corridor. For those staying in San José, East Cape Explorers offer an excursion to “Zacatitos,” where reefs offer a chance to see not only tropical fish, but other marine life like sting rays and sea turtles. Several snorkeling tours can be booked in Cabo, but for a one-of-a-kind heart-racing adventure go on a tour with Cabo Shark Dive, an eco-tour company featured on Shark Week. You snorkel with sharks under the careful watch of experienced shark-diving guides, and your excursion also includes professional photographs!

Boat Tours

A classic way to get out onto the water, you can never go wrong with a tried-and-true boat tour, and in Los Cabos you’ll have plenty to choose from! Go on a glass-bottomed boat ride, where you can see through to the ocean beneath you and spy the occasional wildlife, or take the water taxi out to Lover’s Beach, which is only accessible by boat. If you’re staying in San José, sign up for a sunset tour with Salty Cabo, which includes some happy hour cocktails, and if you’re closer to Cabo you could do a dinner cruise with Caborey or Wild Cabo Tours. However you get out onto the water, you’re certain to have a blast!

Summer Land Recreation

Los Cabos offers much to do in the way of land recreation as well, considering our climate is a tropical desert and includes a rugged, sunbaked region. Take a coastal horseback riding tour or go zip-lining over desert canyons. There are many ways to explore the enchanting landscape of Los Cabos!

Desert Hiking

Local hiking trails like Cerro de Las Chivas in San José afford spectacular views of the city, while the Mt. Solmar hike in Cabo offers a unique experience. The entrance is located on the private property of a local dog trainer, who offers tours for tips, accompanied by a pack of friendly pups! The summit includes unbeatable views of Land’s End, and a fantastic photo opportunity.

ATV Excursions

What better way to explore the Baja desert region than by ATV? Zip through rocky landscapes rust-colored sand, taking in the mountain views and majestic saguaros. Cabo Adventures offers a tour out to their Eco Ranch, which includes a meal and mezcal tasting after your adventure. If you’re looking for more of a coastal experience, local companies like G-Force Adventures offers a beach ATV tour as well!

World-Class Golfing

Los Cabos has long been a bucket-list destination for golfers, with countless world-class seaside courses boasting intricately designed greens and ocean views. The Quivira Golf Club in Cabo features a course designed by the iconic Jack Nicklaus and has landed on Golf Digest’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses. In San José, the nearby Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club is a popular option, offering a composite course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Up and down the Corridor you’ll find numerous options, such as the Palmilla Golf Club, offering scenic views and three 9-hole courses.

Los Cabos Summer Shopping

What’s a vacation without a bit of retail therapy? If you love shopping, or even just want to find a unique piece of furniture or art to take home, you’ll find you have several options in Los Cabos and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in search of high-end luxury retail or handmade local goods, here’s a few spots to get in a bit of summer shopping in Los Cabos!

Plaza Puerto Paraiso

This giant shopping mall is located right on the Cabo Marina, and offers visitors a wealth of shopping and entertainment, including a casino and 10-screen movie theater. With both an expansive, multi-level indoor area and an outdoor area, you can spend hours browsing shops that include everything from world-famous luxury brands to local storefronts with handmade goods from paintings to furniture, as well as beach boutiques featuring the latest swimwear and resort fashion. Also offering a collection of restaurants that face the marina, you could easily spend all day here!

Marina Mercado

Across the marina in Cabo you’ll find another retail area, which is more of a bazaar featuring goods from local artisans, including the classic colorful Mexican ceramics that you may have seen before. You can pick up everything from yard décor to beachwear, and stalls sell jewelry, ironwood carvings, bags, and traditionally kitschy tourist souvenirs. You can walk the waterside path around the marina to find dining and additional shops!

Koral Center

This shopping mall will be a popular choice for those staying in the Corridor or San José, as it’s located at the northeast end of the Corridor. Offering visitors and array of restaurants and shops in a trendy, industrial setting. At the El Merkado section you can order from an array of restaurants serving everything from Mexican to sushi, and they’ll deliver to your table—occasionally there might be live music playing!

The Shoppes at Palmilla

Another great option for those vacationing in the Corridor, this upscale shopping center features some of the best shopping in Los Cabos, from fine jewelry to stylish art galleries. There’s even organic grocery, and an assortment of delicious restaurants including Chin’s Cabo, offering Chinese cuisine, and Blue Fish, serving up fresh seafood. You’ll also come across a number of luxury boutiques, such as Lago and Sax, each selling an array of resort wear and exclusive goods.

Best Places to Eat in Cabo San Lucas

Of course, dining is a key feature of any vacation, and when it comes to the restaurants in Los Cabos, you won’t be disappointed. As we mentioned already, there’s quite a few noteworthy dining establishments attached to local shopping centers, but beyond those spots you’ll find even more culinary delights await. Here are some of the best places to eat in Cabo San Lucas broken down by area that have been popular among travelers and locals alike.

Cabo San Lucas Dining

In Cabo you’ll find a myriad of restaurants, from beachside cantinas to elegant steakhouses. Stop by The Office on Playa El Médano for in-the-sand-dining or stop by Mango Deck for lively dining with ocean views. If you’re looking for some authentic and inexpensive street food stop by Tacos Guss, and it’s never a bad idea to book a local food tour to sample some authentic Mexican flavors. Popular fine-dining options include El Peregrino and Hacienda Cocina y Cantina, while Captain Tony’s offers affordable eats in a marina-side setting. This list is just a taste, as you’ll find countless more eateries in town!

Tourist Corridor Dining

The Corridor offers much in the way of dining, from the restaurants at The Shoppes at Palmilla to posh eateries at Corridor resorts. Las Marias is near the beginning of the Corridor, and offers gourmet Mexican cuisine, with an impressive wine collection and seaside views. Villa Serena is a bit off the beaten path and considered a secret gem by many, with elevated patios covered by palapas that look out over an expanse of treetops out to the Sea of Cortez. Other popular options for seafood include Seared at the One & Only Palmilla, and Auga, located at the same resort and situated right near the water. Seaside dining is perfect for an ocean breeze in the summertime, and the Corridor offers plenty.

San José del Cabo Dining

In San José del Cabo, the wonderful dining options don’t stop, and you can find everything from restaurants with romantic courtyards downtown to those right on the beach. Stop by Baja Brewing Company for a locally made cold brew, and order a round of tried-and-true appetizers like chicken wings and guacamole—and if you’re staying in Cabo, you don’t have to miss out as they have a second location. Jazmin’s Restaurant is in the charming gallery district of San José and offers a menu with traditional Mexican fare and live dancing performances. If you’re looking for some of the best tacos in town, be sure to stop by La Lupita Taco & Mezcal, which also offers a second location in Cabo. These are just a few of the many choices you’ll have for summer dining!

Relax with Summer Spa Services

There are several high-end spas in Los Cabos that are perfect for a little summer rest and relaxation, whether it’s getting a fun pedicure for the beach or pampering yourself with a luxurious facial. The Spa Montage Los Cabos offers an extensive wellness menu of treatments, and has a state-of-the-art seaside facility, while nearby resorts are home to their own signature spas, such as Esperanza, and SE Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos.

Rent a Private Yacht

If you want to embark on the ultimate luxury experience, consider renting a private yacht charter. You can book either half or full day excursions, which include a welcome glass of champagne and options for purchasing additional bottles. You can book a sunset cruise, or a charter that offers lunch, giving you the afternoon to snack and snorkel. You can view the yachts ahead of time on our website, and once you have selected your favorite, we can handle booking it for you! Take a look at our yacht rentals and see for yourself!

Book Your Cabo San Lucas Summer Vacation Today!

We offer the ultimate Los Cabos luxury vacation experience, from our renowned properties to our concierge services. We’re an accredited travel agency and a trusted name in the business, and when you book your summer vacation with us you can trust that it will be the vacation of a lifetime. Give us a call today, and one of our friendly reservation specialists will help you start planning your Cabo San Lucas summer vacation today!