Five must-see spots in Los Cabos (and how to get to each one)
The arch, the lovers’ beach, a living reef and more: the five stops every first-timer should plan around.
Los Cabos packs a lot into a small area: desert hills, deep blue water and a dozen beaches within a short drive of each other. If it is your first visit, these five stops give you the best of the region without losing a day to traffic.
Land’s End is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and the rock arch is the best place to see it.
The 5 at a glance
- The Arch (El Arco): the postcard shot at Land’s End
- Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor): a quiet crescent you can only reach by water
- Cabo Pulmo: a living reef with sea turtles
- Medano Beach and the marina: the energy of Cabo
- San José del Cabo Art Walk: galleries and music on Thursday nights
1. The Arch (El Arco)
Waves have carved a natural arch out of the cliffs at the southern tip of the peninsula. The best views are from the water, so book a boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Go in the morning, when the sea is calmest and the light is softest for photos.
2. Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor)
Just past the arch, this quiet crescent of sand can only be reached by water. Take a water taxi or a tour boat, bring water and shade, and plan on about an hour. Ask the captain about conditions before you swim.
3. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the few living reefs in the Gulf of California. Snorkel among tropical fish and, with luck, sea turtles. It is about two hours from the corridor, so leave early and let your driver handle the road.
4. Medano Beach and the marina
Cabo’s main beach strip has the energy of the town: beach clubs, water sports, live music and fishing boats coming in at the end of the day. Stay for sunset, then walk the marina for dinner with a view.
5. The San José del Cabo Art Walk
The historic center of San José comes alive on Thursday evenings, when galleries open their doors, artists are on hand and the plaza fills with music. Schedules change, so check ahead, then combine the walk with dinner on the square.
Want to see all five? Most visitors do two stops a day. Tell us your favorites when you book and we will time pickups around the boat tours, the drive to Cabo Pulmo and the sunset you do not want to miss.
