How to Spend 1 Day in Los Cabos

Tequila-fueled parties meet gorgeous nature in Los Cabos, where you can begin the day with humpback whales and end it on the dance floor. If you have one day in Los Cabos, make the most of your time with a little bit of everything: Peek beneath the waves, explore the taco scene, and kick up your heels in a nightclub. Here’s where to start.

Morning: Undersea Exploring

Since morning often means lighter winds and calmer water, it’s the perfect time to see the world beneath the Sea of Cortez. Options for getting out on the water include snorkeling tours, kayak tours, sailing cruises, and more. Whatever you choose, you’re likely to make a stop near El Arco, the natural rock arch that’s the classic Los Cabos souvenir shot and a great backdrop for selfies. The humpback and gray whales that make Los Cabos their winter home are here between mid-December and mid-April; for the best chance of spotting them, opt for a whale-specific boat tour.  

Afternoon: Shopping and Los Cabos Cuisine

Head back to dry land to sample two more Los Cabos specialties: shopping and food. Explore  crafty souvenir shops, high-end boutiques, and vintage stores on your own, or choose a shopping tour that visits a curated list of shops. If you prefer tacos to textiles, spend the afternoon exploring the local food scene. Visit one of the trendy restaurants serving locavore cuisine, or, if you can’t commit to filling up in one location, join a food tour to nibble your way through the best of the city.

Night: Join the Party

Now that you’ve soaked up the scenery and culture, dive into the salsa-dancing, tequila-drinking, all-night party scene. Many of the main nightclubs and bars line two downtown streets—Lázaro Cárdenas Avenue and Paseo de la Marina—so you can spend the evening strolling from place to place. Nightclub tours and pub crawls are a fun option if you’re looking for a ready-made party crew or just want the perks that some tours offer, such as skip-the-line entry, VIP admission, and free shots.