Unique Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas (that most tourists miss)

Cabo San Lucas is one of the most visited locations in Mexico, but did you know there are so many things to do here beyond beaches, snorkeling & lounging poolside with a margarita?

While those are great activities in themselves, in this post, I’m sharing some of the most unique things to do in Cabo San Lucas (and the Los Cabos region), hidden gems, and where to go off the beaten path.

I’ll also share some of the main attractions, because they’re popular for a reason!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Unique Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Sandboarding

This desert sport is basically like snowboarding but on sand. We booked a sandboard tour through Airbnb Experiences and had an amazing time getting off the beaten path in Cabo.

Our guide took us to a secluded sand dune area, where it was quiet, peaceful and had incredible views of the surrounding beaches.

After a quick lesson and starting on some smaller hills, we graduated to some steeper dunes and glided into the sunset.

The best part is when you fall, it doesn’t hurt!

This is definitely an active experience, but your guide will tailor it to all skill levels.

Plus, we saw whales and manta rays jumping in the distance and overall it was a great way to spend a few hours in the late afternoon and get away from the city and the crowds and enjoy some time in the beautiful Baja desert.

Mt. Solmar Hike

When you look towards Land’s End in Cabo, the last big hill before the craggy rocks is Mt. Solmar.

With a local guide, you can hike up and be rewarded with the most amazing views of Cabo.

A local dog trainer leads a hike 6 days a week starting at 8am. You can only access the hike with him, as there is a locked gate.

Open Google Maps and search ‘The Hike’ and you’ll find the meeting point, which is adjacent to a dog training facility.

The hike is challenging and steep, with some scrambling sections.

It’s manageable if you’re in good physical condition, but if you have any limited mobility it might be best to sit this one out.

You’ll share the hike with several dogs and other visitors, so the pace is slow but manageable.

Overall this hike in Cabo will take about 2.5 hours (one hour up, some time at the top to admire the views and 1 hour down).

Acre Resort Dog Rescue & Animal Sanctuary

At Acre Resort, just outside of San Jose del Cabo, you’ll find a wonderful sanctuary right on the premises dedicated to housing and finding homes for stray dogs and their litters.

Visitors have the opportunity to actively contribute to the rehabilitation and socialization of these animals by lending a helping hand at the sanctuary. You can even adopt a furry companion to take home with you!

Alongside the dog rescue, an enchanting animal sanctuary is also available for guests to visit, where lovable donkeys, mischievous miniature Pygmy goats, and free-roaming peacocks find their home.

If you’re visiting Acre Resort for a meal or drinks, definitely go early to cuddle and interact with the animals.

Swim With Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters), and actually not sharks at all.

They’re gentle giants that you can swim with!

November to April is whale shark season, but you’ll have to head up to La Paz to experience this, about 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas.

For this awe-inspiring experience, you’ll have to take a tour.

You’ll get to swim alongside these massive creatures, which can be a bit intimidating at first, but it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

Tip: To ensure a great experience swimming with whale sharks in Los Cabos, it’s important to book a tour with a reputable company that follows responsible whale shark tourism practices.

This includes limiting the number of people in the water at one time, keeping a safe distance from the whale sharks, and not touching or chasing them.

Cabo Adventures is a reputable company and runs one of the best whale shark tours in Cabo.

Todos Santos Day Trip

Take a day trip to Todos Santos. Located about an hour’s drive northwest of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is a charming town known for its art galleries, wineries, historic mission, and beautiful beaches.

It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and relax for a day.

It’s also where you’ll find Hotel California – some say this is the spot that’s referenced in the famous Eagles song…

What I love about this day trip is that it’s not a full day, only about 6 hours (so you’re not completely exhausted by the end of it).

View the Todos Santos tour here.

Balandra Beach

Balandra Beach could possibly be one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in all of Mexico.

So much so that there are limits to how many people per day can visit, to keep it pristine and protected.

You will be shocked by the brilliant cyan-colored water here! The bright turquoise water lies elegantly among the soft white sand and unique rock formations.

Balandra Beach is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown La Paz, which is about 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas.

One of the unique features of Balandra Beach is its rock formations, including the famous mushroom-shaped rock, which is a popular photo spot.

There is also a shallow lagoon in the middle of the beach that is only about waist-deep, making it a great place to swim.

You can get here with your own car, but I recommend a tour, since your guide will coordinate which entry works best for your group.

Because if you don’t get there on time, you risk not being let in.

This tour to Balandra Beach is highly rated, and includes a stop in La Paz to go pearl shopping.

Baja Jeep 4×4 Adventure

If you want to get off the beaten path and explore more of the rugged Baja landscape, a private Jeep 4×4 tour is just for you.

You’ll drive up the coast and pass by orchards and farmlands and visit small colonial towns on your way to Fox Canyon, where you’ll embark on a short hike to a majestic waterfall.

Relax in the serene waters before being whisked away to enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch in a local rural town.

View the tour here.

Book a Fun Photoshoot

Cabo has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in all of Mexico, so why not plan a golden hour photoshoot on the beach or among the colorful flag-lined streets!?

Flytographer is a website that connects travelers with local photographers for fun vacation photo shoots (that last about an hour).

Their handpicked photographers not only take stunning photos, but also share insider tips on things to eat, see, and do while showing travelers unique parts of the city they may not discover otherwise.

You’ll get “wall-worthy” photos, meet a fun local and support a creative field all at the same time!

Some trips deserve more than selfies! Occasions like honeymoons, anniversaries, family holidays, solo adventures and even surprise proposals are perfect moments to capture with a Flytographer shoot — or simply because memories are the best souvenir.
Find a Cabo Flytographer here.

Camel Riding

For another crazy sand experience, did you know you can ride camels on the beach in Cabo?

This is definitely something unique and different compared to other typical Mexico excursions.

This Baja desert tour includes not only camel rides on the beach, but also an eco farm tour, a multi course traditional Mexican lunch and of course, end with a tequila and mezcal tasting.

View the camel tour here.

Flora Farms

Flora Farms is one of the best kept secrets in Cabo. Although frequent visitors, snowbirds and expats know about this place, most first time visitors to Cabo have no idea it exists.

This is a working farm to table experience, where you can dine, shop, take a cooking class, art class, get a farm tour and even enjoy a spa experience. The setting is a like a garden of Eden oasis in the middle of the desert.

Most people come to dine here (brunch or dinner is best), where meals are delicately curated with fresh and local ingredients grown on the land that surrounds your table.

Tip: make a reservation in advance!
Read more about what people are saying about Flora Farms on Tripadvisor.

Sunset Pacific Donkey Hiking Tour

If you’re looking for an authentic non-touristy way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Cabo San Lucas, why not try a hiking tour with a unique companion – a donkey!

Experience a 2-hour Baja California hiking tour with a donkey companion, following the same routes used by people to transport goods long ago.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore little-known mountain trails offering stunning views of seaside cliffs, the Pacific Ocean and desert scenery. Feed and interact with the donkey and learn about local animal and plant life.

The best part? Hotel transportation is included, so you can simply sit back and relax as you’re whisked away to the starting point of the tour.