10 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas with Family

Santa Maria Beach is a stunning stretch of sand in the Tourist Corridor, approximately 15 minutes from Cabo, but it’s one of the quieter beaches and ideal for families. You’ll find lifeguards on duty, so it’s safe for kids to splash and swim in the crystal-clear water, and the waves are gentle in this protected cove.

Snorkeling is popular too, and you’ll delight in seeing plenty of fish, eels, and manta rays moving around beside you. Fetch a cooler and a picnic, and relax whilst watching the yachts sail by, and perhaps spot a whale or 2 out in the water. It’s a beautiful beach, but with tiny pebbles, so remember to bring beach sandals for the kids.

El Arco is a spectacular rock formation at the tip of the Baja California Sur Peninsula. Take a boat tour from the marina at Cabo and snap amazing photos of the rocks and the legendary arch up close. You’ll weave around El Arco and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see colonies of sea lions basking in the sun.

A dinner cruise around El Arco is a lovely choice if you have older kids. Enjoy delicious local cuisine and fantastic scenery from the boat. As the sun sets, take stunning pictures of the yellow-orange glow and dazzling water peeping through the arch. Be sure to wear warmer clothes for an evening tour as it can get breezy on the water.

A pirate boat tour is a fun and exciting way for all the family to enjoy a unique ride on a galleon-inspired, wooden ship. Kids will love eating freshly prepared pancakes on the seasonal whale-watching tour, whilst trying to spot the different species. You’ll love the snorkeling cruise too, and children get to “walk the plank” when disembarking the boat in the pretty coves.

The sunset pirate show is an excellent cruise with lots of games and prizes, and it’s thrilling for kids of all ages. Gasp at the mock swordfights and acrobatics, whilst enjoying beautiful scenery on the water and tasty food. Don’t forget to bring towels with you, especially for the snorkeling cruise.

A glass-bottom boat ride will give you stunning views across the Sea of Cortez and its crystal-clear water. Head out in a comfortable boat and relax under a canopy whilst watching the schools of fish glide by beneath you. It’s a great way to swim with underwater creatures without getting wet.

Tour the bay and snap Instagrammable photos of the famous arch, sea lion colonies, and the beautiful Los Cabos coastline. You can combine a tour with a snorkeling session or time on the beach if kids want to play in the water or get closer to nature. Children under 4 years old ride for free on many of these tours, so be sure to check when booking.

Electric biking is one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas with family, and you’ll discover a wide range of tours to choose from. Take a gentle ride along sandy trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the cool ocean breeze, letting the bike do most of the work.

Older kids will adore the desert wilderness tours on the outskirts of the city. Speed along rugged trails on AWD bikes with 2 motors and enjoy exhilarating dune climbs. Your guide will fill you in on the local wildlife and you’ll be in awe of the huge cacti. Make sure you wear strong sun protection and check age restrictions too, as some tours aren’t suitable for very young children.

Medano Beach banana boat ride is an unforgettable moment of family fun on the water. Kids will love climbing on top of a huge, yellow banana and being pulled along at high speed behind a motorboat. Their shrieks of laughter will fill the air as you hold on to avoid falling into the warm, clear water on this exciting excursion.

Locals love to ride on the double banana boats for a slower cruise around the bay, to cool off with an ocean breeze on hot days. It’s an excellent choice for younger kids who love splashing in the water too. Medano Beach gets busy on weekends, so plan on visiting on a weekday to avoid the queues for these rides.

A Cabo ATV tour is a fantastic way for little adventure seekers to explore the area in an off-road vehicle. You’ll thunder along sandy trails and tear across rugged terrain, enjoying adrenaline-pumping speeds and driving. But it’s not all about the speed. Enjoy enchanting landscapes as you take in magnificent views of canyons and mountain peaks, as well as panoramic vistas from the tops of hills and dunes.

The late afternoon departures are very popular. You’ll get to round off your excursion with a glorious sunset, sitting around a campfire, which children will love. Bring wipes and towels with you for the kids as the trails can be very dusty.

Maro’s Shrimp House lies on the edge of downtown, close to the marina. You’ll love the bright yellow decor and the friendly welcome in this popular eatery. If you’re a family of sports fans and seafood lovers, this is a wonderful place to spend an evening. Admire the colorful college flags and sports banners hanging from the ceiling whilst feasting on copious plates of lobster and shrimp.

The local bands playing traditional Mexican music will have the whole family tapping their toes and you’ll delight in the casual, fun atmosphere as the owner takes the time to chat with every guest. Phone or email to reserve well in advance as Maro’s is incredibly popular, with limited seating.

Hacienda Cocina y Cantina is a chic restaurant in the Hacienda Beach Club & Residences. It’s known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, featuring regional dishes prepared with local ingredients, and foodie families will be enthralled by the menu choices. With older kids, dinner on the outdoor patio, surrounded by twinkling lights, a fire pit, and colorful decor, is a lovely option. They’ll love taking selfies with a backdrop of bright blue water and a golden beach as the sun sets.

With younger children, breakfast is a good choice. Sit at the beachfront tables and start the day with pancakes, brioche, or breakfast burritos as you soak up the view and maybe even spot a whale or 2 in the distance.

Todos Santos is a vibrant town an hour from Cabo. You can easily spend a morning visiting the shops and art galleries, buying souvenirs, and stopping off for refreshing gelato on a hot day. The beaches along this coast are popular with surfers. Head to San Pedrito Beach, south of the town, if you’re looking to ride waves.

Tortugueros Las Playitas is popular with animal lovers. It’s an environmental conservation charity focusing mainly on sea turtles. If you’re visiting between December and March, you can help release hatched sea turtles at the beach. It’s a rewarding experience for both kids and adults alike, and it’s free of charge to participate. Check the website for daily updates to the schedule.