10 Free Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas (2025)
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Looking for free things to do in Cabo?
Trying to save money on your trip makes perfect sense, because Cabo is expensive. Here, you can drop thousands of dollars on luxury resorts and pay top dollar for fine dining and activities like sailing cruises, ATV rides, and other private tours tailored to your taste and interest.
Visiting Cabo on a budget takes an effort, but it’s not impossible. If you stay in budget hotels, eat in local taquerias, and take advantage of free outdoor activities, you can cut down your travel cost and enjoy more authentic flair.
Budget travel takes planning and effort, and I hope this article and my blog can help you with that, as I cover many aspects of traveling to Cabo and Baja California.
I’ve been to Cabo many times, so you are in good hands. While in many cases the city caters to tourists with deeper pockets, you can still enjoy some fun activities that don’t require you to spend any money. In this article, I will spill the beans on some of the best free things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Free things to do in Cabo San Lucas: overview
1. Hike Mt. Solmar
Mt. Solmar is a desert hill behind the Cabo Arch that offers incredible panoramic views of the area.
While this hike used to be a hidden gem, the secret is out, and now dozens of people come here every morning to enjoy the views and get some exercise.
🇲🇽Read: Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
The trail leading to the top of Mt. Solar is located on private property and is possible only with the guide, the local man Enrique, who organizes hiking outings at 8 a.m. every day. There’s also a dog shelter on the property, and Enrique usually takes a couple of dogs on a hike, which makes it a lot of fun.
Once you get to the overlook, you will see both sides of Cabo, the Sea of Cortez, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fun experience and you can check out updates from the recent hikes on the designated Facebook page.
One thing to know is that this hike has exploded in popularity in recent years, as the word got out, but if you are traveling to Cabo during the low season, which is from June through early November, you might enjoy a less crowded trail.
Also, Enrique does a stellar job at guiding dozens of people every day, and while the hike is free, you should leave a small tip for Enrique as a courtesy.
2. Enjoy a picnic at the beach
Pack delicious food, drinks, and a beach blanket, and head to a quiet stretch of sand to soak up the sun.
Some of the best beaches for picnicking in Cabo are Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), Santa Maria Beach, and Chileno Beach because they have soft golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of food vendors if you want to get a bottle of water or a quick snack.
If you want to head to a more remote area, remember that many beaches in Cabo are not swimmable due to powerful waves, and rip currents that can quickly carry you into the open water.
Always research first, if you want to swim in a specific location, and stay out if you don’t see anybody else in the water.
🚩You can also ask a lifeguard on duty, if there’s one, and check if there’s a red flag, which indicates dangerous conditions for swimming.
3. Explore the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk
If you visit Cabo on a Thursday evening between November and June, don’t miss the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk, a recurring event that takes place in San Jose del Cabo, a cultural capital of Los Cabos.
This free cultural event takes place in San Jose del Cabo, home to many art galleries that house art works by Mexican and international artists from all over the world.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of this popular district and listening to live music and absorbing the atmosphere of the place is a truly unique experience, and you can do all of without spending a single dime.
Exploring the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is a fantastic way to experience the local art scene and soak in the lively atmosphere of the town.
4. Watch the colorful Baja sunset
There’s no better way to end the day in Cabo than by watching the sky light up in bright colors.
ome of the best spots for sunset viewing include Divorce Beach, Pedregal Beach, and Sunset Point at the Cabo Marina, but if you want to go out, you can also enjoy it from several rooftops in Cabo.
Sipping a margarita and watching the sky transform into a breathtaking canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun dips below the horizon is a special experience you can enjoy only in a handful of places.
🌅 And the best part: Watching the sunset in Cabo doesn’t cost a thing.
5. Visit the Estuary in San Jose del Cabo
If you are a nature lover, jump in a car, and head to the Estuary in San Jose del Cabo, a peaceful wildlife sanctuary that’shome to hundreds of bird species, including herons, egrets, and pelicans.
Many of these birds are easier to spot before or during the sunrise and early morning hours as well as later in the evening when the heat is not as strong.
To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, bring your camera or binoculars to see the beauty of this hidden gem and enjoy a stroll along the trails around it.
6. Snorkel at Santa Maria Beach
Playa Santa Maria is set along a tranquil bay along the tourist corridor that connects Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo.
It’s one of the most spectacular beaches in Cabo San Lucas sheltered from the waves by the small bay that boasts golden sand and stunning turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Santa Maria Beach doesn’t get too crowded. It’s home to Montage Hotel Los Cabos and has plenty of parking where you can leave your car for a few hours. It’s a great alternative to snorkeling tours in Cabo that require you to pay and tip your tour guides, just don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear 🤿 when you go to the beach.
✅ Check my packing list for Cabo San Lucas
7. Party on Medano Beach
If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy atmosphere, Medano Beach is the place to be in Cabo. While the bars and restaurants along the shore can be pricey, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the vibrant beach scene.
Join the lively crowds, listen to music 🎶 and dance 💃🏽 on the beach to soak up the festive atmosphere. You can also bring your drinks and snacks to enjoy the party without breaking the bank.
8. Go surfing (if you are an experienced surfer)
Cabo is known for its excellent surf spots, and if you’re an experienced surfer, you can hit the waves for free.
Beaches like Costa Azul, Playa Acapulquito, and Playa Cerritos near Todos Santos (great for newbie surfers) have excellent conditions for riding waves, particularly from June through August, when the swells are at their best.
⚠️ Only attempt surfing on your own if you are experienced and understand how the waves work.
Some Cabo beaches have strong currents and undertows, so always check surf conditions on a specific Cabo beach before getting in the water.
If you aren’t confident in your surfing skills, book a surfing class with a local pro 🏄🏽♂️ While it won’t be free, you will be safe and more likely to have a good experience.
9. Hike Cerro de la Z
For another fun hiking experience, tackle Cerro de la Z, a lesser-known hike with fantastic views of Cabo San Lucas that offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for adventurous travelers. The trail winds through rocky terrain, leading to a vantage point to enjoy the stunning coastal vistas.
As with other hikes near Cabo, wear good hiking shoes and carry at least one water bottle. If possible, don’t hike mid-day when the sun is the strongest to avoid a sunburn. Regardless of the timing of your hike, put on plenty of sunscreen ☀️
The best time to hike in Cabo about one hour before the sunset when it’s not too hot, and you can enjoy the vibrant color palette in the sky.
Arrive to the beginning of the trailhead at least one hour before the sunset so you can pace yourself, and enjoy the hike without rushing. You should bring a camera 📸 so you can capture the gorgeous sunset colors.
10. Visit Los Cabos Humane Society
Helping a local non-profit is one of the best free things to do in Cabo, which can have a big impact on the local community.
It’s also one of the best non-touristy things to do in Cabo San Lucas, as most Cabo visitors spend their money on resorts, dining, and tours, like sailing ⛵️ whale watching 🐋 and swimming with whale sharks 🦈 which Cabo is known for.
If you are an animal lover, you can spend some time at the Los Cabos Humane Society, the non-profit organization that provides shelter and care for stray and abandoned animals in the area. Here, you can volunteer, interact with the animals or make a donation to support their operation.
Whether you want to walk dogs, play with cats, or learn about their rescue efforts, your visit helps support a great cause. A donation is always appreciated, but you are not obligated to leave any money.
Plus, it’s a heartwarming experience that makes this world a little bit better.
Renting a car in Cabo
While all activities on the list are free to enjoy, many are in different parts of Cabo. While you can always take a quick Uber, having a rental car gives you more flexibility to explore the area and plan your trip however you like.
And the best news is that you can rent a car in Cabo 🚗 relatively inexpensively if you do it in advance. The best place to find rental cars in Cabo is DiscoverCars, a platform that has listings from many major car rental companies in Cabo.
Here you can compare prices, read customer reviews and also get a car insurance which is mandatory for all car rentals in Mexico.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR RENTAL CARS IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas
Budget: Mayan Monkey – One of the best cheap hotels in Cabo, Mayan Monkey is all about good vibes and a good ambiance. While it’s technically a hostel, it also has private rooms, a nice pool area, and a shared kitchen where you can cook your meals, so you don’t have to spend tons of money on dining.
Mid-budget: Medano Hotel and Spa – Medano is a popular hotel in the heart of Cabo San Lucas close to many bars and restaurants in town. If you don’t want to spend money on a resort, this is a great option.
Luxury: A Cape Thompson – A Cape Thompson is a classic Cabo resort with top-notch amenities, a beachfront setting, and welcoming staff that will cater to your needs and make you feel at home.
Free things to do in Cabo San Lucas: FAQ’s
What’s the cheapest way to get to Cabo San Lucas?
The cheapest way to get to Cabo San Lucas is by flying. The price of your flight depends on the time of the year, with August and September being the cheapest months to visit the area. If you want to save on airfare to Cabo, buy your tickets at least a few months in advance.
How to get around Cabo?
The best way to get around Cabo is by car rental. Uber is also a good option, but it can quickly add up if you want to explore the area alone and check out local restaurants and less-visited places.
Is Cabo worth visiting?
Yes, Cabo is worth visiting. Famous for its luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor opportunities, Cabo boasts rocky desert terrain and the sun-kissed coastline along the Sea of Cortez. It also boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year and some of the best beaches in Mexico, where you can swim, snorkel and spot incredible marine wildlife.
Free things to do in Cabo San Lucas: final thoughts
Cabo San Lucas offers plenty of amazing activities that don’t require spending a fortune. From hiking scenic trails, relaxing on golden-sand beaches to helping local non-profits and exploring the art scene, there are many ways to enjoy this popular beach town on a budge .
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or an extended stay, don’t forget to take advantage of the budget-friendly experiences highlighted in this article that showcase the stunning desert scenery and vibrant culture of Los Cabos.
