Beyond the Tourist Traps: 5 Ways to Experience the Real Los Cabos This Year

After talking with travelers, combing through reviews, and researching dozens of tours and local favorites, we at The Cabo Sun have narrowed down the five experiences that visitors crave most in Los Cabos this year.

If you’re tired of the same old clichés—crowded beach clubs, selfie lines at El Arco, and generic souvenir shops—we hear you so is everyone else!

The real magic of Los Cabos and what everyone is after this year goes beyond the typical beach getaway.

Here are the 5 experiences travelers are vying for in 2025:

⛵ Iconic, Yet Personalized Marine Adventures

Picture yourself crammed shoulder-to-shoulder on a 100-passenger sunset cruise—blaring music, jostling for selfie space, and a drink line that never seems to shorten. No thanks! Travelers are looking for something a bit more personalized this year.

Instead of the party barge, travelers are stepping onto a vessel designed for intimacy: book a small-group sunset sail (capped at six to twelve guests) with an open bar and live music, or charter a private yacht for just your crew of friends or family.

Hear it from a traveler:

“This was such an amazing Cabo experience! We went out on the Papillon 12 with Nikki and her crew and it was a great time. The boat is comfortable and the views are stunning. 10/10, if you’re considering, just do it, it’s worth it! (Plus, the food is so so good)”

-Evan g, Tripadvisor

🌮 Authentic Culinary Experiences Beyond the Tourist Strip

Downtown Cabo is fun for a margarita, but true foodies head inland to farm-to-table havens like Flora Farms and Acre.

Dine amid organic gardens, sampling heirloom-vegetable salads and wood-fired pizzas crafted from on-site produce.

On Tripadvisor, one reviewer exclaimed, “I love it! If you are a foodie, it’s a wonderful experience with excellent service in a beautiful setting.” For hands-on fun, join a tamale-making class—or book an artisanal tequila tasting with a regional expert.

Hear it from a traveler:

“We had a great time cooking and chatting during the class. We felt at home and were treated almost like family. The food was easy to prepare and tasted so delicious.”

-Stovam, Tripadvisor

🏜️ Unique “Off-the-Beaten-Path” Adventures

Ditch the crowds for insider adventures. Lace up your boots for a sunrise hike up Mt. Solmar with a local guide and his rescue dogs (adventure tours here) . “The hike was a great workout, the views were incredible, Enrique was a friendly, wise man and of course, the dogs were adorable,” raves one travel blogger, Sally Sees.

Saddle up next for a sunset donkey walk at a nearby sanctuary, then head two hours east to Cabo Pulmo National Park for world-class snorkeling among living reefs and sea turtles.

A few other off path adventures travelers are getting into this year include:

• Desert ATV tours
• Spearfishing excursion with local fishermen
• Mountain biking in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve

🧘‍♀️ Wellness and Relaxation with a Dramatic Backdrop

Los Cabos is fast becoming the ultimate global wellness getaway of 2025, with travelers spending up to $3,000 on spa- and mind-body–focused escapes—and a 91% satisfaction rate to prove it.

Start your day with sunrise yoga and meditation circles on the beach, offered by many resorts at no extra charge. Then indulge in volcanic-stone massages, Ayurvedic rituals, and tropical scrubs at top-rated retreats like Secrets Puerto Los Cabos. Immerse yourself in ancient cacao ceremonies or deep-cleansing temazcal sweat lodges—try the acclaimed ritual at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica.

Nature itself plays therapist here: guided hikes in the Sierra de la Laguna or sound-bath sessions beside crashing waves tap into proven benefits of forest and ocean therapy. With year-round offerings—Global Wellness Day events, full-moon cacao gatherings, and weekly temazcals—you’ll find wellness woven into every corner of Cabo.

🌆 A Clear Choice of Atmosphere: Cabo San Lucas vs. San José del Cabo

Travelers aren’t settling for one vibe—they’re choosing the corner of Los Cabos that fits them best. Instead of just booking a resort without considering which side of Los Cabos you’re on, take a second to consider what vibe you are looking for:

• Cabo San Lucas: For high-energy fun—marina nightlife, beachfront bars, and adrenaline tours, dive into the scene at ME Cabo, known for its pool-party DJs and ocean views.
• San José del Cabo: Seek a slower, culture-rich pace: stroll lantern-lit cobblestone streets, browse contemporary galleries, and savor farm-to-table menus at spots. Boutique stays include Casa Natalia and the arts-focused Hotel El Ganzo.

🏝️ Bonus: East Cape for True Seclusion

For an off-grid escape, head to the East Cape—rugged desert meets open sea. Some say it’s Baja’s best-kept secret… but not for long!

Kiteboard, snorkel pristine reefs at Cabo Pulmo, or simply watch the untouched coastline unfold.

📋 Insider Tip: Plan for Your Real Cabo Experience

• Book Small-Group Tours: Operators capped at six to eight guests deliver that personal touch.
• Go Local: Taxi drivers, baristas, and concierges often have the best hidden-gem tips.
• Mix It Up: Combine marine, culinary, adventure, and wellness for a balanced trip.
• Split Your Stay: Experience both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—and don’t forget the East Cape for a final off-grid flourish.
• Stay Curious: Some of the best moments happen when you veer off the map.

This year, make Cabo your own.

Venture beyond the tourist traps, and you’ll uncover the authentic moments that turn a good vacation into an unforgettable one.