Cabo San Lucas is not just a party destination. It’s also one of the easiest places in Mexico to travel with children. Calm beaches, short boat rides, wildlife experiences, and walkable areas make it ideal for family trips of all ages.
If you’re planning a family holiday and wondering about the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, this guide breaks everything down in a simple way—what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time without overplanning.
Quick Planning Tips for Families Visiting Cabo
Before diving into activities, a few planning basics make a big difference:
- Mornings are best for tours and water activities. The ocean is calmer, and temperatures are cooler.
- Plan one main activity per day, then leave time to relax.
- Choose beaches known for swimming, not strong currents.
- Stay close to Cabo San Lucas Marina or Médano Beach to reduce travel time.
Staying in a family friendly villa in Cabo supports this type of planning. A private villa gives families the space to rest between outings, enjoy quiet pool time, and adjust the day around kids’ energy levels. Instead of rushing back and forth, families can return to a comfortable home base that keeps days flexible and makes enjoying more fun things to do in Cabo easier and less tiring for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas With Family
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat to El Arco
One of the most popular things to do in Cabo San Lucas with family is a short boat ride to El Arco at Land’s End. Glass-bottom boats depart directly from the marina and are easy for kids, grandparents, and first-time visitors.
Why families love it:
- Short and calm ride
- Marine life visible through the glass
- Easy photo stop at the Arch
Many tours also pass by Lover’s Beach, making this one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas for a first visit.
Spend a Beach Day at Médano Beach
Médano Beach is often considered the most family-friendly beach in Cabo. It’s close to restaurants, offers calmer water than many other areas, and has plenty of space to relax.
This is a great option if you want:
- Safe swimming conditions
- Beach chairs and food nearby
- Easy access from hotels and villas
For families looking for simple Cabo Mexico activities, a beach day here is always a win.
Snorkel at Chileno Bay
Chileno Bay is known for clear water and easy snorkelling, making it perfect for older kids and beginners. It’s less busy than downtown beaches and offers a more relaxed environment.
Bring water shoes, snorkel gear, and snacks. This is one of the best activities to do in Cabo for families who want nature without long travel times.
Visit Santa Maria Beach for a Quieter Option
If you prefer a calmer beach experience, Santa Maria Beach is a good alternative. It’s a protected bay and often less crowded than Chileno.
Families often choose this spot for:
- Short snorkelling sessions
- Calm water
- Less noise and fewer vendors
It’s one of those lesser-known things to do in Cabo San Lucas that feels peaceful and easy.
Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From December to April, whale watching becomes one of the top family attractions in Cabo. Seeing whales up close is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
Tips for families:
- Choose a morning tour
- Book a stable boat
- Keep tours under two hours for younger children
Try Easy Water Activities Like Kayaking or Paddleboarding
For families with older children or teenagers, kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the coastline. Many beaches and resorts offer rentals, and conditions are usually calm in protected bays.
This adds variety to your list of fun things to do in Cabo with kids, without committing to a full-day tour.
Walk Around Cabo San Lucas Marina
The marina is perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll. You’ll find boats, shops, ice cream spots, and casual restaurants all in one area.
It’s ideal when:
- Kids need a break from water activities
- You want something easy after a tour
- You’re deciding what to do in Cabo San Lucas for a day without planning ahead
This simple walk is often overlooked but remains one of the easiest Cabo Mexico activities for families.
Optional Family Experiences
Depending on your children’s interests, you can also consider:
- Sea turtle release programs (seasonal)
- Dolphin encounters
- Short sunset cruises suitable for families
These are optional but can turn a good trip into a memorable one.
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas by Age Group
Toddlers
- Short marina walks
- Médano Beach mornings
- Glass-bottom boat tours
Kids (6–12 years)
- Snorkelling at Chileno Bay
- Whale watching
- Beach and pool days
Teens
- Kayaking or paddleboarding
- Longer snorkel sessions
- Sunset cruises (early evening)
Planning by age helps families enjoy the Cabo’s attractions without stress.
Where to Stay in Cabo for Families
Choosing the right place to stay plays a major role in enjoying all the things to do in Cabo San Lucas with family. After busy days exploring beaches, boat tours, and sightseeing, families usually want space, privacy, and comfort.
You must choose Private villas when planning a Cabo trip for family & kids. They offer room to spread out, private pools for kids, and shared living spaces where everyone can relax together. Staying in a villa also makes it easier to plan daily activities, whether you’re fitting in fun things to do in Cabo or enjoying slower days by the pool.
Villas like Villa Vegas Dave provide a comfortable family base close to many of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, including the marina, beaches, and popular attractions. Instead of moving between locations, families can return to one familiar space each day.
For families deciding what to do in Cabo San Lucas for a day, a private villa allows flexibility. You can head out for activities in the morning, enjoy downtime in the afternoon, and end the day together without rushing. This makes all the stuff to do in Cabo San Lucas feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Simple Family Itinerary Ideas
3-Day Family Trip
- Day 1: Marina walk + glass-bottom boat
- Day 2: Beach day at Médano or Chileno
- Day 3: Snorkelling or whale watching (seasonal)
5-Day Family Trip
- Mix beach days, one boat tour, one snorkel day, and one relaxed villa or pool day
This balance keeps kids happy and avoids burnout.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas is one of the easiest destinations in Mexico for families. With calm beaches, short tours, and activities that work for all ages, it’s simple to build a trip that feels both fun and relaxed.
Whether you’re exploring marine life, enjoying the beach, or deciding what to do in Cabo San Lucas for a day, the key is pacing your plans and choosing experiences that fit your family’s style. With the right balance, Cabo offers some of the best things for creating meaningful family memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabo San Lucas good for a family vacation?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is a family-friendly destination with calm beaches, short boat tours, wildlife experiences, and activities suitable for all ages. With proper planning, families can enjoy a relaxed and safe trip.
What are the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas with kids?
Some of the best family activities include visiting Médano Beach, taking a glass-bottom boat tour to El Arco, snorkelling at Chileno Bay, whale watching (seasonal), and walking around the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
Are there safe beaches in Cabo for families?
Yes. Médano Beach, Chileno Bay, and Santa Maria Beach are considered safer options for swimming compared to open-ocean beaches. These areas are commonly recommended for families with children.
When is the best time to visit Cabo with family?
The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas with family is from November to April. The weather is comfortable, and seasonal activities like whale watching are available. Summer months are warmer but still suitable with proper planning.
Is whale watching in Cabo suitable for kids?
Yes, whale watching is one of the most popular family-friendly activities in Cabo. Short morning tours are recommended for children, as the ocean tends to be calmer earlier in the day.
Where should families stay in Cabo San Lucas?
Families often prefer staying near Cabo San Lucas Marina or Médano Beach to reduce travel time. Family-friendly villas are popular because they offer more space, private pools, and flexibility for rest between activities.
