Free Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Amakiri Botanical Garden. Residents of Quivira Los Cabos and guests of Pueblo Bonito Resorts don’t have to travel far to experience a desert nature preserve nonpareil. With a few (thorny) exceptions, cacti are native only to the Americas. Mexico, unsurprisingly, has the greatest number and variety of cactus species in the world. In addition to endemic species, the botanical garden, one of the resort community’s unsung delights, is planted with approximately 200 desert specimens. Some are rare, a few are endangered, and several hail from far-flung lands. Amakiri’s winding paths also bring nature lovers face-to-face with vegetation native to the Baja Peninsula’s vast swath of desert. Rising above all is the majestic, multi-armed cardon cactus, a name derived from the Spanish word cardo, meaning "thistle.” The imposing cardon is the world’s tallest cactus, reaching heights exceeding 60 feet. Its lifespan is measured in centuries. Its weight at full maturity is nearly 25 tons. All specimens are labeled by genus and country of origin, so a free visit to Amakiri Botanical Garden is educational.

Cabo San Lucas Natural History Museum. While not exactly free (general admission is 20 pesos, roughly $1 USD), this intimate venue in downtown Cabo San Lucas documents the geological and archaeological history of the region. Housed in the city’s first primary school, the museum has scientific collections devoted to paleontology, geology, paleo-biology, and paleoanthropology, with displays of marine mammals, birds, and reptiles. The archaeology room displays the skeletal remains of a Pericú, Edúe or Cora woman, each an ethnic group that once inhabited the region. Recent history is explored through instruments formerly used by sailors. The museum’s biodiversity section has a detailed representation of the seabed, while the migration patterns of dolphins and whales are described. Cabo’s ongoing preservation of endangered sea turtles is also a focal point. Recently remodeled, the museum is operated by the state government of Baja California Sur.

Medano Beach. No trip to Cabo is complete without a stroll on Medano Beach, a popular town beach with a two-mile crescent of soft sand lapped by calm waters. Along with the downtown area, this grand strand is ground zero for social life in Cabo San Lucas. Medano is packed with bars, beach clubs, restaurants, souvenir vendors, and jet-ski outfitters, not to mention a tremendous cross-section of locals and visitors. Cabo’s most swimmable beach is tranquil at sunrise, but the sandy area between the commercial establishments and the sea pulsates with activity throughout the day. Things quiet down around sunset, a nice time to observe the cruise ships and private yachts in the bay switching on their lights for the evening.

Marina. For the best people-watching in town, the Cabo San Lucas marina is the place to go. Ringed by a profusion of shops, bars, and sidewalk restaurants, the marina’s inner harbor is chockablock with large, gleaming sport-fishing yachts. Visit in mid-morning to observe boat crews offloading their catches. Watch as sea lions bark and beg for hand-outs from the boat captains, usually left-over bait. Stroll the marina after dark to see the bars and outdoor eateries come to life. If you ever wanted to be photographed with a pet iguana wearing a little sombrero, the marina is your best opportunity.

Puerto Paraiso Mall. Fronting the marina, this sprawling three-level mall boasts dozens of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Even if you’re not ready to buy, it’s fun to window-shop name-brand stores ranging from Tommy Bahama (beachy sportswear for him and her) to L’Occitane, the French body products company. Don’t miss the Sergio Bustamante art gallery, which displays silver- and gold-plated jewelry by the eponymous Mexican artist who uses the sun and moon as elements in his creations. More window-shopping? Connected to Puerto Paraiso mall is Luxury Avenue, an upscale boutique mall with numerous blue-chip brands, including Caroline Herrera, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp, Lacoste, Swarovski, Pandora, and many more. In addition, Luxury Avenue’s Ultrafemme retails the very best men’s and women’s colognes and perfumes, from Cartier to Creed.

Nightclubs. Downtown Cabo San Lucas takes on an exuberance all its own after dark. Even if you’re not in the mood to dance or drink cocktails till the wee hours, stroll the main drag, Lazaro Cardenas, to savor the mood of this legendary party town. You’ll see and hear everything (and more) by pausing in front of Cabo’s open-air nightclubs. At El Squid Roe, a boisterous, triple-decker party palace, patrons are invited to dance on top of the tables to remixes of rap, hip hop, and R&B music. Latin and reggae rhythms blare after midnight. Next door to El Squid Roe is Mandala, a Vegas-style club known for its high-volume house music and flashy interior, with glittering chandeliers and disco balls suspended above the dance floor.