Desert, Sea & Speed: Adventures in Cabo San Lucas
An itinerary for thrill seekers, art junkies, and everyone in between
11/2/20253 min read
If you think Cabo is just about resorts and nightlife, think again. From off-roading across desert valleys to exploring artsy beach towns and swimming beneath towering rock formations, this trip was equal parts wild and soul-stirring. Here’s how to experience the adventurous side of Baja while still honoring the land, people, and culture that make it so special.
There’s something about Cabo that makes you want to move — to explore, to get dusty, to dive into the wild edges of the desert and sea.
Our first stop was Migrino, where we booked an ATV tour with Cactus Tours, one of the area’s most reputable and environmentally conscious operators. Their guides make sure riders stay on established trails to protect native plants and wildlife, which I appreciated as much as the adrenaline rush. The route cut through wide, golden desert valleys with cacti stretching tall against the sun before spilling out onto the coastline — the moment your tires hit the sand and the ocean comes into view is pure magic.
The ride along the beach felt like freedom — salt in the air, wind in your face, waves crashing beside you. It’s a reminder of how alive this landscape is. Baja’s desert meets the Pacific here in a way that feels raw and cinematic, and it’s one of those moments that makes you fall a little bit in love with the world again.
Later, we traded our ATVs for hiking shoes and explored the cliffs near Pedregal, just west of downtown Cabo San Lucas. For the best views, hike up to Cerro de la Z, a lesser-known local trail that winds above the coastline. It’s a moderate climb with sweeping views of the sea and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas below. We cooled off by swimming near the rocks, where the water was rough but thrilling — the kind of waves that toss you around just enough to make you laugh. Cabo’s nature humbles you; it’s stunning but demands respect.
To balance the adventure, we took a day trip north to Todos Santos, a laid-back town about an hour away that blends art, surf, and slow living. It’s officially recognized as a Pueblo Mágico — one of Mexico’s designated “magical towns” for its cultural and historical charm. We wandered cobblestone streets lined with galleries, boutique shops, and cafés where locals actually hang out.
A few favorite stops:
GalerĂa Logan for contemporary Mexican art with soul.
Jazamango, a farm-to-table restaurant by chef Javier Plascencia, for fresh seafood and produce grown onsite.
La Sonrisa de la Muerte, a quirky boutique with handmade clothing and jewelry.
La Paloma Ice Cream Shop for a refreshing pit stop.
And of course, Los Cerritos Beach — a wide, sandy stretch popular with beginner surfers and local families.
As we sat watching the sunset, a little boy ran laughing into the waves. His father looked back at us and said, “Isn’t this paradise?”
I couldn’t have said it better. Because that’s what makes this part of Baja so special — it’s adventure and culture intertwined. It’s the wild thrill of the desert and ocean, balanced with the warmth of the communities that call this place home. Traveling consciously here means enjoying both — chasing the thrill, but leaving nothing but footprints in return.
