Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the Los Cabos resort area is an increasingly popular tourist destination for Americans and other foreign visitors to Mexico. So beautiful is the natural setting of the area, which in recent decades has grown from a couple of sleepy fishing villages into a dynamic, yet relaxing resort destination, that it is easy to forget how much there is to see in the region. Far too many tourists just check into their hotels, head to the beach or pool, and soak in the exotic natural beauty of the area, stirring only to go out for meals. I know because on a previous trip, that’s precisely what I did.

For my second trip to Los Cabos, I had determined in advance to see all that there was to see in this beautiful region, which includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, as well as a strip of resort hotels and restaurants that connects them. I was frankly surprised by the amount and variety of tours available in Los Cabos.

No matter what your favorite pasttimes might be, there are Los Cabos tours that are tailored to your personal tastes. You can sightsee by air, land, or sea, and also take tours that explore the fascinating towns of both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. For those who like to stay active during their vacation, guided activities include rock climbing, surfing, off-road ATV expeditions, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to take a more laid-back approach to sightseeing, there are dinner cruises, bus tours, and tours led by personal guides that offer a close-up look at the people and culture of the Los Cabos region. Another popular option for those who are green in mind and spirit are the numerous eco-tours, both by land and sea, some of the latter which offer the opportunity to spot migrating whales at certain times of the year.

Since my personal preferences lean a bit more to the laid-back style of sightseeing, I opted for a dinner cruise that offered not only a fine dining experience but a glimpse at an unforgettable sunset and a Las Vegas-class show to go with it. I also took to the sea on a whale-watching expedition, which managed to provide a chance to see several of these gentle giants as they migrated through the Los Cabos area on their way to their summer hunting grounds.

Another great experience came when I got together with some newfound friends to cycle between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It was an unforgettable expedition with plenty of stops along the way to marvel at the scenic wonders that lie around virtually ever corner.

I have only one recommendation for travelers who are bound for Los Cabos: Don’t miss out on all that there is to see in this beautiful region and be sure to book some tours guided by knowledgeable locals to ensure that you see all the sights.