Cabo San Lucas is a stunning and popular destination located at the most southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortez on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the West, Cabo is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, outdoor activities, and warm, welcoming culture. It offers a mix of relaxation, excellent food, and adventure. Let’s explore some of the things that make Cabo San Lucas such a special place to visit.
Getting There
We love Cabo for many reasons, and one is that it is a quick 3-hour direct flight from San Francisco. All major airlines offer service to San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD) and over 15 cities in the US and Canada offer direct flights. Consider booking a direct flight if you want to start your vacation sooner.
The airport is located just outside the town of San Jose del Cabo which is 23 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. From the airport, you have several options to get to your accommodation.
- Taxis are readily available but are more expensive. Anticipate spending $80 – $110 USD for a private taxi to Cabo San Lucas. Make sure you confirm the price before the ride.
- Private Transfers are a great option if you are traveling with a group. Pre-booking a round trip or one-way service for a group is definitely recommended. Viator has options depending on your needs.
- Shuttles are a shared, but budget-friendly option and can be booked in advance. This is our preferred option when it is just the two of us. Expect to pay between $35-$50 USD per person for round-trip service. You can find a shuttle at the airport but we recommend booking a round trip in advance for a stress-free trip. The shuttle may stop at other resorts along the way, but we just think of it as taking the scenic route. Settle in and enjoy the views.
- If you plan to venture further afield during your visit, renting a car is also an option. You must have a valid driver’s license and you will need to purchase insurance. Mexico does not accept the insurance protection that comes standard with most credit cards.
There are plenty of easy and safe transportation options to choose from in Cabo. Find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Where to Stay
There are a multitude of resorts, hotels, and rental properties along the Corredor Turistico, the coastline between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Consider factors that are important for you such as location, amenities, and budget when choosing where to stay.
- Tesoro Los Cabo is a favorite for a convenient location downtown. It’s perfect for a weekend trip. Located on the Marina, it’s just steps from restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The rooftop pool overlooks the luxurious Marina and more than makes up for the fact that it isn’t on the beach. The breakfast buffet is the best we’ve had in Cabo and worth checking out. Don’t miss the chilaquiles.
- Pueblo Bonito Rose or Blanco offer stunning ocean views and access to Playa El Médano (Medano Beach) and the swimmable waters of the Sea of Cortez. Staying at either of these sister resorts allows you full access to the restaurants and amenities of both properties. There is a bus that shuttles guests to/from the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach resort several times a day. Reserve a spot with the valet staff and you can explore a new resort for the day.
- Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach is a great choice for breathtaking views and a secluded atmosphere. Built on a mountainside, this resort offers six outdoor pools including an adults only area. Golf cart shuttles make it easy to enjoy the restaurants, pools and amenities without breaking a sweat. The beach is private and beautiful, but the rough waters of the Pacific Ocean make it unsuitable for swimming.
Whether you want to pamper yourself with a spa day, relax by the pool, put your toes in the sand, or enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars, Cabo’s resorts offer the perfect setting for a memorable vacation.
How to Spend Your Days
One of the main draws of Cabo San Lucas is obviously its stunning beaches. From the famous Playa El Médano, a bustling stretch of sand lined with beach clubs and restaurants, to the more secluded Playa de los Amantes (Lovers Beach) and neighboring Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), there is a beach for every type of traveler.
Medano Beach is easily accessible and swimmable. Wide stretches of white sand make it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun. There is no shortage of beach bars and restaurants to explore. I highly recommend booking an open-air beachfront massage at The Sand Bar. Feeling the ocean breeze and listening to the sound of the waves while getting all your stress worked out is nothing short of heaven. Follow up with a cocktail and a snack at their restaurant and the day is nothing less than perfect. I recommend booking in advance during busy times to avoid being disappointed. Local souvenir vendors on the beach make it easy to purchase all sorts of trinkets to take home. Don’t be shy about negotiating prices.
Lovers and Divorce Beaches are at the tip of the peninsula and require a water taxi to access. You can catch a water taxi from the Marina and the cost is about $5. There are no amenities on these remote beaches and are generally considered unsafe for swimming, but the natural beauty of the rock formations and raw power of the Pacific Ocean is something to behold.
Cabo is also paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with options for snorkeling, jet skis/wave runner, diving, paddleboarding, and more. For those seeking adventure, Cabo San Lucas offers a wide range of activities such as zip-lining, ATV tours, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing. Prime whale watching season is from December to April. Activities can be booked in advance and resort concierges can assist with bookings on arrival. There is also no shortage of permitted excursion vendors throughout the city for the more spontaneous. They have plenty to offer and may be willing to negotiate prices.
No trip to Cabo San Lucas would be complete without a visit to the iconic El Arco, a stunning rock formation located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. El Arco sunset cruises are an amazing way to view the famous rock formation from all angles and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Sunset cruises depart from the Marina and range in price from approximately $60 USD for a cruise with drinks to around $115 USD for a dinner cruise. Prices are per person.
If shopping is your thing, Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. The Marina is lined with boutiques and shops that cater to the finer things. Watches, jewelry, and designer and local fashions are all available. If you are on the hunt for more local goods and souvenirs, the area around Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas is the place to explore. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday evening, there is a weekly event in Plaza Amelia on Calle Miguel Hidalgo where local artists and craft vendors display their wares. The lively atmosphere and unique art make this a wonderful place to spend an evening shopping and talking with local residents.
Tequila and cigars can be found throughout Cabo and offer shipping to your home, depending on state restrictions. J&J La Casa del Habana Cabo and the Havana Cigar House are our favorites. Each offers an impressive selection of Cuban cigars. Grab a drink and a comfortable chair and light up and enjoy your cigar. Tequila tastings are offered at almost every tequila shop…of which there is no shortage. These complimentary tastings are a great way to explore the amazing varieties of tequilas and mezcals that Mexico has to offer. Be mindful as those tasting can catch up to you quickly!
Places to Savor
While there are no shortage of restaurants in the resorts, downtown Cabo has a variety of dining experiences, different price points and the food does not disappoint. The ingredients are fresh, well prepared and we have had some amazing dining experiences. Downtown Cabo is small and very walkable so it’s easy to find great food if you know where to look.
- El Paisa: This is hands down our favorite taqueria in Cabo. The tortillas are made fresh, the meats are perfectly cooked and the portions are generous. You also get a selection of salsa, guacamole, limes, and sliced cucumbers with your order. Don’t miss the Al Pastor tacos. The Papa Rellenas (baked potato stuffed with meat and cheese) is big enough for two people. El Paisa is a must-visit for authentic Mexican food. You won’t be sorry
- Maro’s Shrimp House: Enjoy a lively atmosphere and indulge in fresh seafood at Maro’s Shrimp House. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, Maro’s has been a neighborhood staple for almost 20 years.
- Romeo & Julieta: This upscale restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine. With live music most nights, it’s a perfect date night. We enjoyed a wonderful flamenco guitar player the last time we were there. Reservations are recommended as it can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
- Salvatore G’s: Enjoy a hearty Italian meal in a unique courtyard restaurant tucked away in the Siesta Suites Hotel. Yes, you are in the right place. Dishes are big enough for sharing while enjoying the ambiance of tropical plants and fountains. Good for groups or a romantic meal for two. Salvatore G’s is worth seeking out.
- Edith’s: A colorful and vibrant restaurant in a garden-like setting close to Medano Beach. Edith’s serves fresh seafood as well as traditional Mexican dishes with a Baja California twist. The service has a performance flair with table-side Caesar Salad, Bananas Flambe, and Mexican coffee preparations. Reservations are recommended and can be made on their website.
- Bardo Fuego y Canciones: Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere at this popular restaurant and bar. The name means Fire & Songs and it’s a gathering spot for the community and local artists. Its walls serve as a gallery for local artists and the front corner of the room is a small stage hosting a variety of local musicians. Bardo is the perfect place to transition from dinner into nightlife.
Cabo Nightlife:
After dark, Cabo comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Cabo San Lucas is a draw for the younger party crowd, but if that isn’t your scene there are still plenty of places to have a relaxing drink, people watch and enjoy music away from the club scene. We love live music, and Cabo has no shortage of venues to find music almost any night of the week.
- Monkey Business Bar: One of our favorite hangouts day or night and, hands down, the place to go for the best margaritas in Mexico. Monkey Business Bar offers an extensive variety of flavorful margaritas for a reasonable price. The Classic is my go-to. Made with fresh juice. The atmosphere is lively and fun, the bartenders are engaging, and the evenings bring live music to the small open-air space.
- Bar Sufrida: Located in the center of Plaza Real, this open-air bar is a chill place to have a drink and enjoy watching sports during the day or local music in the evening.
- The Wine Bar: The Wine Bar is a great place to enjoy a selection of wines from Mexico and around the world. Located next to Romeo y Julieta, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner glass, or a food and wine destination on its own.
- Maranta: One of the newer night clubs in Cabo, Maranta is a refined cocktail space with interesting DJs and elevated view of the downtown Cabo streets. Reservations are available for tables and bottle service.
Things to remember:
Most restaurants and shops take credit cards but it’s always a good idea to carry pesos for small purchases. There are several reputable bank-associated ATM machines downtown such as CIBanco, Banco Azteca and Santander. Bank ATMs are a convenient way to securely withdraw pesos at some of the best exchange rates. Most resorts offer currency exchange services. We recommend validating their rates against the current exchange rate before using their service. Tips are welcome in any currency.
Stay safe and healthy while traveling. The Baja Peninsula is very arid so drink plenty of water and don’t forget sunscreen. Evenings in winter and spring can get breezy and cool after dark, so consider bringing a light sweater or jacket if you get cold, like me! As with any city and tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Once you arrive in Cabo San Lucas, take the time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring the town, or trying local cuisine, make the most of your trip to this beautiful destination and enjoy the vibrant and rich culture and people.
