What are the hot things to do in Los Cabos?
Best airport transfer companies? Is Cabo safe? Where should you stay? Fab restaurants? Is there Uber?
We’re travel writers who’ve visited Cabo dozens of times – we love Cabo!
So carry on reading, because our Los Cabos travel guide shares the inside scoop on how to have a fabulous Cabo holiday!
Contents: Los Cabos travel guide
Our latest Cabos travel articles
Start with our latest Los Cabos travel articles
Puerto Vallarta vs. Cabo San Lucas: Which Mexico Hot Spot is Better?
How to choose betweeen Puerto Vallarta and Cabo? PV is lush and jungly, while Cabo has a desert landscape. PV feels more Mexican, while Cabo has more uber-deluxe resorts. Discover the differences, so you pick the best vacay for you.
23+ Best Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (Boutique, 5-Star and All-Inclusive)
The resorts in Cabo, Mexico, are among the most deluxe in the world; the boutique hotels are cool too. (Pssst! Discover where the celebs like to bed down.)
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas (Weather + Activities Month-by-Month)
The best time to visit Cabo is May to June (beach time!) and October to November (for snorkeling and diving). Whale watching is in winter. Golf is great then too. But any time is a good time to go, depending on what you want to do.
Cabo vs. Cancun: How to Choose? (2023)
Cabo or Cancun? Cabo is desert-like. Cancun is tropical. Cabo’s beaches are colder for swimming. But seaweed on Cancun’s beaches can be icky. We dish on the differences between Cabo and Cancun, so you can decide which is right for you.
Where is Los Cabos, Mexico?
Los Cabos is located in Mexico at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. See this link to the Google map of Los Cabos.
To the west is the mighty blue Pacific Ocean. To the east is the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) – Jacques Cousteau called it the “world’s aquarium” because of its incredibly rich sea life.
Los Cabos encompasses the town of Cabo San Lucas, the town of San Jose del Cabo and the 20-mile highway “Corridor” fronting beach resorts that stretches between the two towns.
“Cabo” is used to refer to both Cabo San Lucas and the whole area of Los Cabos. (It gets a bit confusing sometimes!)
Comparing Cabo with other Mexico resort destinations:
Are you trying to decide between Cabo and other top beach towns in Mexico?
The three biggies are Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, and each has their own vibe.
One feature Cabo is known for is its striking desert scenery – it’s known as the place “where the desert meets the sea.”
These two posts of ours can help you pick which Mexican resort area to visit:
Traveling to Cabo: What you need to know
Language:
Spanish (but Cabo is “Mexico light” – so virtually all locals in the hospitality biz speak English).
Currency:
Mexican peso – 20 pesos are equivalent to about $1 USD (double-check the exchange rates before you go). Most places accept US dollars, but your money will go further if you pay in pesos.
Visa:
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries don’t need a visa to go on holiday in Mexico.
Cabo travel restrictions:
You don’t have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative test to enter Mexico (and visit Los Cabos). But of course check the requirements for returning to your home country. See here for more information.
How to get to Los Cabos
If you’re coming from North America, there are direct flights to the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) from a host of cities in Canada and the U.S.
For example, the flight time from Los Angeles to Los Cabos is around 2½ hours. It’s just over 3 hours from San Francisco. (Cabo is a popular destination for west coasters.) From Dallas, flights are just under 3 hours long.
From Canada, flight times are 4 hours 20 minutes from Vancouver and 4 hours 30 minutes from Calgary.
Once you arrive at the Cabo airport, we suggest you take one of these recommended Cabo airport shuttles (book in advance), rather than taking a taxi. For two people, it’s better and cheaper.
Cabo San Lucas travel tips
Best time to go to Los Cabos?
Most people holiday in Los Cabos in winter, starting just before the Christmas holidays through to April.
The average temperature then is about 68 to 75 F. You can expect dry sunny days – basically, great weather!
But the best times to travel to Los Cabos (in our view) are May (and June), and then again in the fall from October to November.
The weather is warmer in these shoulder-season months than in winter – better for swimming! (And the crowds have gone.) Average temperatures are 24 to 29 F (sometimes climbing into the low 30s). The air is more humid, so it feels more tropical and less desert-like.
The summer months in Cabo are also great for water activities (and lower prices). Maybe just avoid visiting in September, the hottest and stickiest month.
Hurricane season in Los Cabos:
The hurricane season (rainy season) in Los Cabos officially runs from June to November. But August and September are the most risky months.
What to pack for Cabo:
If you’re planning a trip to Cabo for some time in the winter months, pack a sweater or jacket. Evenings can be cool.
We also suggest packing comfortable travel sandals for walking.
Ladies can also check our post on the best beach sandals for women. Guys can check our post on the best flip-flops for men.
Can you drink the water in Cabo?
The southern Baja Peninsula has never really had a problem with its water quality.
Most of the fresh water comes from the tall Sierra de la Laguna mountains, drains into underground aquifers, and is then piped to local towns, with little opportunity to become contaminated.
That said, most hotels and resorts have their own water purification systems. It’s probably ok to drink the tap water, but to be safe, drink bottled water. (We do.)
The good hotels provide bottled water in your room. If you’re staying at a condo-style resort with kitchen facilities, you can stock up on bottled water very cheaply at one of the large grocery stores.
Restaurants will serve you bottled water if you ask for water. Ice is typically made from filtered water, but you can always ask.
Can you eat the fruit and veggies?
Most visitors eat salads, fruit and uncooked vegetables with no problems.
What to do in Los Cabos
Do beachy things:
With calm swimming waters and stunning views of the iconic rock arch of Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is one of Cabo’s best beaches.
But there are many more beautiful beaches in Los Cabos – some are awesome for snorkeling, others for walking and dreaming.
Also take a sunset cruise. Learn to surf. Or try sport fishing. Water lovers can discover a host of great water sports!
Go whale watching:
December through to mid-April is whale watching season in Cabo.
This is when humpback whales can be spotted after migrating down to the warm waters around Los Cabos to mate and give birth.
Read our post on whale watching in Cabo for details on the best whale watching tours for you (like Zodiacs vs large stable boats and other helpful tips).
Get cultured:
On Thursday nights, check out the free Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo. It’s loads of fun!
Meet the artists over a glass of wine handed out at many of the art galleries. And check out eye-catching paintings and sculptures.
Go snorkeling:
There are several good snorkeling spots.
We love snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay. Get there early, before the snorkeling tour boats arrive, and you’ll have the bay almost to yourself!
For more info, see our insider guide to snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas (and the best snorkeling tours and tour operators).
Golf:
If you can only golf once on your Cabo holiday, the Cabo del Sol Cove Club Golf Course is the course to play.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the renowned championship course hugs the Sea of Cortez. The views are so breathtaking, it’s hard to concentrate on your shot – except if you don’t, you’re in the sand or a rocky ravine.
The Golden Bear himself praised the layout for having the “three finest finishing holes in all of golf.”
The signature 17th hole – one of the greatest par-3’s in the world – has you teeing off over the water to a postage-stamp size green on a granite rock outcropping.
Stats:
- 18 holes
- Par 72
- 7,075 yards from the championship tees
Party!
Cabo San Lucas is a well-known party spot.
You can’t visit Cabo and not go to El Squid Roe. The multi-level dance club is outrageous but loads of fun. Think lots of tequila and jello shots.
Then there’s Cabo Wabo. Originally created by rocker Sammy Hagar, it’s one of the best places to hit for live music.
Mango Deck, located along Medano Beach, is renowned for its wet T-shirt contests and all-day fun. (Next door is The Office, a beautiful and lively spot to have breakfast with your toes in the sand.)
And if you head over to The Giggling Marlin, you can get hung upside down (like a marlin on the dock) for a free shot and join in beer musical chairs and other games.
Go scuba diving:
Dive Cabo San Lucas! It’s an underwater world of wonders.
Must-do!
You must swim with whale sharks in La Paz! It’s OMG awesome – and it makes for a great day trip.
Day trips:
Speaking of day trips…
Take a dip in natural hot springs in the Sierra de la Laguna reserve. See the kite and wind surfers in Los Barriles. Go sea kayaking and see sea lions in Cabo Pulmo. Hike the Canyon of the Fox. Browse all the art galleries in Todos Santos.
And more!
Check out the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas.
Where to stay in Los Cabos
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Los Cabos.
When booking, however, you’ll want to know where your resort is located to avoid being disappointed.
Cabo San Lucas is at one end, San Jose del Cabo is at the other end, and the Corridor is a 20-mile stretch connecting the two towns. So we’re talking about a fairly large geographical area.
Most luxury resorts are beachfront, but not all beaches are swimmable. If being able to swim in the ocean at your hotel is a deal-breaker for you, you’ll want to pick accommodations that offer this.
Beautiful, boutique and 5-star hotels?
See what we’ve sussed out!
We’ve stayed at many different resorts in Cabo over the years – and because we love looking at hotels, we’ve inspected several more.
The result?
We’ve written a whole post on the 23+ best resorts in Cabo San Lucas – covering everything from cool boutique hotels to all-inclusive options.
Cabo hotel reviews:
We’ve also written separate individual reviews on the following hotels:
- Hotel El Ganzo | A cool boutique hotel in San Jose del Cabo, this artist hangout boasts a fab rooftop infinity pool.
- Pueblo Bonito Resorts | Find out which one is best!
- Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach | Located on the Pacific Coast, it’s the grandest PB resort in Cabo, with the largest suites.
- Pueblo Bonito Pacifica | This Zen-like, all-inclusive resort on the Pacific side is the only PB resort that’s for adults only.
- The Cape, A Thompson Hotel | It’s edgy and offers gob-smacking ocean views all the way out to El Arco. (We love the swinging day-beds on the balconies too.)
- Grand Velas Los Cabos | Calling all foodies! This ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort has excellent restaurants.
- Bahia Hotel | Looking for a hip hotel right in Cabo San Lucas, with access to a Medano Beach club? You won’t go wrong here.
- One & Only Palmilla | With a Spanish colonial feel, this 5-star hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Cabo – and its beach is calm for swimming. (See our One & Only Palmilla review on our other Cabo Visitor site.)
Can you swim at your hotel’s beach?
Most Medano Beach hotels have beaches where you can swim safely in the ocean.
See our post on the best Cabo beaches for the Cabo resorts with swimmable beaches (scroll to the end).
Shopping in Cabo San Lucas
Silver, tequila and Mexican crafts – don’t go home without them!
Whether you’re looking to pick up inexpensive souvenirs or museum-quality art, Cabo has a shop for you.
What to buy in Cabo?
Silver is big in Cabo, from bargain-priced bracelets hawked by beach vendors to unique fine jewelry sold in stores.
Cuban cigars are also popular (but don’t take them back to the U.S.), as are Mexican blankets, Talavera pottery and even over-the-counter prescription meds.
For decorative housewares (silver, Mexican glass, etc.), try Artesano’s (at Km 4.1 on the Corridor, just outside of Cabo town.)
Where the shops are:
In Cabo San Lucas, many shops are found on Marina Blvd and side-streets.
Open-air and outdoor flea markets abound too – be sure to bargain when shopping for your Mexican souvenirs!
And you can’t miss the Puerto Paraiso or Luxury Avenue shopping malls right on the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
Where to buy groceries?
As soon as we arrive in Cabo, we often make a stop at La Comer supermarket in San Jose del Cabo. It’s on the highway as you drive from the airport to Cabo San Lucas (and convenient too if you’re staying in San Jose del Cabo).
We also really like the new Chedraui Selecto in the Puerto Paraiso Mall in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.
As a higher-end grocery store, it has a great bakery (crusty sourdough bread!), nice produce selection, organic eggs, fresh milk, wine and more.
Good fresh produce, in particular, can be hard to find in Cabo. At La Comer and the Chedraui Selecto, you can get crisp red apples (not bruised ones), along with fresh Mexican fruit and lettuce that isn’t limp.
Best restaurants in Los Cabos
You’ll find plenty of superb restaurants in Los Cabos, both in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Of course, seafood is often on the menu.
Here are some of our favorite places to eat:
For tacos:
Get the best seafood tacos in Cabo and mean lime margaritas at Tacos Gardenias. We also love that it’s casual and cheap.
For Japanese:
NickSan has creative fresh sushi. (It’s expensive though.)
For toes-in-the-sand dining:
Cascadas Beach Grill (at Club Cascadas de Baja) is very romantic at night, with the perfect beachfront atmosphere. Bonus: Friendly service, 2-for-1 drinks until 6:00 pm, moderately-priced.
For pasta:
You’ll find the most mouth-watering lasagna at Salvatore G’s.
For creative farm-to-table food:
Don’t miss beautiful Flora Farms for made-fresh-from-the-garden cocktails and farm-to-table dining!
Getting around Los Cabos
The local bus in Los Cabos:
Any good Cabo San Lucas travel guide will tell you not to be afraid of taking the public bus from Cabo to San Jose del Cabo, or anywhere along the Corridor.
Local buses operate every 20 to 30 minutes between the two towns.
They’re fairly modern and clean, and you’ll see many American residents and tourists using them.
Some are express buses, but they often let passengers off anyway at non-designated stops.
There are bus stops, where you can wait for the bus, with seats and roof protection (the main stop in Cabo is in front of the Puerto Paraiso shopping mall).
But the buses also usually stop if you wave one down, and they’ll let you off where you want.
Tell the driver your beach or destination along the Corridor when you board.
Uber:
Within the main towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, there’s also Uber.
Is Los Cabos safe?
We’ve holidayed in Los Cabos at least 20 times over the years, and we’ve never felt unsafe. Many Americans and Canadians have vacation homes and time-shares there.
If you stick to the main tourist areas, your risk of being mugged or getting your purse snatched is very low.
Most of the violent crimes you hear about in Mexico occur closer to the Mexican border in cities like Juarez.
Still, you should exercise the same caution in Cabo that you’d exercise wherever you travel.
And it’s always a good idea to check government travel advisories before going.
United States: Mexico Travel Advisory
That wraps up our Cabo travel guide!
Here’s where you can see all our posts on Los Cabos.
Additional Los Cabos travel information can be found in the guide to Cabo on the official Visit Los Cabos tourism website.
Our top travel tips and resources
Here are our favorite travel resources:
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.
Vaccines and meds: We follow CDC travel guidelines to see what medications and vaccines are needed for trips. You can get vaccines at your pharmacy, travel medical clinic or doctor’s office.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
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About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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