Cabo Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do & Expert Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip
- Jan 13, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Cabo San Lucas and San José Del Cabo, commonly referred to together as Los Cabos, are among Mexico’s most popular beach and vacation destinations. These incredible towns are where dramatic desert landscapes meet turquoise water, luxury resorts perched on cliffs, incredible food, and unforgettable ocean experiences like whale watching and snorkeling.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Cabo or returning for another stay, this complete Cabo travel guide covers where to stay, what to do, the best time to visit, and essential travel tips to help you plan with confidence.
Quick Cabo Overview
“Cabo” or “Los Cabos” refers to the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and includes two main towns:
Cabo San Lucas – Lively, energetic, and best known for beaches, nightlife, water activities, and the marina
San José del Cabo – Quieter, charming, and cultural, with art galleries, historic streets, and excellent dining
The two towns are connected by the Resort Corridor, a scenic coastline stretch of road home to many of Cabo’s luxury resorts. You can easily get a private transfer from the hotel or uber to help you drive between the two.
Best Things to Do in Cabo
Visit El Arco & Land’s End
One of Cabo’s most iconic sights is El Arco, the dramatic rock arch where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. You can visit via water taxi, boat tour, or kayak from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Many tours also stop at Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, offering two very different ocean experiences just steps apart.
Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From December through April, Cabo becomes one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Humpback and gray whales migrate through the area, and sightings are common on boat tours and even from the pool or beach at your resort!
PRO TIP - Take a trip to La Paz where you can see and snorkel with the beautiful and majestic Whale Sharks that are only found in a few places in the world!
Enjoy Water Activities
Cabo is a paradise for ocean lovers. Popular activities include:
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing
Jet skiing & parasailing
Sport fishing charters
Sunset sailing and catamaran cruises
Medano Beach is one of the best spots for swimmable water, while many Pacific-side beaches are better enjoyed from shore. A lot of hotels do not have swimmable beaches so be sure to research ahead of time if this is something you want in a resort.
Explore the Desert Landscape
Beyond the beach, Cabo offers unique desert adventures like ATV tours, camel rides, zip-lining, and off-road excursions through arid terrain with stunning ocean views. Plan an adventure with Cabo Adventures or one of the many other tour guides offering these attractions.
Experience Cabo’s Food & Nightlife Scene
From casual taco stands to fine-dining restaurants overlooking the water, Cabo’s food scene is excellent. Cabo San Lucas offers lively nightlife around the marina, while San José del Cabo leans more toward romantic dinners and wine bars. Downtown Cabo San Lucas has tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs all walking distance from each other. If you’re looking for something more romantic and quieter, the resorts always have great offerings for dinners and bars.
PRO TIP - Avoid Spring Break if you are looking for a more romantic or quiet experience. Spring Break season is a VERY different experience both at the resorts and more so downtown.
Where to Stay in Cabo
Choosing where to stay in Cabo can shape your entire experience. There are several things to consider before booking a stay:
Hotel Loyalty - All of the major hotel chains from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, etc. all have multiple properties and perfect for those guests who like to earn or redeem points for stays
Smaller Boutique vs Large Super Resorts
All Inclusive
Medano Beach (Best for First-Timers)
Medano Beach offers swimmable water, beach clubs, restaurants, and easy access to tours and nightlife. It’s ideal if you want to be close to the action.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
Staying downtown puts you near the marina, nightlife, and excursion departure points. Great for travelers who like walkability and convenience.
Recommendation - The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is walking distance from downtown via a tunnel underneath a rocky mountain shielding guests from the rowdy crowds and providing ultimate luxury, privacy, and seclusion.
San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo is calmer and more refined, with historic charm, boutique hotels, and excellent dining. It’s perfect for couples or travelers seeking a relaxed pace.
Recommendation - The JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton Reserve are great properties to book for a quiet and fun beachfront getaway. The resorts are accessible through a gated community providing more seclusion from the main downtown but only a few minutes away from all of teh action.
Resort Corridor
The stretch between the two towns is home to luxury resorts, all-inclusive properties, golf courses, and spa-focused stays. Ideal for travelers who want to stay mostly on property.
Recommendation - The Westin Los Cabos and The Cape, A Thompson Hotel by Hyatt are two spectacular resorts to choose from. The Westin is a large property where you can find accommodations with kitchens and living spaces for longer stays and the Thompson is a swanky and hip resort perfect for those travellers looking for that sexy stay in Cabo.
All Inclusive
There are lots of All Inclusive options in Cabo. If you like to stay at a resort all day and not explore outside the resort, All Inclusive resorts are great options although they usually come with not the best food. You definitely will want to go to a better All Inclusive property to make sure you truly enjoy your dining options for your stay.
Recommendation - Pueblo Bonito has two resorts, one is family friendly and one is Adult Only. If you aren’t traveling with kids, the Pueblo Bonito Resort is an amazing property and offers an elevated dining experience.
Ultra Luxury
There are countless options for high end luxury properties with even more resorts opening each new year. The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is one of my favorites, especially as a Hilton/Points Enthusiast. Other resorts I would recommend are:
The One and Only Pamilla
Four Seasons
Zadun, Ritz Carlton Reserve
Favorite Restaurants in Cabo
There are endless amazing restaurants to enjoy when dining in Cabo. Here are a few of my favorites when planning your trip:
The Office - one of my favorite restaurants. Located right on the sand on Medano Beach and perfectly located for visitors looking to enjoy downtown Cabo. With views of El Arco and delicious food and live entertainment, you can’t go wrong with a dinner at The Office
The Rooftop and Manta at The Cape Hotel is an experience. Start your evening with cocktails and views at The Rooftop as you enjoy live music before heading down to the restaurant on the main level serving unforgettable dishes
El Farallon - the cliffside restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria where you can enjoy their large collection of champagne and fresh seafood as the waves crash against the restaurant
Flora Farms and Acre are the go to spots when staying in San José del Cabo but even worth the drive even from Cabo San Lucas.
Best Time to Visit Cabo
December–April: Best weather and whale watching season (peak travel months)
May–June: Fewer crowds, warm weather, and better hotel deals
July–September: Hotter temperatures and humidity, but often the lowest prices
October–November: Shoulder season with improving weather and fewer tourists
Essential Cabo Travel Tips
Getting There & Transportation
You’ll fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Pre-booking a shuttle or private transfer is greatly recommended to avoid airport taxi confusion. Renting a car is optional depending on where you’re staying. There are many companies you can book from or you can go through your hotel but usually at a premium. Cabo is a hub for Westcoast visitors because it is an easy trip from LA or Canada.
PRO TIP - As soon as you exit the Airport there are bars serving frozen cocktails and bites before you get into your shuttle or taxi. Start your vacation off right and get into the holiday spirit with a cocktail and snack.
Money & Tipping
The Mexican Peso is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Tipping is customary in Cabo for drivers, hotel staff, servers, and tour guides. When travelling internationally, establishments will ask you if you want to pay in USD or the local currency when giving a credit card. ALWAYS pay in the local currency so you aren’t getting hit with a premium for the unfavorable exchange rate. It is free and will save you money!
Safety & Beach Conditions
While Cabo is considered safe for tourists, many beaches, especially on the Pacific side, have strong currents and are not swimmable. Always check posted warnings and ask your hotel before entering the water.
Entry Requirements
Most visitors receive a tourist permit (FMM) upon arrival. U.S. travelers do not need a visa for short stays but should keep their permit until departure.
Final Thoughts: Is Cabo Worth Visiting?
Cabo offers something for every traveler and perfect for those looking to enjoy luxury resorts, adventurous excursions, vibrant nightlife, or peaceful beaches. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a bucket-list luxury stay, Cabo consistently delivers an unforgettable experience and is always a destination I find myself re-visiting.
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