The Complete Cabo San Lucas A - Z Travel Guide

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a true jewel of Mexico. As the third most visited destination in the country, Cabo offers visitors a unique blend of desert landscapes, golden beaches, and dramatic mountain terrain - all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.

Whether you're planning a relaxing all-inclusive resort getaway, an adventure-filled exploration of the region, or a lively party-centric vacation, Cabo San Lucas has something to offer every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to this stunning Mexican destination.

Understanding the Los Cabos Region

It's important to note that Cabo San Lucas is actually located within the larger Los Cabos region, which also includes the community of San Jose del Cabo and the Tourist Corridor that connects the two towns.

San Jose del Cabo is home to the international airport and offers a more laid-back, laidback vibe compared to the bustling energy of Cabo San Lucas. You'll find plenty of great resorts, restaurants, and restored Spanish Colonial architecture in this charming town.

The Tourist Corridor is a 20-mile stretch of coastline that links Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This area is known for its luxurious resorts, sandy beaches, and world-class golf courses.

And then there's Cabo San Lucas itself - the crown jewel of the region. This vibrant town is home to dozens of resorts, hotels, and condos, as well as the iconic Marina and the famous Arch where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet. Cabo San Lucas is the epicenter of nightlife, dining, and water-based activities in the area.

Getting to and Around Cabo San Lucas

If you're staying in or near Cabo San Lucas, expect about a 40-minute drive from the Los Cabos International Airport to your hotel or Airbnb. It's best to arrange your airport transportation ahead of time, as private airport taxis can be quite expensive.

For a budget-friendly option, you can take the public bus for around $5 USD, but keep in mind that it may be uncomfortable if you have a lot of luggage. Another alternative is to use a shared airport shuttle service, which is a more affordable option compared to a private taxi.

Uber is not officially allowed to operate at the airport, but some travelers have reported success catching an Uber by crossing the street and heading towards the Oxxo convenience store near the airport exit. Just be aware that the Uber situation can be a bit complicated in Cabo.

Once you're in Cabo, taxis are readily available, and you can also rent a car to explore the surrounding areas. Uber is an option as well, but it's a good idea to check the current status, as the relationship between Uber and the local taxi companies can be a bit contentious.

Another convenient way to get around is by using the public buses, which typically cost $2-$3 USD per person.

Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas

When it comes to accommodations in Cabo San Lucas, the options are as diverse as the landscape itself. Your choice will largely depend on the type of experience you're after.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, close to the nightlife and restaurants, you'll want to look for a hotel in downtown Cabo or near the Marina. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more relaxed, beach-centric vacation, the properties along the Tourist Corridor might be a better fit.

Here are some of our top recommendations for where to stay in Cabo San Lucas:

All-Inclusive Resorts:

• Breathless Resort: An adults-only, lively resort with DJ pool parties and sunset rooftop live music, overlooking Medano Beach.
• Riu Palace Baja California: Offers a balance of relaxation and party atmosphere, with a 15-minute walk to the downtown Marina.
• Budget-Friendly Options:
• Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa: Located right in the Marina, with easy access to the beach and a complimentary shuttle to the sister property, Hacienda Encantada.
• Los Milagros: An excellent value option just a 5-minute walk from the Marina.

Luxury Resorts:

• Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: One of the best overall choices, with something for everyone, from families to bachelor parties.
• Boutique Hotels:The Bungalows Hotel: Charming, low-key hotel with a garden pool and incredible daily hot breakfast.
• Hotel el Ganzo: A boutique hotel in San Jose del Cabo with an amazing rooftop pool, perfect for adults.

Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas

The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas really depends on your personal preferences. The most popular time of year is from November to April, when temperatures are consistently warm and sunny, with daytime highs in the 80s Fahrenheit. January and February tend to be the coolest months, with slightly chillier evenings.

If you're looking to avoid the peak winter crowds, May and June are also great months to visit, as the weather is still warm, and the crowds have thinned out a bit.

The summer months of July and August can get quite hot, and the hurricane season runs from September through October, which means the area may be quieter, but you also run the risk of major storms, rain, and cloudy days.

Regardless of when you visit, most travelers find that 5-7 days is the perfect amount of time to fully experience Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding Los Cabos region.

Beaches and Swimmable Shores

One of the most important things to know about Cabo San Lucas is that many of the beaches are not swimmable due to strong currents, steep drop-offs, and rough surf. However, there is one notable exception: Medano Beach.

Medano Beach is the most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas, with its golden sand, turquoise waters, and iconic views of the Cabo Arch. This stretch of coastline is swimmable and offers a wide range of water sports, beachfront restaurants, and lively cantinas.

While Medano Beach may be the only truly swimmable beach in the Cabo area, the region is still home to several smaller beaches that are worth exploring. And no matter which hotel you choose, the infinity pool game in Cabo is strong, with most beachfront properties offering stunning pools with unparalleled views.

If having a swimmable beach is a must-have for your Cabo vacation, be sure to check out our guide to the best Cabo resorts with swimmable beaches.

Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

With its unique landscape where the mountains, desert, and sea converge, Cabo San Lucas offers a wealth of activities and excursions, both on land and in the water. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

Land-Based Activities:

• ATV and sandboarding adventures in the desert landscapes and sand dunes
• Golfing at one of the 18 world-class golf courses in the region
• Exploring the cultural and culinary delights of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo on a walking tour

Water-Based Activities:

• Deep-sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez, one of the best places in the world for this sport
• Whale watching during the season from December to April, when blue whales and humpback whales are commonly sighted
• Sunset cruises and glass-bottom boat tours to see the iconic Cabo Arch up close

For those looking to experience the best of both land and sea, we highly recommend the full-day tour that covers a wide range of activities, from snorkeling and sandboarding to visiting the Arch and exploring the historic town of San Jose del Cabo.

And don't miss the Thursday evening Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, where you can stroll through the charming streets, browse local art galleries, and enjoy live music and street food.

Safety and Currency in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is generally considered one of the safer regions in Mexico, as long as you use common sense and avoid any risky or questionable situations. Here are a few tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
• Avoid buying any "party favors" from vendors along the Marina and beaches, as these are often counterfeit or unsafe.
• Refrain from getting blackout drunk, which can make you a target for theft or other problems.

The official currency in Cabo is the Mexican peso, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in the tourist areas. You'll typically find prices listed in USD, but you can save a bit of money and get a better exchange rate by paying in pesos. For more detailed information on using pesos versus dollars in Mexico, check out our dedicated video on the topic.

Plan Your Cabo San Lucas Adventure

With its stunning natural beauty, diverse range of activities, and vibrant nightlife, Cabo San Lucas is a truly captivating destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking a relaxing all-inclusive resort experience, an adventure-filled exploration of the region, or a lively party-centric vacation, this jewel of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula is sure to leave a lasting impression.

To help you make the most of your Cabo San Lucas trip, be sure to check out our other helpful resources:

• Best Hotels in Cabo with Swimmable Beaches
• My Top 2 Cabo Boutique Hotel Picks
• Top Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
• 7 Must-Know Travel Tips for Cabo

And be sure to follow along on my travel blog, Like Where You're Going, for even more Cabo San Lucas inspiration and planning resources.