Traveling to Cabo San Lucas | Where to Stay + What to Eat
Are you traveling to Cabo San Lucas and need help planning your trip? No worries! I’ve got you covered in this Cabo Guide with info that answers questions about how to get around and where to stay in Cabo San Lucas. Not to mention my favorite restaurants. So, whether you are traveling to Cabo San Lucas for a week or simply for a day stop on a cruise, this guide will help you do it better.
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Where is Cabo San Lucas?
Since Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico you probably already know where it is but just you in case you need a visual, Cabo is located at the southernmost tip of Baja California, the peninsula across the border from California, in the state of Baja California Sur (BCS). It’s where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean home to some of the prettiest golden sand beaches and blue-green water.
When people say “I’m going to Cabo”, they could be referring to Cabo San Lucas (CSL) or San Jose de Cabo (SLC). But these two very different cities, more or less 20 miles apart, are two entirely different areas and make up Los Cabos. Between the two, there’s a strip of coastline full of hotels and resorts that’s commonly referred to as the Corridor.
When is the Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas?
Baja is a desert climate, so Cabo San Lucas is warm all year long. Of course, some months are going to be hotter and more crowded. Snowbirds from the U.S. and Canada spend their winters in Baja so December through usually Easter is high season and the busiest time in Cabo San Lucas.
Also, keep in mind that March and April brings spring breakers. If you want a more chill vibe then avoid those months. For whale watching, try the months of January, February and March when those beautiful creatures are migrating and moving through the warm Baja waters.
My favorite time to visit Baja California Sur is May and June. The weather is just right. Daytime temps are warm but nights are cooler and more breezy. You also don’t have to worry as much about hurricanes during this time of the year since hurricane season officially runs June through October.
In summer, even if the area doesn’t experience any tropical storms or hurricanes, expect some rain and pop-up showers late in those months and early fall season. Temperatures are hot, with highs in the 90’s but the advantage is since it is low season, you might save a buck or two on accommodations during this time of the year.
Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a easy direct flight from many U.S. and Canadian cities. Delta, United, American, Spirit, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, West Jet and Air Canada all fly to Los Cabos. Here’s a few things to expect when traveling to Cabo San Lucas.
Arriving at the Airport
Southern Baja is serviced by San Jose de Cabo International Airport (SJD), approximately 30 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. The airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 is for domestic flights within Mexico and Terminal 2 for international flights to the U.S. and Canada.
A passport is needed for traveling to Mexico but there’s no visa requirement for United States and Canadian citizens. Instead, a tourist card or what’s called a FMM, a Forma Migratoria Multiple, is required for all tourists. A FMM is valid for up to 180 days in a 12 month period and the (approximate) $37 USD fee is included in the airplane ticket.
If you’ve traveled to Mexico before, you might remember that travelers in the past were asked to fill out a FMM form on the airplane. Then upon arrival at immigration, after stamping passports, officials retained a portion of that form and visitors were asked to hold onto their half until departing the country.
You’ll be happy to know there are no more papers to keep up with now. It’s all part of a much more simple electronic system the Mexican government has implemented. (Cabo is using this system but there are still smaller airports that still use the old system).
Next, after exiting immigration and gathering your luggage from baggage claim, it’s time for customs. Most airports in Mexico operate on a red light, green light system, which is a little different from what you might be used to. As you pass through customs everyone is asked to push a button. If the button lights up green, you’re good to go but red means you’ve been selected for an extra search.
Mexico is in the process of simplifying this procedure as well. Many Mexican airports have added an additional x-ray machine in customs that requires all bags to be scanned before leaving the airport.
However, as some airports make the switch, and struggle with growing pains, you might still encounter the red light, green light system as they change over. This recently happened to me when I was traveling to Puerto Vallarta.
Finally, after exiting customs, there’s one more room to pass through – the timeshare and tour room, aka the shark room. Be warned, you will be made to feel that it’s necessary to stop and schedule something but unless you’re interested in a timeshare presentation or a tour, just pass through the room and exit the airport.
How to Get to Cabo San Lucas From the Airport
The Los Cabos airport is actually closer to San Jose de Cabo so unless you plan on renting a vehicle, you need transportation to Cabo San Lucas from the airport. Depending on where your hotel is, the trip takes about 45 minutes. Here are some of the best ways to get from the airport to Cabo San Lucas.
Shuttle Van
Shuttle vans are a convenient way to get to your hotel from the Los Cabos airport. You can book a private shuttle or a shared shuttle. However, before you book something on your own dime, definitely check with your hotel to see if they offer this service. Some do, although, it’s generally not free because of the distance. Still, it’s a good idea to ask before you pay someone else.
A shared shuttle does mean you’ll probably be riding with other travelers that may not be staying at your hotel. So, the ride could be a bit longer depending on how many stops the driver has to make. If you’re visiting for a honeymoon or a special occasion then a private shuttle is the way to go.
I personally have always used Transcabo and have had excellent service with them. Of course, there are plenty of other companies and car options if you don’t want to ride in a van. My experience was with about 8 other people who were traveling together so they all went to another hotel and we didn’t have to make multiple stops.
Taxi
Authorized taxi stands are located outside the airport after you exit the tour timeshare room. By using an authorized taxi, there’s no haggling over the price. The price is a fixed rate based on what zone you are traveling to. Just confirm the price ahead of time and you should be good to go.
Uber
Cabo San Lucas has Uber but just like in many other Mexican cities they aren’t allowed on federal property. Since the airport is a federal property, they cannot pick you up there. However, they can drop you off. Uber in Mexico is the same as the United States minus a couple of differences like less advertising. You simply use the app to request a ride.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Cabo San Lucas is easy and, again, very similar to renting in the U.S. All you need is a valid driver’s license and a credit card. I find that rentals in Mexico are a little more expensive because of the required Mexican liability insurance. Car rental agencies don’t always quote that price up front so if you haven’t factored that into your budget, you might be in for quite a surprise.
You also might consider using your credit card rental coverage, however, that coverage isn’t liability coverage and in some cases, Mexican rental companies will not accept it. If you insist, they will require you to sign a waiver and leave a rather hefty deposit. I personally would rather just pay the extra and know that I’m covered in any scenario.
If you decide not to rent a vehicle at the airport but later decide you want to day trip around the area, rentals are available throughout Cabo San Lucas and can even be arranged and picked up at some of the bigger resorts and hotels.
Bus
If you don’t mind public transportation, buses in Mexico are great options for getting around. Subur Cabos is the public bus system that travels from the airport in San Jose de Cabo and along the corridor to Cabo San Lucas. The buses run every day from 5 am to around 10 pm and you’ll find marked bus stops along the route.
This bus is one of the most budget-friendly options, costing around 30 pesos ($1.80 USD) one way from San Jose de Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. You will need pesos for the bus and exact change is highly suggested as well. The buses are colored differently depending on the route and the destination will be displayed on the windshield but if you have any doubts about where the bus is headed just ask the driver before you get on.
Note: If you arrive to the Los Cabos airport on an international flight, you will have to transfer to Terminal 1 to catch the bus.
Want help planning a Cabo or another Mexican destination vacation? I can help with that! I’m a travel advisor specializing in USA, Latin America and Caribbean destinations and I love planning Mexico trips. Send an email with a few details about your plans to [email protected] and I’ll be in touch.
Getting Around Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a very pedestrian-friendly town, particularly for those staying near Medano Beach, the Marina, or downtown. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful and the public Subur Cabo buses, mentioned previously, are another option.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas offers a diverse range of accommodations, catering to every preference and budget, from classic Mexican hotels downtown to luxurious 5-star beachfront resorts. Opt for prime waterfront locales like Medano Beach, Land’s End, and Pedregal for an unforgettable seaside stay.
Medano Beach
My first choice of where to stay in Cabo San Lucas is Medano Beach. The beach here is so pretty and more swimmable since it’s better protected than the open water on the Land’s End Pacific side. But just to be safe, always check conditions before you enter the water. Cabo’s beaches are known for strong undertows and sneaky waves.
Medano Beach, also has the best views of the Arch and Land’s End and offers plenty of restaurants and beach clubs just steps away. It’s also super easy to hop on a boat, or take a tour, to out to Land’s End. Paddle boards and even jet-skis, can be rented directly from Medano Beach, too.
ME Cabo is the perfect choice of where to stay in Cabo San Lucas on Medano Beach. It’s a fairly large resort but not as big and spread out as some of the other properties so it feels a bit more intimate. Small touches like robes and beach bags to use make you feel pampered and well taken care of.
The property offers a variety of rooms choices. Everything from simple king and doubles to rooms with a swim deck and their own Jacuzzi. Although, even the most simple rooms have have balconies, with the bed placed perfectly to take advantage of the views and the amazing sunrises over el Arco.
The resort features a large pool with a swim up bar, hot tubs and lounging beds on the pool deck, as well as several restaurants onsite. On the beach, you’ll find covered more lounges and chairs available in a private area. The hotel also rents paddle boards and other water activities.
Another option on Medano Beach is Bahia Hotel. This property is ideal for those who prefer a quiet getaway but want to be near the action. Like the ME, Bahia Hotel has an plenty of amenities like an inviting pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness center and the popular onsite restaurant Bar Esquina. Bonus points for having a cute take-away coffee and juice bar too.
Since the hotel is situated a couple of blocks from the beach, guests are provided access to the hotel’s beach club and restaurant, SUR, on the beach. They even offer golf carts to take you there. At the club, for convenience, guests receive signing privileges, making it easier to charge food and drinks directly to the room, making it unnecessary to carry cash around.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
If being on or near the beach isn’t top priority or if you are looking to save a few bucks, downtown Cabo San Lucas offers some good alternative lodging options within walking of the marina and the beach.
Los Milagros Hotel is a charming boutique hotel in downtown featuring a small, picturesque courtyard with an inviting swimming pool. In addition to beautiful rooms, they offer Wi-Fi, convenient common areas and free parking, which comes in handy in the busier downtown area.
Another property, with rave reviews online, is the Collection O Casa Bella Hotel Boutique. It’s listed as exceptional on Expedia. This charming hotel offers free breakfast, an outdoor pool and terrace and Wi-Fi in the public areas, as well as safes and minibars in the rooms.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas Marina
Marina Cabo San Lucas is a more centrally located option for convenient accommodations. With a huge selection of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, the marina is a hub of activity around the clock but still within walking distance of the beach and downtown.
Most tours and deep sea fishing charters depart from the marina so if that’s something you are planning on doing while in Cabo then staying close by in the marina might be a good option for you. Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa is in the heart of the marina and also offers an all-inclusive option for those that prefer that.
All-Inclusive Stays in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts. Even if it’s not advertised as such most properties with restaurants will offer some sort of a meal plan. Just ask if that’s something you are interested in.
For a honeymoon, babymoon or any special occasion, Casa Dorada Los Cabos or Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa are good choices. Or if you prefer the peace and quiet of an all-inclusive out of town, then Hacienda Encantada, is a stunning property overlooking the ocean with an all-inclusive option.
Homestays in Cabo San Lucas
Renting a home in Cabo San Lucas gives you the best of both worlds with accommodations, a kitchen and other useful amenities. Even if you don’t like cooking on vacation, it’s very convenient to have a access to a refrigerator and microwave.
VRBO – Vacation Rentals by Owner, has the best selection of properties to choose from and they operate the same in Mexico as in the U.S. You can use the map below to see some home options as well as other accommodations.
Where to Eat in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas offers a diverse culinary scene with many more options beyond just Mexican cuisine. Seafood lovers can indulge in Baja’s fresh fish and tasty warm water lobster, while taco aficionados will enjoy some of the most mouthwatering fish and shrimp tacos found in Baja Sur.
Tacos Gardenias are the tacos by which I judge all other tacos now. The fish tacos and the breaded shrimp tacos are the absolute best tacos I’ve had in Baja Sur. Served with lots of of salsas and fresh toppings, you can taste the love put The restaurant also has other Mexican dishes, ceviche and a ginormous shrimp cocktail.
The Crazy Lobster is another solid choice for seafood and Mexican food in Cabo San Lucas. It’s not fancy but has good prices and a darn good michelada. They are open all day and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
La Galeria, in the marina is a casual dining dining experience but at the same time nice enough for a special occasion. Like many other restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, the specialty is their seafood dishes. The outdoor seating along the waterfront and live mariachi music makes it an unforgettable Baja experience.
Pan de Bacco serves Italian food and homemade pasta in Cabo San Lucas. It’s perfect when you’re not in the mood for seafood or Mexican food. Their lasagna and homemade bread and the wood fire pizzas are delicious.
Bar Esquina is located in the Bahia Cabo Hotel. It’s an inviting restaurant space featuring a lively bar area offering Mezcal and Tequila tastings and dinner menus including everything from charcuterie boards to fresh seafood. There’s also a pool side menu that includes fresh sushi and pizza.
The Office is a nice, but pricey, open air palapa style restaurant right on the Medano Beach, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course, fresh seafood dominates the menu but they do have a few steak and land options as well. The patio even has outdoor heaters if you visit in the winter.
Baja Brewing Company is one of the first breweries in Cabo San Lucas. When you have a hankering for a burger of pub food, this is the place. They have are a couple of locations but by far the restaurant on the roof of Cabo Villas Beach Resort on Medano Beach is the prime location, with epic views, misters for the hot days and fire pits when it’s chilly.
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is the ideal place to relax, but if you prefer a more active vacation there are plenty of fun activities suitable for the most energetic person down to the least motivated. At the very top of the list is visiting the Arch or El Arco de Cabo. The best way to see the Arch is on a boat tour. And If you have time, do it twice. Sunset at the Arch is amazing!
Another experience that shouldn’t be missed when traveling to Cabo is deep sea fishing. Even if that’s not something you typically do on vacation, this area of Baja is one of thee top places in the world for sportfishing. It’s so good, people come from all over the world to participate in the many fishing tournaments held throughout the year.
And for those less motivated, don’t underestimate hanging out in a beach club in Cabo San Lucas. It’s the perfect way do nothing. Relax and let someone else serve you cocktails all day. Most clubs offer lounge chairs or daybeds right on the sand. Fair warning though, depending on the type of entertainment and contests they have going on, things might get a bit bawdy.
One of the most lively Cabo San Lucas beach clubs is Mango Deck on Medano Beach. The club is open seven days a week, bright and early at 8am. They actually have a really good breakfast during the week and on Sunday, from 8am to 1pm, they have an all you can eat brunch menu. At other times, count on snacks, like guacamole and buckets of beer.
For even more Cabo San Lucas activities, a day trip to Todos Santos, snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo National Park or swimming with the whale sharks near La Paz are just a few of the other fun things you can do when visiting.
Cabo San Lucas Money Tips
Mexico’s currency is the peso so when it comes to money and paying for things in Cabo San Lucas, it’s best to use them. Yes, some places accept dollars but when you pay with dollars, the change you get in return is pesos and the exchange rate is not good.
With the dollar already falling against the peso, you probably want to save every penny, or peso, you can. If you don’t have pesos when you arrive, you can always get a few at the airport to get you started on tips and whatnot. Then later, use an ATM for a better exchange rate. Just remember to decline the conversion for less fees.
The next best option for exchanging money if you already have cash is a casa de cambio or change house. Changing money at a bank, in my opinion, is the last resort for someone vacationing. For one, it’s time consuming. Secondly, they ask for copies of this and that and unless you already have your copies with you, they will not change your money.
This is not standard for all banks and I know there is someone out there reading this saying I’ve never had that happen at my bank. Well, that’s good. I’ve had some positive encounters at banks too but I’ve also had enough negative, that I don’t want to stand in line for 30 minutes only to be told I don’t have what they need because there’s no standard in the country.
Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Cabo San Lucas. From my experience, a few places like hotels and rental car agencies accept American Express but most small businesses do not and it’s rare to find a place that takes Discover Card.
Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?
If you watch the news, or read the news online, you might ask is Cabo San Lucas safe? In fact, you might be wondering is it safe to travel to Mexico in general? And my answer would be, yes and no. Statistically, Mexico has a problem with crime. Baja California, to the north of Baja California Sur, has a reputation for violence. And Tijuana is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico.
Fortunately, the type of crime common in the north, and other places on mainland Mexico, hasn’t affected Cabo San Lucas and Baja California Sur too much. Also, that crime is not usually aimed at tourists. Although at times, innocent bystanders are affected.
That’s not to say you can let you guard down. Petty crime, like purse snatching, scams, and even extortion or bribes are found in almost all touristy Mexican cities. However, the majority of people in Baja are lovely and welcome gringos by the thousands to their home. I’ve traveled all over Baja (I have walked across the border to Tijuana multiple times alone) and driven solo in Baja California Sur. I never felt threatened or unsafe.
The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Baja California Sur is currently a Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution which is the same level the State Department currently has assigned to Italy, the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas. In the case of BCS, the reason is “due to crime“.
Ultimately, each traveler has to decide what level of safety they are comfortable with. What’s safe for one person might not feel safe for another. And we can’t deny that Mexico has kind of a reputation. However, practicing travel safety tips, being situationally aware at all times, which means no overconsumption of alcohol or buying of drugs and purchasing travel insurance, in case of emergencies, can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Cabo San Lucas FAQs
What if I don’t speak Spanish?
Spanish is the most common language spoken is Mexico but if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll have no problem communicating in Cabo San Lucas. Most hospitality personnel and those that work in tourism speak English.
However, I do think it’s considerate and very much appreciated, if you at least learn five easy words. In Spanish they are super simple and you probably already know them – hola, gracias, de nada, cómo estás and por favor. You could also add to that list buenos dÃas, buenas tardes and buenas noches. Good day. good afternoon and good night.
Will My Phone Work in Cabo San Lucas?
Visitors from the U.S. that have service with Verizon or AT&T should be able to use their phones with an international plan.
If you are a frequent traveler to Mexico, consider buying a Mexican pay by the minute phone at a local Telcel store. Additionally you can purchase a local SIM card if your phone has one that you can swap out.
Many places have free Wi-Fi so it’s possible to use a messaging app such as WhatsApp – which by the way is one of my 5 essential apps for traveling in Mexico – for free to communicate.
Can You Drink the Water in Cabo?
Just like almost everywhere in Mexico, you probably don’t want to drink the water in Cabo San Lucas. You can easily find bottled water all over town and your hotel will probably even supply some.
Related: Drinking Water in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know.
Ice cubes, washed vegetables and fruit at resorts should be okay since many of them have their own filtration systems, but there’s no guarantee. If you have a sensitive stomach you may want to avoid these foods all together.
Do I need Travel Insurance in Cabo San Lucas?
Mexico has good healthcare with reliable hospitals and urgent care but in the last few years, there are more and more reports of tourists being charged huge amounts up front just to be treated. If you don’t have a credit cards to cover or cash on hand you might not be allowed to leave the hospital.
One way to avoid this kind of scenario is by purchasing travel insurance. You might still be required to pay something up front but many of the reputable travel insurance companies are well versed in dealing with foreign healthcare and they will make arrangements and help you get the best care available.
Many travel insurance policies will also provide emergency evacuation back to the states. This is something that can cost thousands of dollars so make sure you pay the little extra to include this on your policy. Search and compare travel insurance plans at TravelInsurance.com to find the perfect one for you.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
For me, Cabo San Lucas is one of the best and most reliable vacations there is. For one, you can just about always count on sun, sand, seafood and fun. I love it too because you can do a lot or do nothing at all but lay around the pool or beach. And the scenery? There aren’t too many places with the amazing scenery Cabo has. It’s so beautiful you can’t help but fall in love. So what if it’s touristy? Aren’t we all tourists?
See you on the road!