This is the ultimate Los Cabos travel guide!
If you ask me, I will tell you that Mexico is always a good idea, and, more specifically, Cabo is always a good idea! I love any excuse to practice my Spanish, drink margaritas, and snack on chips and guacamole at all hours of the day. There are two popular areas that make up Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas is the most popular with luxury resorts, nightlife, and tourism entertainment; San José del Cabo is more laidback with art galleries, boutique shops, and authentic culture. Both are amazing for different reasons, but I have to say that my favorite to return back to is San José del Cabo.
In this Los Cabos travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo!
Table of Contents
STAY
There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Los Cabos. You should definitely ask yourself how important beach access is, because many of the beaches in Los Cabos are actually not swimmable due to the intense riptide. A good hotel will make up for this with a fabulous pool and maybe even a dreamy chair set up on the beach that is set far enough back from the shoreline. Other factors to consider are if the hotel or resort is family-friendly v. adults only, if there is on-site transportation available, what activities and entertainment is scheduled, if there is a quality spa, and what the nearby dining options are.
HOTELS & RESORTS WITH PERKS
As a Fora travel advisor, I can hook you up with room upgrades, perks, resort credit, free breakfast, and more at the following hotels. The best part is there is no additional cost to you. Fill out the form on this page to get started!
P.S. The first three in this list are my favorites!
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
One&Only Palmilla
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Viceroy Los Cabos
Montage Los Cabos
Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort Los Cabos
ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
Mexico is practically synonymous with all-inclusive resorts. I think this is a great option for a family or a group, as all-inclusive resorts offer flexible and easy planning, and you pay for everything upfront so you really don’t have to worry about spending money during your vacation. The one downfall of all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos is that you may miss out on experiencing the amazing food, drinks, and culture outside of the resort property. That does not mean that the included food and drinks will not be good, too, but I would not limit yourself to those options.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Paradisus Los Cabos
Zoëtry Casa Del Mar
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos
Marquis Los Cabos
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Drift San José del Cabo is my favorite boutique hotel option in the area. I absolutely loved staying here for a few nights during my last trip. There are only 29 rooms on the property – all similar in size and amenities and facing the courtyard pool. There are complimentary surf boards and racks available. The vibe is very cool and serene. Drift has properties in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Nashville, too.
EAT AND DRINK
As I mentioned before, the food and drinks are so good throughout Los Cabos, so it’s really a shame to not leave your resort to sample the incredibly authentic Mexican food here. I regularly dream about the margaritas and chilaquiles from my most recent trip to Los Cabos.
TIP: Several of these restaurants have locations in San José del Cabo AND Cabo San Lucas. Secure your reservation in advance!
LUNCH & DINNER
Flora Farms | If there is one place that you should make a reservation at before you arrive in Los Cabos, it should be Flora Farms – whether it be for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Everything on the menu is amazing, the organic ingredients come straight from the farms (which you can tour), there is often a band playing live music, and the property is large and accommodating for groups of all sizes (even weddings). It is located in San José del Cabo.
Los Tres Gallos | There are obviously a lot of Mexican restaurants with colorful decorations, inviting atmospheres, mariachi bands, and authentic food and drinks, but Los Tres Gallos might be my favorite of this restaurant genre. There is a location in Cabo San Lucas and in San José del Cabo (request a table on the rooftop).
Edith’s | This is a classic establishment that has been around since 1994. The vibrant setting and circling mariachi band will put you in a good mood before you’ve even had a sip of margarita. It is located in Cabo San Lucas.
The Office | I first came to this lively beachfront restaurant for dinner during my best friend’s bachelorette party – it is perfect for groups and celebrations. It’s also a great place to grab a margarita and listen to live music while you wait for a table at any of the nearby hot spots. It is located in Cabo San Lucas.
ACRE | This gorgeous resort has an equally gorgeous on-site bar and restaurant. Come here for their prix fixe brunch menu or for a cocktail before or after hopping over to Flora Farms (they are pretty close together). It is located in San José del Cabo.
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal | Known for their tacos!!! There is a location in Cabo San Lucas and in San José del Cabo.
Kitchen + Mezcal Bar | The restaurant on the Drift hotel property with amazing food and drinks. Some nights it is very chill and some nights there is a DJ, so take your pick! It is located in San José del Cabo.
On my list for next time: El Huerto, El Farallon, Tres Sirenas, Metate, LUMBRE.
DRINKS
The Rooftop at The Cape | This is my favorite place to watch the sunset while enjoying a delicious cocktail and a light bite. Make a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset.
Nomada Bar de Origen | The mezcalita. OMG. It is located in San José del Cabo.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
PEZGALLO | I love this spot so much that I ate breakfast here two days in a row. Order the iced coffee with orange cold foam and the chilaquiles. The vibe in the back patio is so inviting with plants and art everywhere. It is located in San José del Cabo.
Ruba’s Bakery & Bistro | A super cute spot known for their breakfast and pastries but they are open late if you are looking for somewhere to grab dinner or drinks. It is located in San José del Cabo.
Coffee LAB | If you’re dealing a three hour time difference like me, you’re going to need to save this local coffee shop! It is located in San José del Cabo.
Follow me on Instagram for even more foodie content!
SEE AND DO
LUXURY SUNSET SAIL
If there is one activity that you plan, it should definitely be some time on a boat. You can go during the day and have the opportunity to jump in the water, snorkel, and see marine life OR you can go in the evening and *cheers* to golden hour and take in the sunset views.
Cabo Adventures has so many options but I loved the luxury sunset sail with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, comfortable / spacious seating, and an entertaining crew onboard.
HIKE MT. SOLMAR
This hike is just under two miles and leads to a breathtaking view from a peninsula in the Lands End area. It is not far from downtown Cabo San Lucas. While I have not personally done this hike, I have read that it is a bit challenging. I have also read that it is not a public trailhead and you must be accompanied by a guide. I encourage you to do your own research to keep up with the latest information, but there is a man named Enrique that owns a dog kennel and leads hikes at 8am daily every morning except for Saturdays. You just show up!
ART WALK
If you are in San José del Cabo on a Thursday between November and June, then you don’t want to miss the weekly art walk in the Gallery District. The colorful streets are closed to car traffic from 5-9pm so that locals and tourists can comfortably explore the art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the area.
TODOS SANTOS AND LA PAZ
Rent a car or join an organized tour for a day trip to these magical cities near Los Cabos. Todos Santos is about one hour away from the SJD airport and La Paz is another hour away from Todos Santos.
I hope you enjoyed this Los Cabos travel guide and are planning to visit soon!
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Like I said in the beginning, Mexico is always a good idea. Technically, the best time to plan your trip is anytime from April to July. August to October is considered the rainy season. November and December are popular months to visit for the “festive,” or holiday season, so make sure you are planning ahead.
CURRENCY & LANGUAGE
Mexican Pesos is the local currency. The official language spoken in Los Cabos is Spanish.
GETTING AROUND
To/From SJD Airport: It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive between the airport and San José del Cabo. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive between the airport and Cabo San Lucas.
Uber is readily available in Los Cabos; however, it is unable to pick-up directly at the airport. While I found it completely safe and reliable for navigating around Los Cabos, I encourage you to be vigilant, as Uber is technically illegal here. There are plenty of taxis and shuttles available if you do not choose to rent a car.
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
The usual beach accessories are a must: sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuits, beach bag.
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. Don’t forget your passport!
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