The Ultimate Guide to Cabo San Lucas

You’ve most likely heard of Cabo San Lucas or even visited for a spring break, bachelorette party or weekend getaway from southern California. Cabo San Lucas offers consistently warm weather, beautiful resorts and tons of water activities — just a 2.5 hour flight from Los Angeles!

Cabo San Lucas is one of two resort cities that make up Los Cabos, the other, San Jose del Cabo, is about a 30-minute drive. Cabo San Lucas offers a bustling marina, adventurous activities and nightlife where as quieter San Jose del Cabo is filled with art galleries and boutique resorts.

Here is my ultimate guide to Cabo San Lucas!

Where to Stay in Cabo

From small boutique hotel to mega resort, Cabo has plenty of lodging options to choose from — and one thing that is consistent throughout Cabo is the incredible service and hospitality!

Luxury

The Cape Hotel: I had the pleasure of staying at this stunning property on several visits to Cabo. It’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas and is nestled on its own beach cove with panoramic views of the iconic arch. We loved being close enough to downtown to pop in for dinner but also far enough away to avoid the busy beaches. The Cape Hotel features two stunning pools (one with a swim up bar!), an incredible spa and two onsite restaurants — so you don’t even have to leave the property.
Esperanza – An Auberge Resort: This luxury resort is located 12 miles from downtown Cabo San Lucas and is perfect for those looking to get away and relax. Enjoy the hotel’s beachfront infinity pool, ocean view suites, and indulgent spa treatments.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: With its own incredible private beach and infinity pool, you’ll have a hard time leaving this resort. The hotel is built into the rocky coastline creating beautiful views!

Mid-Range

Villa la Estancia Beach Resort & Spa: I’ve stayed here a couple of times and loved the property! The rooms are comfortable and most have a view of the arch — plus it’s on Medano beach so you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops and bars.
Hacienda Beach Club & Residences: With its central location, this hotel is perfect for those looking to be in the center of the action (the Mango Deck is right next door!). The hotel is located in a private gated community so you won’t having any problems relaxing by the pool or in one of their elegant rooms while enjoying the best views.

Budget

Mayan Monkey Hostel Cabo: This is a great option for budget travelers; this hip hostel features beautifully designed rooms and a swimming pool. Guests also receive a free made-to-order breakfast!
Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa: Located in — you guessed it! — the marina. Their rooms offer marina or pool views and its in the center of downtown Cabo San Lucas. Plus, they offer all inclusive rate options if that’s your thing!

Where to Dine in Cabo

From traditional Mexican cuisine to upscale Japanese to farm-to-table, Cabo has a sophisticated dining scene with something for every palate.

The Office: This fun, colorful restaurant is located right on the sand with stunning views of El Arco — it’s a Cabo staple! It’s great for lunch or dinner — don’t miss the table-side Caesar salad service or oversized margaritas.
Manta: While Mexican / Japanese fusion might sound odd, I can assure you it is phenomenal! This upscale restaurant at the Cape Hotel is perfect for a romantic dinner date. Stop by their rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks and an unbeatable view of Cabo!
Sunset Mona Lisa: Everything about this spot oozes romance! The restaurant itself is carved into a cliff, overlooking El Arco with one of the best sunset shows in town!
Flora Farms: This restaurant is also a 25-acre organic working farm located in San Jose del Cabo — serving up farm-to-table food with live music in a magical garden setting.
Acre: With a similar concept (and location!) to Flora Farms, Acre not only has an organic farm and restaurant but it’s also a “treehouse” hotel and event venue.
Edith’s: It’s beautiful outdoor ambiance and delicious Baja cuisine make this a perfect spot for dinner on any trip to Cabo.
El Farallon: For a special night out with an incredible sunset view, look no further than El Farallon at the Resort at Pedregal.
La Lupita Tacos + Mezcal: If you’re a taco lover like me, than this is the place for you. With delicious tacos, cute decor and lots of different mezcals, La Lupita is a great spot for lunch or dinner. It’s original location is in San Jose del Cabo but they recently opened one in Cabo San Lucas as well!
La Golondrina: In a beautiful garden setting, this restaurant serves the Cabo classics: fresh seafood, table-side Caesar salad and giant margaritas.
Tacos Gardenias: For no frills, cheap tacos, this is the spot! Mingle with the locals and make sure to try to the Baja shrimp tacos.
Arbol: All I can say about this place is…. wow! Located at Las Ventanas, their restaurant has an incredible ambiance and unique, delicious Asian-Indian cuisine.
Los Tres Gallos: Dine in an intimate hacienda-style courtyard beneath colorful flags and string lights, all while enjoying traditional cuisine at an affordable price!

Things to do in Cabo

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, head out for an adventure, or party the night away, Cabo has got you covered.

El Arco & Lover’s Beach: No visit to Cabo is complete without taking a trip to El Arco, the beautiful and iconic arch rock formation at the tip fo the peninsula where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. Hire a water taxi for the trip out from the marina or beach!
San Jose del Cabo Gallery District: If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss this arts district in downtown San Jose del Cabo. If you’re visiting between November and June, make sure to stop by on a Thursday evening for their weekly art walk!
Check out the local surf spots: Cabo is home to some well-known surf breaks like Monuments and Zippers. Rent a board and catch some waves! Note that boards are available for rental at Monuments break at the nearby Cape Hotel — it’s quite rocky though so recommended for experienced surfers only!
Plan a boat day: Check out the Ecocat catamaran tour for a day of sailing, snorkeling and fun! Or, gather a group and rent a private yacht for the day — Pisces Yachts is a charter company that I’ve had several experiences with and loved!
Party at the Mango Deck: This beachfront bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a party! With drink specials, tequila shots daily entertainment, the fun never stops at the Mango Deck.
Hit the town for a night out: If you’re wanting to get a taste for Cabo’s nightlife scene, check out the famous El Squid Roe or The Nowhere Bar.
Day Trip to Todos Santos: About 45-minutes north of Cabo is the quaint coastal town, Todos Santos. Stop by Hotel San Cristobal for a drink with beautiful ocean views!
Day Trip to La Paz: La Paz is a bit farther — about a 2-hour drive from Cabo — but since its located on the Sea of Cortez, it boasts calm, turquoise waters and beautiful white sand beaches. Spend the day relaxing at beautiful Balandra beach or swim with the whale sharks if you’re visiting between October and March!