Are you thinking of traveling to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico?
Cabo San Lucas which lies in the tropical desert region of Baja California Sur is no stranger to tourists who love to head to Mexico in search of a better climate.
Located on the tip of a peninsula in an area called Land’s End Cabo is actually one of the most popular spots for US tourists heading south of the border, with incredible beaches and entertainment options in abundance here.
Due to its unique location in Northern Mexico, Cabo has an arid, desert-like climate mixed with its long stretch of Pacific coastline.
Table of Contents
Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
In this Mexico travel guide, we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know about Cabo San Lucas (Cabo) so you know how to navigate the city without any issues.
We’ll cover practical information such as how to get there, where to stay, how to stay safe, the best things to do, when to visit and much more!
Is Cabo San Lucas safe for tourists?
Overall the touristy center of Cabo is pretty safe for travelers (which is near Medano Beach and the harbor). Just be sure to leave your valuables at home and avoid drinking the tap water while here and you should be fine.
How to get to Cabo San Lucas?
If arriving directly from another country, you’ll most likely need to fly into Mexico City first, and then take a domestic flight over to Cabo from there.
Having said that, Cabo’s airport does have direct flights to the USA and some other countries daily, which is worth checking out. If already in Mexico, then you can fly directly from Cancún, Mexico City and some other major destinations.
There’s also a ferry service from Sinaloa on the mainland to Baja Sur, from which you can then take a short bus ride to reach Cabo.
If you are already in Baja California or Baja California Sur, consider taking the bus which is cheaper, and you’ll also see some unforgettable views along the way.
If you’ll arrive at the airport consider a private airport shuttle for getting to your hotel hassle-free. That way you can arrive faster and drop off your bags.
Is Cabo Expensive?
Mexico in general is much cheaper than other countries around the world. Cabo can be cheap if you stick to local restaurants and cheaper accommodation such as backpacker hostels or smaller hotels away from the popular resort areas.
It also depends on when you visit, as the busier touristy periods (around Christmas and from July until August) see a hike up in prices.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
One of our favorite hotels for a stay in Cabo is the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa. It’s located next to Medano Beach, which has a long stretch of pristine coast and is also close to the famous El Arco.
Another popular hotel is the Fairfield Inn Los Cabos. It’s located in the bustling area of town, near the harbor. Here you’ll be close to all the action, including the best restaurants and nightlife. It’s also a stone’s throw away from Medano Beach.
Best Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Now let’s explore the very best things to do in Cabo, the surrounding region, as well as the top places to eat and to party (if that’s what you like to do).
- Beaches – Cabo will always be best known for its beaches, and there’s a pretty large amount to choose from here. Playa Medano is the most popular and easiest to get to, with many water sports and activities on offer. Lover’s beach is the best for swimming, whilst Playa Chileno is one of the most beautiful and best for relaxing.
- El Arco – Type in Cabo San Lucas into Google and this will be one of the first images to pop up. This natural rock formation is the highlight of a trip to Cabo, and absolutely is a must-see. You’ll need to go on an organized tour where you’ll see the Arch, which is perched between the colliding waters of The Pacific and The Sea of Cortez.
- Cerro de la Zeta – This mirador offers the best views of Cabo and its stunning Pacific coastline. It lies south-west of the city, and the hike up takes around 45 minutes. We recommend heading here around sunset for some truly incredible views.
Where to Eat in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo is full of both authentic Mexican restaurants as well as a variety of cuisines from all over the world. Los Tres Gallos is the most renowned for local dishes, where you must try the Moles as well as the Cochinita Pibil (smokey pork).
The Crazy Lobster offers a much more fun atmosphere, with great food coupled with a lively atmosphere and parties that often get out of hand. Doing a downtown food tour is a great way to be able to try all the best local food joints in Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas Nightlife
Cabo is known as one of Mexico’s top nightlife hotspots along with places such as Cancún and Tijuana. Most of the best nightlife is located around Lázaro Cárdenas Avenue, which is close to the harbor, as well as near Playa Medano.
Some of the best bars to visit here include Baja Brewing Company, from which you’ll then want to move on to El Squid Roe or Mandala. Head to the famous Cabo Wabo for an unforgettable night out.
Events and Festivals in Cabo San Lucas
December until March is the annual Whale Migration season. Here you’ll be able to head on tours (that are held daily) to see these magnificent beasts in the deep blue. If you’re lucky you may even see an Orca or two too!
If visiting in early November, check out the Los Cabo International Film Festival, which is held on the 7th. Now one of the most popular events in the country, here you’ll see some of the best film producers and actors come in from all over the world, showcasing some of the best national and international film pieces.
Another interesting festival to visit is the Festival del Mango in nearby Todos Santos. From the 23-28th July, this cultural festival celebrates the juicy fruit that is the mango, and has many parades, parties and even polka bands come to play for what is a really unique experience.
Cabo San Lucas Day Trips
- Todos Santos – This laidback town is located around 1 hour away from Cabo, and can easily be reached with this special day tour or by bus. Todos Santos is best known for its surfing, which hosts annual competitions with competitors coming in from all over the globe. Other things to see here include Playa los Cerritos as well as Punta Lobos.
- La Paz – Often confused with the Bolivian capital, this one is home to some stunning beaches and wildlife. It’s more sleepy than Cabo, which may be exactly what you’re looking for. The best thing to see here is Isla Espíritu Santo, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to virgin beaches, volcanic rock formations and over 30 species of reptiles. The bus from Cabo takes around 3 hours to arrive in La Paz.
Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips
As one of Mexico’s most charming destinations drawing thousands of beach lovers and partygoers each year, there are a few things you shouldn’t miss.
⤵️ Below are some helpful travel tips for a more fulfilling experience:
- Head to Cabo on the weekend! This is when the place is most alive, with lots of parties and events on. During this time you’ll be able to better take advantage of the more remote beaches too, as most people will be focused in the center.
- Pick up some Mexican gifts or souvenirs while here because you can find things such as textiles, silver jewelry, Talavera pottery and more.
- The best months to visit Cabo San Lucas are June and November. Both are within the dry season, have consistent warm temperatures, and are relatively cheap.
- Whilst Medano beach is the easiest to get to (and the most popular), we recommend heading further out to other beaches such as Playa Chileno and Playa el Faro, which are more beautiful and also more chill. Try a group tour like this one that will allow you to see both with transport included.
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas
As already mentioned, Cabo has a desert-like climate, although there is still a dry and wet season. Compared to other regions in Mexico, however, the contrast between them in Cabo is much smaller.
The dry season runs from November until June. Average daily temperatures during this period range from 69-81°F, with highs of up to 89°F and lows of down to 61°F. Rainfall ranges from 0-0.5 inches each month, with April and May the driest months for a visit.
The wet season begins in July and ends around late October. Daily temperatures average between 80-84°F, with highs of up to 91°F and lows of 72°F. Each month you can expect anywhere from 0.5-2.5 inches of rainfall, with September being the wettest month of the year. Aim to carry a natural sunscreen like this one along with you as the sun is baking hot here!
Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
That’s all for our guide on traveling to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. This beachside city has it all, with stunning beaches, activities and entertainment options galore. It’s also very well connected, with many direct flights arriving from the USA daily.
This guide has explored Cabo San Lucas, including the best areas to visit, information on how to get there, where to stay, what to do and how to stay safe.
Enjoy your time in Cabo San Lucas and be sure to check our list of sustainable travel tips to ensure your trip has a positive impact on the local environment.
Dear responsible traveler: This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.
