Friends, this post contains affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase from a link on this website, I earn a commission, with absolutely no added cost to you. For more information click here.
Why Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, more often referred to as Cabo, is a beautiful, warm and relaxing getaway. Cabo has an array of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals with stunning views all within a few minutes of amazing restaurants, bars, activities, and nightlife.
Why do people choose Cabo over Hawaii or the Bahamas? Cabo is cheaper than Hawaii and it offers a wider array of things to do than the Bahamas. From its sunset boat tours, world-class fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, golfing, off-roading, spa services, and nightlife, Cabo is hard to beat!
Where is Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas, not to be confused with the similarly named San Jose del Cabo, is located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Cabo sits at the point of the peninsula where the Sea of Cortez, or the Gulf of California, meets the Pacific Ocean.
What’s the Weather in Cabo?
Cabo is a great place to visit year-round with its tropical/desert climate. The average temperatures in Cabo San Lucas range from around 68F/20C to 85F/29C. From June to Octobers highs average around 95F/35C and from December to March lows hover around 60F/15C. Most of the year, the temperature ranges from the mid-70sF/24C to the mid-80sF/29C.
August to October are the rainiest months in Cabo with between 1-3 inches of rain per month. Every few years Cabo is impacted from hurricane season falling between late June to November.
What Languages are Spoken in Cabo?
Spanish is the primary language in Mexico, although most people within the heavily visited areas will also speak some English.
What Currency is Accepted in Cabo?
The peso is the national currency of Mexico although the U.S. dollar and major credit cards are accepted in most shops, stores, and restaurants. It is good to have some pesos on hand for taxis, buses and smaller, local establishments.
Currency can be exchanged at ATMs, currency exchange booths at the airport, local banks or at many larger resorts. In general, you will receive a better exchange rate if you wait to exchange money in Cabo instead of before your trip.
Also, you will usually receive a better exchange rate if you use pesos while in Mexico. When using a credit card, you will be asked if you want it charged in pesos or USD. Assuming you have no credit card foreign exchange fees, pesos is the better option as you will receive a better exchange rate.
How to Get There
Most visitors will arrive through the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), located 30-45 minutes outside of Cabo San Lucas.
Bus
There are buses, taxis, and shuttles available to transport you to Cabo. The cheapest option is the Ruta del Desierto bus, which is probably best for solo travelers or those with little luggage. Bus fare is around $5 USD/65 pesos.
Taxis
I would not recommend a taxi because they charge around $80 USD/1483 pesos one way.
Shuttles
Shuttles range from $20-40 per person one way. Resorts often have shuttle offers or you can use independent companies such as Super Shuttle. This simplest transportation option is to pre-book a shuttle either through your resort or an independent company. That way your driver/shuttle company will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
What You Need to Know About the Airport
Trudy Tip: The Los Cabos Airport is a bit of a nightmare to exit IF you don’t know what to expect.
Here’s what you need to know before exiting the airport. Upon finishing at customs and immigration you will exit through automatic doors into another room. There you will find an area with many individuals and what looks like ticket counters. These individuals will be very friendly and offer to help you find a taxi, shuttle, hotel or resort, tours, etc. Just smile and keep walking! Walk, walk, walk friends…they want to set you up with a timeshare presentation. How do I know? Because no one told us this valuable piece of information! We saw a friendly gentleman with a shirt representing our resort and up we walked. Before we knew it they were offering us cash to sit through a one-hour timeshare presentation the next day. I’ll share more about that below.
Once, you’ve walked, walked, walked through the second set of doors you will exit the terminal and feel the balmy heat of Mexico. Then you will see more, friendly guides and shuttle representatives. These are your people! Inside people not your people, outside people, they are YOUR people! These are the shuttle drivers and taxis that will assist you.
If you have a pre-booked shuttle or private driver you will find the representatives straight ahead upon exiting the main terminal. They will have signs representing their companies or a sign with your name.
And well, well, well… there is also a strategically placed bar right where you wait for the shuttle. You can have yourself a tasty margarita or cerveza (friends, that’s beer in Spanish) while you wait. Oh, and shall I mention there are no open container laws in Mexico so you can enjoy an adult beverage in your shuttle or taxi.
Where Should I Stay?
When looking for someplace to stay you are going to find three main areas. San Jose del Cabo to the north, the Corridor (coastal highway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas) and then the town of Cabo San Lucas. Where you stay really depends on what you are looking for keeping in mind, it is about 20 miles/32 kilometers between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
San Jose del Cabo has some beautiful beachfront resorts with sandy beaches and an old Baja feel. I’d recommend staying here if you aren’t interested in Cabo San Lucas as a one-way taxi ride is around $60 USD.
The popularity of the Corridor area is quickly rising with an increase in the development of many gorgeous resorts looking out over the coastline. This area is more accessible to both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, with taxis costing around $15 USD.
Popular Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
If you are looking to be closer to everything that Cabo itself has to offer then you’ll want to look at lodgings either on Medano Beach, the Marina or those that over-look the Pacific side of Cabo.
Medano Beach
Medano Beach offers beautiful beachfront properties and depending on the location along the beach, it is an easy 5-15 minute walk to the downtown Cabo area. Personally, I think Medano Beach is the perfect location. It offers easy access to downtown, a beautiful beach with areas to swim, watersports, parasailing, beachside restaurants, and bars.
Some popular resort on Medano Beach include:
- Villa del Palmar Beach Resort, Villa Estancia Condos, and Villa del Arco Beach Resort
- Pueblo Bonito Rose or Pueblo Bonito Blanco
- ME Cabo
- Riu Palace Resort
The Marina
The marina area is centrally located and is amidst the restaurants and nightlife of downtown Cabo. Here you don’t have the beach outside your door, but you do have a central location.
Popular resorts around the marina include:
The Pacific Side of Cabo
The Pacific side of Cabo offers luxury (often all-inclusive) resorts, with stunning sunset views. The beauty of a cliffside ocean view comes with dangerous ocean waves and an unmatched undertow. This area is not safe for swimming.
This side of Cabo is made for lounging by the magnificent pools staring out at the ocean. A taxi to downtown Cabo is approximately $8/148 pesos and takes 10-15 minutes depending on the resort location.
Popular resorts on the Pacific side include:
- Grand Sol Mar Lands End Resort and Spa
- Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf and Spa Resort
- Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf and Spa Resort (adult only)
All-Inclusive or Not?
Personally, I think there are too many good restaurants to pay for all-inclusive resorts in Cabo. However, if you are staying along the Corridor or on the Pacific Side of Cabo, and don’t plan on being in Cabo every day then the all-inclusive packages can be a good option.
How Do I Get Around in Cabo?
Car Rentals
In general, I would not recommend renting a car if staying in Cabo San Lucas. The first time we went no-one gave us this advice and we ended up paying $500 for the week for what looked like a 20-year-old Nissan Sentra that sat in the resort parking lot.
There are only a couple of situations where I would recommend renting a car. One would be if you want to explore other towns such as La Paz or Todos Santos. If that is the case, I would only recommend renting a car for the days you actually need. The other time might be if you are staying in San Jose del Cabo or the Corridor area and you want to go into Cabo San Lucas multiple days. Just note that parking can be hard to find in Cabo although there is some parking available at the Puerto Paraiso Mall, at the Marina.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to come by in Cabo. There is a standard price within the basic Cabo area of around $8 USD/148 pesos one-way.
Always confirm your price before leaving and it’s usually cheapest to pay in pesos. If you don’t have the exact amount and pay in dollars the taxi drivers will give you change in pesos.
Bus
If staying on Medano Beach at the Riu, Villa del Arco or Villa del Palmar you can catch a city bus to Walmart or to the Marina area for $1 USD/ 18 pesos. Look for a bus that has “Walmart” on the windshield. It will stop briefly at Walmart and then head into downtown Cabo. This trip takes about 10 minutes. Exit at the bus stop just passed the Puerto Paraiso Mall. To head back, catch the same bus outside of the Puerto Paraiso Mall, again looking for a bus that has Walmart on the windshield.
What to Wear
Cabo has a laid back beach atmosphere. You’ll find most people wearing shorts or women with light dresses. Unless on the beach, swimsuits aren’t generally found in bars or restaurants.
Where to Eat
There are so many amazing restaurants in Cabo. You will find pretty much anything you are looking for: Mexican, seafood, Italian, sushi, steaks and more. Here are some of our favorite restaurants:
Cabo Classics
Our Favorites
Things to Do While in Cabo
Cabo truly has something for everyone. From relaxation and spa services to sunset boat tours, world-class fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, golfing, off-roading, whale watching, parasailing, and nightlife…Cabo is hard to beat!
Tour Companies
Cabo Adventures is a well-established company that we have used multiple times for sea kayaking, a dolphin adventure and a camel ride on the beach. Yep, riding a camel on the beach in Mexico. Friends, I loved every wobbly second of it! There are a variety of companies in Cabo, but I can attest to the fact that you won’t go wrong with Cabo Adventures.
Relax
One of my favorite things to do in Cabo is to lay by a pool or beachside enjoying the sun and a good book! The warm sun and gentle breeze are a perfect combination to help you relax and unwind.
Medano Beach
Along Medano Beach, you will find a variety of vendors offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, water taxis to the iconic Land’s End and Lover’s Beach and more. Take a walk along the beach and check it out.
Sunset Cruises
Sunset cruises are very popular, but all are not equal. I can’t believe I’m sharing Cabo’s Best Kept Secret with you, but we’re friends so here goes. If you are looking for a sunset cruise with a more intimate, family, feel to it, then the Rissalena is what you are looking for. We have referred a number of friends and family to the Rissalena and no one has left disappointed. You will love this beautiful catamaran with its homemade meal, music, and open bar. They make you feel like one of the family.
There are many other options for sunset cruises in Cabo including bigger boats that hold more people or even sailboats if that is what you prefer.
Iconic Cabo Nightlife
For good drinks, music and entertainment here are some great options
Other Things You Need to Know
Is Cabo Safe?
Yes, Cabo is safe if you travel smart. As with any time you travel, be aware of your surroundings, in the evenings stay on well-lit and populated streets. If you are offered what may be referred to as “party favors” aka drugs – in the words of Nancy Reagan, “just say no”. The legal system in Mexico is not what you are used to, so don’t risk it.
Snacks and Beverages
Whether staying in a hotel, resort or vacation rental, Walmart is a great stop for snacks, beverages or items you may have forgotten. You can get to Walmart by bus or taxi. We often take the bus to Walmart and then take a taxi back. There are attendants in the curb that will hail you a taxi and help you load your groceries, but be prepared to tip.
We have found Walmart to have the best prices on bottles of hard alcohol and in most cases, a lot cheaper than you will find in the States.
Swimming in the Ocean in Cabo
Depending on where you are in Cabo, swimming in the ocean can be treacherous. As explained previously, swimming is not allowed on the Pacific side of Cabo due to the harsh waves and strong under-current. On the other hand, visitors are able to swim off of Medano Beach, but do so at your own risk.
Medano Beach is nice and sandy, but the ocean waves can make it difficult to get in and out of the water. There is always someone getting tumbled as they enter or exit the water generally as the waves recede. The tumbling is caused by a combination of the angle of the beach, and the strong pull of the waves as the water recedes. It’s doable but many, many people exit with a swimsuit full of sand after tumbling in the shallows.
Timeshare Presentations
For 4-5 hours of your time, you can get a free breakfast, possibly free gifts, tequila, tours or even cash for listening to very compelling reasons why you should buy a timeshare. It is up to you whether you feel the free breakfast and gifts are worth your time.
I’ll admit I’ve been to A LOT of timeshare presentations and have left with some significant cash in hand, however, some of the people are nicer than others if you politely decline. We attended one, where the representatives handed us off to three different people who became increasingly pushy and less gracious when we politely declined.
You decide for yourself, but do know, it is never one hour. It will be a good part of a half-day so decide how you want to spend your time.
Someone Is Always Trying to Sell You Something
Beach Vendors
On Medano Beach, you will find a lot of vendors trying to sell you a variety of items including bracelets, sunglasses, sarongs, toys and so much more. It’s one of the things in Cabo that you learn to tolerate. If you find something you like, feel free to respectfully barter with the seller.
Tourist and Information Booths
In downtown Cabo, you will find tourist and information booths on every corner. They are always willing to provide information but there will likely be a request to sit in on a timeshare presentation included in the deal. Yet, another thing you learn to tolerate in Cabo. A smile and no thank you works just fine as you pass by.
Shopping
There are a lot of shops filled with jewelry, art, and other souvenirs. These shop owners will encourage you to come in to view their merchandise. Some of them are quite the characters with humorous phrases like “come look at something you don’t need” or “almost free”. Friends, just enjoy it for what it is. Also, feel free to barter in the shops, but be reasonable. Also, note that prices in the shops do increase when the cruise ships are in port.
Book the Trip!
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful beach resort town with plenty of activities and opportunities for relaxation to meet everyone’s needs. Cabo is a great time but does not have the old world or charming beach town feel of other areas of Mexico such as Holbox.
If you are looking for a charming beach town check out Holbox, Everything You Need to Know About This Charming Island.
You might also like to hear about whether Cabo or Cancun is the right spot for you. See More at Cabo or Cancun – Which Fun-Filled Destination is Right for You?
Don’t forget to follow Trudy Traveler on PINTEREST, and you can save the pin for later!
You mentioned the airport steps, but what about getting our luggage step!??
Hello, Once you exit the plane you will go through the Immigration area where they will check and stamp your passport. From there, you will enter the baggage claim area to retrieve any checked luggage, and then you will proceed through Customs. And then your vacation begins. Happy Travels!
This was very helpful! I feel more comfortable and prepared for my trip to Cabo. I love the restaurant suggestions. Thanks so much!