Cabo has never been high on my list. In fact, I visited Mexico 10 times and 7 other cities before I visited Cabo. I typically avoid destinations built around luxury resorts and spring-break energy, so it took me a while to get there. Ironically, my first visit was during spring break, and I really enjoyed it.
What Cabo Is Really Like
Cabo is one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations, where desert meets ocean, and the food scene impresses. It’s polished, comfortable, and unapologetically high-end.
This easy, indulgent vacation spot caters to travelers seeking convenience, luxury, and ocean views. Prices reflect its status as one of Mexico’s priciest destinations.
Ideal for couples, group getaways, spring breakers, and luxury-leaning digital nomads, you’ll also see families with young kids, grown children, and plenty of Instagram baddies.
If you’re after deep culture or budget travel, Cabo might not be for you. That said, you CAN eat and stay inland and make this an inexpensive trip if you’re oh-so determined.
Where to Stay: Airbnb vs Resorts
I stayed in an Airbnb a block from the beach and paid far less than beachfront resort prices. Resorts in Cabo can easily run $400+ per night, while we paid closer to $50 per person per night by sharing an Airbnb with a group.
My Travel Hack: Resort-Hopping
Sleep at the Airbnb. Eat and explore at the resorts. Even if you don’t stay at a luxury property, it’s worth visiting one. I explored several resorts for their restaurants, and the Four Seasons was my favorite.
I spent a full day at the Four Seasons, visiting multiple restaurants and bars without staying on property. Cabo resorts are set up to welcome outside guests. It helps to make a reservation through OpenTable or Resy.
Best Restaurants & Food in Cabo
Cabo has an excellent dining scene. I like to structure nights out by trying multiple places within the same area, which lets me experience different atmospheres and menus.
San José del Cabo
Some of my favorite restaurants are in San José del Cabo, in the art district about a 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. It’s worth going for dinner there if you’re up for a short trip out of town.
- Trueno Coffee: hip coffee shop, good for a daytime stop
- Rubia’s Bakery & Bistro: well known for brunch and baked goods
- Sage: Mediterranean flavors, stylish setting, good for drinks and starters
- Lumbre: meat-focused, dark and moody, known for its bone marrow butter
- CarbónCabrón: Michelin-recommended modern Mexican and grilled meats, with a vibrant setting and excellent service
Resort Restaurants Worth a Reservation
- Nido: a nest-shaped restaurant inside the Viceroy resort with an upscale Japanese menu
- Arbol: inside Las Ventanas. There’s a huge tree in the middle of the space, so it’s very Instagrammable and attracts that crowd
- Comal: inside Chileno Bay Resort & Residences. Michelin-recommended fine dining with elevated Latin American and Baja cuisine and ocean views
- El Farallón: inside the Waldorf Astoria, right on the water. Go for sunset. Reservation required
- La Nao: inside the Sunset Beach Resort, with a great breakfast buffet
Farm-to-Table: Flora Farms & Acre
- Flora Farms: farm-to-table restaurant on a working farm with gardens, shops, and lake views, on the outskirts of San José del Cabo
- Acre: restaurant inside the Acre resort, very close to Flora Farms. There are rose gardens, a petting zoo, and shops to tour while you wait for your table
Casual & Local Favorites
- Metate: great option for groups, with reasonable prices and solid traditional cuisine (central Cabo)
- Sushito: casual and delicious sushi fusion (Cabo San Lucas)
- Mariscos Las Tres Islas: fresh seafood (Cabo San Lucas)
- Mariscos El Paceñito: local seafood favorite in El Tezal, just outside central Cabo
Things to Do in Cabo
The activities are pretty straightforward. Explore the resort and restaurant scene, or get outside.
See El Arco, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
This iconic natural rock formation, also known as “El Arco,” is a must-see. You can take a boat tour to get up close or just admire it from the shore. Sunset tours are especially popular for stunning photo ops.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching season runs from December to April, when gray and humpback whales migrate through the area. Tours usually cost around $90 per person, or you can book a marine-biologist-led tour in advance. Friends on my trip got to see a mother and baby whale. It’s a truly unforgettable experience if you’ve never been.
Beaches, Hiking & Nature
Cabo’s Best Beaches
Many beaches in Cabo are private or only accessible through a resort, but there are several public beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling:
- Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor): accessible only by boat, this hidden gem offers stunning views of the Arch and a peaceful escape.
- Medano Beach: Cabo’s main public beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. It’s quiet in the morning and lively in the afternoon.
- Playa Santa Maria: a quieter, scenic cove great for snorkeling and avoiding the spring break crowds.
- Chileno Bay Public Beach: known for crystal-clear water and excellent snorkeling.
- Pedregal: the southernmost point of Baja California Sur, with stunning desert landscapes and ocean views. It’s right below Sunset Beach resort, where La Nao is.
Best Hiking Trails in Cabo San Lucas
- Cerro de la Z Trail: a moderate desert hike with panoramic ocean views, perfect for a morning adventure.
- Cerro de las Chivas: near Sage restaurant, this trail offers beautiful views and a chance to explore Baja’s natural landscape.
Is Cabo Worth It?
Absolutely, if you’ve got money to spend. Cabo is polished and built for leisure, and it delivers exactly what it promises. If you’re seeking culture, history, and budget travel, other Mexican cities like Oaxaca or Mexico City may suit you better. If you want sun, scenery, great food, and easy luxury, Cabo is absolutely worth a visit.
Would I stay for a month? No.
Would I return? Maybe, if my friends really wanted to, and the friend group was really lit.
More Mexico Travel Guides
- Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide: Best Day Trips, Tacos & Where to Stay
- Oaxaca Travel Guide: The Perfect Girls Trip
- Mexico City Travel Guide
- Guadalajara Weekend Guide
- All my Mexico guides