Cabo San Lucas

Understand

Geography There are three districts in "Los Cabos":

San José del Cabo, the "Old Town", which is nearest to the airport. San Jose has old Mexico charm and some shining new resorts. Cabo San Lucas, the "Main Town", which is 20-some miles from the airport, and the entertainment hub of Cabo. The famous arch is in Cabo San Lucas. The Corridor, the highway which connects San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, which is now lined with golf courses, condos and resorts situated along the coastline. By night, Cabo San Lucas is one of the hottest party towns in Mexico with a glittering nightlife and a plethora of dining options that make energetic Cabo San Lucas an all-time favorite. Also called Cabo San “Loco” or just plain “Cabo”, the town’s reputation as the wild party center of the Baja Peninsula has brought fame and infamy to its many bars and nightclubs.

History Indigenous people have lived on the Baja California peninsula for thousands of years. In 1537, Francisco de Ulloa was the first European explorer to go around the tip of the peninsula and to name this area Cabo San Lucas. As late as 1970, Cabo was a tiny fishing village. In the 1950s and 1960s, several hardy entrepreneurs built the first hotels in the Los Cabos area, to cater to American tourists attracted by the area's hot weather, desert landscape, and excellent fishing. These early accommodations were small and rudimentary, because all supplies and visitors had to be flown in on small planes or brought in on small boats. Three major events marked the beginning of modern Cabo. In late 1973, the federal government completed Federal Highway 1, meaning that trucks could now deliver cargo to the area. Earlier that year, the Cabo harbor was dredged for a marina which opened in 1974, making the area easier for private boaters to access. In 1977, Los Cabos International Airport opened north of San Jose del Cabo. Tourists could now reach Cabo directly in large numbers via full-size jetliners and no longer needed to transfer to small aircraft or watercraft. Cabo was now within three hours of Los Angeles and Phoenix by airplane. During the 1980s, Cabo was an up-and-coming regional tourist destination primarily targeting Californians and Arizonans, and secondarily, other residents of the western United States and western Canada. In the 1990s, many American hotel, retail, and restaurant chains moved into Cabo, making it feel more like home for Californians. A significant number of them fell in love with Cabo and moved there. Real estate developers built condominiums, luxury homes, and golf courses alon

Getting there

By plane The busiest airport in the region is just outside San Jose del Caboː 1 San Jose del Cabo International Airport SJD IATA (Los Cabos International Airport), Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 43.5, San Jose del Cabo, ☏ +52 624 146-5111. (updated Feb 2026) Domestic carriers flying to Los Cabos include Aereo Calafia, Aeromexico, Señor Air and Volaris. International carriers flying to Los Cabos include Alaska Airlines, American, Copa, Frontier Airlines, United, Air Transat, and WestJet.

Ground Transporation The Ruta del Desierto bus is the cheapest way to get to Cabo San Lucas. The fare from the airport to Cabo San Lucas is MX$80 and the trip will take from 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus stops are just outside Terminal 1 (domestic arrivals) and Terminal 2 (international arrivals). The buses are clean, modern, and air conditioned, but may have limited space for luggage. Private transfers (van service) is most convenient for families or groups, especially if traveling with large baggage. Private transfers are cheaper than taxis. There are also shared shuttle vans to major hotels. Consider booking your private transfers in advance, at least 48 hours prior to your arrival, since most cancellation policies have that cancellation window. Based on the experience of most of the travelers leaving their reviews online, there are several reliable companies to hire, for shared or private service, you should book at Los Cabos Airport Shuttles or for a more personalized Private-only service, a good option is CATCO SJD office. Beware of toutsː At the airport you may be approached with an offer of free transportation in exchange for your time on a "tour" of a resort, including breakfast. This is a timeshare promotion that will waste your valuable vacation time. They may also offer you free tickets to cruises and other excursions, or even cash. You will be asked to pay a deposit. You will in fact get your presents if you go on the tour, and you can negotiate for better presents, but the timeshare presentation may take up to 4 hours and will have a hard sales-pitch of what is generally a very overpriced timeshare. See the information on timeshares on the main Mexico page for more information. Remember, sometimes these agents may tell you they represent your transportation company, however this is a lie, your transportation unit will be always outside the terminal, never inside.

By boat Cruise ships call very frequently. All must anchor/moor offshore, so passengers must be ferried to shore. Those who plan to arrange independent tours need to consid

Getting around

Taxis are readily available and rates are negotiable. One of the best and most exciting ways to travel around Cabo is to rent a BMW motorcycle. Cabo BMW Rentals rents BMW motorcycles as well as scooters and they will provide helmets. You can ride north out of the tropics to Los Barriles which is a great stop for a bite to eat or walk on the beach. It's called the "Cabo Loop" which consists of a 320-km (200-mile) paved ride, starting in Cabo San Lucas and going through the larger cities of San José del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returns to Cabo San Lucas. There are many car rental agencies in Los Cabos, most of which have names familiar to travelers in the Americas. If you are staying in a villa or plan on many day-trips that are not covered by a resort or timeshare shuttle, then a rental will likely be the most cost effective.

1 Magic Transfers Cabo, No. 123 De 150 Transporte en San Jose Del Cabo (.), ☏ +52 624 160-0347, [email protected]. 24 hours. An airport transfer company located at the Los Cabos International Airport. (updated Apr 2023) Cabo Airport Shuttle (Cabo Airport Shuttle), C. Alikan 1640, Downtown, Juárez, ☏ +52 6249800506, toll-free: +16468492909, [email protected]. (updated Nov 2024)

See

Filled with natural landmarks and a number of prominent monuments, the city of Cabo San Lucas has plenty of character, particularly around its coastline. From January to March, a must see is the whales, they come to Cabo during this period of time and many boats can take you out to sea to watch them. In early March, they are particularly abundant.

Land's End— Known for its exceptional views and photo taking opportunities, this area is comprised of a large cluster of rock formations that were carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sea. During low tide, many visitors like to walk here along Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) because it allows for a better view of an eroded passageway called the Arch of Poseidon. You can also observe Los Frailes, two rock islets that are frequented by sea lions. Church of San Lucas (Iglesia de San Lucas). Boasting many original features, this church, almost 300 years old, has been well maintained Cultural Center (Casa de la Cultura). Features a tall mirador tower and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks all of Cabo.

Do

Scuba diving & watersports Scuba diving Is especially good in Cabo, because you can watch the sandfalls under the water. It is an amazing spectacle provided by nature. If you are looking for something more relaxed perhaps you want to go to Lover's Beach or to one of the multiple romantic restaurants in Cabo. Cabo is also a good surfing destination, since many of the beaches on the east cape road pick up the southern swells. The beaches are accessible through the coastal road on the way to cabo pulmo. Particularly, shipwrecks beach is a favorite spot during the summer months.

Cabo Submarine. This is an easy way to see the fish and aquarium world without getting wet. The office is in the marina, and they have special pricing for contacting them directly from the website. The Semi Submersible is 18 m (60 feet) long and air conditioned. Picante Bluewater Sports, Puerto Paraiso Local 39-A Cabo San Lucas, ☏ +52 624 143-2474, [email protected]. American-owned with English-speaking crews; yachts ranging in size from 24' to 68'. US$325-3850. Cabo Surf Safari, ☏ +1 888 557-3330. Lessons available courtesy of professional surfing instructors. Surf tours are arranged with hotel pick-up and lunch included. JT Watersports. They offer parasailing, wave runners, kayaks and snorkeling. They also have a sunset cruise that will take you out to explore Lovers Beach or "El Arco". They have new top of the line equipment and they are completely mobile, so they can cater to your needs anywhere in the East Cape area of Baja California Sur. They are on Playa Medano in Cabo San Lucas.

Fishing Cabo is known around the world as a top fishing destination. The meeting of the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates a nutrient rich environment where sport fish thrive. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo are the most commonly targeted species. Cabo boasts one of the largest sport fishing charter fleets in Mexico. Charters range from pangas, open "semi-dorry" type skiffs, to 18 m (60 feet) or more luxury sport fishing yachts. Prices for a day of fishing start around US$175 for 5-hour panga trips, from US$450 for 8-hour trips on 26- to 30-footers and into the US$1,000 to $5,000 per day for boats from 34–60 feet.

Minerva's Baja Tackle and Charters, toll-free: +1 888 480-7826 (from US & Canada), [email protected]. English speaking crews, boats ranging in size from 31' to 40' with bare boat or all-inclusive rates. Charter prices run from US$600 to $900. Checkmate Sportfishing, ☏ +1 703 203-1008 (from US). 31' Bertram. Charter rates fro

Buy

For groceries, American retail giants Walmart and Costco both operate stores in Cabo San Lucas, as does Mexican supermarket Soriana. With boutiques as easy to come by in Cabo as restaurants, it's a shoppers delight. The plazas of Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas offer a variety of shops and goods with an affable ambiance. Ánima Village is home to boutiques for many international brands, including Nike and Sephora. Shoppes At Palmilla offers a selection of high-end boutiques. The stores here include day spas, art galleries, fine restaurants, coffee shops, an amazing bakery and homemade crafts.

San Jose del Cabo features traditional Mexican specialty stores which offer furniture, hand blown glass, ceramics, artwork, cigars and local souvenirs. Golden Cactus Gallery, Hidalgo street (corner Zapata, one block from Wyndham Tesoro Hotel), ☏ +52 624 143-6399, [email protected]. M-F 12:00-19:00. The Golden Cactus Gallery opened in 1997 as a fine art gallery and artist studio. The gallery showcases hundreds of works of art from artists from Baja, Mexico, USA and Canada. In 2009, the gallery was acquired by long-time resident Marie Celyne Poupart.

Eat

Budget

City centre 1 Tacos Marissa, 20 de Noviembre. Mexican restaurant with tasty steak tacos and the best condiments to accompany them, including whole roasted jalapenos, caramelized onions, guacamole, and every color and variety of salsa imaginable. Great to meet the locals as well. (updated Aug 2022) 2 The Crazy Lobster, Calle Miguel Hidalgo s/n. (updated Aug 2022) 3 Maro Shrimp House, Calle Miguel Hidalgo s/n. (updated Aug 2022) 4 John's Place, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36. (updated Aug 2022) 5 Guss Tacos, Blvd Lazaro Cardenas entre, Calle Melchor Ocampo s/n. (updated Aug 2022) 6 El Pescador, Zaragoza Niños Heroes y Zaragoza, Ildefonso Green. (updated Aug 2022)

Near the beach 7 Jarro, Cormoranes entre acuario y pelicanos, El Medano Ejidal. (updated Aug 2022) 8 1 & Only Taco, Cam. Viejo a San Jose s/n, El Medano Ejidal. (updated Aug 2022) 9 Tacos Gardenias, P.º de La Marina L31, El Medano Ejidal. (updated Aug 2022)

Mid-range 10 Alexander's Restaurant, Blvd. Marina s/n (On the Cabo San Lucas Marina at the Plaza Bonita Mall), ☏ +52 624 143 2022. It's hard to miss this lively restaurant that is always packed and upon dining here, you'll understand why it has maintained its popularlity for so long. With the chef combining French-influenced cuisine of Swiss origin with hints of the tropics and Mediterranean, the menu offers something for just about any palate and craving. Be sure to try the shrimp tempura with a Thai coconut-chile sauce, its taste and freshness will satisfy. (updated Aug 2022) 11 La Dolce, Calle Miguel Hidalgo. Italian restaurant and pizzeria serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Cabo. Open for dinner only and contains standard Italian fare. Also located in San Jose del Cabo. (updated Aug 2022) 12 Restaurante Mi Casa, Av. Cabo San Lucas s/n, ☏ +52 624 143 1933. Popular Mi Casa is well-known for its Mexican dining experience and provides a taste of old Mexico. The atmosphere is friendly and funky and the staff are efficient and quick. The restaurant does allow street vendors to peddle their fares at your table though. (updated Aug 2022) 13 El Coral, Boulevard Marina Sn. Mexican and seafood. Oldest restaurant in Cabo. On the west end of the main street. Good prices and good food. (updated Aug 2022) 14 La Casa Country, El Medano Ejidal, Marina. Mexican food. The best fajitas in town. Line dancing show included. (updated Aug 2022) 15 Mariscos de Mazatlan, C. Narciso Mendoza s/n (on the right (west), south bound, between the airport and Cabo on the main highway). Very good seafood with good value pricing. It has a

Drink & nightlife

1 Mango Deck Beach Club, Playa El Medano, ☏ +52 624 144 4919. Daily 08ː00 - 22ː00. If you're looking for a "Spring Break" type atmosphere with bass-thumping music and bikini clad girls dancing on stage for a bucket of beer, then the Mango Deck is your spot. However, be mindful that the drinking age in Mexico is 18 and most of those girls on stage (especially in the summer) are pre-college high schoolers either on spring break or celebrating graduation. Adults may find The Office more appropriate. (updated Feb 2026) 2 The Office, Playa El Medano, ☏ +52 624 143 4919. Daily 07ː00 - 22ː00. Located right next door to the Mango Deck, The Office is a more adult setting offering big blue umbrellas to shield you from the sun and an assortment of appetizers to accompany your margarita or Modelo Especial. With tables and chairs right in the sand, the office has become a famous watering hole in Cabo. The Office does not allow beach vendors to solicit you at your table. (updated Feb 2026) 3 Slim's Elbow Room, Plaza Mariachis, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina (Just down the street from the Giggling Marlin. Hole in the wall so it's easy to miss), ☏ +52 624 143 5021. Daily 09ː00 - 00ː00. Size does matter at this bar, which claims to be the world's smallest bar with four seats only and standing room for two. Drinks are served straight up as well as beer. Visitors like to tack a dollar to the wall with a stamp that says 'I was here'. (updated Feb 2026) 4 El Squid Roe, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Centro, ☏ +52 624 157 4479. Daily 09ː00 - 03ː00. The best bar in the town. Loud, obnoxious, but that's why it's fun. Very touristy; people of all ages get up on tables and dance. Cocktail waitresses walk around with a whistle in their mouth to get your attention while they sell jello shots. This bar is multi-level and plays a variety of music. Very popular bar; if others are not hoppin' this one will be! (updated Feb 2026) 5 Cabo Wabo, Vicente Guerrero, Centro, ☏ +52 624 143 1188. Daily 09ː00 - 01ː00. Owned by Sammy Hagar, who performs occasionally, Cabo Wabo is famed for consistently providing patrons with a good time. They play the rock loud, and with attitude, but thankfully the staff are friendly and quick to serve. (updated Feb 2026) 6 Happy Ending Cantina, Marina Blvd 22 (Between Cabo Wabo & Hard Rock), ☏ +52 624 143-0404. Daily 10ː00 - 3:00. Happy Ending is located on the "50 yard line" in the middle of Cabo's action. Cheap drinks. Three bars, stripper poles, beer pong tables, pool tables, dancing, music, satellite TV for sporting events, delicious food all day and

Sleep

Budget 1 Estancia Real Los Cabos, Revolución y 20 de Noviembre s/n, Av. Leona Vicario. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. A charming, bohemian and clean hotel with communal kitchen, BBQ, and a small rooftop pool. The management are friendly and helpful, and the guests tend to be as well. It is a few blocks from the beach, marina, and many of the drinking establishments. The two "honeymoon suites" are double the price of the average room here but still a bargain. There are large open air palapas, one of which has a private jacuzzi. M1800. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Seven Crown Express & Suites, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas y 16 de Septiembre, Col. Centro, ☏ +52 624 143 7790. Check-in: 14ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Nestled in between a gas station, a liquor store, and a strip club. Across the street is the hospital. Has four locations. A great deal, it's the closest hotel to all the bars, and you can just walk to the Riu Resort and get free drinks every day. (updated Feb 2026) 3 Hostal Casa Coyotito, Blvd Lazaro Cardenas y Calle Miguel Hidalgo (near the Cabo Church), ☏ +52 624 122 2954. Cash only. US dollars accepted. Bikes available for rent for M$200/day. Dorm beds are M$350, private rooms start at M$700/night. (updated Jul 2023)

Mid-range 4 Royal Solaris Los Cabos, Boulevard San Jose, Manzana 22, Zona Hotelera, ☏ +52 624 145 6800. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. 390 rooms Mexican hacienda-style resort a five-story building in a U-shaped enclosing gardens and pools. Unlimited meal and beverages in 5 restaurants. Dinner shows and theme nights. 3 pools with heating system (including relaxes & kids pools). Spa and beauty salon. Beach front and indoor jacuzzi. Fitness center. Tennis and basketball courts, also beach volleyball court. Scuba diving demo at the diving pool. Kids club & Mini Water park. Weekly activities program for all ages. $ 150 USD Double occupancy. (updated Feb 2026) 5 Marina Sol Resort, Paseo de la Marina, El Medano, ☏ +52 624 143-3231, [email protected]. One block from Medano Beach and the Marina and just two blocks from Downtown Cabo. Marina Sol offers one to five bedroom condos with partial ocean, pool &courtyard, and town & sunset views. Family oriented condominium resort. 6 Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, Cam. Viejo a San Jose Km. 4.5, El Medano, ☏ +52 624 146 7160. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Has impressive architecture and 642 deluxe rooms are set in a spectacular enclave facing one of Los Cabo's famous landmarks. Amenities include mini-bar and liquor dispenser, while some suites boast hydro-massage bathtubs and a jacuzzi on the te

Go next

The main beach of Cabo San Lucas, called "El Medano" (Medano Beach) is located near the marina in the bay. On the beach there are some great places to eat and drink including The Office, along with many others most of the places have outdoor tables on the beach. The beach overlooks Lands End. You can also take a ride to Lands End by boat and also Lover's Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. Explore small towns surrounding Cabo: San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz are rich with history and make a great excursion. The nearby town of Todos Santos is a perfect side trip from Cabo. Todos Santos is a small community with approximately 4000 people. The town is filled with art and culture. The town is a tribute to the Eagles 'Hotel California', with its old colonial architecture and centuries old monastery one is transported back through time to a land of mystery and adventure. Stop at Elias Calles on your way home and pick a basket of organic strawberries. La Paz is an old Mexican port with an 'old Baja' feel. It features in John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl based on a Mexican folk tale about the areas most valuable natural resource. Its anthropology museum offers insights into the first inhabitants, 10,000 years ago. You can also see rock paintings dating back to these early settlers.