Found at the tip of Baja California, Los Cabos, Mexico is where the desert meets the ocean. It’s a place that no matter where you are, you’re no further than a block away from the water. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are the two cities that make up the entire area of Los Cabos, Mexico. Although they share the same coastline, they offer entirely unique atmospheres.
Cabo San Lucas is known for its lively and vibrant party scene. For such a small city, there are endless activities to keep you busy such as shopping, outdoor excursions, and drinking and dancing the night away!
About twenty minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo is a great destination for those looking for something more tranquil and laid back. A far cry from its sister city, San Jose del Cabo offers a taste of authentic culture filled with art galleries, artisanal food and drink experiences, and boutique hotels.
Whether you choose Cabo San Lucas, or San Jose del Cabo, you really can’t go wrong. There are a few things though, that I’d wish I’d known before visiting this well-known vacation destination. So, in the interest of helping you to experience Los Cabos at its full potential, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything you need to know before you go!
Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?
My first instinct was that I’d enjoy Cabo San Lucas better, but I didn’t want to close myself off to the possibility of experiencing San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is more my speed, but I’m always open-minded to new experiences, especially given the close proximity of the two.
There are positives and negatives to both cities, and it really depends on your preferences and what you enjoy in order to determine which locale to choose.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll require a list of activities a mile long to keep you content and occupied throughout your vacations. While the idea of sipping margaritas and relaxing in a beachside cabana sounds ideal, the reality is, I last about five minutes doing so.
When to Go
The Gulf of California once nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World”, is of extraordinary importance for oceanographic study, and is a protected area of conservation. Kudos to the Mexican Government for that! Given the striking natural beauty of the area, and the exceptional diversity of marine life, taking a dip in the water is a must.
From the beginning of May to the beginning of July, and also the month of October, conditions are most ideal for a visit to Cabo. In addition to sunny days with temperatures in the 80s, the water temperature is most comfortable during this time frame, especially in October.
If encountering migratory animals is of interest or importance to you, you’ll want to visit between the months of November and March. Most whales and whale sharks migrate during this time and you’re most likely to experience a thrilling encounter with one! Although water temperatures can be chilly, a spring suit or shortie will do just fine in keeping you insulated.
Getting There
I flew from San Diego into Los Cabos International Airport which is about 20 minutes from San Jose del Cabo, and about 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. The airport is pretty small but definitely busy!
Once you have made it through customs, you’ll enter a room immediately following with tons of people and signs for taxis. Don’t stop and talk to anyone in this room. Most are salespeople working for resorts offering timeshare pitches and are not actual taxi drivers with transportation to your resort. Keep walking. As soon as you exit the airport, there are two bar options for a delicious to-go margarita, and then a few more steps farther are the real taxis and shuttles.
Although entirely unnecessary, especially if you’re looking to be more economical, I opted for a private transfer from the airport to my hotel with VIP Transportation Los Cabos. This totaled just over $100 USD which was over double the amount of choosing a taxi. My driver, Kevin, was prompt, professional, cordial, and excellent all around, however, I probably would opt for the much less expensive taxi option in the future.
Where to Stay
From small boutique hotels to major mega-resorts, Cabo has plenty of lodging options to choose from. Typical of myself, as you’ll soon come to realize if you haven’t already, Cabo was another one of my impromptu trips. Although I received great advice from a friend that has a vacation home in the area (it was currently occupied, believe me, I asked), since the entire trip was so last-minute, my top picks for hotels were, of course, fully booked.
Since I vacationed with Hyatt Ziva previously in Cancun and was exceptionally pleased with my choice, I decided to test out the Hyatt Ziva in Los Cabos. Even though it was not located in my preferred area of Cabo San Lucas, but instead in the quieter San Jose del Cabo area, I gave it a shot. Overall, I was content with my stay, but I do have to mention if comparing the two, Hyatt Ziva Cancun definitely blows Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos out of the water. That being said, it is still a four to five-star resort, providing great service and an all-inclusive oasis for all ages.
If either Hyatt Ziva and/or San Jose del Cabo are not your cup of tea, I’ve listed below the top three recommendations I received for accommodations in the Cabo San Lucas area (one in each price group).
Top Five Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
- El Arco – No visit to Los Cabos is complete without visiting El Arco. This iconic rock formation at Land’s End is the extreme southernmost point of Baja California, and where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. One option for visiting this incredible landmark is to hire a water taxi or join a local boat tour from the marina or beach. These depart all day, every day, are the quickest, easiest option, and are not necessary to plan ahead for. The other option and one I highly recommend is to book a glass-bottom kayak and snorkeling tour with High Tide Sea Expeditions.
- Window to the Pacific and Lover’s Beach – This small beach connects the Pacific to the Sea of Cortez and is named Lover’s Beach for the way the two bodies of water kiss during a storm. Grab takeout from one of the local bistros, book a water taxi, and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic. If you choose to wade in the gentle currents of this beach, be sure to stay away from the contrasting rough waters on the Pacific side, also known as Divorce Beach.
- Local Surf Spots – Cabo is home to some well-known surf breaks including Monuments, Zippers, and El Tule for the more advanced surfer, and Playa Acapulquito for beginners. Note: Boards are available for rental at Monuments at the Cape Hotel.
- Swimming and Sunbathing Beaches – Top safe swimming areas include Medano Beach, Chileno Beach, Santa Maria Bay, and Playa Palmilla. The most popular is Medano Beach, or Playa El Médano and is great for sunbathers, beach vendors, activity rentals, and beach bars and restaurants.
- Whale Watching – Humpback and gray whales follow their migration path from Alaska back to the warm waters of Baja California Sur between late November and the end of March. The opportunity for an up-close and personal encounter with these gentle giants is likely and will be an unforgettable moment of your Cabo adventures.
Top Five Things to do in San Jose del Cabo and Nearby
- Flora Farms – Visiting San Jose del Cabo wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Flora Farms. Located in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Flora Farms is a 25-acre working farm featuring Flora’s Field Kitchen, The Farm Bar, Flora Farms Grocery, The Farm Spa, and even an overnight stay option at the Culinary Cottages and The Haylofts.
- San Jose del Cabo Gallery District – If you’re an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the downtown San Jose del Cabo art district. From November to June, every Thursday evening from 5 PM to 9 PM visit art galleries, sip wine and dine in the local restaurants on the Art Walk.
- La Lupita – Located in the Art District, this local watering hole not only has the best al pastor tacos in town but also an extensive mezcal list as well as live music on the patio Tuesday through Saturday.
- Day Trip to Todos Santos – About an hour north of Cabo San Lucas is the small coastal town of Todos Santos. Swing by Benno at Hotel San Cristóbal on your way and enjoy a wonderfully crafted seaside cocktail.
- Day Trip to La Paz – La Paz is about a 2-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, but if you’re looking to swim with whale sharks, this is the spot to do so.
Top Six Bars and Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
- Glass Box at The Cape Hotel – Sample made-in-Mexico wines available on Fridays only in this quite literal “glass box” bar 6 stories above the beach with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular 360-degree views. The cost is $75 for a three pour flight with light snacks.
- The Office – A Cabo staple, this fun and colorful restaurant and bar with live music is located directly on the sand with breathtaking views of El Arco.
- Sunset Mona Lisa – For a top-notch, fine dining experience rated as one of the coolest restaurants in the world, Sunset Mona Lisa is a must. Carved into a cliff, overlooking El Arco with one of the best sunset views, this venue has a truly magical atmosphere.
- Hacienda Cocina y Cantina – One of my personal favorites with a luxury, open-air setting, stunning views, great ambiance, and delicious food and drinks.
- Tacos Gardenias – For no-frills Mexican homestyle food and tacos, this is the place to go. The Baja shrimp tacos are to die for!
- Mango Deck – If you’re looking for a party, look no further. This beachfront bar offers daily entertainment, drink specials, and of course, obligatory tequila shots.
Planning a Trip to Los Cabos?
Whether you stay in Cabo San Lucas to enjoy the vibrant nightlife or choose to simply relax by the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos is a destination that’s difficult not to love. Because it offers the total vacation package with a mix of sun, surf, party, and relaxation, travelers from all over the world choose Los Cabos time and time again.
Have you visited Los Cabos? Or is this warm-weather destination on your vacation bucket list? Be sure to share your comments and/or questions below!
