Cabo San Lucas is the most popular place to visit in Baja California Peninsula with many travelers coming here to enjoy its luxury accommodations, check out extensive dining options, and sunbathe on golden beaches. But Cabo San Lucas is so much more than just a resort town!
Cabo is also a getaway to some of the most incredible adventures in Mexico like diving, surfing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
So is Cabo worth visiting?
Yes!
Cabo is a perfect place if you want to mix pleasure with adventure. It’s a getaway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Mexico ranging from sand dunes to stunning aquamarine bays teeming with wildlife and secluded beaches dotted by cacti.
Whether you want to ride the wave or spot incredible marine wildife ranging from whales to orcas and dolphins, you can do it by taking a guided tour from Cabo.
After enjoying the city’s restaurant scene and spending a few days in a resort, rent a car to explore the area and get off the beaten track.
Here are some of the top reasons why Cabo you should visit Cabo San Lucas:
1. It’s home to some of the best resorts in Mexico
Cabo is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in Mexico like Breathless Cabo San Lucas on Medano Beach or Hard Rock Hotel that boast stunning views of Pacific Ocean and are perfect if you want to treat yourself or celebrate a special occcasion.
Whether you want to enjoy a stay at a luxury resort or want a private villa along the beach, Cabo has plenty of options.
2. Cabo is a perfect destination for foodies
You will not run out of food options when visiting Cabo! This popular resort town has tons of restaurants where you can try various dishes from typical Mexican dishes to international cuisine and healthier vegan and vegetarian options.
Los Tres Gallos is a buzzy spot that offers classic Mexican food and drinks; and Sunset Monalisa is a perfect place to watch the sun go down with a Margarita in your hand.
If you want to check out more sustainable options, take a quick trip to Flora’s Field Kitchen which is slightly north of San Jose Del Cabo.
This restaurant offers delisous farm-to-table options with incredible flavors and gorgeous presentation. Their prices are fairly reasonable too and this place makes a perfect escape from the busy Cabo San Lucas.
3. You can watch humpback whales
If you are visiting Cabo from December through April, you can take a guided tour to spot humpback whales who migrate to this part of Mexico to escape the cold winter up north.
While you can see the humpback whales by joining a guided whale-watching tour from Cabo, you can spot gray whales, humpbacks, blue whales, and whale sharks, all around the peninsula.
➡️ Check: Best day trips from San Diego to Mexico
Cabo offers unparalleled scenery
Cabo San Lucas is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including dramatic rock formations like El Arco (The Arch) and pristine golden-sand beaches. If you enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, Cabo has a lot to offer.
Rent a car and explore some of the best swimming beaches in the area like Santa Maria Beach, Medano Beach or venture further out to see beaches near Todos Santos or La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.
4. It has great nightlife
Cabo is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a lively atmosphere. If you enjoy partying and socializing, you’ll find plenty of options here.
Whether you want to enjoy a fun night out at El Squid Roe, the largest party place in Cabo or check out more low-key places like Cabo Wabo Cantina, there are plenty of options to choose from.
5. You will never run out of outdoor opportunities
Cabo and surrounding areas a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, cycling, surfing and hiking. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Cabo makes a perfect base for your adventures in the Baja California Peninsula.
For example, when you go diving in Cabo, you will see an incredible underwater world filled with marine wildlife and stunning corals. In addtion, the area also has many surfing beaches like Playa Costa Azul, and Cerritos Beach near Todos Santos.
6. Cabo is relatively safe
If you are concerned about safety, Cabo is a good option. As long as you follow common sense and stay away from drugs, you should be able to avoid trouble.
Stay in tourist areas that have more police and security cameras, and avoid empty streets and deserted areas, espeically at night. Additioanlly don’t showcase your valuables and dress in simple plain clothes that don’t attract any attention.
7. Cabo has options for different budgets
Although the city is known for its high-end resorts, Cabo has plenty of more budget-friendly options further away from the beach.
While most traveleres use the name “Cabo” interchangeably, the area actually includes Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, and the so-called 20-mile corridor that connects these two cities.
If Cabo San Lucas is outside your budget, you can also look at options in San Jose Del Cabo, an authentic Mexican town with colorful downtown where you can find plenty of restaurants and galleries.
Remember that the key to scoring good deals in Cabo is to book your accommodations early.
8. Cabo boasts many incredible beaches
Cabo boasts a variety of beautiful beaches, from the touristy ones like Lovers Beach and Medano Beach to more secluded spots like Cannery Beach. Whether you want to relax, swim, sunbathe, or engage in water sports, there’s a beach in Cabo for you.
Some Cabo beaches like Playa Santa Maria and Chileno Beach also offer wildlife spotting opportunities. Chileno Beach is a popular snorkeling spot thanks to its calm waters, while Playa Santa Maria offers a chance to spot whales splashing in the distance.
9. There’s plenty of culture
Explore the local culture by visiting historic sites, art galleries, and markets. You can also savor authentic Mexican dishes and drinks. If you want to enjoy the culture, make a stop in San Jose Del Cabo, a small cousin of Cabo San Lucas where you can enjoy more authentic flair and visit various art galleries.
10. You can catch a flight to Cabo from many destinations in the US
Cabo San Lucas has an international airport (Los Cabos International Airport) with numerous flight options from Mexico, Canada, and the United States, making it easily accessible from major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas.
11. Cabo boasts year-round sunny weather
The region enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it an ideal escape from a colder climate. The average temperature in Cabo ranges from about 20 to 33 degrees most of the year with the peak season for sunny weather being from November to April.
Cabo also receives more sunny day than Cancun on average.
12. It has many protected areas to enjoy the nature.
When visiting Cabo, you can encounter diverse wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and various bird species native to this part of Mexico.
If you have the opportunity to take a day trip, consider going to Cabo Pulmo National Park. It’s an excellent place for diving, and you can see a variety of marine species, including large schools of fish and even sharks.
The region around Cabo has desert areas where you can spot creatures like iguanas, roadrunners, and even the elusive desert fox. Take a guided tour or rent a car in Cabo to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Tips for visiting Cabo
Plan your trip
Cabo San Lucas is a busy destination and you can expect it to be fairly expensive, especially during the high season which is from December through March when many travelers from the US and Canada come here to escape cold weather.
Rent a car
While you don’t need a vehicle if you want to spend your vacation in a resort, I always recommend renting a car in Cabo to get outside the tourist area and enjoy day trips to places like Todos Santos, La Paz, and further up north toward San Felipe, if you have more time.
Put on sunscreen
Cabo has a dry arid climate with a strong sun, and you should always wear some sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn. Make sure your sunscreen is reef safe, so it doesn’t damage the marine habitat.
Get out of the resort
While staying in a resort is a wonderful experience, the best part of visiting Cabo is getting outside the tourist area.
Carefully vet tour operators
whenever you want to book a tour in Cabo, carefully vet tour operators and read reviews from fellow travelers. Pay close attention to reviews of wildlife tours and avoid any activities that involve wild animals in captivity or encounters where boats or any marine vessels follow animals too closely or even touching animals.
Make sure it’s safe to swim
Not all beaches around Cabo are safe for swimming. For example, many beaches on the Pacific side have dangerous rip currents, which could quickly sweep you away into the ocean. Always check weather conditions and ask on the spot if a specific beach is safe for swimming.
Be aware of the high season
The high season in Cabo lasts from December through March and prices during this time can be very high on hotels, tours, and many other things. If possible plan your visit during the shoulder season when the weather is not as hot and the crowds are more tolerable.
Pay in Pesos
Although some restaurants and hotels in Cabo accept US dollars, it’s best to pay in Pesos, as you will usually get a better rate. Dollar prices in Cabo are normally geared toward tourists. Another alternative is to pay with a credit card, as long as it has no international fees.
Is Cabo San Lucas worth visiting: FAQs
Is it better to go to Cancun or Cabo?
Cabo is a better option for luxury travel, wildlife watching, and getting off the beaten track, while Cancun has better connections from many airports around the world, and offers more more budget-friendly accommodations. Cancun also has better public transportation than Cabo which connects the city to the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula.
How many days do you need in Cabo San Lucas?
Plan between 3-5 days for your trip to Cabo. This is a good amount of time to get a brief introduction to the area, enjoy the most popular activities and take a quick day trip to explore the area.
Is Los Cabos worth going to?
Yes, Cabo is one of the best destinations in Mexico. It boasts year-round sunshine and incredible opportunities for adventure like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you should book your trip to Cabo.
What is so great about Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort town known for its eco-tourism, amazing beaches, and wildlife watching. Whether you want to spend your vacation in the comfort of your hotel or enjoy adventures, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
Cabo is safe to visit as long as you exercise safety precautions, stick to tourist areas, and don’t get involved with sketchy people.
Is downtown Cabo worth visiting?
Downtown Cabo is home to many stores, restaurants, and tour companies, and is worth a stop. It’s also one of the safest parts of town, as it ahs plenty of traffic and security cameras in place.
Is Cabo expensive?
Cabo is more expensive than many other destinations in Mexico, and prices on hotels, food, and tours in Cabo are higher than average prices in the country.
Final word
Cabo San Lucas can be worth visiting if you’re interested in beautiful coastal scenery, outdoor activities, nightlife, and Mexican culture. However, it’s essential to align your interests and expectations with what the destination has to offer to ensure a satisfying travel experience.