The Ultimate Cabo San Lucas & Los Cabos Travel Guide

What do you get when you combine picture-perfect coastal beauty, add in gorgeous high-end beachfront resorts, fuse them with all-night fiestas, and top it all off with definitive Mexican charm?

Bienvenidos to your new favorite margarita-filled getaway, Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos.

Nestled at the southernmost tip of Baja California del Sur is Mexico’s notorious party paradise, Cabo San Lucas. I’ve been traveling to Mexico at least once every year or two since as far back I can remember, and many of my favorite memories as a kid were spent traveling the western shores of Baja California. Since the Mexican Riviera is an easy 2 hour flight away from my hometown of California, we explored everything that Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Acapulco, East Cape, and Cabo San Lucas had to offer… often traveling with other families and friends and doing everything from deep sea fishing to snorkeling to sailing to sunning to shopping the Mexican markets.

I’m pretty sure I learned how to barter in Spanish before I even learned how to read in English… haggling with Mexican shopkeepers in broken six-year-old-kid Spanglish over the price of everything from fireworks and poppers (that we would light up on the beach at night), to a woven bracelet with my name on it (that I’d unabashedly show off to all my friends at recess while they complained about their family’s fifth spring break road trip to the Grand Canyon). I’m so grateful that my parents not only showed us the beauty of Mexico from such a young age, but that they taught us Spanish the way I think everybody should learn any language, by speaking it with the locals, everywhere we went. I am pretty proud that I still speak Spanish like a Mexican local, and even more proud that I can still haggle with the best of them.

Anyways, these days I’m more likely going to Cabo on a bachelorette party, with my fiance on a romantic weekend getaway, or to Cabo with a group of friends, and I still consider it one of my favorite places to travel for all of the above. Cabo has something for everyone and a fun-loving culture all it’s own, which is why it continues to reign as a global hot spot, year after year!

The Best Places to Stay In Cabo San Lucas

The Best Los Cabos luxury hotels

One & Only Palmilla 

One&Only Palmilla is a great choice if you’re looking for one of Mexico’s best luxury resorts, and one of my favorite places in the world! Palmilla has long been famous for being a chic Mexican playground for the rich & famous and is constantly ranked as one of the best resorts south of the border, and boasts one of the most relaxing atmospheres anywhere in Mexico. There are 2 beaches, and a world-class spa. If you’re feeling a little adventure, Los Cabos is renowned for its deep-sea fishing, and the resort can set you up with a day trip out to sea, or you can explore the nearby coral reefs and go scuba diving and snorkeling, with visibility more than 100 feet down (!!!). 

Palmilla is a gated neighborhood of Los Cabos located closer to San Jose Del Cabo than Cabo San Lucas – this makes it a little more tucked away and relaxed versus party-central Cabo.

How to book the One & Only Palmilla and get perks for being a Jetset reader! 

If you’re interested in getting a complimentary upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast for 2, a $150 resort credit, and an early check in/late check out, fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you at the best rate with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!)

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos

Waldorf Astoria is located in one of my very favorite areas in Cabo – the exclusive and oh so prestigious Pedregal. This hotel defines luxury and incredible views, and stands out even among the many luxurious options in Los Cabos. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed with a small bottle of clase azul tequila. You’ll experience special touches throughout your stay, with their one-of-a-kind service. The rooms here feature a terrace with ocean views and a plunge pool! While the Pedregal area does not have a swimmable beach, it is still breathtaking on the beach with gorgeous views, and there are four resort pools on property and a gorgeous spa! 

How to book the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal and get perks for being a Jetset reader! 

If you’re interested in getting a complimentary upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast for 2, a $150 resort credit, and an early check in/late check out, fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you at the best rate with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book!)

At the Waldorf on our babymoon in Cabo

The Cape – A Thompson Hotel

The Cape is sleek, boutique, and hip, and boasts some of the best views (from every single room) in all of Cabo. The service is unparalleled and makes for an ideal luxury hotel in Cabo. Did I mention the food is AMAZING, they are amazing with food allergies and sensitivities, and they even have gluten-free churros??? YEP. 

Check rates for your dates here

Esperanza

Set on the dreamy bluffs of the Baja Peninsula, this ultra-chic, five-star, oceanfront resort in Cabo features spacious private terraces, infinity hot tubs, six on-site restaurants, two private beaches, a full-service spa, four swimming pools, and AMAZING restaurants. If you’re looking for the perfect resort for an anniversary trip to Cabo, a romantic getaway, or even a honeymoon, Esperanza is your spot. 

Check the best rates for your dates here.

Maison Mantea Villas –

If you’re traveling with a group and looking for an insanely luxurious house to rent in Pedregal, you can read more about this place here, but it is hands down the most beautiful place I’ve been in Mexico. This villa is 7 star. 

Pedregal is a super nice area of Cabo on the Pacific coast, near the arch of Cabo San Lucas and within a 10 minute drive from the marina and the central Medano Beach. This is a great area to stay in if you want to be close to all the action of Cabo!

Where we stayed with a group on the beach in Pedregal for our Kenny Flowers/ Watercolors photoshoot: this VRBO

And the third villa we went with the Kenny Flowers/Watercolors crew was this one! We just photo-shot here and didn’t stay – but it was RIDICULOUS – brand spanking new and super modern and masculine. It has 2 pools and is definitely one of the most stunning properties in Pedregal.

Check rates for your dates here

BTW – any time you rent a villa in Cabo, you should hire my FAVORITE catering / bartending crew @Spicygourmetloscabos –  they will make your trip the most special, and their food (and drinks) are out of this world! It’s the best option for a group versus having to go out for every meal. Let them know Jetset Christina sent you!

The Best things to see in Cabo San Lucas

Medano beach

The bustling main strip of Medano Beach creates the epicenter of this party paradise, filled with excited vacationers, margaritas firmly in hand, taking “that” quintessential photo of Cabo with the Land’s End arch, and searching for their next beach activity. At Medano Beach, you can chill out and relax or choose from infinite water activities like parasailing, jetskiing or even taking a sunset cruise. This is definitely where the action is.

Land’s End arch & Lover’s Beach

I definitely recommend taking a water taxi from Medano Beach to see the arch, which is a stunning rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Nearby the arch, ask the taxi to drop you off at Lover’s Beach, which opens out to a different ocean on each side. It is a great place to spend a couple hours and play in the waves.

Sail & Snorkel

The best way to see the sea is by sea!! I love this company for a great sail & snorkel trip. It’s a private sailing yacht and they’ll take you everywhere (the arch, lover’s beach, and pelican rock to snorkel) and it even includes lunch and a premium open bar.

San Jose Del Cabo town

If you’re dreaming of shopping the Mexican markets for gorgeous margarita glasses, Mexican blankets, or any amazing cultural artifacts to bring home with you, downtown San Jose Del Cabo is your spot!!



 

 
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One of my favorite restaurant views in the world @ Sunset Da Mona Lisa

The Best Places to Eat in Cabo San Lucas

The food in Cabo is outstanding. And this is coming from the girl who pretty much has guacamole for every meal in America. When I got to Cabo, you know all hell broke loose. I think I tried every chips & guac & marg the town had to offer, and I was not disappointed. Here were some of my favorite places:

El Farallon – For a restaurant with a big WOW factor (and an epic sunset view), look no further than El Farrallon located at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos. The restaurant pairs fresh local seafood with its romantic atmosphere, adding traditional-meets-elegant touches to Chef Gustavo Pinet’s market concept. The fish is fresh daily and diners pick their entrée market style from shaved ice, choosing from a selection of sea bass, red snapper, striped bass, shrimp, tuna, dorado, clams and lobster. 

text_6Sunset da Mona Lisa – I cannot say enough incredible things about this restaurant, as it was easily the most picturesque (and delicious) meal I’ve ever eaten in my life. It’s ranked as one of the top 5 coolest restaurants in the world by the NYTimes, and there’s no question why. With breathtaking views spanning the entire coast of Cabo, there is literally nowhere I would rather be. The service, food, atmosphere and overall experience were all top notch and we had the most memorable night here. Of course had to bring my favorite Napa Valley merlot (pictured to the right).

El Huerto – If you’re looking for farm-to-table and an incredible atmosphere but don’t want to make the drive all the way to Acre or Flora Farms, El Huerto is an amazing option. It’s new and is like what those spots used to be before they got super popular. I love this spot – especially when we’re staying in the Pedregal area, we always make a trip. 

Acre Baja – Cabo’s newest and trendiest boutique hotel and farm-to-table restaurant. Definitely worth going to for a dinner in Cabo. The cocktails are AMAZING, and the vibe is super hip and modern-chic. 

Hacienda Cocina y CantinaNestled right above Medano beach, I loved this place for dinner. Great resort-ey ambiance and great Mexican food! Get the carnitas and a spot outside where you can watch the sunset.

Tres Sirenas – Is this place is touristy? Maybe a little! But is it also exactly what you want when you think of a dinner in Mexico? Absolutely. Tres Sirenas is a beautiful hacienda-like patio restaurant with colorful mexican decor everywhere you look. Enjoy the DELICIOUS margs!! Great for a group, too. 

Flora Farms – it’s not easy getting out to Flora Farms, a 17-acre farm tucked into the mountains of San Jose del Cabo, but the bumpy ride is worth it once you arrive to the stunning farm-to-table restaurant (Flora’s Field Kitchen) set on a farm and a luxe private cottage community equipped with a spa, and yoga studio. The diverse daily menu uses ingredients literally grown on the farm next to your table, and features everything from colorful salads and woodfired pizzas to roasted meats raised ethically on their 150-acre ranch. Bite into foodie heaven as you sip on their vibrant cocktails (think Carrot Margaritas, Lavender Maritnis, and Grilled Citrus Sangria). 

Los Tres Gallos – For a charming and delicious Mexican restaurant downtown, look no further than Los Tres Gallos – a romantic courtyard restaurant shaded by gorgeous willowing tangerine, mango, and other fruit trees. The food is delicious, the courtyard is beautiful, and the service, like the food and atmosphere, is fabulous. Best of all, Tres Gallos is pretty affordable, with pretty much everything on the menu priced at under $25.

What to Pack for a Trip to Cabo

Ronny Kobo Elvis Top in Black

House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve Amelia Mini Dress in Sage Green

Bobi BLACK Crochet Top in Taupe

 

Significant Other Ivy Maxi Dress in Clay Sundress Tea Dress in Flowers Print

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Sandra Skirt in Dusty Blue Poupette St Barth Anais Mini Dress in Blue Paquerette

 

 Free People Bring The Bubble Top In IvoryL*SPACE Catalina Top in White

 

Sundress Tina Midi Dress in Fuchsia

 

Handwoven Straw Vintage Purse Bag Bohemian Large Straw Beach Bag Chic Casual Handbag Shoulder Bag Tote Rattan Vacation Bag 

For getting active in Cabo – this chic tropical active set is a must

How to get around Cabo San Lucas, San Jose Del Cabo, and all over Los Cabos

 

Hire a private driver – especially for your airport transfer! I always use VIVO luxury transfer – and use the code JETSET for 15% off – they are the nicest drivers and their cars are amazing. It’s the Jetset way to show up to Cabo, for sure.

Best Places to Drink & Party in Cabo San Lucas

The Office– this bar and grill, located in the sand of Medano Beach, is a rite of passage for cabo tourists. Decked out in beach umbrellas, tiki torches and colorful tablecloths, this is the spot during the day. The food is good and the margs are even better.

El Squid Roe – this outrageously iconic Cabo night club and restaurant is a one-of-a-kind. With four stories of open air dance floor, countless throngs of partygoers and waiters armed with jello shots, Squid Roe is loud, wild, and full of energy. I had so much fun dancing the night away here.

Mango Deck – If you’re heading to Cabo for a bachelor or bachelorette party weekend, this is going to be your go-to spot. With a prime view of Land’s End, live music and entertainment, and non-stop margaritas, Mango Deck is party central.  During the high season, this makes Mango Deck Spring Break Cabo home base, but it’s a great place to grab a drink and laugh at some ridiculous drunken contests any time of year.

OMNIA Cabo – This beachfront day club features luxurious private cabanas and plunge pools, plus two-story VIP bungalows. The dance scene at OMNIA warms up as the afternoon goes on, and gets rowdy when the latest celebrity DJ takes the stage.

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Check out these other related blog posts:

The most expensive luxury villas you can rent in Cabo

The best luxury resorts in Mexico

The best trips to take with girlfriends

Best luxury villas in Mexico for a big group

The best hotels and villas in Punta Mita, Mexico

 
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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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