Planning a Cabo San Lucas vacation?
Good choice! Mexico’s tropical paradise at the southern tip of Baja California sees more than 3 million visitors per year and with good reason.
But here’s the thing…
The majority of Cabo travelers make the same mistakes when planning their trip. They book at the wrong time, skip the best things to do and activities, and overspend on a hotel.
Save yourself time, money, and stress by following this planning guide. I’ll cover all the important decisions including choosing the right property and planning an itinerary. Let’s dig in!
Your Cabo San Lucas travel planning guide:
- When To Visit Cabo San Lucas
- Where To Stay In Cabo San Lucas
- How To Get Around The City
- Top Things To Do & Activities
- Travel Budget & Money-Saving Tips
When To Visit Cabo San Lucas
The right time to visit Cabo can make or break your vacation.
Peak season is from November through April. During these months, the weather is perfect with sunny days, minimal rain, and pleasant temperatures. But there’s a catch…
Prices are very high during peak season in Cabo. Hotels become more expensive by 30-50% compared to off-peak months. If your dates are flexible, consider traveling May or October. You’ll still find amazing weather but pay much less for hotels.
The best part about visiting Cabo during the shoulder season?
The beaches are less crowded. You won’t need to fight for a seat at popular restaurants either. And properties, including this Cabo San Lucas real estate for sale and full-service Cabo resort offerings, will offer better deals and incentives during the slower months.
Hurricane season is technically June to November, but major hurricanes rarely directly hit Cabo. The geography of where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet creates a natural buffer.
Where To Stay In Cabo San Lucas
Your location is one of the most important choices when planning your Cabo vacation.
Cabo San Lucas is the best for nightlife, being centrally located to the famous Arco and easy to access activities. This is where you’ll find the Marina area with most restaurants, bars, and activities.
San José del Cabo is the other popular side of Cabo. If you prefer more culture, art galleries, laid-back town charm, and authentic Mexican food, then San José is perfect.
The Tourist Corridor (now known as La Ruta Escénica) is the third option. It’s the 20-mile stretch between the two main cities with all-inclusive resorts. The Corridor has luxury private beach villas and world-class golf courses.
Here’s what you should know about each location:
- Cabo San Lucas – Best for nightlife, activities, and convenience
- San José del Cabo – Best for culture, relaxation, and authentic Mexican experience
- Tourist Corridor – Best for luxury resorts, privacy, and amenities
Most travelers choose Cabo San Lucas because it’s all walkable and easy to access. If you’re planning a night out, you can walk back to your hotel instead of paying for a cab.
Speaking of hotels…
Hotel occupancy rates hit 76% in 2024. While there’s still plenty of accommodation in Los Cabos, you’ll want to book in advance if you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas during high season. The earlier you book, the better price you’ll get.
How To Get Around The City
Transportation is simple in Cabo San Lucas.
Taxis are plentiful but not metered. Negotiate the price before you get in the taxi. A typical ride within Cabo San Lucas costs around $10-15 USD. To San José del Cabo is a bit more with fares of $40-60.
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility but it comes with a few catches. Insurance is required in Mexico and will often double the rate you’re quoted. If you plan on driving around the peninsula, then a rental car makes sense. But for exploring Los Cabos, you likely won’t need it.
Resort shuttles are free if you’re staying at a hotel or property in the Corridor. Most Cabo resorts offer complimentary transfers to both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas also has a free city trolley service that runs every 10-15 minutes.
Money-Saving Travel Hack:
Use ride-sharing apps when you can. They’re cheaper than taxis and the price is set upfront. Plus, no more uncomfortable haggling for a price.
Top Things To Do & Activities
Don’t come to Cabo for the beaches and bars. While there’s plenty of those, Cabo San Lucas has some of the best activities around.
Boat tours to El Arco are a no-brainer. Cabo’s most photogenic landmark is a must-see. The tour typically includes snorkeling at Pelican Rock and a stop at Lover’s Beach.
Snorkeling and diving are world-class in Cabo San Lucas. The meeting point of two oceans creates extraordinary marine biodiversity. Look for tropical fish, sea turtles, and hopefully manta rays.
Sunset cruises are an absolute tourist trap. But it’s a tourist trap worth paying for. It’s one of those “once in a lifetime” things. Save 30-40% and book directly through a local tour operator instead of through your hotel’s concierge desk.
Zip-lining through desert canyons, ATV tours, and camel rides are some of the more fun and adventurous things to do in Cabo. Adventure-seeking travelers will love all the unique ways to experience Baja’s rugged landscape.
Book these in advance during peak months or they will sell out fast.
If you prefer something more laid back…
The Art District in San José del Cabo comes alive every Thursday night. Local galleries open their doors, street performers appear, and the vibe is great.
Travel Budget & Money-Saving Tips
Vacations are expensive. It’s how the industry works. But you can stretch your vacation budget with a few simple tips in Cabo San Lucas.
Eat where the locals do. Avoid the restaurants near the Marina where an ice cold beer will cost you $8 USD. Walk a few blocks inland and find a taco stand where authentic tacos are $2 and a beer is $2.50.
Airports charge ridiculous prices for hotel transfers. You can book a shared shuttle service online before you arrive for $15-20 per person. Hotel transfer prices will be $80-100 for a private taxi.
Bring cash – U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Los Cabos, but using pesos will get you a better rate. There are ATMs everywhere and most don’t charge a withdrawal fee. Just notify your bank of your travel plans ahead of time so they don’t block your card.
All-inclusive resorts in Cabo San Lucas can seem like a good deal at first glance but they’re not always the best value. If you plan to explore the peninsula and eat out then you’ll waste money on included meals you don’t use.
Time your activities around happy hour. Most beach clubs and restaurants offer 2-for-1 drinks between 4 and 7 PM. You’ll save a fortune on cocktails this way.
Key Takeaways For Cabo San Lucas Travel Planning
Los Cabos can deliver an amazing vacation experience if you plan it correctly.
Visit during shoulder season to beat the crowds and save money. Choose your location based on what’s important to you — nightlife and activities in Cabo San Lucas, Mexican culture in San José del Cabo, or luxury all-inclusives in the Corridor.
Book your activities and accommodation in advance during the peak months of December through April. Don’t forget to negotiate with taxis before getting in!
Most important tip of all? Get outside the resort and explore Cabo San Lucas.
The true Los Cabos lies beyond the tourist zones. Eat local food, talk to the residents, and experience the authentic Mexican hospitality. The beaches, activities, and year-round incredible weather await you.
