Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting?
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Shimmering seas. Beautiful beaches. Awesome adventures. Relaxing resorts. Cabo San Lucas is a must-see destination and 100% worth visiting! If you’re planning your first visit, here are 7 reasons why you should plan a visit! I’ve also sprinkled in some tips to make your trip go smoothly. This information will help you feel prepared and have an incredible time.
1. Head to the Beach!
Cabo should be all about relaxing and soaking up some sun. Head out to Playa del Amor—otherwise known as Lover’s Beach—for some of the most beautiful views in Mexico. Afterward, take a glass bottom boat ride around El Arco de Cabo San Lucas—the iconic arch at Lands End—and stop by Lovers Beach for some swimming and snorkeling. And don’t forget to grab lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants!
Chileno Beach is often called one of the best beaches in all of Mexico – and it’s not hard to see why! This stunning beach is known for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sand beaches – perfect for lounging around all day long. Chileno Beach is also great for swimming and snorkeling thanks to its calm waters, so be sure to bring along your snorkel gear if you have it! And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other activities available like kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.
Cabo is Worth Visiting for all of the Adventure!
Cabo is an adventure lover’s dream! Water activities include sportfishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you prefer to stay on land, there is horseback riding, hiking, and hot springs. There’s no way you can do it all in one trip, so prioritize what you really want to do. You could also take a trip to Puerto Vallarta for a unique experience.
Cabo has oceans and sunshine to spare. Both can cause problems if you’re not prepared. Be sure to bring plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and stay hydrated. You will also need to know how to swim, as it is essential for all travelers to Cabo. To stay safe, listen to the lifeguards and stay clear of dangerous waters.
All of the beaches are beautiful, but not all of them are swimmable. In fact, some are dangerous because of steep ocean floor drop-offs which cause strong waves and rip tides. If you want to swim, we recommend Medano or Chileno Beach. Both are easily accessible and have lifeguards.
2. Adventure Awaits!
Cabo is home to some of the most amazing marine life in all of Mexico and whale watching is one of its most popular activities. Spend a day out on the water and witness first-hand these majestic creatures as they swim gracefully alongside your boat. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you’ll even get to spot one breaching out of the water! Check out companies like Baja Whale Shark Tours or Los Cabos Whale Watch for whale-watching tours that depart from downtown Cabo San Lucas daily.
Spend at least one day going on an adventure – whether that’s zip lining through canyons or trekking up mountains – before ending your vacation with some relaxation time back at the hotel pool or beach.
Pro Tip: You’ll need travel insurance. With all of the wonderful things to do, you can see why travel insurance would be so important but don’t think of it as gloom and doom. Insurance allows you to travel stress-free at all times. There are even annual insurance policies that cover you on every trip you take.
3. Downtown Life!
The timeshare game is strong in Cabo. After you pick up your luggage, there is a long hallway you have to walk through to exit the airport. Do not talk to anyone and keep moving. Even some resorts are starting to tap their guests by promising a tour of the property with a welcome gift, a round of golf, or even money. Be aware as these “tours” can be a time-suck and no one needs that on a vacation.
When you explore downtown Cabo San Lucas you can see why it’s such a popular destination. Spend some time browsing the shops on Paseo de la Marina or admiring the architecture on Calle Ignacio Allende.
Cabo is Worth Visiting…Just to Walk the Streets!
The best way to get to know any city is to walk its streets. You can soak up the atmosphere and see how locals interact on a daily basis. In Cabo, you’ll find an array of unique shops and restaurants along with art galleries showcasing works from local artists. The historical district features classic Spanish-style architecture with beautiful tilework, brightly colored walls, and ornate ironwork balconies. Be sure to also check out Plaza Mijares for some excellent people-watching opportunities!
Spend a day shopping around town or check out some local attractions like downtown galleries or nearby archaeological sites like El Meco Ruins. Make sure to take some time during this day to explore Los Cabos Corridor – a breathtaking area with Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), Todos Santos Island, Punta Conception Lighthouse, and much more! You won’t believe how much beauty can be found here!
4. Resort Life!
Select a resort based on your lifestyle. Cabo is home to over 100 boutique hotels and re- sorts. The best way to decide where to stay is to make a list of what is important. Do you want all-inclusive or do you prefer to pay a la carte? Adult-only or family-friendly? Four or five stars? Once your list is complete, contact your travel advisor (me!).
They (I) will do the research for you and come back with a few options from which you can choose. Plus we might have access to some hidden gems!
Pro Tip: Cabo San Lucas is closer than you think. More and more airlines are starting to offer direct flights from major cities. What used to take a full day of travel has now come down to just a few hours.
5. Day Trips for Days!
One of the best ways to experience true Mexican culture is by taking a tour of Cabo San Lucas. There are lots of different tours available—from historical tours to beach excursions—that will give you an up-close look at all that Cabo has to offer. Plus, many of these tours are led by locals who can share personal stories and anecdotes that make your experience even more unique!
Take a day trip from Cabo to visit Todos Santos, an old colonial town located just 45 minutes away from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Here you can explore cobblestone streets lined with art galleries and cafes or take a stroll along Playa Los Cerritos for stunning ocean views. Be sure to try some fresh seafood at El Patio Restaurant before heading back into town!
6. Food..and More Food!!
If you’ve read any of my previous posts like what I learned on an MSC Cruise… you’d know that I travel for the food. My husband is a chef, and we consider ourselves foodies. Most of our travel plans center around the cuisine of the area we will be visiting. To say that Cabo is a foodie mecca is an understatement!
If you think you’ve had good “authentic” Mexican food…think again. There are no words to express how amazing traditional Mexican food is until you’ve had it right off the pan. The city is home to some of the best food around, from traditional Mexican dishes to fresh seafood catches and even international flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an unforgettable meal, there’s something for everyone in Cabo.
My Recommended Mexican Dishes!
No trip to Mexico would be complete without trying tacos al pastor! This dish is made with pork marinated in chilies and spices, cooked on a vertical spit and served with cilantro and pineapple. It can be found all over Cabo, but one of the most popular spots is Los Gallegos Tacos near the Marina.
Ceviche is another classic Mexican dish that should not be missed while in Cabo! Freshly caught fish or shellfish are “cooked” by marinating them in citrus juices like lime or orange juice. It is served with onions, tomatoes, chilies and avocado slices. For the freshest ceviche around, head to El Chalan at the Puerto Paraiso Mall downtown.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, chiles en nogada might be just what you need! This traditional Mexican dish consists of poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef or pork, fruits like apples and pears, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with creamy walnut sauce called nogada. It’s then garnished with pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and color—it really is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
As you might expect from a coastal city like Cabo San Lucas, seafood dishes are plentiful here! From fish tacos to grilled shrimp and lobster tails, there are endless options for fresh seafood throughout the city. Be sure to try Don Sanchez at Baja California Street for some of the best-tasting seafood dishes around!
7. Amazing People and Culture!
Cabo’s citizens are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Many visitors come back year after year because they feel right at home in this paradise by the sea. Locals enjoy chatting with visitors about life in their city, sharing stories about their families, or even offering tips on what spots to check out while visiting! Don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends—it’s hard not to love these spirited people!
Cabo San Lucas is home to some amazing festivals throughout the year. From celebrations honoring Mexican Independence Day in September to parades during Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April, there’s always something exciting happening here! Participating in local events like these can really help you dive into Mexican culture and form meaningful connections with the locals who live here year-round.
I highly recommend visiting in October when Dia De Los Muertos is in full effect. It truly takes Halloween and puts a flare on it that is unique and filled with traditional Mexican music, dancing, and entertainment.
Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? 100% Yes!
Now that you have all the information, you can have a great time being adventurous. It’s time to go see the sights, enjoy the food, try new things, and fall in love with Cabo San Lucas. Contact me today to plan your next amazing vacation!