Cabo San Lucas, home to some of the region’s top resorts and dining, is where the nickname “Cabo” originated. The bustling city is at the southern end of Baja California Sur. where the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean meet. Los Arcos, a well-photographed natural arch cut into the rocks, marks Land’s End, the southern tip of the peninsula.
Cabo, founded by fishermen centuries ago, is now considered the Marlin Capital of the world. Deep sea fishing tournaments with huge purses attract thousands each year. The surrounding desert landscape overlooking gold sand beaches and the glittering sea attract millions more on beach vacations. The Corridor connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is known for some of the most beautiful resorts in the world.
Thousands of cruise ship passengers weekly help make the downtown Cabo San Lucas port busy, very commercial and mostly tacky. Sites like Los Arcos, myriad golf courses, world-class surfing breaks, and nightspots like Senor Frogs, however, remain big attractions. Read on to learn more about the different Cabo San Lucas neighborhoods and discover the quieter hills above town.
Los Cabos Resorts Corridor Connects San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas
The Los Cabos Corridor is the 20-mile coastal route connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It’s lined with resort hotels, beaches and golf courses. There are options for the A-Lister and every budget in between because prices drop as you move away from the beach.
At any price, expect beautiful surroundings. Views encompass the sparkling turquoise Sea of Cortez, gold sand beaches and rustic hills landscaped with bougainvillea and cactus.
Fabulous Los Cabos Resorts Along The Beach Between San Jose and San Lucas
Las Ventanas al Paraiso is one of the most elegant resorts on this strip. We spent a Christmas there with our family in two Junior Suites serviced 24/7 by a team of three butlers. The fireplace, floors, walls and lavish bathrooms are ornamented with Spanish tiles. A large balcony overlooked the Pacific, pools and sand beach below us. We were welcomed by a tequila tasting tray with a variety of condiments and instructions. Our private roofdeck had chaise lounges and a sun canopy. Las Ventanas has several excellent restaurants, a hilltop Tequila Bar and a hidden speakeasy nightclub – La Botica. Be sure your over-21s catch the terrific Cuban band who play classics or chart-topping beats depending on mood.
The One&Only Palmilla is another option with its own golf course. This star-studded resort attracts the likes of Jennifer Aniston and other A-Listers. Suite rates at these places typically start at US$1,000 per night and up, with restaurant and facility charges to match. Their grill, Seared, run by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is noted for fresh seafood as well as meats.
Is it worth it if you can afford it? Absolutely. These resorts deliver an unforgettable vacation.
Los Cabos Hotels and Resorts In Cabo San Lucas
There are several all-inclusive resorts near to Land’s End. These resorts are popular because they’re beachfront. Plus, they’re an easy walk from the downtown restaurants, bars and clubs.
One moderately priced option is Solmar Playa Grande, part of a Mexican chain. Solmar offers an all-inclusive option (great with younger kids) or a European Plan (good for teens or adult families who will want to dine out in town.) Our friends were returning for their seventh year.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach is a popular family all-inclusive on el Medano Beach, the east side of Cabo San Lucas. Golf carts make it easy for all ages to get around and several pools and resort activities keep everyone busy. Family amenities include cribs, staff to help transport luggage, and an affordable laundry service. Meghan moved from La Marina to this resort, which she admits was not like her stereotype of an all-inclusive. “Pueblo Bonito’s design was classy, other guests were pleasant,” she adds. “I very much enjoyed every meal I had there.”
A Special Hideaway For A Quieter Resort Stay
The Bungalows is a favorite San Lucas option because of its quiet location uphill from the bustling marina. Get cozy in one of their 16 suites with kitchens or choose a two-bedroom bungalow. All overlook a lush garden and tiled pool.
Allie and the friendly staff make everyone feel welcomed and present lavish breakfasts (included in rates) each day.
Delicious Dining Options In The Town Of San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has lots of good dining options and you can easily and cheaply take Ubers to try them. For casual and yummy tacos, head to what the locals call Taco Street. It runs parallel to the marina, one block inland and anyone can give you directions. It’s hard to go wrong here.
For a real meal, we liked Maria Jimenez. It is more touristy, with wonderful upscale Mexican décor, colorful tiles and pressed tin cutouts, and good food. Las Guacamayas has two branches. The one in the buzzy ‘downtown’ Cabo is the more touristy one. You can’t miss the fun, colorful tiles and décor, outdoor patio and a large menu of quesadillas and tacos. It’s a real crowd pleaser and draws many group tours and cruise ship passengers at lunch.
Locals claim the peninsula’s top restaurant is Casa Martín, run by chef Roger Martín. His farm fresh, organic culinary creations always surprise. Celebrate with a range of shrimp appetizers, a Linguine Habanero, seafood chile relleno or the Adobo pork chop. Don’t forget to follow up with one of their elaborate desserts.
Cabo San Lucas Excursions and Adventures
Cabo San Lucas has more programs for active families, as author Ralph Spielman recently discovered. It is well known for deep sea fishing and whale watching excursions close to shore.
The marina in Cabo San Lucas has dozens of small boat operators if you don’t want to plan ahead. Cabo Adventures is a trustworthy option for guided tours throughout the Los Cabos region. The tourist office guide to Cabo San Lucas excursions and outdoor adventures is also helpful.
Get information on when and where to go and what to look for in Baja and Los Cabos resorts in our Baja and Los Cabos Guide.
To learn more about San Jose del Cabo, please see my guide to resorts and dining in colorful, charming San Jose.
Take a break from the Cabo bustle by heading northeast to Todos Santos and the Pacific Ocean coast. Learn more about this quieter side of Baja and the truly immersive adventures in nature.
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