The resort haven of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is often pigeonholed as just a place to play and party, but this gorgeous seaside town offers so much more than sandy beaches and margaritas. In fact, Cabo San Lucas is actually two destinations in one. Some call it Los Cabos for the two cities named Cabo which sit side by side, each with its own distinct offerings.
Situated on the edge of the Sea of Cortez — a marine ecosystem so rich, Jacques Cousteau once called it “the aquarium of the world” — Cabo San Lucas has an endless roster of ocean-centric activities, from whale-watching to scuba diving.
Pair that with inventive farm-to-table cuisine, a slew of shops and galleries showcasing local makers and an easygoing (but never dull) vibe, and it’s no wonder so many visitors return time and again. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in this beautiful destination.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Indulge in the Beauty and Glamour of Pedregal
Start your day in Cabo at an off-the-beaten-path breakfast spot — El Pancake House — that locals love. Pancakes are the obvious draw, but regulars rave about the arrachera al albañil (“bricklayer tacos”), tortilla azteca and fresh-pressed juices.
Then kick off the weekend relaxation with a heavy dose of pampering. The jungle-esque Spa Alkemia at Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve takes inspiration from the surrounding environment with treatments like the Desert Botánica, a massage and facial that incorporates local desert plants.
After your treatment (and some poolside lounging), pop over to El Barrio, a colorful restaurant serving up classics like shrimp aguachile and Baja-style tacos loaded with pickled onions.
In the afternoon, snag a taxi or private car and head to the hillside enclave of Pedregal. Ask the driver to take the scenic route along the 20-mile stretch of the Los Cabos Tourist Corridor to catch views of the area’s pristine beaches, five-star resorts and world-renowned golf courses — Diamante is home to one of the world’s best.
The Dunes Course was designed by Davis Love III and offers a unique golf experience along Pedregal’s hilly terrain. If you’re looking for something off the course, head to one of the area’s many resorts and enjoy happy hour at a swim-up bar.
There’s no shortage of fine dining in this elegant enclave, so celebrate a well-played round of golf with a decadent dinner at Romeo y Julieta. This spot is dripping with ambience, offering fresh and artfully designed Italian dishes — plus a newly opened wine bar, the perfect place for a post-pasta nightcap on the patio. (Don’t worry, your fix of tacos and tequila comes later.)
It’s just a short taxi ride from here to the buzzy bars and clubs of downtown Cabo. Get your feet wet at Cabo Wabo Cantina, known for live music, “Waboritas” (which pack a punch!) and the occasional celebrity sighting. For a more low-key night, the breezy cliffside Sunset Monalisa restaurant offers live music and views of Arch of Cabo San Lucas from its Sunset Point Jazz Bar.
Saturday: Revel in the Organic Beauty and Energy of Cabo San Lucas
Mexican cuisine meets American comfort food at Mama’s Royal Café in downtown Cabo. Fill up on chilaquiles — you’ve got a busy beach day ahead. Cabo has very few swimmable stretches, but Medano Beach is a favorite thanks to its golden sands (and, okay, the all-day happy hours).
Head to Cabolectric if you want to give flyboarding or eFoil surfing a try, or snag a water taxi to Arch of Cabo San Lucas, an iconic rock formation that has been photographed by people around the world. Some tours will even include a stop at offshore Lovers Beach, so you can take a dip away from the crowds.
Once you’ve maxed out on sun and sand, head over to Marina Cabo San Lucas for lunch with a view. The extensive menu at Solomon’s Landing has a handful of American favorites, but the seafood-centric Mexican dishes — scallop-mango ceviche! shrimp-stuffed chiles rellenos! — really shine.
After lunch enjoy Luxury Avenue with a bit of shopping — you’ll find boutiques stocking fine cigars and tequila, artisanal crafts and high-end apparel, and down at the marina, the Sergio Bustamante gallery is a must-see.
When the sun begins to set, consider it your cue to get out and enjoy the music and margaritas waiting in downtown Cabo. But first, head to Edith’s for fresh Baja cuisine, whimsical ambience and a flan to remember. End your evening at El Squid Roe, a raucous, three-story spot featuring six bars, generously portioned cocktails and all-night dancing.
Sunday: Embrace the Culture and Cuisine of Historic San José del Cabo
Cabo’s quaint sister city, San José del Cabo, features some of the best food around. A 30-minute drive along the Pacific Coast will bring you to Cabo’s hotspot for luxe accommodations and (even more) pristine beaches. The government seat, this resort town is a great destination for some souvenir shopping and a meal (or two) you won’t soon forget.
Set your alarm early to beat the brunch rush at the lush and lively Flora Farms. The field-to-table restaurant resides on a 150-acre ranch that houses a farm, spa and multiple drinking and dining options.
After a little hair of the dog, take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Gallery District to hunt for the ultimate souvenir. La Sacristía Art & History and Plaza Artesanos are also prime locations to explore the city’s deeply rooted craft traditions and bring home a colorful piece of Cabo.
Stroll the streets on your way to lunch, popping into shops and snapping pics of colonial architecture along the way. Your destination is Las Guacamayas, a casual restaurant known for its parrot-themed murals and real-deal Mexican fare (check out the chorizo-stuffed tacos and the pumpkin-blossom quesadillas).
After a hearty meal, take your pick of nature-themed activities: Glimpse the more than 200 species of animals along the hiking paths at San José Estuary, an unforgettable snorkeling tour in Cabo Pulmo or simply enjoy one final day lounging on the beach at Playa Palmilla.
The final stop in San José del Cabo is Acre, a heavy hitter on the Los Cabos culinary scene since it opened in 2016. What’s not to love about an award-winning cocktail program, elevated takes on classic dishes and atmospheric digs?
It’s the ideal place to savor your last orders of Baja oysters, out-of-this-world guacamole and local mezcal — raise a glass and toast the tradition, innovation and vibrant spirit that’ll keep you coming back to these twin towns on the Pacific.
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