The resort haven of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico may be pigeonholed as just a place to play, but this gorgeous seaside town offers so much more than sandy beaches and margaritas. 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, an array of shops and galleries showcasing local makers, and an easygoing 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 a breakfast spot that locals love — El Pancake House Y Lo Nuestro. Pancakes are the obvious draw, but the chilaquiles, huevos al albañil (“bricklayer’s” scrambled eggs in a spiced salsa), and fresh-pressed juices, are all excellent.
Then kick off the weekend relaxation with some pampering. The jungle-esque Sensei Spa & Wellness at Zadún Los Cabos, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers facials and massages to ease every ache, and features locally sourced herbs in the Move Invigorating Poultice and massage.
After winding down, pop over to El Barrio, a colorful restaurant serving up classics like red aguachile and Baja-style tacos.
Whether staying at the resort or at another seaside property, all are welcome to the neighboring Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club for an afternoon round. This 27-hole championship venue is divided into three nine hole courses with distinct views of the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Experience a lovely tour through this dramatically hilly desert terrain while practicing your swing.
Later, snag a taxi or private car and head through 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 and stunning vistas before sunset.
There’s no shortage of excellent food dining in this enclave, so celebrate a well-played round of golf with a decadent dinner. Romeo y Julieta, with an airily romantic dining room and courtyard, offers artfully designed Italian dishes and an extensive list of wine pours. The breezy Sunset Monalisa restaurant also serves up excellent Mediterranean fine dining and a view of the sunset-framing Arch of Cabo San Lucas rock formation.
For a relaxing nightcap, seek Sunset Monalisa’s rooftop Jazz on the Rocks lounge, with jazz until 9pm and cocktails until 11.
If you’re craving a bigger night out, take a quick cab to the buzzy downtown Cabo club scene. Start with Cabo Wabo Cantina, known for live music, “Waboritas” (which pack a punch!), and the occasional celebrity sighting.
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 huevos rancheros and French toast — you’ve got a busy beach day ahead.
Cabo San Lucas has few swimmable stretches, but the two-mile-long Medano Beach is a favorite, thanks to its golden sands, calm waves, and all-day dining and drinking spots.
Head to Cabolectric if you want to give flyboarding or eFoil surfing a try, or snag a water taxi to the iconic Arch. Some tours will even include a stop at the offshore Lovers Beach so you can take a dip in a secluded cove 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. Angler’s Landing is the place to be for fresh-caught seafood and Baja’s classic dishes.
After lunch, enjoy a stroll down Luxury Avenue, where you’ll find boutiques stocking fine cigars and tequila, artisanal crafts, and high-end apparel. Back at the marina, the Sergio Bustamante Gallery is also a must-see for sculptures, paintings, and jewelry.
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
Los Cabos envelops two destinations in one, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which sit side by side, each with its own distinct offerings.
The quaint San José del Cabo, set along the Pacific coast, features some of the best food around, luxe accommodations, and even more pristine beaches. This resort town is a great destination for some souvenir shopping and an unforgettable meal (or two).
Set your alarm early to beat the brunch rush at the lush and lively Flora’s Field Kitchen, the field-to-table restaurant at Flora Farms. The 25-acre working farm houses restaurants, a spa, a market, and a must-see bar.
After a delightful meal (and maybe some fresh cocktails), take a 10-minute taxi ride to the Gallery District. Among the growing neighborhood of fine art galleries and folk art shops, La Sacristía Art & History offers fine silver jewelry and contemporary ceramics from artists across the country. Near the gallery district is the Plaza Artesanos mall, home to over 70 handicraft vendors. Both areas will provide a priceless look into the region’s distinct artistic culture and an opportunity to take home an incredible 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 local Mexican fare, including some of the best tacos al pastor around.
After a hearty meal, take your pick of nature-themed activities: Glimpse the more than 200 species of animals or go on a guided birdwatching excursion along the hiking paths at San José del Cabo Estuary, experience an unforgettable snorkeling tour in the 20,000 year-old coral reef at Cabo Pulmo, or simply enjoy one final day lounging on the scenic beach at Playa Palmilla.
The final stop in San José del Cabo is SAGE, a deeply local spot with handmade Italian pastas and Baja specialty seafood served under the stars and swaying palms near the Gallery District.
It’s the ideal place to savor your last orders of oysters and mezcal cocktails. Raise a glass and toast the tradition, innovation and vibrant spirit of Los Cabos that’ll keep you coming back for more.
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