The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary: Relaxation, Adventure, Wellness, and More

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The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary - Rachel Off Duty

I was hosted by Visit Los Cabos for part of my most recent visit to Los Cabos. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Planning a trip to Baja? This Los Cabos itinerary is for you!

Los Cabos – also simply referred to as ‘Cabo’ – is widely regarded as Mexico’s premier tourist destination, due to its popularity for cruise shippers, famous party scene, and ultra-luxe all-inclusive resorts. And while Los Cabos certainly is all of those things, there’s so much more going on in the southernmost tip of Baja California that’s worth your while.

I’ve traveled to beach towns all over Mexico, but there’s a soft spot in my heart for Los Cabos. It’s a nature and marine lover’s dream!

While I’m a huge advocate of leaving your hotel and exploring beyond the tourist zones, Los Cabos is known for its incredible accommodations, and there’s no denying they are a big part of the allure. In my opinion, the perfect Los Cabos itinerary strikes a balance between time spent enjoying your Los Cabos hotel and time spent exploring the area. This 5-day Los Cabos itinerary will help you do just that.

Keep reading for my recommendations for the ultimate 5-day Los Cabos itinerary. Below the itinerary, you’ll also find tips on where to stay, where to eat, and how to extend your stay!

RELATED: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Krystal Grand Los Cabos Review

The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary

DAY ONE: Checking In and Enjoying the View

The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary - Rachel Off Duty

As you descend into the San José del Cabo International Airport, look out the window and take in the view. You’ll immediately notice the dramatic landscapes and panoramic water views at the tip of the peninsula where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Welcome to Los Cabos!

The Los Cabos airport (SJD) can be a bit chaotic. Be sure to schedule your pickup ahead of time, either with your hotel or with a trusted transportation company. You could find a ride on the spot, but with so many companies waiting outside it can be overwhelming. I’ve used Transcabo to get me to and from the airport and they always have someone waiting for you with your name on a sign!

On the first day of your Los Cabos itinerary, I recommend spending your first day enjoying your hotel and soaking up the sun. At sunset, take a sunset catamaran ride or stroll the beach. The sunsets in Los Cabos are seriously stunning, thanks to the unobstructed water views.

The Different Regions of Los Cabos

First, you should know that Los Cabos (plural: “The Cabos” or “The Capes”) encompasses multiple regions on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula. Where you choose to stay will impact the vibe of your Cabo vacation, as each region has its own distinct energy and ambiance.

But, regardless of where you stay, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the elements of this 5 day Los Cabos itinerary as it’s quite easy and common to travel around by rental car or with Uber.

So, what are the different regions of Los Cabos?

1. Cabo San Lucas
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is what most people think of when they think of Cabo. The most populated region of Los Cabos and the one famous for its nightlife, activities, and shopping, Cabo San Lucas is without a doubt the most popular place for visitors. It’s the southernmost city and the furthest region from the Cabo airport, though. Keep in mind that you should expect a 45 min – 1 hour drive to get to your hotel. 

People choose Cabo San Lucas to be in the center of the action, close to nightlife, great restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The ambiance is more “touristy” but also quite luxe, and naturally Cabo San Lucas tends to be a bit more expensive than the rest of Los Cabos. You’re also close to the Cabo San Lucas Port and the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park (more on this later), so Cabo San Lucas is ideal for those hoping to get out on – or in – the water!

2. The Corridor
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – The Corridor

The long stretch of coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is known as the Tourist Corridor. The Corridor itself is a 20-mile highway, but the area along the highway is home to some of the biggest, most beautiful resorts and hotels in all of Los Cabos. 

The Corridor is ideal for those looking for a bit more privacy and luxury. But you’re no more than 15-20 minutes in either direction from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo if you want to go into town.

3. San José del Cabo
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – San Jose del Cabo

San José del Cabo is decidedly a bit more relaxed than Cabo San Lucas. Here, you’ll still find beautiful resorts and boutique hotels. But you’ll also find a beautiful downtown area that feels a bit more traditional and reminds you you’re in Mexico. San José del Cabo is more spread out and while certain parts are walkable, you’ll want to Uber or take a rental car with you. 

People choose San José del Cabo for a more laid back Los Cabos experience. You won’t find the same party scene as Cabo San Lucas, but you’ll still find amazing food (some of the best restaurants can be found here), an abundance of cocktail bars and live music, and slightly cheaper prices. It’s also the closest city to the airport.

Personally, San José del Cabo is my vibe when I stay in Los Cabos, though I’ve stayed in – and enjoyed! – The Corridor and Cabo San Lucas too.

Other Regions of Los Cabos

In addition to these 3 main regions of Los Cabos, you’ll also likely hear about Cabo Pulmo and Todos Santos. Cabo Pulmo is 2 hours east of San José del Cabo, and it’s a protected National Marine Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cabo Pulmo is ideal for those looking to be immersed in the natural side of Los Cabos, especially if you’re visiting to snorkel or scuba dive! On the flip side, Todos Santos is an hour up the coast from Cabo San Lucas, and is ideal for those seeking cultural immersion and relaxation without the crowds. Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico, making it well worth the visit even if just for a day.

Thanks to the beautiful scenery and abundance of things to do, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you stay in Los Cabos!

Where to Watch the Sunset in Los Cabos

Rachel Off Duty: Where to Watch the Sunset in Los Cabos, Mexico

Sunsets in Los Cabos are spectacular, and there’s no better way to round off your first day in Los Cabos by planning to watch the world’s greatest free show. My favorite way to catch the sunset in Los Cabos is by simply strolling the beach or taking in the view from my hotel pool. However, you can also visit a chic restaurant or go sunset sailing to make it even more of an experience.

Sunsets from the Beach

The best beaches to see the sunset directly are on the Pacific Ocean side. Playa Solmar and Playa Divorciado are going to give you the most unobstructed view. If you’re in San José or the Corridor, you might not get a direct view of the sunset from the beach, but you’ll still be able to see a gorgeous watercolor show as the sky turns pink over the Sea of Cortez. 

Sunsets from a Cabo Hotel, Bar, or Restaurant

Depending on the orientation of your hotel, you might get a killer sunset view. One of my favorite hotel sunsets is from Hotel El Ganzo in San José del Cabo (pictured above). The infinity pool looks out over the harbor and the sun sets perfectly at the pool’s edge. 

Other good places to see the sunset include Sunset Monalisa, the Sky Pool at Pueblo Bonito Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedegral, or the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort.

Sunsets On the Water

If you’re ready to hit the water, why not see the sunset from a sailboat? Plenty of companies offer sunset sails in Los Cabos. Check these out to compare availability and prices:

DAY TWO: Exploring Cabo San Lucas by Day and by Night

Rachel Off Duty: The Arch in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

On your first full day in Los Cabos, it’s time to really see what the hype is all about in Cabo San Lucas! Cabo San Lucas is known for its world-class nightlife scene. But what you might not know is that Cabo San Lucas is also the gateway to an abundance of ocean activities and opportunities to see marine life up close. 

Today, I recommend spending your day in Cabo San Lucas enjoying the water and wandering around the marina. At night, if you’re up for it, get a taste of Cabo’s bar and club scene. You might love it or hate it, but I think the nightlife here is fun in small doses!

Whale Watching in Los Cabos (Seasonal)

Rachel Off Duty: Whale Watching in Cabo
Rachel Off Duty: Whale Watching in Cabo

I lovingly refer to Los Cabos as the whale highway, because during the winter months from December to April, thousands of whales migrate to the warm waters along the Baja Sur peninsula to mate and give birth. And they’re so easy to spot. Just look out from your hotel balcony at the coastline and you’re bound to see a whale spouting in the distance!

But the best way to really see the whales in Los Cabos up close and learn more about their behavior is by joining a whale watching tour. 

While there’s no guarantee you’ll see whales – they are wild creatures, after all – your odds are super high particularly from January through early March. Humpback whales are the most common sight in Los Cabos, but you may also see gray whales who like to feed close to shallow waters. If you’re lucky, blue whales, orcas, and pilot whales are also not uncommon! 

Whale activity is one of the most special features of the Baja Sur peninsula, and I recommend booking with a responsible and / or eco-certified tour company whenever possible. Doing so ensures you’re viewing whales respectfully and that your money only benefits tour companies that care about sustainability and conservation.

Whale Watching Companies to Check Out in Los Cabos:

Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, El Arco, and Land’s End

Rachel Off Duty: Cabo San Lucas Marina, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Cabo San Lucas Marina, Mexico

Not visiting Los Cabos during the winter whale migration? You can – and should – still get out on the water in Cabo San Lucas! The marine area immediately in front of Cabo San Lucas is known as the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, and it’s teeming with marine life and activity all year long. Why? This marine area features an underwater shelf that plunges rapidly to dramatic depths, meaning even larger animals like humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions can often be spotted close to shore. It’s a popular spot for snorkelers, scuba divers, and boat tours. 

At the southernmost tip of the peninsula, you’ll find the most famous landmark of Cabo San Lucas – El Arco, or the Arch. You’ll stop at El Arco if you take a whale watching tour, but you can also do a dedicated boat tour just to visit El Arco, Land’s End, and the famous Lover’s Beach, which is ideal for snorkeling. 

Take a sailing tour if you want to stay dry, or a snorkeling / paddleboard tour that combines seeing El Arco with a beach stop so you can get in the water.

Cabo San Lucas Marina

Rachel Off Duty: Posing at the Cabo Sign in Cabo San Lucas Marina

The Cabo San Lucas Marina is where all the daytime energy emanates from. Tours depart nonstop from dawn till dusk. Street vendors sell tours, souvenirs, and jewelry all hours of the day. And tourists in sundresses and swim trunks stroll up and down the sidewalks, admiring the yachts and window shopping for the best bar or restaurant to pop into for a bite. 

After your morning out on the water, stroll around the marina and grab a coffee or a cocktail and take in the view. If you’re in the mood to go shopping, head to Puerto Paraiso or Luxury Avenue, both of which can be found right off the marina.

Exploring the marina is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Touristy as it might appear, definitely  plan to spend a little time here!

Nightlife and Parties in Cabo San Lucas

Rachel Off Duty: Nightlife and Parties in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Nightlife and Parties in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

No matter what day of the week it is, you’re bound to find something happening in Cabo San Lucas after dark. This city is the most well known in all of Los Cabos for its nightlife scene, after all. 

For those looking to hit the dance floor or sample some tequila, endless opportunities await you in Cabo San Lucas. For clubbing and dancing, you’ll want to head to El Squid Roe (which I personally didn’t love, though it’s a Cabo legend and it can be fun with good company), Mandala, or La Vaquita. Once you’re in this area, you can wander around and bar hop as most of the late-night hangs are located in close proximity to one another. 

More of a day party seeker? You’ll want to head straight to Mango Deck, Cabo’s premier beach party spot.

DAY THREE: Experiencing Cuisine and Culture in San José del Cabo

Rachel Off Duty: Exploring San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Sure, Los Cabos is well known for its beaches. But there’s so much more to explore beyond the beach, too! Today is all about soaking up a more relaxed, local vibe in San José del Cabo.

Officially founded as a mission in 1730, San José del Cabo’s historic center paints a decidedly more authentic picture of Los Cabos than the bars and clubs of Cabo San Lucas, and it’s well worth the visit. While you’re here, head to one of the neighboring farms just up the road. Not only do these farms provide a welcome respite from the busier parts of Los Cabos, they also offer a delicious taste of Los Cabos’ farm-to-table approach to cuisine, as these farms supply many of the fresh ingredients for the best resorts and restaurants in the area.

San José del Cabo is about 17 miles (or 30-40 minutes) from Cabo San Lucas, so keep that in mind when you’re planning out your day!

Agritourism & Farm-To-Table Experiences in Los Cabos

Rachel Off Duty: Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico

Nestled in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, you’ll find several local farms, farm-to-table dining experiences, and even boutique accommodations hidden from the main drag of San José del Cabo. A short 10-15 minute drive from downtown, this area offers a taste of true Los Cabos flavor. If you’re coming for a meal, be sure to make a reservation in advance. You’ll quickly see that this is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo, especially for those into unique culinary experiences and agritourism! 

Farm-To-Table Dining Experiences to Check Out:
  • Flora Farms: A ranch and sustainable farm-to-table restaurant that aims to only serve what they make, raise, and grow
  • Tamarindos: An organic farm and restaurant that offers cooking classes  
  • Acre: A bar, restaurant, and resort. The restaurant menu features seasonally grown vegetables grown on Acre’s farm

Downtown San José del Cabo

Rachel Off Duty: Downtown San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Downtown San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Downtown San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Downtown San José del Cabo is a small yet inviting stretch of restaurants, art galleries, bars, breweries, and shops. It has a decidedly more laidback energy than Cabo San Lucas, but depending on when you come, there will still be lots of people shopping, dining, and exploring! 

Grabbing a bite to eat or popping into a local art gallery is a must. While you’re here, be sure to also check out Plaza Mijares (the main plaza), the Misión San José del Cabo (and the photographable San Jose del Cabo sign out front!), and the Plaza Artesanos

San José del Cabo Art Walk

Rachel Off Duty: San Jose Art Walk, Cabo, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: San Jose Art Walk, Cabo, Mexico

If you find yourself in Los Cabos between November and June, you must add the San José Art Walk to your Los Cabos itinerary. 

Taking place every Thursday from 5-9 pm between November and June, the Art Walk happens in the San José Gallery District. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the downtown area. Shops will stay open late, some galleries will invite artists in for meet & greets, and restaurants will have live music. It’s a fun night out on the town!

DAY FOUR: Marine Encounters and Water Activities

Rachel Off Duty: Dive Ninjas in Los Cabos, Mexico

Where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the entire world. Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau even once referred to the Sea of Cortez as the “Aquarium of the World,” thanks to its abundance and variety of marine mammals, endemic fish species, and mesmerizing migrations. 

If whale watching two days ago wasn’t enough (and in my opinion, no it is not), you’ll want to spend at least one more day of your Cabo itinerary out on the water!

Water Adventures & Marine Life Encounters in Los Cabos

Rachel Off Duty: Scuba Diving in Los Cabos, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Scuba Diving in Los Cabos, Mexico

Whether you’re a certified scuba diver or a recreational snorkeler, there are lots of opportunities to experience Los Cabos’ marine life. Here are some of the main water activities in Los Cabos that I’d recommend doing while you’re in town if you want to witness more of the area’s biodiversity up close. 

Snorkeling in Los Cabos:

The easiest way to get a taste of Los Cabos’ underwater world is through snorkeling. You won’t necessarily get the massive colorful reef systems that you’d find in the Caribbean or Oceania, but you will get dramatic rocky landscapes and tons of fish! 

Scuba Diving in Los Cabos:

Los Cabos is one of the top places in the world to go scuba diving, and depending on the time of year you visit, chances of pretty spectacular wildlife encounters are high. From bigger marine mammals like humpback whales and whale sharks in the winter, to mobula ray migrations in the spring and fall, Los Cabos offers tons of variety all year long. 

And you don’t need to be a certified scuba diver to try your hand at diving while in Los Cabos! You can actually book a Discovery Scuba Dive (DSD) with zero experience. You’ll learn the basics of diving and even get out in the ocean to give your new skills a try. It’s the perfect way to see whether you might want to get certified one day, or simply enjoy the experience of trying something new and seeing Los Cabos from depths of 30 – 40 ft.

  • Dive Ninjas Cabo Marine Park Dive (Certified, but they also offer DSD) – I did my DSD with Dive Ninjas on my most recent trip to Los Cabos. The team at Dive Ninjas is unmatched and they donate a portion of all dive proceeds to marine conservation!

If you prefer to stay above the water, you can also rent jetskis, kayaks, and paddleboards easily in Los Cabos. Ask your hotel or shop around at the Marina!

DAY FIVE: Wellness and Relaxation by the Beach

Rachel Off Duty: The Pool at the Grand Velas Los Cabos, Mexico

On your last day of your Cabo itinerary, you might be in the mood to take it easy and relax. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that! 

You may be staying at a nice hotel or resort and hoping to spend day 5 of your Cabo itinerary enjoying the hotel’s amenities. 

But, if you’re still looking for one last activity to add to your Los Cabos itinerary itinerary before you head home, I suggest spending your day checking out one of Los Cabos’ swimmable beaches.

Or for some pampering, head straight to a Cabo spa and experience Los Cabos’ wellness scene. The choice is yours!

Swimmable Beaches in Los Cabos

As you build your Los Cabos itinerary, you might’ve heard rumors that not all of Cabo is actually swimmable. Those rumors are true – there are a fair number of coastal areas in Los Cabos where swimming is actually off limits due to wave conditions, depth, or underwater terrain. 

The odds are pretty split on whether your beachfront accommodation will be swimmable or not. 

But, you can still have a perfect day at one of Los Cabos’ beaches if you know where to go!

Best Swimmable Beaches to Visit in Los Cabos:
  • Empacadora Beach (Cabo San Lucas)
  • Medano Beach (Cabo San Lucas)
  • Lover’s Beach (Cabo San Lucas)
  • Cannery Beach (Cabo San Lucas)
  • Viudas Beach (The Corridor)
  • Chileno Beach (The Corridor)
  • Santa Maria Beach (The Corridor)
  • Palmilla Beach (The Corridor)
  • Playita Beach / El Ganzo Beach Club (San José del Cabo)
Rachel Off Duty: Blue Flag Beaches in Los Cabos

Swimmable or not, Los Cabos is known for its high number of Blue Flag Certified beaches, the highest volume in all of Mexico. Blue Flag beaches are eco-certified for cleanliness, water quality, security, and sustainability standards. Whether or not the beach you’re visiting is a Blue Flag beach, practice the same mindfulness when visiting – pick up your trash, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife to help keep Los Cabos wild. 

Wellness Experiences in Los Cabos

Rachel Off Duty: Wellness Experiences in Los Cabos, Mexico

You won’t have a hard time finding a world-class spa in Los Cabos. Most of the higher end hotels and resorts will have their own onsite spas that are open to both guests and visitors alike. You can find a massage or facial pretty much anywhere, but if you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider one of these!

Unique Wellness Experiences to Try in Los Cabos:

Other Things to Do If You Have More Time

Rachel Off Duty: Gray Whale Expeditions in Baja California, Mexico
Rachel Off Duty: Gray Whale Expeditions in Baja California, Mexico

Have more time to spend in Los Cabos? These suggestions might not fit into a 5 day Los Cabos itinerary, but they’re great add-ons for those with a week or more to spare! 

  • Take a Day Trip to Cabo Pulmo: A National Marine Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cabo Pulmo is an incredible case study of conservation, especially if you’re interested in water exploration or marine encounters. It’s 2 hours east of San José del Cabo, but scuba diving trips like this and snorkeling tours like this will get you there and back with transportation included. This is the top thing I’d add to your Los Cabos itinerary!
  • Take a Day Trip to Todos Santos: Baja Sur’s Pueblo Magico, Todos Santos is the ultimate laidback, quiet town away from the crowds. It’s an hour north of Cabo San Lucas and an easy day trip.
  • Take a Day Trip to La Paz: Another gateway city for marine adventures! La Paz is about 2 hours northeast of Los Cabos, and it’s a doable day trip or trip extension. La Paz is well known for its seasonal access to sea lion and whale shark encounters.
  • Go Hiking: Get a view of Los Cabos from up high. Some of the easiest hiking opportunities in Los Cabos can be found at Mt Solmar and the Cerdo de las Torres.
  • Visit Hot Springs: Hot springs in Baja? That’s right! If you have a rental car, you can visit some of the hot springs at the tip of the Peninsula. The most accessible ones from Los Cabos will be the El Chorro Hot Springs and the Santa Rita Hot Springs, both of which are about an hour and a half from Cabo San Lucas.
  • Join a Marine Life Expedition: Have a couple extra days to spare? Curious to learn more about the unique marine mammal migrations along the peninsula? Consider joining an expedition to get more intimate access to these animals. I did a 4-day gray whale expedition a few years ago and to this day it was one of the most surreal trips of my life!

RELATED: How to Go Gray Whale Watching in Baja California

Where to Stay in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is known for its unmatched accommodations in Mexico. Depending on your budget, you’ll find everything from affordable boutique hotels to luxury all-inclusives with the price tag to match. 

And, where you stay also depends on the ambiance you’re seeking out of your Los Cabos itinerary. The nightlife and high energy of Cabo San Lucas, the privacy and luxury of The Corridor, or the laidback pace of San José del Cabo.

Cabo San Lucas Hotels

Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Corazon Cabo
  • Bahia Hotel & Beach House: A chic boutique hotel with a fantastic location. I stayed here on my first visit to Los Cabos and loved the ambiance.
  • Corazón Cabo: A luxury resort with beach access in the middle of the action in Los Cabos. This hotel is accommodating of larger groups and you can even book 3-bedroom suites with a jacuzzi on the terrace.

San José del Cabo Hotels

Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Hotel El Ganzo
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Hotel El Ganzo
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Viceroy

The Tourist Corridor Hotels

Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Grand Velas Los Cabos
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Grand Velas Los Cabos
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Stay in Los Cabos – Grand Velas Los Cabos
  • Grand Velas Los Cabos All-Inclusive: The first and only Forbes Travel Guide 5-star hotel in Mexico. This is a luxury all-inclusive with delicious food, the sprawling SE Spa, and unbeatable ocean views from nearly every inch of the resort. I stayed here on my most recent visit with my best friend and everything was immaculate.
  • One&Only Palmilla: An iconic resort in the Corridor. One&Only is famed for its high-end clientele, luxurious architecture, and swimmable beach access.

Find More Places to Stay in Los Cabos:

Where to Eat and Drink in Los Cabos

Rachel Off Duty: Where to Eat in Los Cabos
Rachel Off Duty: Where to Eat in Los Cabos

This 5 day Los Cabos itinerary wouldn’t be complete without talking about where to eat and drink in the area. Here are some of my favorite spots from my time in Los Cabos, plus some others I’ve heard great things about!

Restaurants in Los Cabos:

  • Sunset Monalisa (Cabo San Lucas): Mediterranean cuisine on a gorgeous cliffside, waterfront restaurant.
  • Tacos Guss (Cabo San Lucas): A low-cost, fast-casual Mexican food & beer joint.
  • The Office (Cabo San Lucas): A fun and colorful staple on Cabo’s coastline serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lively vibes.
  • Tiki Sushi Bar (Cabo San Lucas): Grab your favorite sushi roll and a beer with views of the marina.
  • Gardenias (Cabo San Lucas): Best known for their fish & shrimp tacos, but this spot has a wide variety of other handhelds to choose from.
  • Flora Farms (San José del Cabo): If you’re someone who likes one-of-a-kind dining experiences, this spot is for you. This farm-to-table eatery sits on 25 acres and serves locally grown and sourced dishes. They often host cooking classes, tours of the farm, spa sessions, and more.
  • Acre Restaurant (San José del Cabo): Such a beautiful property with farm-to-table dishes, innovative cocktails, live music, and rich ambiance.
  • Tamarindos (San José del Cabo): Tamarindos is another farm-to-table spot serving Mexican, seafood, and Italian inspired dishes.
  • Mi Cocina (San José del Cabo): Mexican seafood with European flare plus an oyster bar at this restaurant.
  • Jardin Secreto (San José del Cabo): An urban garden-like restaurant in San José del Cabo’s art district.
  • La Lupita Taco & Mezcal (San José del Cabo): An upscale taqueria and mezcaleria (plus an assortment of Mexican wines) in San José del Cabo’s art district.
  • La Revolucion (San José del Cabo): Inside an old heritage building sits a unique restaurant serving regional dishes from North and South Baja.
  • Kitchen Table (San José del Cabo): A rustic, courtyard-style restaurant with a contemporary surf & turf menu.

Cocktails & Beer in Los Cabos:

  • The Rooftop at the Cape (Cabo San Lucas): A trendy place that’s popular for sunsets and cocktails.
  • Baja Brewing Company (Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo): Your classic Mexican-inspired pub menu and local beer. I prefer the San José location.
  • Dalton Gin Bar (San José del Cabo): A fun cocktail bar and gin joint with an old-school feel situated on a rooftop terrace.
  • Drift Mezcal Bar (San José del Cabo): You’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this Mexican kitchen & mezcal bar.
  • Mixology Fusion Bar (San José del Cabo): Cabo’s only speakeasy-style bar located inside an old farmhouse hosting jazz nights, disco nights, and DJ sets.

Coffee in Los Cabos:

  • Lands End Coffee Roasters (Cabo San Lucas): An old-world, nautical style coffee shop located in the paseo/marina area.
  • Coffee Lab (San José del Cabo): Grab breakfast and a coffee at this artsy, beachy stop (also a great coworking space!)
  • Abreojos Cafe (San José del Cabo): A cute and quaint “coffee garden.”
  • Dr Coffee (San José del Cabo): A casual coffee spot just south of the arts district.
  • Pezgallo Coffee (San José del Cabo): A clean and chic open-air cafe serving up coffee in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon.

Los Cabos Travel FAQ: Tips to Know Before You Go

Rachel Off Duty: Los Cabos, Mexico

What Is the Best Currency to Use in Los Cabos?

The best currency to use in Los Cabos is the Mexican Peso (check your currency conversion). However, due to the high volume of tourism, you can use US Dollars in many places – especially resort areas.

Most places will take credit cards while you’re in Los Cabos, but you should bring some Pesos with you before you arrive to use for tips throughout your trip.

Speaking of, tipping is pretty widely recognized and expected in Los Cabos. You should plan to tip around 10 – 15% at restaurants. Tour guides can generally expect around 10 – 20% of the price you paid for your activity. And all-inclusive or not, it’s still a great idea to tip your bartenders, bell boys, and concierge.

What Language is Spoken in Los Cabos?

Like the rest of Mexico, Spanish is the main language of Los Cabos. You’ll be able to use English widely, especially in resort areas. However, it’s always appreciated to know and make an effort to use some basic Spanish phrases whenever you’re in Mexico.

How Do You Get Around in Los Cabos?

Some parts of Los Cabos are walkable, but in general the best way to get around in Los Cabos is by car. Fortunately, you have lots of options!

Hotel Shuttle and Transportation Services in Los Cabos

Your hotel may offer a shuttle service around Los Cabos or at the very least, to and from the airport (usually for a fee). Check ahead of time what options are available to you as this is typically the easiest way to get to your accommodation once you arrive in Los Cabos.

If your hotel doesn’t offer transportation or the service is out of budget, book a transfer with Transcabo. They’re a reliable transportation service that allows you to book a shared or private shuttle from the airport to any major hotels between San José del Cabo, the Corridor, and Cabo San Lucas. Check out reviews here.  

Renting a Car in Los Cabos

You don’t necessarily need a rental car for this 5 day Los Cabos itinerary. Rideshare or shuttle services will be enough to get you around and allow you to enjoy every recommendation in this guide. However, renting a car can be convenient and potentially even more cost effective, while allowing you to do more exploration on your own time. Day trips and adventures to more remote areas become easier with your own transportation.

Use Kayak to compare car rental rates at the San José del Cabo International Airport. 

Rideshare Apps in Los Cabos

Uber is easily available in Los Cabos. It is technically illegal as local taxi drivers lobby for exclusivity in tourist areas throughout Mexico. However, I continue to use Uber in Los Cabos and have had no issues getting around. It is by far the most affordable option for transportation in Los Cabos.

The only important caveat is that Uber cannot pick you up from the airport when you arrive. Uber can only drop you off. So, you’ll want to organize your ride ahead of time either via your hotel, a transportation service like Transcabo, or a rental car

Water Taxis (Pangas) in Los Cabos

Departing from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, water taxis are a fun way to get you to nearby beaches or landmarks like Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, or Land’s End. They typically cost around $10, and you can find one simply by wandering the marina area and shopping around (be sure to ask for prices upfront and check out the boat they’re using).

What Is the Best Time to Visit Los Cabos?

The best time to go to Los Cabos is generally Winter, Spring, and Fall. Los Cabos does have a rainy season that lasts from July through September. The tradeoff of visiting in the low season is that you’re likely to find better deals and less crowds. 

If visiting Los Cabos specifically for marine encounters, the area is a massive migration zone and because of this, the presence of marine animals will vary from season to season. This chart from Dive Ninjas is a helpful gauge to tell you what kinds of wildlife you can expect throughout the year.

What Is Cabo Known For?

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most famous and most revered beach destinations thanks to its luxury resorts, innovative restaurants, legendary nightlife, high-end spas, and water activities. But beyond these luxe amenities, Los Cabos is a spectacular place for its natural features, too. Rugged mountains, vast desert, and two distinct bodies of water – the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean – converge at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula to create a unique habitat that’s even been recognized by UNESCO. 

When you think of Cabo, you might immediately think of spring break parties or cruise ships. But there is so much more to Los Cabos, and this 5 day Los Cabos itinerary will hopefully prove just that!

How Many Days Do You Need In Cabo?

It’s easy to have a fulfilling vacation in Los Cabos with just 3 or 4 nights, especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time at your hotel.

However, if you’re interested in exploring the area, visiting different parts of Los Cabos, or doing more active adventures, a 5-day Los Cabos itinerary is really the minimum amount of time I’d suggest.

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The Ultimate Los Cabos Itinerary – Rachel Off Duty
The Ultimate Los Cabos Itinerary – Rachel Off Duty

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride.

Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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2 Responses

  1. Mexico has always been on my list and Cabo looks like the perfect getaway – thanks for sharing and beautiful pictures!

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