Cabo San Lucas is often known for its stunning beaches, world-class sport fishing, and lively nightlife. It’s a favorite spot for couples’ getaways and bachelor or bachelorette parties—but after our recent family trip, I can confidently say Cabo has something for everyone, including families.
Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortés. Together with its more laid-back neighbor, San José del Cabo, it forms the popular tourist region known as Los Cabos. While Cabo San Lucas is buzzing with energy—famous for its nightlife, luxury resorts, and adventure activities—San José del Cabo offers a slower pace, a charming art scene, and a more relaxed vibe. Between the two towns lies the Tourist Corridor, a scenic stretch lined with stunning resorts and beautiful beaches.
Speaking of beaches—Cabo is home to some truly breathtaking ones. However, not all are safe for swimming due to strong currents, so it’s important to check before diving in. That said, even on the non-swimmable beaches, there’s no shortage of fun. Think deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. And if you’re visiting during whale migration season, don’t miss the chance to take a whale-watching tour—it’s an unforgettable experience!
How to get to Cabo San Lucas
All major airlines fly into Los Cabos Airport (SJD). The easiest ways to get from the airport to Cabo San Lucas are a shuttle, taxi, or private transfer. It is about a 30 minute drive.
It is worth pricing out the cost of a shuttle versus a private transfer. For our family of four it was nearly the same cost, so we ended up using Cabo Lindo Transport. It was definitely worth the extra cost to not have to stop at other hotels to drop people off during our ride. Also, the service we received was awesome, the car was high end, and the company was great at communicating with us. I received many texts before and during the trip to confirm our transfer, which was much appreciated – I highly recommend using them!
When to Go
Cabo San Lucas has a desert climate that enjoys beautiful weather all year round. Peak season runs from December through April because of the pleasant weather and holidays. Unfortunately, you will find the highest prices and the biggest crowds during peak season. However, this also coincides with whale season, which is ultimately why I decided to plan our trip during this time. During our stay in early January, temperatures were very pleasant, in the mid-70s, and cool in the evenings. If you are looking to save money, consider booking outside of the prime holiday travel periods (Christmas and Spring Break) and try to catch the end of whale season in April, when temperatures aren’t too hot yet.
Summer temperatures can be hot (typically around 90 degrees) and the highest risk of tropical storms runs from August to October.
Where to Stay
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Cabo San Lucas, there’s no shortage of options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From luxurious all inclusive resorts to charming vacation rentals, Cabo truly has it all.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free experience with everything at your fingertips, all inclusive resorts are a great choice. We recently stayed at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, and it didn’t disappoint. Read my full review here, and find out what I personally look for in an all inclusive resort.
Prefer to be on your own? Cabo also offers plenty of short-term rental options, ideal for those who want to explore the local food scene, shop at neighborhood markets, and live more like a local.
What to Do
From sunny beaches and thrilling water sports to world-class golfing and boutique shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cabo San Lucas! While some of the best sights require a boat or water taxi to reach, many tours can be bundled to help you save money and make the most of your time in paradise.
Medano Beach – Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is the most popular swimmable beach in the area. It’s lined with resorts, bars, shops, and restaurants, and offers plenty of rentals—from jet skis to paddleboards and more. If you want to be in the center of the action, this is the place to be! Just keep in mind that it gets very busy during peak season.
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (The Arch) ($) – El Arco, Cabo’s iconic rock formation, marks the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Los Cabos and a must-see! You can visit it via boat tour or water taxi from the marina or Land’s End—many tours also include snorkeling or a sunset cruise for added fun.
Lover’s Beach & Divorce Beach ($) – Separated by a rocky outcrop, Lover’s Beach (on the bay side) offers calm, swimmable waters, while Divorce Beach (facing the Pacific) is more rugged and not safe for swimming. The easiest way to get there is by boat, either with a water taxi or as part of a larger tour.
Whale Watching ($) – If you’re visiting during whale migration season (typically December through April), don’t miss the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Tour options range from large group boats to intimate private charters. We chose a private charter—it cost a little more, but having our own boat to explore and search for whales along the coast was totally worth it!
Deep Sea Fishing ($) – Cabo is a world-renowned fishing destination, known for its plentiful marlin, sailfish, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a just looking for an adventure, you can book half-day or full-day trips depending on your schedule and budget.
Swim with Whale Sharks ($$) – When I found out that the Baja Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks, it instantly went on my bucket list. This tour isn’t for everyone—it’s a long day of travel from Cabo and best suited for strong swimmers—but wow, was it worth it. Swimming alongside these gentle giants was absolutely surreal and a major highlight of our trip. Read about our whale shark adventure with Baja Charters.
Is Cabo San Lucas Safe?
During our trip, I felt very safe exploring Cabo San Lucas. We spent quite a bit of time walking around the marina, and while there were plenty of tour vendors eager for your business, no one came off as overly aggressive or pushy.
That said, like any popular tourist destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions—especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, be mindful of pickpocketing, and trust your instincts.
A few quick safety tips:
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas—especially at night.
- Avoid walking alone after dark.
- Use only reputable taxi services and tour operators—check online reviews before booking.
Overall, we had a great experience and never felt unsafe, even when exploring on our own. Cabo definitely feels welcoming and tourist-friendly, especially if you use a little common sense.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic family vacation spot—perfect for relaxing, exploring, and making lasting memories together. Yes, it’s a well-known tourist destination, but the laid-back vibe, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere make it feel like a true escape.
By the time you’re packing your bags, don’t be surprised if you’re already dreaming about your next trip back.
