Los Cabos
A resort destination at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, with the sea arch at Land's End, desert meeting the ocean, and humpback whale watching in winter.
Los Cabos lies at the southernmost tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and is made up of two towns: lively Cabo San Lucas to the west and elegant San José del Cabo to the east. The roughly 30 km Tourist Corridor between them is lined with upscale resorts, golf courses and snorkel-friendly bays such as Santa María and Chileno. This is where desert meets sea: the sea arch at Land's End, rough and dangerous surf on the Pacific side, and calm, swimmable waters on the Sea of Cortez side. The climate is dry with little rain; Dec–Apr is cool and humpback whale season, while summer and fall are hot, and Aug–Oct is hurricane season, so keep an eye on the weather. Day trips include heading north up the Pacific coast to Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach, or east to Cabo Pulmo National Park for diving. Getting there: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has direct flights from many cities in the US, Mexico City and elsewhere; travellers from China usually connect via the US or Mexico City. Renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended for getting around, as bus coverage is limited. Note that some beaches have strong rip currents — only swim at beaches marked as safe for swimming. Plan to stay 4–6 days.
Top sights
- El Arco (Land's End) – A natural sea arch at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez meet. It's the emblem…
- Lover's Beach & Divorce Beach – A beach nestled between giant rocks at Land's End, with calm Sea of Cortez waters on one side (Lovers Beach) and rough Pacific surf on the…
- San José del Cabo Historic Center – A historic colonial town, with galleries and restaurants clustered around the Mission Plaza and white church. Art Walks take place on Thurs…
- Medano Beach – The liveliest swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, right in front of the famous arch at land's end, lined with beach bars, water activities a…
- Cabo San Lucas Marina – The departure point for whale-watching boats, glass-bottom boats, sunset cruises and deep-sea fishing charters, with restaurants and bars l…
- Cabo Falso Old Lighthouse – An abandoned lighthouse built in the 1890s, standing on Pacific dunes and a classic destination for desert ATV tours.
- Playa Monumentos – A rocky beach at the western end of the Corridor coast, a favorite with surfers and a spot for watching the land's-end scenery and sunsets.
- Santa Maria Bay – A small crescent-shaped bay on the Corridor coast, with protected clear water and coral reefs, making it the top choice for shore snorkelin…
- Chileno Bay – The best-equipped public beach on the Corridor coast, Blue Flag certified, with calm shallow water that is great for swimming and snorkelin…
- Estero San José – A freshwater estuary wetland in the desert, ringed by palms and reeds, good for birdwatching and kayaking, and right next to San José Beach.
- Flora Farms – An organic farm-to-table restaurant at the foot of the mountains, popular for its farm-fresh dishes, farm garden cocktails and live music i…
- Playa Palmilla – A calm bay beach near San José, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, where fishing boats can be chartered for deep-sea fishing.
- Costa Azul Beach – The most famous surf spot in San José del Cabo, with consistent waves and a cluster of surf schools and seaside restaurants.
- Cabo Pulmo National Park – One of the only hard coral reefs on the Pacific coast of North America. After fishing was banned, fish populations recovered, and divers ca…
- Cascada Sol de Mayo – A waterfall and emerald pool in a canyon at the foot of the Sierra de la Laguna, an oasis in the desert where you can hike down to the pool…
Where to eat
- Flora's Field Kitchen – An organic farm restaurant on the outskirts of San José del Cabo, with ingredients sourced from its own farm and ranch…
- Cocina de Autor – An ocean-view restaurant inside the Grand Velas resort, famous for its multi-course tasting menu and holding Los Cabos'…
- Mariscos Mazatlán – A palapa-roofed seafood restaurant in downtown Cabo San Lucas, popular with both local families and tourists, famous fo…
Itineraries
- Baja California Sur Cape Loop – Start from San José and loop through Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cabo San Lucas.
- The Two Cabos & Cabo Pulmo – Stay in Cabo San Lucas and San José to explore the Arch, snorkel in the bays, and visit the East Cape reserve.
- Baja California Sur Winter Whales – Travel south from Loreto to Los Cabos, spotting blue whales, gray whales, whale sharks, sea lions, and humpback whales…