3 perfect days in Los Cabos


Los Cabos isn’t your average Mexican beach escape—thanks to its stunning fusion of desert landscapes and ocean vistas, some of the world’s most luxurious resorts juxtaposed against barefoot cantinas, and epic mountains cascading down to stunning surf-pounded beaches. This is the magic of Los Cabos—a destination that promises a slice of paradise for everyone.
Los Cabos is also a few destinations rolled into one. Its name translates as “The Capes,” and it includes not one, but two of Mexico’s best beach towns—Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, plus the resort-lined corridor that connects them. Each area is unique in its own way and appeals to different types of travelers.
To help you make the most out of what will surely be the first of many trips to Los Cabos, we’ve put together the ultimate three-day itinerary and used Tripadvisor reviews and ratings to narrow down our picks and ensure your trip is top-notch.
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DAY ONE

MORNING: Breakfast on the beach
Welcome to Mexico. First thing to know: Time to pump the breaks, take things slowly, and make a beeline to the beach. You’re on vacation, after all. Grab a table at the always-colorful, always-festive The Office. But don’t let the name fool you—with one of the best views in the bay, this spot is the exact opposite of your cubicle back home. Sit outside with your toes in the sand and watch the world wake up as the sun gets warm over the glassy surface of calm water in front of Medano Beach. Order a lobster omelet or anything with homemade tortillas.
Medano is one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Most are considered unsafe because of water conditions—but not this one. If you’re feeling up for a dip, morning is the best time for a swim because the beach is much less crowded.
AFTERNOON: Get out on the water
After fueling up, it’s time to get out and explore the scenery. Los Cabos is famous for its rock formations and desert-meets-Pacific views, and there’s no better place to see it all than from on the water itself.
An afternoon boat cruise is the perfect way to spend your first day in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo Adventures’ Luxury Sailing, Snorkel, and Lunch Cruise combines a few different activities in one. Climb aboard and set off for El Arco, the famous rock arch that juts out into the sea. This cruise also includes an open bar, a fresh lunch, plus snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming in one of the calmer bays around Cabo San Lucas.
OTHER LOS CABOS WATER TOUR OPTIONS
- If you’re headed to Los Cabos for the world-famous sportfishing, a charter may be more your speed. Cabo Sportfishing Crew runs a private fishing trip experience that includes gear rental, bait, lunch, and an open bar. The eight-hour excursion heads to prime territory for marlin, dorado, and other species in the area.
- If you’re in it for the views—and we mean views from every angle—consider a sailing trip aboard a clear boat with Go n Travel in Cabo. This all-glass boat has a 360-degree panorama of the landscape and tropical fish and the colorful reefs below, all without having to disembark.
- Cruise around the southernmost tip of Baja with Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures on the Land’s End Luxury Sail & Snorkel Cruise. Board a luxury catamaran and settle in for an afternoon of sightseeing and a front-row seat at El Arco and Lovers Beach.
EVENING: Oceanfront dining and an after party
The restaurants in Cabo San Lucas are legendary—especially the seafood restaurants, which combine fantastically fresh seafood with stunning cliffside coastal settings. For a decadent champagne toast on top of that, head to El Farallon at The Waldorf Astoria Pedregal. It’s one of the most elegant restaurants on the planet, carved out of the rocks and perched right on the ocean’s edge.
For dinner with a side of epic sunset, Sunset Monalisa has the best seat in the house. With a perfect view of El Arco, this is one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Cabos, thanks to its spectacular clifftop setting. What to order? We recommend the Mediterranean-inspired five-course Signature menu.
If you can’t snag a reservation at either restaurant, or you prefer something a little more authentic, Tacos Gardenias has been serving up right-off-the-boat ceviche and fish tacos for a long, long time. The crowd is a mix of locals and in-the-know tourists.
When the sun goes down, you’ll see the streets of Cabo San Lucas light up with the city’s legendary nightlife. If you’ve got the stamina for an all-night racer, then El Squid Roe is a Cabo San Lucas legend. Picture pulsing music, LED displays, liter-sized cocktails, and a dance floor that doesn’t cool down until the sun comes up.
If you want a lively watering hole at half the volume, Saloon Cabo fills the void with a Wild West cantina meets dive bar atmosphere. Think peanut shells on the floor, sawdust, and walls adorned with pictures of gun-slinging outlaws.
Travelers say: “This was a phenomenal dining experience! Not only did the views and food exceed our expectations, the staff (shoutout David) and atmosphere could not have been any better. It is well worth the price—we’ll be returning in the future!” —@Alexandrau
DAY TWO

MORNING: Pancakes and cobblestone streets
Now it’s time to see the other side of Los Cabos: San Jose del Cabo. While Cabo San Lucas has glamorous resorts and a flashy marina, San Jose del Cabo is the cultural heart of Los Cabos, particularly in its historic downtown, which is where you’ll begin this morning.
Venture over to Cafe Al Cabo for breakfast. This casual, breezy restaurant is popular for its huge breakfast menu. We love the endless variations of chilaquiles, as well as the crepes and quesadillas.
After breakfast, it’s time to walk it off along the historic center’s cobblestone streets. Downtown San Jose del Cabo is your quintessential Mexican town—all low-rise Spanish-influenced buildings with pops of bright color from fluttering flags hanging overhead and woven textiles in the windows.
Get your shopping fix at CASA by the Sea (Mexican handicrafts and home goods) or Plaza Artesanos (home to dozens of vendors selling jewelry and clothing, tote bags, and ceramics).
AFTERNOON: Farm-to-table cooking and an oasis lunch
Did you know that San Jose del Cabo is the farm-to-table capital of Baja California? The area is home to not just one, but three working organic farms where you can dine at Instagram-worthy restaurants set right in the fields, take cooking classes, and even spend the night.
The most famous is Flora Farms, a 25-acre oasis in the desert outside town. Dine at the rustic restaurant. Shop in the boutique, which sells locally made products. Sign up for one or the themed cooking classes—Tuesday is Rustic Ratatouille, Wednesday is Seasonal Tamales, Thursday is Ricotta Gnocchi, and Friday is Regional Salsas. Book a treatment at the on-site spa that uses ingredients grown on the farm. And make time to wander the beautifully landscaped grounds. Don’t want to leave? You don’t have to: There are also cottages available to rent.
Los Tamarindos is another spectacular farm-to-table spot with al fresco cooking classes and a beautiful setting for lunch. Scattered throughout the fields are thatched one-bedroom bungalows.
Looking for a romantic escape? Acre is your spot: The open-air dining room is lit by candles, and the artisanal drinks are made with the restaurant’s own brand of award-winning mezcal. You can spend the night in glamping treehouses and sustainable villas made from rammed earth.
OTHER LOS CABOS COOKING CLASS OPTIONS
- You can get hands-on with Cookin’ San Jose, which includes a visit to a local market and cooking class. Groups are capped at six people.
- In Cabo San Lucas, Restaurant Bar Metate Cabo offers fun and festive cooking classes with tours of the on-site vegetable garden and lessons on making four classic dishes.
- With One More Taco Food Tours’ Cooking Tacos and Mixology Class, you can combine salsa making, salsa dancing classes, and Mexican mixology.
Travelers say: “Visiting Flora Farms was an amazing experience! This farm to table restaurant has stunning grounds with shops and spas on the property as well. You can get a tour and see where the food is grown and learn the history of this incredible place before sitting down to eat. There was a wonderful atmosphere, outstanding food and delicious drinks.”—@Barbara B
EVENING: Art galleries and tasty local brews
At the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s funky downtown is its thriving art gallery scene. Start at the Patricia Mendoza Art Gallery right across from the famous Plaza Mijares, then hit up Frank Arnold Gallery and the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery. Don’t miss the Gallery District Art Walk on Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m.—you can meet resident artists and chat with curators.
Grab a table at the festive La Lupita Tacos & Mezcal. We love it for the elaborate Dia de los Muertos decor and, of course, for the tacos. The tacos menu is arranged by protein, with everything from traditional al pastor to creative miso fish to the standout: Baja scallops.
Baja California also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. The OG in San Jose del Cabo is Baja Brewing Company. The brewery exports to the U.S., so be sure to try one of the brews that are only available in Mexico like the Baja Stout and the Baja Razz.
DAY THREE

MORNING: Road trip!
Fuel up for an adventure-filled day beyond Los Cabos. Today you’re off to Todos Santos, one of Baja California Sur’s most beloved magical towns. Before you hit the road, grab breakfast at the legendary El Pancake House in San Jose del Cabo. Everything here is homemade (so leave a little extra time to enjoy). The fluffy pancakes are to die for, and the French toast is also excellent.
Next, pick up your rental car at Cactus Car. This locally-owned agency is the best in the business with zero hidden fees and third-party liability included in the rate. They’ll even give you a lift to the airport if you need one.
Then you’re off and running. Todos Santos—about an hour’s drive away—is known as a haven for spiritual energy, having been a port of call for surfers and eclectic travelers for decades. These days, the scene is decidedly more chic with locally-owned boutiques and funky hotels and restaurants.
What makes Todos Santos so magical is its laid-back, small-town vibe with loads of history and traditional charm. The town was established in the 18th century and remained relatively off the grid to tourism until the mid-1980s. Explore the Mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos, which dates back to 1733. You can also visit the legendary Hotel California. Rumors circulate that this is the original Hotel California from the iconic Eagles’ song, even though the band has denied the myth.
Upgrade your wardrobe at Nomad Chic and then head to Etnica to accessorize with handmade leather items.
AFTERNOON: Beach break
In the afternoon, cool off on the nearby beach at the glamorous El Faro Beach Club and Spa, just a few minutes outside town. The beach club has an onsite restaurant and pool, and even offers massages. It’s an outpost of Guaycura Boutique Hotel in downtown Todos Santos, so if you plan to spend the night, Guaycura is a good place to consider.
EVENING: Cobblestone streets, cocktails, and oysters
After a glorious afternoon soaking up the Pacific sun and surf, head back into town to spend the evening in Todos Santos.
Dinner tonight is at Oystera, a sun-drenched seafood restaurant with a raw bar that lives within the bones of an old sugar refinery. If the weather is nice, sit outside on the terrace, though the interior with its soaring glass roof is also spectacular. Order the catch of the day and anything off the crudo menu, and—of course—the oysters that give the restaurant its name. There are more than 10 different varieties, either harvested locally or flown in from the coasts. After dinner, wander around the space, which has many small galleries and other boutiques.
After dinner, pop into Neveria La Paloma for more than 30 types of ice cream and fruit popsicles made in-house. They have some bizarre flavors like basil and bacon (if you’re feeling bold). It’s a perfectly refreshing way to end the day.
Travelers say: “What amazing food and service. The building itself is magnificent from the outside and decor-wise, like a secret on the inside. It is so beautiful. Add to that amazing service and simply stunning stunning food. Todos Santos is worth the visit just to eat here. Congrats to the brilliant Oystera team. Wow!”—@Andrea M
OTHER TODOS SANTOS TOUR OPTIONS
- Skip the rental car and sign up for a guided tour of Todos Santos, which includes pickup and return from Los Cabos.
- For an intimate tour experience, this private six-hour tour includes a customizable itinerary featuring local food stops, art galleries, shopping, and more.
- Want to try your surf skills on Cerritos Beach, one of the most famous surf spots in Baja? Hang ten with CRT Surf School—lessons range from beginner to advanced.
Know before you go
The best time to visit Los Cabos is spring and early fall, specifically May, June, October, and November. This is when the weather is still warm during the day (without being too hot) and the crowds from high season have thinned. The absolute best weather is between December and April, but this is also when you will see the largest crowds and the highest spikes in prices.
Los Cabos is predominantly a tourist town, with attractions, restaurants, and nightlife operating seven days of the week. You may find the occasional store closed on Sundays, but for the most part Los Cabos is a seven-days-a-week destination.
Most cafes and breakfast spots open between 7 and 10 a.m., and most restaurants are open until 10 p.m. Some shut down between lunch and dinner. Bars and clubs can stay open as late as 3 a.m.
Cabo San Lucas: You’ll have your pick of fabulous hotels in Cabo San Lucas, as the destination is home to some of the very best hotels in Mexico. In Cabo San Lucas proper and all along the Tourist Corridor (the stretch of coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) are literally dozens of resorts. We like Grand Velas Los Cabos for a luxury all-inclusive option, or Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection for one of the best beaches and overall service.
San Jose del Cabo: San Jose del Cabo has a range of all-inclusives, boutique properties, and luxury hotels. For supreme luxury, Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort is a San Jose del Cabo icon. We also love Hotel El Ganzo for a funky, boutique-style stay. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is a great option for an all-inclusive resort on the beach, overlooking the gorgeous Costa Azul.
By taxi: The best way to get around Los Cabos is by taxis and ride-shares. Uber is plentiful, but some resorts will not allow Ubers to pick travelers up inside the resort grounds. This is because of exclusivity contracts with local taxi companies. If this is the case, your resort will be able to arrange a local taxi for you.
By car: It is safe to rent and drive a car in and around Los Cabos. Parking may be limited on the street, but most hotels and resorts have parking availability.