Los Cabos Travel Guide: Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo

Which Cabo is best? A complete travel guide to Los Cabos, including the main differences between Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo.

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Los Cabos is a stunning coastal area at the tip of Mexico’s state of Baja California Sur. A hub of ocean activities, luxury resorts, and wild nightlife, Cabo is one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico. Two main cities bookend the Cabo area: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. In this article, we’re going to break down the differences between them so you are equipped with the best information to choose where to base yourself. We’ve also compiled lots of helpful information and recommendations, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation so you know everything you need to know before you go to have an amazing trip.

About Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a lively resort area in Mexico. A popular vacation destination, it is known for its stunning coastal views, luxury hotels, adventure activities, and banging nightlife. It is also one of the best places to go whale watching in Mexico.

Los Cabos gets its name due to its unique geography. Two distinct capes, called cabos – a Spanish word referring to a piece of land that extends into the sea – house the main cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. One of these capes, Land’s End (El Fin del Mundo, meaning The End of the World), is an iconic landmark in Cabo San Lucas.

What is Los Cabos?

Los Cabos and Cabo are used interchangeably and inconsistently when referring to this part of Mexico and it can be very confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the main terminology and what it refers to.

There are two main towns in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. A third Cabo, Cabo Pulmo exists about 60 miles (97 km) northeast of Los Cabo but isn’t really in the general Los Cabos area.

There are several other terms you may also hear when talking about Los Cabos.

Where is Los Cabos?

Los Cabos is located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, approximately 1000 miles (1610 km) south of the US-Mexico border. It’s a spit of land that is nestled at the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California).

Los Cabos Map

Los Cabos encompasses the area of Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor.

What to do in Los Cabos

There’s a never-ending list of things to do in Cabo. It can almost be overwhelming to go through lists of activities and attractions, deciding what you’d most like to do. Here are some of the top things to do in Los Cabos:

While it’s often easier to explore the city you choose as a base, it’s still possible to explore all the best places in Cabo from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or the tourist corridor. Check out our complete lists of the best things to do in each Cabo (and the touristy and unethical activities to avoid):

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, commonly referred to as Cabo, is the most popular of the two Cabo towns. It’s a haven for sandy beaches, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez and, in winter, whale watching. It’s known for its lively nightlife scene, with lots of bars and clubs blaring loud music in the downtown area. It also has a quieter and more authentic residential area, as well as a stunning coastline that is lined with boutique and luxury hotels.

San José del Cabo

With cobblestone streets lined with papel picado (colourful paper flags hung across streets like banners), a historic church in the central plaza, and a bustling Art District, San José del Cabo is Cabo San Lucas’ more relaxed older sister. A colourful town known for its vibrant art scene, it’s a charming colonial town that embodies authentic Mexican culture.

Cabo Pulmo

While not technically a part of Los Cabos, Cabo Pulmo is a popular day trip from Cabo. A picturesque fishing village on the East Cape of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo Pulmo is known for its epic marine life. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place to go for SCUBA diving in Cabo. It’s home to underwater canyons, diverse marine life, and secluded beaches.

Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo Comparison

While both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo make up Los Cabos, they have quite different atmospheres. There are some key differences between the two cities that might impact your decision on which Cabo to stay in.

How far is San José del Cabo from Cabo San Lucas?

San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are about 20 miles (32 km) apart, separated by the Tourist Corridor, making it easy to explore both towns during one trip. But, while they’re close in distance, they have distinct vibes and attractions. Here are some of the differences between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo:

Location

Culture

Vibes

Beaches

Activities

Food and drink

Weather

Is it better to stay in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo?

Whether it’s best to stay in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo depends on your preferences and priorities. The first is a popular vacation destination for anyone who enjoys a bit of luxury and partying. The latter is a better option for those seeking to experience a more authentic Mexican town. Each can easily be experienced as a day trip from the other so you don’t have to miss out.

Choosing to stay in the Tourist Corridor is a great compromise, putting you equidistant between the two cities. Alternatively, spend some of your time in Cabo San Lucas before heading to San José del Cabo and compare them yourself. That’s what we did and we enjoyed both cities as they’re so completely different.

Where to stay in Los Cabos

There’s a large variety of accommodations in Los Cabos from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget. We’ve shortlisted the best hotels and hostels below.

What to eat in Los Cabos

Los Cabos offers a diverse culinary scene, blending traditional Mexican flavours with international influences. The area is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and top-quality international cuisine. Some popular local specialities include:

How to get to Los Cabos

Getting to Los Cabos internationally is relatively easy. You can fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is located about 6 miles (10 km) north of San José del Cabo and 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Cabo San Lucas. From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, bus, or rent a car to get to your destination.

Flights to Los Cabos

Many major cities in the US and Mexico fly directly to Los Cabos, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, and Aeromexico. If you’re coming from further afield, the most common connecting airports are Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Miami (MIA).

Are San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas the same airport?

Whichever Cabo you’re going to, the closest airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). This airport is located just outside of San José del Cabo.

It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to get to Cabo San Lucas from the airport. While San José del Cabo is only 20 minutes’ drive from the airport.

Buses to Los Cabos

If you’re travelling to Cabo from somewhere else in Baja California Sur, taking the bus is easy and affordable. The two main companies are Aguila and ABC. Both offer comfortable coaches for a decent price.

We took the Aguila bus from Loreto to Cabo San Lucas and later the Ruta del Desierto public bus from Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo, and again to the airport at the end of our time in Baja. We enjoyed the journey around the scenic peninsula, spotting whales from the road as we went.

Cruises to Cabo

Some tourists choose to visit Cabo by cruise, which offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Mexican Riviera cruises are popular in this area with companies including Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.

Getting around Los Cabos

There’s a whole range of transportation in Cabo, available to get you to wherever you’re going. Some of these methods include:

How to Get to Your Hotel in Los Cabos

Renting a car from Los Cabos Airport is an easy and convenient way to get to your hotel and gives you the flexibility to explore where you want during your stay.

Taxis are available outside the airport arrivals and cost about $40-$60 USD to Cabo San Lucas and $35-$45 USD to San José del Cabo.

Some hotels offer their own airport shuttles, so it’s worth checking if you can book transfers with your accommodation.

A private Los Cabos airport transfer can be booked in advance. It’s about the same cost as a taxi but you can rest easy knowing your transfer is pre-booked in advance.

A shared shuttle from Los Cabos airport is a great budget option and costs about $15-$30 USD per person.

Sustainability in Los Cabos

A rapid growth in development to accommodate a booming tourism industry in Cabo has led to some sustainability concerns. To some extent, Cabo is suffering from overtourism, a phenomenon where a destination experiences an excessive number of tourists, leading to negative impacts on the local environment, infrastructure, culture, and community. While much of Cabo has made significant strides in improving sustainability initiatives, focusing on environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic growth, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

When to visit Los Cabos

There’s not really a bad time to visit Cabo but there are some things you will want to consider when planning your trip, from weather to wildlife watching seasons.

Peak season runs from December to April. The weather is best at this time but prices are higher and everything is busier. Off-season in May to October is a great time to secure better prices and avoid the crowds but the weather is less predictable. The shoulder seasons of November to December and April to May are a happy balance between the two.

Los Cabos Events and Festivals

Timing your visit with an event or festival can be a great way to experience local culture. Here are some of the main annual events in Cabo:

• Whale Watching Season (December to March)
• San José Festival (March 19th)
• Cabo San Lucas Jazz Festival (May)
• Los Cabos Open of Surf (June)
• Cabo San Lucas Film Festival (October)
• Day of the Dead Celebrations (November)

What are the best and worst months to go to Cabo?

The best and worst months to go to Cabo will depend on your interests and preferences. Los Cabos has four seasons:

What is the best month to go to Cabo?

It’s generally considered that the months between October and May are the best time to visit Cabo for optimal weather. We’d personally recommend visiting between January and March for epic whale watching and underwater activities. Here are some other best times to visit by interest:

What are bad months to visit Cabo?

If you want to avoid crowds or are on a budget, consider avoiding the peak season between December and April and choosing the rainy season in September and October to find affordable options.

If weather is a concern, avoid the higher humidity and rain in July, August, and September and opt for the dry season of December to April.

May is a month we’d personally avoid due to increased crowds and prices during spring break. Holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter also see price rises and increased crowds.

What month is hurricane season in Cabo?

Cabo’s hurricane season officially runs from May to November with September experiencing the heaviest rainfall. If you’re looking to avoid unfavourable weather, it’s best to steer clear of August and September as these months coincide with the peak of hurricane season, bringing more heat, humidity, and rainfall. Most years, the storm season isn’t too bad with only a few days of higher-than-usual winds and waves.

How many days in Cabo is enough?

The ideal number of days in Cabo San Lucas depends on your travel style, interests, and pace. At a minimum, two to four days is enough to see all the main sights and explore a little of the surrounding area. With five to seven days you can ensure you have time to enjoy all the activities and attractions Cabo has to offer.

If you’re planning to visit both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, we’d recommend at least three days in Cabo San Lucas and two days in San José del Cabo. Ideally, you could spend five to seven days in the former and four to six days in the latter.

We actually spent three weeks in Cabo San Lucas and a week in San José del Cabo. This was a perfect amount of time for us to enjoy a mixture of working as digital nomads, doing some amazing whale watching, exploring the cities, eating local food, and exploring the surrounding coastal areas.

Is Cabo worth visiting?

Los Cabos is a stunning coastal resort area and is definitely worth visiting. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are both very different with a variety of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences on offer.

What is Cabo best known for?

Cabo is best known as referring to the popular party town of Cabo San Lucas which features beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, epic whale watching, and the iconic El Arco rock formation.

Why is Cabo so famous?

Cabo has gained international recognition due to its unique geography, lively nightlife, and diverse marine life. Celebrities choosing to vacation in Cabo have increased its appeal, along with the rapid development of the coastline to support sprawling hotel complexes.

Is Cabo really touristy?

Cabo, specifically Cabo San Lucas, can be considered a tourist trap. It’s quite a commercialised city with international chains and a popular tourist destination, especially among Americans and Canadians. Some areas have retained their original charm – they’re just a little harder to find. There are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Cabo, too.

San José del Cabo is the less touristy part of Los Cabos and a great option for those looking for something a little more authentic. A colourful colonial town, it’s not really been developed to the extent Cabo San Lucas has.

What do people go to Cabo for?

There’s a whole host of reasons to choose to travel to Los Cabos. The top reason people go to Cabo include:

• Relaxation and beach time
• Outdoor activities (snorkelling, diving, hiking)
• Nature and wildlife (whale watching)
• Nightlife and partying
• Water sports (surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking)
• Local food (seafood and Mexican cuisine)
• Cultural experiences (historic missions, local art)
• Romantic getaways and honeymooning

What is the most swimmable beach in Cabo?

Cabo has some amazing beaches. Medano, Santa Maria, and Lover’s Beaches (Sea of Cortez side) are the most popular for swimming. Palmilla and Chileno Beaches are also great for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on the beach.

Is Cabo an island?

While the cape at Cabo San Lucas does extend into the ocean, Cabo is not an island, but rather a coastal town on the mainland.

What makes Cabo so special?

Cabo is special because of its stunning coastline, local culture, and many exciting activities that make it a great and affordable vacation destination. It’s easily accessible and offers something for everyone.

What to stay away from in Cabo?

Most visits to Cabo are risk-free but it’s best to know what to expect. As a touristy location, Cabo San Lucas does suffer from touts and hawkers. It’s a good idea to research common scams so you know what to look out for when travelling abroad.

With the rapid development of tourism, sometimes regulations can’t keep up, resulting in unethical activities like animal encounters. There are some unethical things to avoid in Cabo San Lucas that can be harmful to the environment, wildlife, or local community.

Is it safe in Los Cabos?

Los Cabos is generally considered safe for tourists with low crime rates compared to other parts of the country. In fact, it’s much safer than many parts of the USA. We felt totally safe throughout our time backpacking Los Cabos.

How safe is Cabo?

The local government take safety seriously, and authorities work hard to maintain safety in Cabo. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, here are some things to avoid to stay safe:

• Walking alone at night.
• Displaying valuables like watches and jewellery.
• Carrying a lot of cash at once.
• Not being aware of your surroundings, e.g. at ATMs.
• Using unauthorised taxis or transportation.
• Swimming alone or in unauthorised places.

Why are most beaches in Cabo not swimmable?

The meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez can create strong currents and turbulence. Large ocean swells can also make swimming hazardous and riptides – powerful channels of water that pull swimmers away from shore – can occur too. Rocky formations and sudden drop-offs can create dangerous conditions, especially if you want to jump into the sea and strong tidal changes can sweep swimmers out to sea.

If you want to swim in Cabo, it’s best to only do so from designated swimming beaches like Medano Beach, Chileno Beach, and Palmilla Beach.

Is Cabo safer than the rest of Mexico?

Cabo is one of the safest areas in Mexico. Los Cabos ranks as the fourth safest city in Mexico, and Baja California Sur boasts the lowest murder rate in the country. We travelled throughout the whole of Mexico, and Cabo was one of the areas we visited where we felt safest.

Cabo FAQs

Now you have all the information you need to decide which Cabo is best for you, to finish off, we have compiled some of the most common questions and their answers below.

What country is Cabo in?

Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are in Mexico at the southern tip of the Baja California Sur Peninsula.

Do you need a passport to go to Cabo?

If you are travelling from another country into Mexico, or if you are not a Mexican resident, then you must ensure that you have the following:

Passport – Valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Tourist Card (FMM) – Obtainable online, at airports, or at border crossings.

Visa (if required) – Check with the Mexican government’s website what kind of visa you need.

If you’re a resident of Mexico then you do not technically need a passport to travel within Mexico’s borders (even on planes). That being said, you will always need some form of government-issued ID to board a plane, therefore we recommend always having your passport on you when you travel, just to be safe.

Will my phone work in Cabo?

Local cellular service is available from Telcel and Movistar and it’s easy to pick up a local SIM card. Very few foreign cellular services allow you to roam in Mexico for free. We’d recommend purchasing an Airalo Mexican E-SIM so that you don’t have to faff with physical sims and you can top-up remotely whenever you need to.

Is there more than one Cabo?

Yes, the two cities in the Los Cabos area are Cabo San Lucas (usually referred to simply as Cabo) and San José del Cabo.

Which Cabo is better?

This depends entirely on what you prefer! Cabo San Lucas is more famous and has easy access to beaches, a vibrant party scene, and impressive whale watching. If however, you are looking for a more relaxed authentic Mexican experience, then we’d recommend San José del Cabo. If you have time, we’d recommend spending time in both places as they both have a lot to offer.

Which is better, Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas?

Los Cabos is the general area while Cabo San Lucas is a city, commonly referred to as Cabo, within Los Cabos.

What is the difference between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo?

The key difference is that Cabo San Lucas caters more towards American tourists while San José del Cabo has a more relaxed, authentic Mexican vibe. Cabo San Lucas has a big party scene, lavish all-inclusive accommodations, and whale watching opportunities on the doorstep. In contrast, San José del Cabo has an exciting art scene, traditional food joints, and a community feel. There are pros and cons to both towns and we’d recommend checking them both out.

Is Cabo expensive?

Cabo can be expensive but it depends on where you are spending your money. The largest expense in Cabo is likely to be your accommodation. If you are planning lots of activities or excursions, then you can save money by staying in cheaper accommodation with self-catering facilities. This way you can buy food from a local shop and cook instead of eating out for every meal. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a luxurious experience in an all-inclusive resort, then Cabo can definitely be an expensive destination. Be sure to budget according to your personal priorities to make the most of your trip.

What animal is Cabo known for?

Cabo is most well-known for sightings of humpback whales as they migrate to the bays of Baja California in the winter months to give birth and mate. At the right time of year, you are almost guaranteed to spot humpback whales if you know where to look! The marlin fish is also a very famous animal in Cabo as they are abundant in the waters of the local bays, making them a favourite among fishing and diving enthusiasts.

Can you drink the water in Cabo?

No, it is best to avoid drinking tap water in Cabo (or anywhere else in Mexico) as it is not treated to the same standards as in many other countries. Most food shops will sell large (10L-25L) reusable containers of drinkable water. You pay for the containers and then receive some of this money back when you return them empty to any store that sells them.

In a pinch, certain types of filtered water bottles could be filled from the tap. However, if you are ever unsure, we recommend airing on the side of caution.

Do you tip in Cabo?

Yes, it is customary to tip for services in Cabo, and throughout all of Mexico. We’d recommend tipping 10-20% of the total bill as a rule of thumb, and you can always tip more for an exceptional experience. This applies to restaurants, bars, spas, taxis, guided tours and excursions. It is also customary to offer around 20-100 MXN ($1-$5) per night in accommodations with housekeeping. In hotel rooms, there is often a small envelope by the bed as a signal that tips would be appreciated by the housekeeping staff.

What to wear in Cabo

Your outfit will vary slightly depending on when you visit as the average temperatures in Cabo can range from the low 20°Cs (~68-73°F) in winter, to the high 30°Cs (~90-100°F) in summer. For winter, we recommend wearing thin, breathable layers that you can remove or put on easily if the weather changes. For summer, you will likely only need one layer and, if you are spending a lot of time by the beach or a pool, you may be mostly wearing a swimming costume and a cover-up (i.e. a sarong or rash vest). For both seasons, we recommend bringing the following items:

Remember to dress appropriately for the setting and climate, and to always wear suncream.

Is Cabo better than Cancún?

Both Cabo and Cancún are very popular tourist destinations and as such they both have lavish 5-star resorts set right on the beach, designed to cater for tourists looking for a relaxing holiday.

In terms of climate, Cabo is typically drier and slightly cooler whilst Cancún is tropical and slightly hotter.

Cabo not only has several swimmable beaches, but it also offers some of the best humpback whale watching in Mexico, right on the doorstep. By contrast, in Cancún, there are typically fewer wildlife watching experiences and we do not advise swimming in the sea off the hotel strip as the currents are very strong. However, you can take excursions from Cancún to Puerto Morelos where you can go on a snorkeling or diving tour. Puerto Morelos is home to a UNESCO-protected reef and is a great place for seeing turtles, rays, and corals. The journey to Puerto Morelos typically only takes 30-40 minutes by car, and is well worth the trip.

Cancún also offers the opportunity to learn about Mexico’s history through sites such as Museo Maya de Cancún (right on the doorstep), and Chichén Itzá (just a short day trip away).

We personally enjoyed Cabo more than Cancún but it depends on your preferences and on your ideal holiday.

Read next:

The 32 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

The 22 Best Things to Do in San José del Cabo

An Ethical Guide to Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo

The 18 Best Beachfront Hotels in Cabo

The 15 Best Day Trips from Cabo

How to Get Around Cabo: 10 Modes of Transport

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