Why is Cabo the Perfect Vacation Destination?

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Cabo San Lucas isn’t just a pin on the map of Mexico. It’s a spot people visit and leave again feeling relaxed, salty-haired, and maybe even a little sunburned. Located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo pulls in everyone from casual beachgoers to adventure chasers. If you’re wondering if it’s worth booking that flight, here’s everything you need to know.

Best Time to Visit Cabo

Timing matters, especially when you’re planning a trip where sunscreen and swimsuits are an unspoken requirement. The best time to visit Cabo depends on what you want out of the experience.


  • Time of Year: To avoid the heat, aim for late November through May. That’s when temperatures settle in the high 70s to low 80s, the humidity is low, and storm season is far away. March and April can get busy thanks to spring break, but it’s a small price to pay for a few perfect days on the beach.
  • Whale watching: The whale watching season runs from December to April. Humpbacks and gray whales migrate along the coast, and if you’re out on the water during the right time, you’ll catch tail slaps and breaches straight out of a nature documentary.
  • Snorkelers and Divers: The best time is typically October through early January. The water is warm, visibility is great, and marine life is especially active. If you want to avoid crowds, summer is a great time to visit, especially if you beat the heat by hitting the water early in the morning.


Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas

You’re going to Cabo, and we know you’re already thinking about the beaches. They’re part of the deal, after all. Here are a few places to check out as you plan your beach-hopping excursion:

An aerial view of a beach with a boat in the water.


Medano Beach

This is the go-to beach if you like people-watching, jet skis, and easy access to drinks. It’s one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo, and it’s lined with bars and restaurants that encourage a noon margarita (come on, you’re on vacation).


Lover’s Beach

Take a water taxi or kayak to reach this scenic spot near El Arco. It’s quieter, with dramatic rock formations and gentle waves on the Sea of Cortez side. Stay out of the water if you’re on the Pacific side, though– the currents don’t mess around.


Chileno Bay

A solid pick for snorkeling, especially if you prefer clear, calm water and frequent marine life sightings. This beach has a public restroom, showers, lifeguards, and plenty of convenience.



Santa Maria Beach

Not as crowded, and great for a low-key beach day. Snorkeling here is unbeatable, and it’s a good alternative if Chileno is packed.

Each beach offers its own vibe. You probably won’t hit them all in one trip, but you’ll start building your list for the next visit the second you leave.



Things to Do in Cabo (Besides Sitting on the Beach)

Sure, you could spend all day on a beach towel. No one’s judging. But Cabo’s not the kind of place you visit just to sit still.

A group of boats are floating on top of a body of water.

Snorkeling at the Arch

Hop on a snorkel tour to El Arco—Cabo’s iconic natural rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. Tours often stop at Pelican Rock, and the variety of fish you can see from the boat is astounding.


Whale Watching

From December through April, this is a must-experience. Book a boat tour and keep your camera ready. Humpback whales breach so close you might just get splashed.


Cabo Pulmo Snorkeling Tour

Nicknamed “the crown jewel of Baja California”, this protected marine park about two hours northeast of Cabo is absolutely worth the drive. You can get a close-up look at coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and more with the snorkeling tour. It’s a lot less touristy and a lot more National Geographic.


ATV Tours & Ziplining

Trade the flip-flops for sneakers and get ready for some high-energy excitement. The desert terrain around Cabo is perfect for all kinds of off-road action. Whether you prefer to ride through sand dunes or zipline through canyons, it’s a solid break from sipping cocktails.



Sunset Cruise

Typical? Maybe a little, but the view of El Arco as the sun dips behind it is still worth every moment. Book a ride when you’re ready to dine, unwind, and spend some quality time with the ones who mean the most to you.

Nightlife in Cabo San Lucas

When the sun goes down, Cabo turns it up. This place has been party central since the early days when Sammy Hagar opened Cabo Wabo.


  • Cabo Wabo Cantina: Live rock music, loud crowds, and a tequila selection that’ll test your willpower.
  • Mandala: Flashy, energetic, and full of club vibes. If you’re dressing to impress and ready to dance, this is your spot.
  • The Office on the Beach: Casual and fun. It’s on the sand, the drinks are strong, and the seafood hits just right after a few beers.
  • More local favorites: Look out for Bar Esquina for a more upscale lounge experience or El Squid Roe for an all-out party. Whatever your energy level, there's a place to match it.

Cabo vs. Cancun: Which One’s Right for You?

A beach with waves crashing on the sand and a house in the background.

Nature's Symphony

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Cabo and Cancun both deliver incredible beach vacations, but they’re not interchangeable. Each has its own energy, and the better choice really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after.


Cabo sits on the Pacific side, where desert cliffs drop into the ocean and the vibe leans more towards relaxed and refined. You’ll get clear skies, dry heat, and dramatic views. Activities like whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and off-road adventures are also close at hand. It’s easy to explore and not overly touristy once you step away from the marina.


Cancun, on the flip side, is all about that Caribbean blue water and all-inclusive action. Expect humid air, big resort energy, and a faster pace. Nightclubs go hard, and the hotel zone is a built-for-tourism bubble. It’s great for people chasing tropical weather, party scenes, or planning a shorter trip from the East Coast.


The Bottom line? Go with Cabo if you’re into nature, great food, and quieter beach days. Choose Cancun if you want that classic tropical backdrop and don’t mind sharing it with a crowd.




Where to Stay: Cabo Vacation Rentals & More

Accommodation in Cabo runs from full-service resorts to private villas that make you want to extend your trip indefinitely.


Vacation rentals are a smart pick if you want extra space, especially for families or groups. Imagine an oceanfront condo with a balcony or a private home with a pool and kitchen. You’ll find options near downtown, in the quieter San José del Cabo area, or tucked along the coast with dramatic views.

Final Thoughts

Cabo San Lucas delivers an exceptional seaside escape with everything you could imagine: pristine beaches, great food, and plenty of variety. It’s easy to reach, hard to forget, and one of those places where every visit feels too short.


Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay through Vacation Travel Exclusives and get the kind of getaway you’ll want to repeat. From luxury vacation rentals to curated local experiences, and even last-minute deals, we’ll help you skip the stress and focus on the good stuff, like sand between your toes and that first perfectly made margarita.

Clay and Lisa Owners of Vacation Travel Exclusives, a travel agency Near Houston

Clay & Lisa

Owners

Hi! We're the owners of Vacation Travel Exclusives! Like you, we have always enjoyed traveling. After a few years we had an idea to start sharing our exclusive travel vacations with our friends—and it took off! When we're not helping people book their dream getaway we are visiting with our 8 adult children, many grandkids, and tending to our ranchette —raising horses, chickens, pigs, and a few cows. We spend most of our time working within our town, operating Vacation Travel Exclusives and refurbishing old trucks, furniture and anything else that peaks our interest.