Imagine stepping off your cruise ship into a place where desert meets sea, turquoise waters lap golden beaches, and every sunset feels like a postcard. That’s Cabo San Lucas — nestled at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula, this destination blends relaxed beach-vibes, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and rugged natural beauty all in one. Whether you’re a cruiser stopping in for the day, a backpacker hunting for local flavor, a luxury-seeker in resort mode, a family chasing fun, a digital nomad looking for WiFi and views, or an adventure-seeker ready for thrills — Cabo delivers. Let’s dive into what makes it special, what to see, what to eat and how to make the most of your time.
Vince is a Filipino seafarer working as a Digital Manager onboard cruise ships. He loves taking photos and videos while at port-of-calls and sell them online. While his photos are primarily printed by Delux Print in Metal or Canvas, his videos are sold in major digital media platforms like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock and Pond5.
Top 8 Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems
1 . El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (The Arch)
This iconic limestone rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific is the signature image of Cabo. Boat tours depart from the marina, offering a view of “Land’s End”, sea lions on the rocks, and incredible photo opportunities.
Tip: Arrive early in the day or catch the last boat at sunset to avoid crowds and get soft golden-hour light.
2. Playa Médano (Medano Beach)
This is the lively main beach — safe for swimming, filled with water-sports, beach bars and energy. A great choice for families, cruisers on a stop, and anyone wanting classic beach fun.
Tip: Stay near Medano if you want to be in the thick of the action — easy access to restaurants, nightlife and the marina.
3. Lover’s Beach & Divorce Beach
This is the lively main beach — safe for swimming, filled with water-sports, beach bars and energy. A great choice for families, cruisers on a stop, and anyone wanting classic beach fun.
Photos taken by Vince Sambo from around the world can be purchased as a fine-art print in Canvas or Metal. Visit his profile page for more details or click on start creating and specify the image on your order’s note. You can also take a screenshot of the desired image for printing and upload it during the checkout process.
4. Marine & Water Adventures – Snorkelling, Whale-Watching & More
From snorkeling at Pelican Rock, to deep-sea fishing, jet-ski rides, paddle-boarding or watching whales (in season) — Cabo offers it all.
Tip: For cruisers with limited time, consider a half-day tour booked in advance; for stay-longer visitors, opt for a full adventure morning and beach afternoon.
5. Off-Road Desert & Mountain Adventure (ATV / UTV / Camel Safari)
The landscape around Cabo shifts from sea to desert to mountains, so adventure seekers can enjoy ATV tours, camel rides, zip-lines and desert excursions.
Tip: Bring closed-toed shoes and sunscreen; choose morning tours for cooler temperatures.
6. Art Walk in Nearby San José del Cabo
For a cultural counterpoint to the busier Cabo scene, the historic town of San José del Cabo offers galleries, a charming town square and a Thursday-night Art Walk (seasonal).
Tip: If staying a few nights, spend an evening here for a gentler, local atmosphere.
7. Hidden Gem: Santa María Bay Snorkeling
Off the beaten track for many cruisers, Santa María Bay is a calmer snorkel spot with good marine life and fewer crowds.
Tip: Plan early arrival or go with a small tour to maximise time and avoid peak tourist traffic.
8. Hidden Gem: Local Food Street & Nightlife Walk in Marina Area
Beyond the beach and resorts lies the marina district and downtown where you’ll find lively bars, street-food tacos, local flavor, and nightlife. A great fit for backpackers, families (in early evening) and digital nomads after coffee + co-work cafés by day, bar scenes by night.
Tip: Keep a close eye on your belongings, use metered taxis for late nights, and ask hotel/hostel staff for safe local spots.
Top 5 Local Cuisine & Places to Try & Cultural Experiences
Here’s a food-and-culture list that spans from street eats to fine dining.
1. Baja-Style Fish Tacos
This is the dish that defined Cabo’s seafood legacy: lightly battered local fish, corn tortilla, cabbage slaw, lime and chipotle-crema.
Where to try: Head to a local taco stand outside the main tourist strip (see “locals eat” lists).
2. Lobster Tacos & Smoked Marlin Tostadas
For the seafood lover, don’t miss lobster tacos, smoked marlin tostadas and unique local shellfish like the Mexican chocolate clam.
Fine-dining tip: Choose an upscale beachfront restaurant and ask for local seafood options; for street-style, wander off the main drag.
3. Tamales & Traditional Mexican Street Snacks
Seek out tamales de elote, street-snack carts and local favorites away from the tourist zones. Some travelers report great finds by simply strolling and flagging down snack carts.
Tip: If near the marina or Medano after dark, keep an eye out for local vendors off the main road.
4. Farm-to-Table Baja Cuisine / Local Chef-Led Spots
For luxury travelers and foodies, there are restaurants that emphasize Baja produce, artisanal mezcal and elevated cuisine.
Tip: Make a reservation for dinner; request a table with a view if you’re at an ocean-front resort.
5. Cultural Experience: Cooking Class / Street Food Tour
Dive deeper into local cuisine with a guided food tour (for example with “Juan More Taco”) or a cooking class learning how to make tortillas and salsas.
Tip: Book in advance; morning tours give fewer crowds and more space to ask questions.
Top 5 Practical Tips for Travelers
1. Best Time to Visit
The sweet-spot is from May to early June — after the winter crowds have gone but before the summer storms typically arrive.
Also: if you’re targeting whale-watching season, plan for the winter months (though busier and possibly higher prices).
2. Getting There & Transportation
For cruise visitors: The cruise port in Cabo drops you right into the marina/downtown area — very convenient. Note that cruise ships are anchored nearby and are doing tendering process as there is no dock in Cabo, San Lucas.
For longer stays: Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and use hotel shuttles or taxis.
Local transport: Use metered taxis or pre-booked shuttles; if renting a car, remember that traffic in downtown Cabo can be busy and parking at beaches may be limited.
3. Budget-Friendly Recommendations
a) Eat like a local: wander away from the main tourist strip for taco stands and modestly-priced restaurants.
b) Use public beaches (many are free) rather than resort-only beaches.
c) Book tours in advance online for deals; compare group vs private options.
d) Consider staying in guesthouses or boutique hotels in town rather than ultra-luxury resorts if your budget is moderate.
4. Luxury Traveler Upgrades
a) Upgrade to resort-front ocean-view rooms, private yacht or catamaran charter, spa treatments with Baja themes (e.g., treatments using local agave).
b) Arrive early for sunset views, book fine-dining restaurants ahead.
c) Hire private transfers for arrival so you skip lines and start your vacation stress-free.
5. Family Travel Tips
a) Choose accommodation near Medano Beach or the marina for easy access to the beach, snacks, and short walks to restaurants.
b) Pre-book beach-friendly excursions (snorkel, boat rides) with age-appropriate safety gear.
c) Check for resorts with kid’s clubs or family-friendly amenities.
d) Bring sunscreen, hats, and keep hydrated — sunshine is strong.
Personal Reflection
Every time I arrive in Cabo San Lucas I’m struck by the blend of contrasts — the shimmering sea and arid desert, the relaxed beach moments and lively nightlife, the street-taco stand sitting beside a luxury resort. It’s a destination that calls to many kinds of travellers: the cruiser wanting one magnificent stop, the family wanting fun for all ages, the digital nomad chasing views and WiFi, the adventurer chasing thrills, the luxury seeker craving a dreamy escape.
So here’s your invitation: pack your curiosity, bring your appetite (for food and life), and carve out time to explore this special corner of Mexico. Whether you’re stepping off a ship or staying for a week, make Cabo your next unforgettable journey. Let the golden sunsets of the Baja Peninsula impress you, the fish tacos satisfy you—and the sound of waves whisper “come back soon.”
