Cabo Trip Planning: An Easy Long Weekend
Planning a Cabo trip for a quick weekend is doable with not too much planning, and it’s an easy flight for most of the US. Cabo San Lucas has U.S. proximity and various activities and resorts available, across budgets. In 3-4 vacation days, you can enjoy this Baja California Peninsula oasis where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Cabo San Lucas caters to the interests and preferences of families, couples, and groups of friends alike. So, yes, a quick and easy weekend is possible in Cabo for any of these groups! Just tweak your itinerary details based on who you are traveling with — we’ll dig into options in this Cabo travel guide.
What you’ll love about Cabo is the unique combination of accessible beauty, vibrant culture, and rugged terrain. It is one of our favorite spots for a stress-free long weekend with minimum planning steps. No car rental or hotel hopping is needed.
Let’s dive in and make your trip planning to Mexico a breeze!
Introduction to Cabo
Cabo San Lucas? Los Cabos? Cabo? If you’ve had this question, you’re not alone. Let’s set this up first before we get into your Cabo trip planning:
| Term | Meaning | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Cabo San Lucas | “Cabo San Lucas” refers specifically to the town located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. | This term is commonly used when discussing the town’s attractions, accommodations, or activities. |
| Los Cabos | “Los Cabos” refers to the entire region encompassing both Cabo San Lucas and the neighboring town of San José del Cabo, as well as the surrounding area. | This term is typically used when discussing the broader destination, including its resorts, beaches, and tourism industry as a whole. |
| Cabo | “Cabo” is a more informal colloquial term, often used interchangeably with “Cabo San Lucas.” | This term is frequently used in casual conversation, travel guides (like this one), and marketing materials to describe the destination’s laid-back vibe and appeal. |
In summary, “Cabo San Lucas” is used when referring to the specific town, “Los Cabos” encompasses the broader region, and “Cabo” can be used informally to refer to either the town or the entire destination. We will use “Cabo” in this guide.
Cabo is renowned for its iconic natural landmark, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a stunning rock formation that rises majestically from the sea, providing a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable sunsets and boat tours. Beyond its scenic beauty, Cabo is also famous for whale spotting, particularly during the winter months when humpback whales migrate to the area, offering incredible opportunities for whale-watching excursions. Additionally, Cabo’s pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class fishing make it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences along the stunning coastline of the Baja California Peninsula.
What type of groups enjoy Cabo
Cabo caters to really all travel purposes. If you have a long weekend, you will enjoy Cabo!
Families:
Cabo offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including beach outings, snorkeling, kayaking, tours that include dolphin experiences, as well as Wild Canyon Adventure Park. With numerous accommodations and dining options suitable for kids, families can enjoy a variety of experiences together, ensuring lasting memories. And honestly, with so much to do, you might find that staying at a resort is more than enough to keep the little ones entertained! Look for a resort with a kid’s club, if your kids are the right ages.
Couples:
For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Cabo provides the perfect setting with its stunning sunsets, secluded beaches, fine dining, and luxury resorts. Whether it’s enjoying a sunset cruise, indulging in a couples’ spa treatment, or savoring a candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean, Cabo offers endless opportunities for romance and relaxation.
Girls’ Trips:
Cabo is an ideal choice for a girls’ trip, offering a mix of relaxation and excitement that’s sure to please everyone in your group. Spend your days lounging by the pool with cocktails in hand, exploring the vibrant downtown area, or adventure activities like ATV tours and zip-lining. Cabo is squad-ready.
We recommend you plan your visit to have some “go with the flow” time to avoid overscheduling: Day 1, don’t schedule tours. Day 2, plan a bigger tour. Day 3/4, hit the restaurants you didn’t get to and any last-minute activity or beach-going.
What time of year to visit
Cabo San Lucas offers delightful weather all year round, making it an accessible destination for travelers seeking sunshine and relaxation. However, there are a few months to plan around if you’re looking for ideal conditions on your Cabo vacation. Timing your visit right is the ultimate Cabo vacation tip.
Best time to visit Cabo
For beach enthusiasts seeking ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is from March to November. During these months, the weather is more consistently warm and sunny, perfect for lounging on the beach or engaging in water activities.
However, it’s essential to note that September tends to experience particularly high temperatures, making outdoor excursions and barefoot beach walks uncomfortable. To ensure a pleasant experience (aka not melting), we recommend avoiding September and planning your visit during the remaining warmer months.
By choosing to explore Cabo from March to November, you’ll maximize your chances of basking in the sun and making the most of this beautiful coastal paradise. Check our flight tips for the latest tips and tricks for booking at the right time and setting alerts.
Worst time to visit Cabo
December, January, and February bring cooler temperatures, providing a break from the scorching heat of the summer months. If you want typical beach weather, avoid planning in these months or head farther South in Mexico like Cancun or Bacalar near Tulum.
Huge caveat: While you will avoid these months if you want to sit on the beach in your swimsuit, these cooler months also coincide with the prime whale-watching season, offering an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures from the comfort of the beach.
Getting to Cabo
Flights to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Plan for a flight to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which serves both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, collectively known as Los Cabos. While the airport is closer to San José del Cabo, it provides access to the entire region, including Cabo San Lucas.
There are three terminals at SJD, but if you’re going to and from the US, you’ll be using Terminal 2. Upon arrival you will be whisked through Immigration first and then Customs next. No wrong turns are possible as you’re taken straight through. If you need to wait on someone in your party, there are a few open-air eatery/beverage facilities as you exit. Welcome to Cabo, indeed!
Getting from the airport to your resort/hotel
There are a few schools of thought. Here is ours — hop in a taxi. Outside the airport, you’ll be flagged down by drivers holding “Taxi” signs. Easy! If you have a large enough group for planned transportation then you should plan transportation. If you have a group of 6 or fewer, snag a cab. They are plentiful and most are vans.
You can use USD (US dollars) or pesos, but we understand some do take credit cards you may just pay ~$3 extra. If you are paying by card, ask before you enter the taxi to ensure there will not be an issue.
Entry and exit requirements
US Citizens must provide a valid US passport. Per Travel.gov, this passport must be valid for the entire trip and applies to the 6-month validity rule. US passport cards are not valid.
You will complete a Customs Declaration form upon arrival, and there is no need to fill it out in advance. After collecting baggage, you will present it to an officer and answer any questions about what you brought into the country, including currency, gifts, laptops, etc.
Pro Tip: Pack a pen in your carry-on baggage so you can fill out the customs form without needing to track one down.
Resort options in Cabo
Cabo offers a diverse array of resort options catering to various preferences, from luxurious escapes to family-friendly havens and adults-only retreats. These are our favorite places to stay in Cabo based on either budget or travel purpose. Picking where to stay pulls your Cabo itinerary together.
Luxury / Family friendly
Midrange / Family friendly
- Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
- Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa
- Dreams Los Cabos — Related: Review of the Dreams Los Cabos Restaurants
Adults-Only
Girls Trip
Things to do in Cabo
Top tours to see the Cabo Arch
If it’s your first time in Cabo, you must get on a boat to see the Arch. It’s iconic Cabo, and you’ll enjoy the view looking back at the beach from out on the water.
- Arch Tour with Amazing Captain in Cabo San Lucas
- Tour to The Arch from Cabo San Lucas
- Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Apetizers and Open Bar
Luxury water experiences
These luxury and/or private water experiences are perfect for small groups, like girls’ parties, or larger groups of friends.
- Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Tour
- Private Snorkeling Tour in Cabo San Lucas
- Private Fishing Trip “All Inclusive” in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Whale-watching tours
Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its whale-watching opportunities, particularly during the months when humpback whales migrate to the area. Most tours only run from December through mid-April, so plan your visit accordingly if this is a highlight you want to experience.
- Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
- Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas
- Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos
Unique tours
If you have had a chance to go out on the water, an adventure or authentic tour is a quality add-on to your itinerary. Yes, we’re talking about camels and pirates and tequila!
- Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride with Mexican Buffet and Tequila Tasting
- Los Cabos Costa Azul Zipline Eco-Adventure
- Whale-Watching Pirate Ship Cruise in Los Cabos
- 4×4 ATV Adventure with Tequila tasting and Mexican buffet lunch
- Cabo Turtle Release – kid friendly
Summary of best activities in Cabo
- Whale Watching Tours: Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its whale-watching opportunities, particularly during the winter months when humpback whales migrate to the area. Boat tours offer the chance to see these majestic creatures up close as they breach and play in the waters off the coast.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Excursions: With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Cabo is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Tours take visitors to iconic snorkeling spots like Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock, and Santa Maria Cove, where they can swim among colorful fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays.
- Sunset Cruises: Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean is a must-do experience in Cabo. Sunset cruises offer the perfect vantage point to admire the breathtaking colors of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. Many cruises also include live music, cocktails, and dinner options for a romantic evening on the water.
- ATV and Off-Road Tours: For adrenaline junkies, ATV and off-road tours provide an exhilarating way to explore Cabo’s rugged terrain. Ride through desert landscapes, along sandy beaches, and up rocky hillsides while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.
- Zip-Line Adventures: Zip-lining tours offer a thrilling way to experience Cabo’s natural beauty from above. Soar through the air on zip lines suspended high above canyons and forests, taking in stunning views of the landscape below. Tour.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Ideal for those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer a unique perspective of Cabo’s marine life. Glide across the water while peering through the glass bottom to observe colorful fish, coral reefs, and other underwater wonders.
Beaches in Cabo
In Cabo, while the coastline is generally too rocky for swimming in most areas, there are specific beaches where it’s safe and enjoyable. Medano Beach stands out as a prime destination, offering calm waters and soft sandy shores ideal for swimming, along with lifeguards for added safety. The pro tip is to arrive in the morning before the beach gets crowded.
Surfers seeking waves should head to beaches along the Pacific Ocean side, such as Playa Costa Azul (Zippers), and nearby breaks like The Rock and Old Man’s, known for consistent waves and surf-friendly conditions. We like Cerritos Beach, located about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas, which offers long sandy stretches and gentle waves perfect for surfing, making it a favorite spot for surfers of all levels. Time for your first surf lesson?
Dining options
When Cabo trip planning, you should set your schedule to eat out at least a day or two during your visit. Get a reservation at one of these top restaurants, if you can. These are our top options, with Flora Farms our clear favorite.
Flora Farms: You will want to book this farm-to-table gem when the schedule opens 3 months out. Set a reminder on your calendar to book as soon as your date opens! It’s farm meets Anthropologie, and it’s everything you need. Get a nice cocktail, get the burrata, and enjoy the atmosphere and food. This is a must-do. There are some cute shops as you arrive, and it’s easy to grab a taxi after you eat. Reservation required.
Edith’s Restaurante: Highly recommended as well, this garden-style, open-air restaurant has upscale Mexican cuisine and quality margaritas. You’ll find all the charm you’re looking for here! Reservation required.
Carbon Grill Restaurant: Come here for steak and fish, and dining with amazing beach views. It is part of the Villa del Palmar Resort & Spa and will stun you. It is vegetarian and gluten-free friendly as well. Come here for views!
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.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, The Office on the Beach is a fun location where you can eat with your toes in the sand. This is more of a lunch spot / bloody mary’s spot.
Nightlife
When the sun sets in Cabo San Lucas, the party is just getting started (here’s looking at you, girls trip planners)! Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, this city is the ultimate playground for those seeking excitement after dark.
Cabo’s big bar scene includes iconic spots like El Squid Roe, Mandala, or La Vaquita. With these hotspots clustered together, you can easily hop from one to the next, exploring the heart of Cabo’s nightlife.
Tip and tricks
- Bring cash with you before you arrive. It’s easier than navigating getting cash out when you arrive. You will want to do some tipping, so bring small bills as well as some larger ones. Even at the all-inclusive resorts, tipping of 10-15% is appreciated.
- Alert credit cards of your travel, and make sure you know which cards do not have foreign transaction fees.
- Ensure you have your international service set up on your phone with your carrier. You won’t want unexpected charges.
- Learn a few phrases in Spanish, or brush up on Spanish! While most locals you encounter do know conversational basics in English, it’s thoughtful and rewarding to try out your own Spanish as well!
- Check conversion rates from the US dollar to the Mexican peso. Even if you pay in USD, you should have a good understanding when you see prices in pesos.
Summary: Cabo trip planning
Cabo San Lucas awaits as your destination point for an unforgettable (and easy to plan) long weekend getaway. It can host family-friendly adventures, a girls’ trip to remember, or a romantic escape for two. Welcome to effortless adventures in Cabo San Lucas, and happy, breezy travels!
Easy takeaways: Snag your resort, grab a dining reservation, book a tour, and then relax for the rest of the long weekend at your beautiful property! Worry about transportation when you arrive. It’s that easy.
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