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10 Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Getaway

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Are you planning your first trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico? Keep scrolling for my top Cabo San Lucas travel tips to know before your upcoming Mexico vacation.

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing place to visit, but there are a few Cabo San Lucas travel tips you should know before you go.

We just went on a family vacation to Cabo, and there are SO many things I wish I had known before this trip!

In this post, I’ll share my best tips for traveling to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. This will help make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.

After reading this post, you’ll be ready to book your Cabo trip and enjoy everything that Cabo San Lucas has to offer.

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time without having to worry about anything – I promise! So what are you waiting for? Start reading now.

Travel to Cabo San Lucas FAQs

Do you need a passport to go to Cabo?

If you are visiting Cabo from the United States (or any other country), YES, you will need a current passport. This also applies to babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages.

Is it safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas?

We felt completely safe traveling to Cabo San Lucas Mexico. We pre-arranged our transportation to our resort and then had the resort line up taxis for us to do excursions. Walking around town also felt safe (during the day). It might be another story at nighttime.

Is it worth traveling to Cabo with kids?

Most likely! It depends on what type of trip you’re looking for. Cabo is fabulous if you want an all-inclusive resort vacation with some fun activity options for families! It’s so much more than a “party” destination.

10 Convenient Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips

Party Cabo vs Family Cabo

Los Cabos is a fairly large, spread-out area. A lot of college students, singles, or couples tend to stay not too far from Downton Cabo San Lucas. There are a bunch of party areas between Marina Blvd. and Lázaro Cárdenas. It’s perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties or crazy trips.

However, it’s not ideal for families.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Front exterior of Mission San Jose del Cabo with colorful rosary hanging above entrance on clear sunny day
Mission San Jose del Cabo is a cute church in the family-friendly area of Los Cabos, Baja California.

We stayed on the San José del Cabo side of Los Cabos. This is much, much quieter. It almost feels like it’s the suburbs. Here, you’ll find a lot of kid-friendly Cabo resorts and condos.

These are distinct areas of Los Cabos, and it’s important to do some research before booking a place to stay.

Most People Stay at an All Inclusive Resort

Mexico is pretty synonymous with all inclusive resorts. Most families choose to stay in an all-inclusive resort in Cabo because it’s just so easy.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Check out this honest Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos review by top family travel blog Marcie in Mommyland. Image of an all-inclusive Mexico resort pool
The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is a great choice for families.

You don’t have to worry about food or entertainment. Plus, most of them have kids’ clubs and babysitting services. We stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and had a great experience. You can read my honest review.

Here’s my full list of the best Cabo resorts for families.

You can choose to stay in a condo or vacation rental. Just check to see if you can walk to restaurants or stores. Things are spread out on the San Jose del Cabo side.

Try Food OUTSIDE of the Resort

I know it may seem counterintuitive to pay for food at an all-inclusive resort (where they have free food) and then pay for food elsewhere.

But you’ll find the freshest and tastiest authentic Mexican cuisine outside your resort.

Indulge in traditional Mexican fare like ceviche, tacos, tostadas, and pretty much anything else you can find. Plus, the drinks are usually a bit stronger.

US Cash is Accepted in Most Places

While I definitely recommend getting some Mexican Peso, don’t stress out if you run out. Most restaurants and people in the service industry will accept US cash for tips.

You can always use credit cards to pay for activities or experiences but watch out for foreign transaction fees that some credit cards may charge. It’s always best to tip in cash, especially for smaller services like taxi rides or meals.

Not a Lot of Must-See Attractions

So, when we plan a family vacation, I usually do a lot of research to figure out what to include in our itinerary.

While there are lots of kid-friendly things to do in Cabo, there aren’t a lot of historical sites, famous buildings, or iconic places to take selfies.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: A vertical shot of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas surrounded by the sea in Mexico
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the most popular attraction in Cabo.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a must-see attraction in Cabo, and you can enjoy it while on a sunset cruise or by visiting nearby Lover’s Beach. It’s a picturesque spot that offers stunning views and a touch of Mexican flair for your family photo album.

It was actually kind of cool because that meant we could have a slower pace and not feel like we needed to cram a bunch of sightseeing into our days. Our kids LOVED just hanging by the pool most of the time.

Winter is Whale Shark Season

If you are visiting Cabo in winter, you’ll definitely want to look into booking a whale shark boat ride!

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Whale Shark in Cabo San Lucas
Whale Shark in Cabo San Lucas

Whale sharks typically migrate to the area between mid-December and mid-April, making it the perfect time to plan this unique activity.

This is one of the only places where you can see them up close. If you love snorkeling or seeing underwater creatures, add this to your Cabo itinerary!

Cabo Airport is Small and Easy to Navigate

Sometimes, going through an international airport for the first time can be nerve-wracking. The Los Cabos International Airport is pretty small and almost impossible to get lost in.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Los Cabos Mexico International Airport Highway Sign 2D Illustration
The Los Cabos airport is one of the easiest international airports to navigate.

After flying to Cabo San Lucas, you’ll easily get to immigration/customs and continue through to baggage claim. From there, you’ll do one last check before heading out.

On the way home, you’ll appreciate that there are only 19 gates. That means less walking!

They have several shops where you can buy Mexican souvenirs or snacks for the plane. They also have restaurants like Subway, Panda Express, Sbarro, and Carl’s Jr. Keep in mind that some items might come with an extra cost compared to local eateries.

Consider Pre-Arranging Your Ride

When you exit the Cabo airport, a lot of people will come toward you offering taxi services. It’s a little tricky because the price can be confusing, and you might have someone change the cost of the trip for you.

To save money and avoid misunderstandings, consider booking a shared shuttle or arranging your transportation ahead of time. We did that because we were traveling with extended family and wanted to make sure we’d have a safe and clean way to get to our resort.

The Cabo Arts District is Adorable

If you’re looking for a place to take Instagram photos or just stroll along a cute part of town, head to the Cabo Arts District in San Jose del Cabo.

This area showcases the vibrant culture of Baja California, making it a must-visit for those seeking a touch of Mexican flair.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Flytographer in Cabo Family Photo
Photo credit: Diana with Flytographer

This is where you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, and pretty cafes. Plus, there’s some street art and picado banners hanging above the streets. It’s a lovely spot for soaking up the local culture and even grabbing a bite of amazing food while you’re there.

Book a Cabo Family Photo Shoot

My kids told us that our Cabo trip was one of the best family vacations we’ve done! So, naturally, I capitalized on their happiness and booked a photo shoot!

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips: Flytographer in Cabo Family Photos on Stairs
Photo credit: Diana with Flytographer

I’m really glad that I did because they were all smiles as we explored the cute streets of San Jose del Cabo. It was nice not to worry about taking iPhone photos during the trip because I knew we’d get some great family shots!

Plus, you can get $25 off your first shoot if you book HERE.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy and affordable AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.

Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips Wrap-Up

Now you know tons of tips for visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! These Cabo tips covered flying to Los Cabos International Airport, where to stay in Cabo, and the best things to do in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.

Vacationing in Cabo San Lucas can be a piece of cake! Don’t forget to enjoy activities like whale watching or trying the local authentic Mexican cuisine for a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just seeking to relax, Cabo offers something for everyone.

I hope you have the best trip ever!

Looking for more Cabo travel resources? Check out the best things to do in Cabo with kids, my Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos review, how to book a Cabo family photo shoot, best places to visit in Mexico, Cabo day trips, San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas, and the best all-inclusive Cabo resorts for families.

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    Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips

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