Cabo surprised me in the best possible ways. Having only visited Cancun before, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but Los Cabos is a completely different experience. The vibe, the nature, the culture, the incredible wealth of things to do, and honestly? The most breathtaking sunrises I have ever seen in my life. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, authentic culture, or a little of everything, Cabo delivers. Here’s everything you need to know to experience it the way I did.
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Getting There: Arriving at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
From the moment we landed, Cabo felt like a celebration. The welcome energy is immediate — customs was a total breeze, and when you exit the airport, you’re greeted by restaurants, bars, and live music. If you have some time before your ride, take advantage of it! It’s a great way to ease into the Cabo mood right away.
Where to Stay in Los Cabos: Dreams Los Cabos Resort
We stayed at Dreams Los Cabos, which is ideally situated between the two main towns — Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo — each about a 20-minute drive from the resort. This location gives you easy access to both areas, which I highly recommend taking advantage of (more on each below).
We upgraded to the Preferred Club Swimout room, and it was absolutely worth it for the added relaxation factor. I had previously stayed in a similar room at Dreams Playa Mujeres in Cancun, and while that one felt slightly more secluded and upgraded, the Los Cabos version kept us close to the adults-only pool — which ended up being a great tradeoff.
What I Loved:
- All pools were excellent with plenty of food options nearby
- Adults-only pool was a perfect escape from the livelier main pool
- Staff were consistently friendly, helpful, and attentive
- The resort was immaculately clean throughout
- The spa was a standout — the suite was relaxing, and I had it completely to myself
A Few Honest Drawbacks:
- Restaurants don’t take reservations — it’s a walk-in, get-on-the-list system, so arriving early is a must if you want to avoid a long wait
- The main pool had daytime entertainment which was fun for families but not ideal if you’re seeking quiet relaxation (that’s what the adult pool is for!)
- Drink options were limited unless you paid extra — just two wine choices and one beer option under the standard package
- No hot tub on property, which genuinely surprised me
- The beach is beautiful but rocky/shell-covered underfoot, so bring water shoes
One unexpectedly fun moment: we caught the AFC/NFC Championship games on a blow-up TV by the pool — not something you’d plan for, but a great memory!
Cabo San Lucas: Luxury, Nightlife & Wildlife
Cabo San Lucas is the glitzier of the two towns — known for celebrity sightings, high-end restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and iconic luxury hotels. Here’s what we did and loved.
Whale Watching with Cabo Nature (Captain’s Tour)
This was the highlight of my entire trip — honestly, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I found this Cabo Nature tour on Get Your Guide and TripAdvisor based on their overwhelmingly positive reviews, and I now completely understand why they’re rated so highly.
We booked the 8 a.m. Captain’s Tour, and I cannot recommend it enough. Here’s why:
- We arrived early enough to witness the most stunning sunrise I have ever seen. Photos do not do it justice — you simply have to be there.
- Because it’s an early departure, there are fewer boats on the water, which means more whale sightings with less competition. We were alone on the water for a long stretch of time and spotted at least 12 humpback whales. Incredible.
- Our guides were true experts — knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient with every question asked.
- They photographed each of us individually in front of El Arco (The Arch), along with all the whales, birds, and seals we encountered. They sent the full gallery that evening — professional-quality shots I never could have captured on my phone.
- Cabo Nature is deeply committed to sustainability. They are intentional about maintaining a respectful distance from the whales, unlike other boats we watched getting dangerously close. For anyone who cares about animal welfare the way I do, this matters enormously.
This tour made my birthday. If you go to Cabo and do nothing else, do this.
Dinner at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
That evening, we headed to the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal for dinner — and the experience started before we even sat down. The property is accessed through a dramatic tunnel/cave entrance (we took an Uber), and you’re warmly welcomed the moment you arrive. The grounds are stunning: multiple pools, incredible cliffside views, and a sense of place unlike anything else in Cabo.
We dined at Don Manuel’s, which is the more accessible (though still upscale) restaurant on the property. Our host Josh was exceptional — incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and warm in the way that makes dinner feel like an event. Our server was equally fantastic (I’m so annoyed I’m blanking on his name — I told myself I’d remember it!). The food was outstanding and I have zero regrets choosing Don Manuel’s over the higher-priced options.
El Farallon, the Waldorf’s crown jewel restaurant perched on the cliffs, is what most people come here for — and even if you don’t dine there, you need to experience the champagne bar. We asked our host if we could visit, and he personally walked us through the property to get there. Sitting on those bar stools on the cliff edge, with the ocean crashing below at night, felt completely surreal. It’s one of those “pinch me” travel moments.
My goal is to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal on Hilton points someday — consider this my formal declaration.
San José del Cabo: Culture, Art & Authentic Mexico
San José del Cabo is an entirely different energy from its sister city — and every bit as worth your time. A friend recommended I visit, and I’m so glad I listened. The streets feel genuinely artsy and alive, the shops are full of impressive handmade goods, and it never feels overly touristy. This is authentic Mexico, and I loved every minute of it.
San José has no shortage of great restaurants, shops, and things to explore — you could easily fill multiple days here. During our visit, we hit a few spots that were worth sharing:
We started in the main square at Mission San José del Cabo, a stunning historic church that’s absolutely worth slowing down for. Read the history on the statues outside then step inside — it sets the tone for the whole area beautifully.
After some shopping, we grabbed lunch at Baja Brewing Co., which had great craft beer and solid tacos — a laid-back, casual stop in the middle of a busy day of exploring. We also popped into Teo Restaurant Bar and Grill, which features all-organic food and drinks. The margaritas were some of the most refreshing I’ve had anywhere.
To cap off the day, we ended up at Agave after spotting the rooftop and reading glowing reviews online — it delivered. Guacamole, mezcal, and a Moscow mule made for the perfect wind-down. I had been wanting to try authentic mezcal while in Mexico, and this was absolutely the right place to do it.
These are just the places we happened to visit — San José has so many options that you really can’t go wrong wandering and finding your own favorites.
What’s Still on My Cabo Bucket List
Cabo has so much more to offer, and I’m already thinking about a return trip. Still on my list:
- Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach
- Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez
- Hiking the trails around the area
- More luxury resorts to explore (Waldorf stay, I’m coming for you)
Final Thoughts: Is Los Cabos Worth It?
Absolutely, without question. Cabo is one of those destinations that exceeds expectations at every turn — whether you’re there for the wildlife, the food, the culture, or just to decompress somewhere beautiful. The people are warm, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and there’s genuinely something for every kind of traveler.
Have questions about any of the spots I mentioned? Drop them in the comments — I’m happy to help you plan your trip!
