My Cabo Travel Guide 2022

FeaturedTravel

Feb 19

A trip to Cabo is a no-brainer for Southern Californians. It’s a hop, skip and a two-hour flight to a warmer climate at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. December through April is peak season, with SoCal residents fleeing from bone chilling temps in the low 60s (ha!), for average daily temperatures year round of 78 degrees. I love Cabo, but if I flew in blindly, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as in love as I am.

As a travel blogger, I’m obsessed with researching locales before I go. It’s not that I don’t like spontaneity, but I definitely want to ensure some of my needs (gorgeous views at topnotch hotels, incredible food that’s worth the splurge or far underrated hole-in-the-walls, etc.) are met.

What many newcomers think of as Cabo (and as I’ve come to find out, many friends who’ve been several times) is only half of it. Los Cabos is actually a dreamy fusion of two Mexican towns — the popular Cabo San lucas, and the lesser known San José del Cabo. The towns are a 40 minute drive apart, but it’s the 22-mile stretch of beachfront that makes the drive a journey of necessary stops.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a known party spot that scratches just the surface of what you can expect in Los Cabos. It’s known for its abundance of restaurants, bars nightclubs and ocean activities like jet skiing and boating to The arch of Cabo San Lucas.

If you’re going to commit your time to this area, stay where you can have supreme proximity to the city, but retreat to calmness and sweeping views of the city below. Airbnb has reasonably priced options, while Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is a luxury option that promises to impress.

The Office is a beachfront must for people watching, delicious food and live music, all while digging your toes in the sand. Travis and I enjoyed getting off the busy streets and walking quaint alleys where artisan shops and tequila tastings entice.

The Marina

The marina is where the majority of what most people know as Cabo is located. The area itself is a haven for fishermen and water enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a leisurely day, a fishing charter, a whale watching excursion, etc., you can find it here. There’s also a ton of happening bars and eateries nestled along the boardwalk that lines the marina.

On a recent trip, I was interested in seeing Cabo from a new vantage point, so I booked a luxury boat charter via GetMyBoat—an online and app-based platform that works as seamlessly as Airbnb. I settled on the 74-foot Blue Moon.

The experience was perfect. The crew was extremely professional yet laid-back. I was never without a fresh cocktail, the freshly prepared food was delicious, and the views were exactly what I had imagined. We were able to get an up-close view of the Arch at Land’s End, as well as anchor off at Chileno Bay, where we swam and snorkeled.

Outskirts of Cabo San Lucas

Just north of Cabo proper off of Highway 1 is where I prefer to be. It’s not exactly walking distance to anything, but it’s close enough for a quick taxi while allowing you the indulgence of R&R. I’m a hotel junkie, and Cabo does such an incredible job offering spacious suites with in-room amenities. You had me at “Complimentary bottle of tequila.”

Trav and I kicked off our first trip to Cabo together with a stay at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel. I have nothing but good things to say about this place. Between the rooms, the views, the pools, the beach access and the yummy food, it’s hard to want to leave the property. The singular beachfront retreat overlooks El Arco and the Bahia Cabo San Lucas horizon from nearly every angle. Our King Bed Deluxe with Ocean View was thoughtfully designed with masculine, surf-centric style. If it’s cool enough, keep your sliding door out to the balcony open at night and take in the soothing sound of crashing waves. The infinity pool sets the scene with sultry beats by a live DJ, while the beach below begs for surfers to paddle out and catch a left. Pro Tip: Take your morning coffee and walk south of the resort on the beach to find private coves and calm water perfect for a quick dip. I was able to go sans bikini without anyone seeing (I think!)

On our most recent trip to Cabo, we stayed at Vista Encantada—a resort I had never heard of, but will definitely be going back to. It features unobstructed views of the infamous Land’s End, stunning swimming pools, impeccable restaurants, and luxurious suites. Its sister hotel is located right in town, and the resort offers a host of shuttles throughout the day between the two locations, which I used regularly to enjoy both the tranquility of the hotel as well as the energy of the city. If you book here, YOU MUST go to the spa. It’s one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever been to with its state-of-the-art design, hydrotherapy offerings, and gorgeous views of the ocean from the indoor-outdoor pool and treatment rooms. I also highly recommend going to the Sky Pool, which is located on the rooftop of the resort, where 360-degree views of the ocean blend seamlessly with the infinity pool. On the rooftop, you’ll also find the resort’s high-end restaurant Mestiza, which is nothing short of fabulous, including its extensive wine offerings and dreamy decor.

The Perfect Swimmable Beach in the “In Between”

Not quite Cabo San Lucas, not quite San Jose Del Cabo, Tequila Cove Beach, off Federal Highway 1, is where I found an even deeper love for Cabo. A common misconception is that Cabo doesn’t have swimmable beaches, but that only exists if you consider Cabo to be the tiny, touristy portion near downtown. Hilton Los Cabos recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and it shows. Of all the videos and photos I bombarded my Instagram audience with, Hilton was the most inquired about. Why? The rooms!! Trav and I stayed in an Altamar Plunge Pool Suite. Surely our favorite part was sipping tequila in the perfectly sized plungel pool that offered breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. In the mornings, we walked for what felt like hours along the beach, taking breaks for long swims and whale watching.

Pro Tip: The best part about peak season is that it’s also whale watching season! Whether from our room, the infinity pools and hot tubs, or on the beach, watching whales breach was a regular occurence, but felt special every time I saw it.

San José del Cabo

Driving north from Hilton, you begin to enter the beachside part of San José del Cabo. Viceroy was our lone stop on the coastline here. While I didn’t get to stay at this stunning hotel, I so wish I had. We had a mere glimpse of it at night, trying the incredible food on the rooftop bar and restaurant, Cielomar. Sexy live music plays amid a backdrop of views over the reflective pools and out to the ocean. Their innovative cocktail list had me giddy (and full of mezcal!) Go for the flame-grilled whole fish and yellowfin tuna.

Away from the grandeur of storied modern buildings perched above the ocean is the lesser known side of Cabo that has my heart. You’ll say goodbye to the beautiful blue in the rearview as you drive toward cobblestone streets lined with stylish boutiques, art galleries, breweries and restaurants. The once sleepy colonial village is full of surprises, with even the most unassuming storefronts leading to backyard, Bohemian-filled wonderlands for eating, drinking and listening to live music, like Casa Don Rodriguo.

Just beyond downtown, tucked in the foothills of San José del Cabo, is where the unexpected exists. A drive along unpaved, dusty roads dumps you off at Acre Baja. Behind a welcome center consisting of a mere thatched roof with a jovial greeter, a narrow stone walkway winds through a jungle-like setting, where individual treehouses are nearly camouflaged among the palms. A sizable balcony, outdoor shower and cooler stocked with goodies await, while through the screened door a large, plush bed takes center stage, and a small bathroom and built-in shelving prove simple pleasures. The whooshing of wind bursts through the treehouse as you sleep; the sun gently tickles your cheek come morning. This is more than a boutique hotel, however. This is a magical sanctuary set on 25 acres of abundant greenery, where donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, horses and puppies live. Many of them have been rescued, and are thriving on the Acre land. There’s also an award-winning bar and restaurant, private event spaces, and a gorgeous pool for guests to sunbathe with a mezcal cocktail in hand.

Just around the bend is the famed Flora Farms. Here, a 25-acre organic working farm is situated in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Boutiques, culinary cottages, a grocery market, spa, and restaurant and bar will have your jaw dropping with excitement.

Come just before sundown and tour the property. Stay for dinner at Flora’s Field Kitchen, sipping on classics like a carrot juice margarita in a mason jar, and try one of the 15 types of Neapolitan-style pizza. But really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Trust me, I tried it all!