Planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas? You’re in for a treat. This Mexican paradise sits at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Cabo offers something for everyone. Spend your mornings on golden beaches, your afternoons swimming with tropical fish, and your evenings trying amazing tacos and fresh seafood.
The famous arch at Land’s End is just the beginning.
This guide will help you plan the perfect Cabo itinerary for your vacation. We’ve created three different plans: a quick 3-day weekend, a balanced 5-day trip, and a full 7-day stay.
Pick the one that fits your schedule, or mix and match activities based on what you enjoy most.
Quick Cabo Itinerary Overview
Choosing the right length for your Cabo trip depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Each option below gives you a full experience, just with different amounts of relaxation time and activities.
3 Day Weekend Trip
This cabo itinerary works great for a long weekend. Start with Medano Beach and a sunset cruise on your first day.
The second day brings water activities like snorkeling or whale watching, plus time in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Your final day focuses on one last beach visit before heading home. You’ll hit the main highlights without feeling rushed. This plan gives you the best beaches, signature views, and a taste of local culture.
5 Day Trip (Recommended)
Five days give you breathing room. You’ll cover everything from the 3 3-day plan, plus add a full day in San Jose del Cabo to see the art district and try farm-to-table restaurants.
Extra time means you can try horseback riding along the beach or an ATV tour through the desert. You’ll also have time for spa treatments and longer beach club sessions. This length feels less rushed and lets you really relax.
7 Day Extended Stay
A week in Cabo means you can slow down and add special trips. Visit Fox Canyon to hike to a waterfall and swim in natural pools. Try a cooking class to learn Mexican recipes.
You might take a day trip to the artist town of Todos Santos or the marine park at Cabo Pulmo. Seven days give you time to find your favorite beach spot and return there.
This length works well for families or anyone who really wants to unwind.
3 Day Cabo Itinerary
A three-day Cabo itinerary packs in the must-see spots. This plan balances activities with downtime so you don’t wear yourself out.
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
Get to your hotel and drop off your bags. Most hotels in Cabo let you check in around 3 PM. If you arrive earlier, many will hold your luggage while you hit the beach.
Head straight to Medano Beach, the most popular spot in Cabo San Lucas. The water is calm and perfect for swimming.
As the sun starts to set, hop on a sunset cruise with an open bar. These boats sail past the famous arch and give you great photo opportunities.
End your evening with a walk through downtown to get your bearings.
Day 2: Marine Life and Water Activities
Book a morning boat tour to see whales (from December through March) or go snorkeling if you visit during the summer.
The waters around Cabo are full of colorful fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dolphins. Most tours are 3 to 4 hours long.
Spend your afternoon visiting The Arch at Land’s End, either by water taxi or kayak. The rock formations here are famous worldwide. For dinner, walk around the marina to find fresh seafood restaurants. The nightlife in downtown Cabo San Lucas is lively if you want to check out bars or clubs.
Day 3: Relaxation and Departure
Visit Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Beach for your last morning. These spots have calmer water than other beaches and are great for swimming. The fish here swim right up to shore, so bring a mask if you have one.
If your flight leaves late, book a quick massage at your hotel spa. Otherwise, spend time shopping for souvenirs in downtown Cabo. Mexican blankets, silver jewelry, and hot sauce make great gifts to bring home.
5 Day Cabo Itinerary
Five days is the sweet spot for most visitors. This cabo itinerary adds cultural experiences and more variety to your trip.
Days 1 to 3
Follow the three-day plan listed above. You’ll cover all the major sights and activities in Cabo San Lucas. The extra days let you branch out to new areas.
Day 4: San Jose del Cabo
Drive or take a taxi to San Jose del Cabo, about 45 minutes away. This town feels completely different from party-focused Cabo San Lucas. Start in the historic downtown area with its colonial church and plaza.
Walk through the Gallery District to see local artwork and handmade crafts. Stop for lunch at Flora Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant set in an organic garden. If you visit on Thursday evening, stick around for the weekly Art Walk when galleries stay open late. Spend your afternoon at one of the quiet beaches near San Jose before heading back.
Day 5: Beach Clubs and Activities
Try something active in the morning. Horseback riding along the shore is popular, or you can take an ATV tour through desert trails and past old ranches. Both activities usually last 2 to 3 hours.
Spend your afternoon at a beach club like SUR Beach House or Blue Marlin. These spots have pools, lounge chairs, music, and food service. It’s a fun way to spend a lazy afternoon. Cap off your trip with a spa treatment or tequila tasting session. Watch one final sunset from your favorite beach or restaurant.
7 Day Cabo Itinerary
A full week gives you time to really get to know the area. This extended cabo itinerary includes day trips and activities you’d miss on shorter visits.
Days 1 to 5
Stick with the five-day itinerary above for your first part of your trip. By day six, you’ll be relaxed and ready for new experiences.
Day 6: Fox Canyon Day Trip
Drive about 1.5 hours north to Fox Canyon (also called Canon de la Zorra). This desert canyon has a surprise: a tall waterfall that flows year-round. The hike to reach it takes about 20 minutes.
Swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall. The water is cool and refreshing, especially after the hot drive. Pack a lunch to eat at the canyon, or grab food at the small restaurant near the entrance. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon to rest up.
Day 7: Final Morning Activity
Try glass-bottom kayaking to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) on your last morning. You’ll paddle over clear water where you can see fish swimming below. The beach itself sits between two rock formations and is only accessible by boat.
Another option is a camel ride along the beach. It’s a funny experience and makes for great photos. After your morning activity, check out of your hotel and head to the airport.
Where to Stay in Cabo?
Picking the right area to stay makes a big difference. Los Cabos is actually two towns connected by a 20-mile stretch of coastline called The Corridor.
Cabo San Lucas
Stay here if you want to be close to restaurants, bars, and tour operators. Everything is walkable in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The marina area has the most action, with boats leaving for tours all day long.
You’ll find every type of hotel here, from budget hostels to fancy resorts. The main downside is noise, especially on weekend nights. This area sits about 45 minutes from the airport.
San Jose del Cabo
This town offers a quieter, more traditional Mexican experience. The historic downtown has art galleries, family-owned restaurants, and a beautiful church. The vibe is relaxed and less touristy.
Hotels here tend to be smaller boutique properties. You’ll get better food at lower prices compared to Cabo San Lucas. The airport is only 20 minutes away, making arrival and departure easier.
The Corridor
The stretch between the two owns has mostly large resorts on private beaches. Stay here if you want luxury and don’t mind driving to restaurants and activities. The beaches along The Corridor are often rocky and have strong currents.
Resorts here usually offer all-inclusive packages. You’ll be 20 to 30 minutes from both downtown areas. This location works well for families or couples who plan to stay at their resort most of the time.
Essential Planning Tips
Timing your trip right and knowing how to get around will make your Cabo itinerary run smoothly. Here are the key things to know before you book.
- December through March: Whale watching season, perfect weather in the 70s and 80s, high season with bigger crowds
- April and May: Fewer tourists, still great weather, better hotel deals
- June through September: Hot and humid, lowest prices, some restaurants close, hurricane season (though storms rarely hit)
- Rental cars give you freedom for day trips to Fox Canyon, Todos Santos, or Cabo Pulmo
- Uber works well and is cheap in both downtown areas
- Most hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee
- Water taxis run between beaches for just a few dollars
Book popular activities early, especially during the winter months. Your hotel can help arrange last-minute tours and give local recommendations once you arrive
Conclusion
Building your cabo itinerary doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with one of our three basic plans, then add or remove activities based on what interests you most. Beach lovers might want more swimming time, while active travelers can add extra tours.
The key is not overscheduling yourself. Cabo is meant for relaxing, so leave room for spontaneous decisions. Maybe you’ll find a great restaurant that needs a return visit, or a beach that becomes your favorite spot.
Book popular activities like whale watching or ATV tours before you arrive. They fill up quickly during the busy season. Your hotel can help arrange transportation and give recommendations once you’re there. Start looking at flights and hotels now to get the best deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 Days Enough for Cabo?
Three days’ work for a quick trip. You’ll see the main sights and beaches. Five days is better if you want to relax and visit both towns without rushing.
Can You Swim at All Cabo Beaches?
No, many beaches have dangerous currents. Stick to Medano, Chileno, Santa Maria, and Palmilla for safe swimming. Watch for warning flags and ask locals before entering the water.
How Much Does a Cabo Trip Cost?
Budget $150 to $200 per day for mid-range travel. Luxury trips run $400 plus daily. Costs increase during winter and holidays. Save money by visiting in the summer and eating at local taco stands.
Do You Need a Car in Cabo?
A car helps for day trips to Fox Canyon or Todos Santos. For staying in town, Uber works fine. Rent a car for 1 or 2 days if you want to visit outside the main tourist areas.
What Should I Pack for Cabo?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuits, light clothes, and sandals. Add a light jacket for evening boat rides. Skip jeans and heavy clothes. Pack hiking shoes if you plan to visit Fox Canyon or other trails.