Cabo San Lucas has been on my list of places to visit my entire life, and I somehow never made it there until last year. Now, after last weekend (for a friend’s bachelorette), I’ve been twice in one year! This post is a combo of information gathered from both trips.
To Stay
The first time I went to Cabo, I stayed at ME by Melia. ME is in the heart of the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas, and is extremely close to the best beach bars (see below) in Cabo. If you are looking for a fun hotel to stay at, ME is the place to be hands down! Did I mention it’s an adults-only hotel? It also has the BEST day party (see below) during peak season. ME is a gorgeous hotel located right on the beach, with a perfect view of the rock formations around the famous “El Arco” or The Arch.
Last weekend I stayed in a villa in the Pedregal area of Cabo. We found the villa using the company Cabo Villas which has many different options for villas, is reliable and has great customer service, as well as a concierge service once you arrive at the villa for any needs you may have. Having a villa in Cabo was a completely different experience than staying at a hotel. Prior to arriving at the villa, my friends and I made a Costco run which was SO key to staying at a place where we had no immediate food options. It was also super convenient for constant snacking and pool side dining needs! If you choose to go the villa route while in Cabo, going to Costo or another grocery store to stock up on food is a definite must. Delivery is also an option for certain foods (such as pizza, which we did one night while in Cabo). The only down side to staying in this private gated community of Pedregal is that it’s up a hill that makes for those gorgeous views, but which makes it not so convenient for being able to walk to and from the downtown area (although distance-wise it’s actually quite close).
Dining
One of my favorite places to eat in Cabo, and a place to which I went both times that I was in Cabo, is Hacienda. I would visit it just for the stellar view, but the food is quite tasty as well. Hacienda’s menu is traditional with a few interesting twists.
Another place I really like for more low-key and minimal decor but still good traditional Mexican food is Maria Jimenez Restaurante Mexicano. Just remember to bring some cash if you head over, the restaurant is cash-only!
Finally, Bar Esquina is my pick for restaurant to head to if you are looking for non-traditional food while in Cabo. It’s a nicer restaurant with a more American menu and yummy drinks. It also has a great outdoor dining area, and is a block away from the best outdoor bars in Cabo (and walking distance from ME).
I didn’t get to eat at Baja Cantina due to a reservation mix-up, but the next time I’m in Cabo, I’m dying to try it! Make sure you head to the beach location, however, as there is another location that is on the marina in Cabo and has a totally different vibe than the beach location (cheaper, and the food is alright).
Activities
The most popular activity during the day is to take a boat out into the water to check out The Arch and snorkel. Having done it both times I’ve been to Cabo now, it’s still worth it. Especially when you get to discover hidden beaches and see whales (like I did this time around) and sea lions (which I saw both times).
Bars and Nightlife
When in Cabo and looking for fun places to drink, you have to stop by a few beach bars. My favorites are Mango Deck, The Office and Nikki Beach (ME hotel’s day party). These bars are all close by to each other and so much funnn!
The other popular place in the city to drink is the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas, which is basically comprised of 2-3 streets that are all connected and that contain all of the main bars and clubs. My favorites of these are Mandala (pictured below; NBA players had bottle service when we were there), Pink Kitty and The Nowhere Bar.
Already dreaming of my next vacay! xoxo
I have on word to discripe this picture “captivating”
it all looks so peaceful!