Los Cabos, Mexico: Beaches, El Arco & Travel Guide
Los Cabos — Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo at the tip of Baja — is Mexico's premier luxury beach destination, where the desert meets the sea at the famous El Arco.
Why visit Los Cabos?
Los Cabos — the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo at the tip of the Baja California peninsula — is Mexico's premier luxury beach destination. It is where the desert meets the sea, with dramatic rock formations like El Arco, world-class golf and resorts, sport fishing, and gray-whale watching in winter.
How to get to Los Cabos from the US
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has frequent direct flights from across the US — especially California, Phoenix, Dallas and Denver — on most major airlines, with short flight times from the West Coast. The airport is about 30–45 minutes from the resorts.
Best time to visit
October through May offers warm, dry, near-perfect weather — and gray whales visit from roughly December to April. Summers are very hot, and the Pacific hurricane season runs June to November.
Top things to do in Los Cabos
Take a boat to El Arco and Lover's Beach at Land's End, go whale watching (in season) and sport fishing, play championship golf, and enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas. For a calmer vibe, explore the art galleries and plaza of San José del Cabo and the beaches along the Tourist Corridor between the two towns.
Where to stay
Cabo San Lucas for marina, nightlife and action; San José del Cabo for a quieter, artsy town feel; or the Tourist Corridor between them for big resorts and golf. Note that many Cabo beaches are not safe for swimming due to currents — ask locally.
Is Los Cabos safe for tourists?
Baja California Sur carries a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, the same level as most of Mexico's main tourist destinations. Los Cabos is one of Mexico's most popular and well-patrolled resort destinations. Use normal travel precautions and check the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory before your trip.
Baja California and the Mexican Northwest
Los Cabos is the flagship destination of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez (called "the world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau). For other Pacific Mexico options, Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in Guerrero are excellent alternatives. Check Los Cabos vacation packages.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Los Cabos?
At the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur. It includes Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
How do I get to Los Cabos from the US?
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has frequent direct flights from across the US, especially California, Phoenix, Dallas and Denver.
What is El Arco?
The iconic rock arch at Land's End, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, reached by boat from Cabo San Lucas.
When is the best time to visit Los Cabos?
October through May for warm, dry weather. Gray whales visit from about December to April. Summers are hot, within the Pacific hurricane season (June–November).
Is Los Cabos safe for tourists?
Baja California Sur carries a Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ advisory. Los Cabos is a very popular, well-patrolled resort destination; use normal precautions and check the current US advisory.