Destination Guide: Los Cabos
Where to stay, eat, drink, and visit in Baja California Sur’s most popular city—of course, only boutique, independent spots.
Hey there, and welcome to Mexzine’s kick-off destination guide. I’m your managing editor, Cristina Alonso, a travel journalist, and Los Cabos guide for the day.
As a Mexican, it took me a relatively long time to visit Los Cabos – it didn’t happen until 2015, when I was invited to a press trip. Before that, and like most people, I had a very specific vision in my mind when I heard the word Cabo: massive all-inclusive resorts packed with badly tanned spring breakers, nightclubs, and gigantic frozen margaritas.
Ever since that visit, I’ve returned about a dozen times, with each trip proving how much more there is to this Baja destination, which technically comprises two towns: the more tourist-oriented Cabo San Lucas and the laid-back San José del Cabo. I’ve become a huge fan of Cabo’s stunning beach-meets-desert landscape, its powerful waves, and ever-growing hospitality scene. So let’s get into it: gorgeous boutique hotels, squid ink cocktails, and whale encounters await.
You can view our subscriber-only Google Map of all these locations here.
- Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor of Mexzine
Where to Stay
Drift (pictured above) // With a fantastic location in the heart of San José, Drift is not a beachfront hotel, yet it’s a great option if you’re here to explore –plus the rates are excellent. Rooms are spacious and filled with light, featuring whitewashed walls and concrete features – including sexy open soaking tubs in some suites–, and brought to life by details like wicker lamps and pretty textiles. The casual restaurant serves solid all-day offerings and cocktails that taste especially good at happy hour (daily from 5:00 to 7:00 PM).
El Ganzo (pictured above) // Placed by one of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches, El Ganzo is both a hotel and a space for the arts, hosting live music performances and welcoming musicians to the on-property recording studio. A roster of international artists has left its mark on the walls over the years, creating everything from murals to in-suite installations. Two other reasons to love El Ganzo: its culinary program, helmed by José Luis Hinostroza (of ARCA Tulum) and its commitment to sustainability as Mexico’s first B-Corp certified hotel.
Acre Resort // Set on a sprawling 25-acre property, the experience at Acre is centered on a farm that supplies the Acre Restaurant kitchen with fresh ingredients. The farm is also home to a delightful array of creatures – goats, donkeys, horses, and puppies – many of which were rescued from abandonment. Sleeping here means you can choose one of the cozy treehouses floating above the jungle canopy; a villa with a plunge pool and a rooftop terrace, or one of the spacious haciendas, designed by Mexican architect Héctor Esrawe.
La Valise Los Cabos /(pictured below) // The East Cape, with majestic landscapes barely interrupted by a few constructions, provides an incredible setting for this design-oriented hotel, composed of only nine casas – each with its own style and personality. Palapa roofs, airy terraces, and colorful tiles bring plenty of Mexican vibes to each space. Days here are spent lounging by the pool, unwinding with a beach massage, or partaking in one of many mindfulness-oriented activities. Its secluded location – and its ages-12-and-over policy – make it one of the most romantic hotels in Cabo.
Nest Baja (pictured below) // Located on Cabo’s East Cape, this whitewashed boutique hotel has conversation pits, guestrooms with private terraces, and untamed views of the Sea of Cortez.
Where to Eat
Lumbre // For a long time, Cabo wasn’t precisely known as a culinary destination, with offerings mostly limited to whatever your resort was serving. Luckily, chefs like Querétaro-born César Pita have made it their mission to make the most of Baja’s incredible bounty –and infuse it with a touch of fire (hence the name) and plenty of creativity. Placed right off the San José Art Walk, Lumbre is warm, stylish, and just plain fun. I strongly recommend getting the seven-course tasting menu and letting the kitchen surprise you. The bar team makes a solid martini, too.
Semillón // Tucked in the beautiful Puerto Raíz, a lush enclave lined with gardens – and very popular for weddings–, Semillón makes this natural setting the perfect canvas for a feast that is as fresh and tranquil as it is delicious, allowing ingredients from the orchard to shine. The menu concept comes courtesy of Javier Plasencia, one of Baja’s greatest culinary ambassadors. It’s an especially enchanting place for brunch, with specialties like avocado toast with egg and chickpea chorizo and fluffy pancakes.
Taquería El Fogón // There’s always that time during a trip when a very specific craving hits: good old, no-frills tacos. That is the time to head to El Fogón in San José. Grab a plastic table and explore the menu on the wall for inspiration: classic pork al pastor, carne asada, and grilled shrimp always hit the spot, while the taquería’s iconic megagringa –a gigantic tortilla with cheese and al pastor meat– remains a house favorite. On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can find generous bowls of red or white pozole.
Ruba’s Bakery & Bistro // Placed in a charming house from the 1940s in downtown San José, Ruba’s serves comforting bistro-style fare throughout the day. Its airy terrace, brightened by colorful murals and plenty of greenery, is an inspiring setting for long brunches –the homemade pan dulce, birria sandwich, and the chilaquiles, served with Valle de Guadalupe-style fire-roasted lamb, are not to be missed. In the evening, come for the Neapolitan-style pizza and a glass of wine.
Where to Drink
Outpost // There is always an excuse to hang out at this Cabo San Lucas favorite, a self-described “urban farm-to-table and speakeasy,” with multiple spaces to kick back in throughout the day. The plant-filled terrace is a delight at brunch time, when huevos rancheros and a savory Pelo del Perro (vodka with tomato and beet juice) promise to bring you back to life. As the sun comes down, head to the bar for signature margaritas (many of the excellent cocktails incorporate herbs from their rooftop orchard) and live DJ beats.
Punta Médano Ceviche Bar // The official reason to visit this intimate spot in San Lucas is its excellent seafood: fantastically fresh ceviches, tiraditos, and aguachiles prepared with subtle Nikkei touches that let the region’s bounty shine. What not many know is that the cocktails are equally excellent, making Punta Médano a great dinner/pre-game spot. The house classic, Corazón Negro, is made with mezcal, rose syrup, and squid ink, providing that mystical black hue. If you’re a margarita lover, go for the smoky Mezcalita de Piña al Pastor.
Fermento // Discreetly hiding behind a nondescript door in the San José Art Walk, this speakeasy promises a fun night out on the town. Classic cocktails are part of the draw here –think flawless martinis and Negronis–, but don’t overlook the house creations, either. Inventive sips like Sol de Cardamomo (with tequila, Aperol, elderflower liquor, and cardamom) show the team’s creative chops. Large format, shareable cocktails and live DJ sets keep the energy strong as the evening progresses.
Clandestinna (pictured) // Eye-catching and decidedly sexy, Clandestinna hides behind a red door in downtown San José and gleefully leans into the Prohibition theme to create a sense of exclusivity, indulgence, and mischief. Timeless combos like martinis and caviar are best enjoyed with the bar’s exciting musical lineup, ranging from jazz and swing nights to African beats and even burlesque performances.
Where to Visit
Ocean Safari with Dip Expeditions // Few things have impacted me as deeply as seeing whales in their habitat. It’s one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring experiences I’ve been lucky enough to do in Mexico (yes, I cried). Encounters with majestic humpbacks are probably the #1 Cabo adventure in my book, and I love Dip Expedition’s conscious, respectful approach, with small groups and expert guides at the helm. The team also leads Sardine Run dives and four-day flying ray expeditions.
San José Art Walk // As the sun goes down and your days on the beach come to a close, downtown San José offers one of the loveliest evening strolls. Held every Thursday from 5:00 to 9:00 PM (between November and June), the Art Walk invites you to slow down and explore the town’s Gallery District. Local galleries usually have intriguing exhibitions and artists-in-residence, eager to share their craft. Check out spots like Oceanside Art, focused on marine landscapes and scenes, and ARTE Gallery by Julián for organic-inspired metal sculptures.
Hikes on Cerro de la Z & Sierra de la Laguna // Cabo’s beautiful landscapes blend desert and mountain with the Pacific, and hikes are an incredible way to appreciate them from different perspectives. One of the most beloved (and easiest) trails is Cerro de la Z, accessible from Cabo San Lucas, which grants panoramic views of the city and the mountains. My personal favorite place to hike is Sierra de la Laguna, where trails lined with imposing cardon cacti lead you to a secret waterfall –perfect for a refreshing post-hike swim.
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