by Annie Walker Why go? You’re in for beach vacation with your best friends with amazing surf and sand during the day and outstanding nightlife after dark. Cabo is easy to get around, relatively inexpensive, and the food is fantastic. Hotel options are plentiful, but large house rentals are also a great deal. You will never be at a loss for something to do or see.
Best ideas: Stay at the Riu Santa Fe in one of their suites, do pool time during the day and in the evening, explore the best bars in Cabo with the Cabocrawl. Or you could rent a villa on the beach with your own private maid and chef — with that taken care of, you can enjoy a thrilling day of swimming with sharks followed by a steak dinner at Serrano’s. If music is your thing, why not get a room at the Hard Rock Hotel and customize it with your favorites guitars? Spend the day in the sun at Medano Beach and the evening dancing at El Squid Roe.
Good to know: Weather in Cabo is generally warm and sunny year round. As it’s susceptible to tropical storms, however, it’s worth considering traveling to Cabo outside peak season (August to October). A serious party town, Cabo may not be for you if you are looking for quiet and serene.
We won’t mess around here: If you’re looking for a beach-based bachelor party with more bars and clubs than you can manage — well, okay, maybe you and your buddies can manage — Cabo San Lucas, usually referred to simply as “Cabo,” is the ideal spot. As the city’s basically designed for partying at night and relaxing during the day, you and your friends will have a blast in the Mexican sun.
Travel & Essentials for a Cabo San Lucas Bachelor Party
Before you book your tickets, there are a few things you should know. Overall, the best time to visit Cabo is from April to June, when you can avoid the snowbirds who come down for the winter and still not be at risk for tropical storms. Average temperatures during this time of year are super comfortable. Cabo is a casual place with a beach vibe, so swimming gear, flip-flops, and plenty of T-shirts are a must. Evenings can be fancier if you want, so a couple of dress shirts and some long pants wouldn’t be a misstep. Jackets and ties can most definitely be left at home. Sunblock, a hat and, let’s be honest, plenty of ibuprofen, are also a good idea, and don’t forget your passport. No need for international power adapters, as Mexico and the U.S. use the same kinds of outlets and plugs. Prescription medications should be brought with you since getting anything filled in Mexico can be challenging, if not impossible.
If you’re visiting Cabo, chances are you’ll be arriving by air into Los Cabos International Airport, and it will take you about 30 to 45 minutes, or a 23-mile drive, to reach the center of Cabo San Lucas. With more than 250 flights a week going to Cabo, there are loads of connections to nearly all major U.S. cities, including Dallas, L.A., Detroit, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York. Canadian connections are also available.
Once you arrive, taxis or shared shuttle buses are your best bet for getting to your accommodations. Note that Uber cannot legally pick you up from the airport in Cabo. A trip from the airport to the city should cost you around $25 per person one-way. Some hotels and house rentals offer airport transfers for little or no cost, though, so be sure to check with them first. Public transit within downtown Cabo is nearly nonexistent besides a few buses. We suggest either having a rental car — just make sure you have a designated driver for those late nights — or, better yet, using taxis. Fares from the downtown area to most hotels are around $7 to $10. Uber is also an easy option. Walking is also very possible once downtown as many of the bars and nightlife spots are within a short distance of each other.
Located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is a bit of a world unto itself. Within a 45-minute radius from Cabo is the small town of Todos Santos, one of only 15 cities in Mexico with the distinctive label of “Pueblo Magico,” or “magic town.” Offering plenty of delicious local eats and a quieter atmosphere, it’s a lovely day trip. But on the whole, Cabo is surrounded by a whole lot of Mexican desert, so unless you want a long road trip or to get on another flight, you’re probably best sticking to the immediate Cabo San Lucas area.
You do need to keep your wits about you, no matter how much you get into the bachelor party spirit. Generally, Cabo is quite safe for tourists, and the locals will be welcoming, but it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Try to keep flashy jewelry and money to a minimum when out and about, and keep a watchful eye when using an ATM. If possible, order taxis from your hotel or use Uber. Though political hyperbole and breathless reports of cartel activities in Mexico can give many Americans the impression that the entire country is lawless and dangerous, Cabo San Lucas is considered to be one of the safer regions. If you are traveling to other parts of Mexico before or after your Cabo visit, check government travel advisories before you go, and avoid truly crime-ridden places like the border states and those with known issues with the cartels. There are other things to watch out for, too. If you’re on the beach, remember that there are no lifeguards so swimming is at your own risk. And finally, because you’ll inevitably be out and about enjoying the local cocktails, make sure to stay hydrated! Cabo is hot and dry. Compound that with booze and, well, you get the idea.
Pros and Cons of a Bachelor Party in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer that it’s hard to decide the best reason to visit. Suffice it to say, if you’re looking for a beach destination with amazing nightlife, you will be incredibly happy. Cabo is, in many ways, built for partying. Clubs and bars are endless, and most are open until very late hours of the night or early morning. Better yet, during the day you can find rest and relaxation on the sandy beaches or pristine golf courses. Food is often local and most definitely delicious. Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican gem well worth exploring.
Pros:
- Beaches and sun galore.
- Amazing and plentiful nightlife options.
- The weather is nearly always good.
- Flying to Cabo is pretty straightforward from most major U.S. cities.
- The exchange rate from pesos to dollars to quite good, generally, so your money will go a long way.
- Plenty of dining options to suit every budget and taste.
Cons:
- You will need a valid passport to get there.
- Flights and accommodation can be expensive depending on the time of year (i.e., during spring break).
- It’s hard to avoid chain restaurants and hotels — if you’re looking for a boutique experience, this may not be for you.
- Cabo tends to attract a young party crowd, so expect plenty of college students and 20-somethings, which may be a plus or a minus depending on your crew.
Best Attractions and Activities in Cabo San Lucas
It’s hard to decide whether Cabo is better during the day or at night. Here’s what we recommend you check out when the sun is up.
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Medano Beach
Playa Santa María, Auroras, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Visit Los Cabos)
Possibly the most famous beach in Cabo, this is a must-do. White sands and gorgeous, blue waters — and you can rent a chair and umbrella for $10 and be set for the day.
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Swim With Sharks
Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 24B, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Baja Shark Experience)
Need we say more?! If you want to remember your bachelor party for years to come, surely swimming with sharks is the way to do it. Multiple tour operators offer shark dives, and prices range from $95 to watch from the boat to nearly $300 for a full dive experience. So. Worth. It.
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Golfing in Cabo San Lucas
Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Quivira Golf Club)
With more than a dozen championship courses to welcome you, golfing in Los Cabos is a must. Playing golf where the desert meets the ocean is a stunner both for the challenging courses and the amazing views. Quivira Golf Club has arguably the world’s most spectacular links, with breathtaking views of the Pacific and holes that zig-zag among the cliffs — and it was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
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Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Gunn)
If you are going to Cabo, chances are you want to head straight to the beaches. But if a crowded oceanfront spot isn’t your style, some of the lesser-known beaches in the area are worth a visit. We suggest Cabo Pulmo, a National Park site, which is truly secluded and pristine. You’ll need a car to get there, as it’s about 40 minutes outside of town.
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El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of K Tao)
Also known as the “Arch at Land’s End,” this is about as classic Cabo as a giant margarita on the beach. Carved out by thousands of years of coastal erosion, it was once used as a pirate hiding spot in the 17th century. Well worth snapping that pic for the ‘gram.
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Okay. So you checked off the golfing and the beaches. Now, on to what you really came to Cabo for: the nightlife.
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CaboCrawl
Cerro de Los Venados, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of CaboCrawl)
This bar crawl is unlike any other, and is our favorite way to experience Cabo at night. The price of one ticket ($75 if booked online) gets you unlimited drinks all night (not including premium drinks), cover charges paid, and a VIP experience at each bar because nobody wants to wait in line. You’ll visit three-quarters of all the clubs in Cabo — in one night! A great way to start, or end, your Cabo adventure.
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Mandala Los Cabos
Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Centro, Ildefonso Green, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of TopBachelorParty1)
Mexico is known for its love of music and dance, and Cabo is no different. If you want an evening of all-you-can-dance fun, look no further than the iconic club Mandala Los Cabos, which calls itself the “official headquarters for party lovers” for a good reason.
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Sunset Dinner Cruise
Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Cabo Sailing)
Not just for couples, if you want something in the evening that’s chill and relaxed, a sunset dinner cruise is a good answer. These cruises will allow you time to relax with your friends and eat some delicious local food, all while enjoying the gorgeous Cabo scenery from the water. And you can be back on dry land in time for a bar (or three) afterward.
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The Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs in Cabo San Lucas
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Hotel RIU Santa Fe
Best All-Inclusive Camino Viejo a San José, Tourist Corridor, El Medano, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Hotel RIU Santa Fe)
Vibe: Catering to large groups, this massive all-inclusive hotel has just about everything you could want. Swim-up bars, massive pools, a waterpark, and all only a 10-minute drive from Medano Beach. Book early because this hotspot fills up fast.
Price: Rates start around $150 a night.
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Airbnb: Renting a Mexican Villa
Best for Large Groups Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of HomeAway)
Vibe: Renting an entire home is a great option when visiting Cabo with a large group. Some, like this stunner, come not just with pools, hot tubs, and beachfront views but a maid and a private chef. Reasons to leave the villa on any given day become questionable.
Price: Rates vary depending on the number of bedrooms, but this five-bedroom property starts at $900 per night.
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The Cape
Worth the Splurge México 1 Km 5, Misiones del Cabo, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of The Cape)
Vibe: Private villas within hotels are also possible, often offering the best of both worlds. The Cape is no exception, ranked as one of the finest hotels in Cabo.
Price: A 1,300-square-foot villa for four will cost around $900 a night.
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Sandos Finisterra
Best If You Like Resort-Style Activities Blvd. Paseo de la Marina S/N, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Sandos Finisterra)
Vibe: A well-known Cabo resort, this is the place if you’re looking for lots to do at your hotel. They offer a cupcake bar, a nightclub, and even throw their own beachside White Party every week. This all-inclusive resort has almost enough to make you never want to leave the property.
Price: Rates start around $215 per night. Suites are also available.
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Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
Best If You Want to Live Like a Celebrity Fraccionamiento Diamante, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos)
Vibe: You really can’t plan a bachelor party without considering a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos. This iconic brand offers you rooms with every amenity, multiple pools, and music, music, music! Want to rent one of 20 unique Fender guitars, with an amp, straight to your room? You can. Or create a personalized playlist for your stay? Sure.
Price: Rates start around $300 a night.
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Airbnb: Casa Fortuna, a Luxury 5-Star Villa
Best "Go Big or Go Home" Splurge Palmilla, Baja California Sur, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Vibe: This gorgeous 8,000-square-foot luxury Spanish Colonial villa, Casa Fortuna, is the ultimate bachelor party crash pad, complete with six bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, plush veranda, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the blue waters of Pacific.
Price: At $2,100 a night, it’s totally worth the splurge for an unforgettable trip with the guys.
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The Best Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
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Lolita's Restaurante
Best Hangover Cure Calle Mariano Matamoros S/N, Downtown, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Lolita’s Restaurante)
After a night out, Mexicans consider chilaquiles (tortillas with beans, chile sauce, eggs, and cheese) to be the best hangover cure, and moderately priced Lolita’s has some of the finest. If the hair of the dog is what you’re after, their fresh orange margarita will cure whatever ails you. Decorated in true Mexican style, this place is a winner for breakfast or lunch.
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Tabasco Beach Restaurant and Bar
Best Place for People Watching Playa el Medano sn Medano Beach, El Medano Ejidal, 23428 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Tabasco Beach Restaurant and Bar)
Located quite literally on Medano Beach, Tabasco Beach is a great spot for lunch, featuring a down-to-earth menu of burgers, seafood, and eggs in any style. Sit under the umbrellas at its tables on the beach and enjoy both the food and all the people-watching. It’s moderately priced, as well.
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Baja Brewing Company
Best Brewery by the Beach Cabo Villas Resort - Callejon del Pescador S/N, Cjon. Pescadores, El Medano Ejidal, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Baja Brewing Company)
If you’re looking for a lunch spot and an immersive beer experience, this is the place, though it is on the pricier end for daytime meals. Start with a guided tour of the brewery, follow it with a sampling of six different beers, then head out to the garden for lunch (and more beer!) Reservations are required.
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La Catrina Restaurant & Bar
Best Affordable Beachside Spot Av. del Pescador 1, El Medano Ejidal, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of La Catrina Restaurant & Bar)
Quality Mexican food served on the beach, what could be better? Often called a must-do for anyone visiting Cabo, the guacamole made table-side is one you have to try. La Catrina can easily accommodate large groups, and the prices are very affordable.
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Serrano: Wine, Seafood & Grill
Best Upscale Surf and Turf Calle Flor de Pithaya Mz 7 Lt 34, Jacarandas, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Serrano: Wine, Seafood & Grill)
When a night out with the boys calls for steak, you could visit Ruth’s Chris in Cabo, but why not try something you won’t find at your local strip mall? Serrano’s chef, Rodrigo Moreno, grills up regular ribeye steaks, cowboy steaks, and more with a true Mexican flare and a price tag that’s not too hefty for a steakhouse. A family-owned and operated spot, it often has live music during meals.
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Lorenzillo’s
Best for Vegans and Vegetarians Blvd, Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Lorenzillo’s Restaurant)
If you’re looking for a veggie- or vegan-friendly restaurant that’s also absolutely high-quality and delicious, look no further. Featuring seafood options as well, Lorenzillo’s offers amazing lobster, local fish, and fresh shrimp, though it’s among the more expensive places in town.
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Most restaurants in the Cabo area will stop serving food around 10 or 11 p.m., so for late-night eats, your best bets are some of the bigger dance clubs and party spots. Here are two of our favorites.
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Señor Frog’s
Best Place to Live Out Your Spring Break Fantasies Del Manantial, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Señor Frog’s)
This place is a classic with franchises in many of the world’s top party destinations. But what’s better is that the food here is actually delicious. For a late-night bite, and some fantastic people-watching, Señor Frog’s delivers with a menu ranging from wings to sliders to pasta — any craving can be satisfied. Plus, it’s cheap.
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The Giggling Marlin
Best American-Style Fare Blvd. Paseo de la Marina s/n, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of The Giggling Marlin)
As one of the first American restaurants in Cabo, the Giggling Marlin serves up delicious burgers and American classics, along with traditional Mexican fare. Plus, they have their very own Giggling Marlin “ultra premium” tequila, which they claim requires no salt or lime — that’s something worth trying. The Marlin’s also an inexpensive place for a late-night bite.
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The Best Bars and Clubs in Cabo San Lucas
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El Squid Roe
Best Legendary Nightclub Av. Lázaro Cárdenas e/ Zaragoza y Morelos s/n Centro, Centro, Ildefonso Green, 23454 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of El Squid Roe)
Moderately priced. Completely iconic. Multiple floors of fun, drinks, and dancing. El Squid Roe is not to be missed on any visit to Cabo.
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The Nowhere Bar
Best Views Local 12-A, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 17, Centro, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Pablo Marron)
With excellent views of the marina and yachts, The Nowhere Bar is a great spot for drinks and atmosphere. Inside and outside, you’ll find plenty of seating, music, and dancing.
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Mango Deck Restaurante, Bar & Beach Club
Best Beach Bar Playa El Medano S/N, El Medano Ejidal, El Medano, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Mango Deck Restaurante, Bar & Beach Club)
If you want to drink with your feet in the sand, Mango Deck is the spot. “The most swimmable bar in Cabo,” offers your classic selection of cocktails in an impeccable beach setting and is a fun place to be both during the day and in the evening.
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Best Strip Clubs in Cabo San Lucas
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Splash Cabo
Best Gentlemen's Club Vicente Guerrero S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Splash Cabo)
“The Crown Jewel of Cabo” offers four floors of gentlemen’s activities, and is the only licensed fully nude club in Cabo. Nightly cabaret shows and premium cocktails are also available.
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3 Potrillos Gentlemans Club
Best Strip Club Ampliación Juárez, 23469 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
(Photo courtesy of 3 Potrillos Gentlemans Club)
Conveniently located on the main road in downtown Cabo, this club offers exactly what you’d expect: beautiful girls, hot music, and plenty of drinks. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
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Bottom Line
At the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a world of its own — an all-night, all-day, sun, sand, and party kind of world. Grab your passport and your best friends, and Cabo will be ready for you with strong margaritas, gorgeous beaches, and activities to suit every desire.
