Downtown Cabo San Lucas
Vibrant heart of Cabo San Lucas, offering lively nightlife, diverse dining from street food to upscale, and access to iconic marine adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant nightlife and dining
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
Best Time
Vibrant nightlife and dining

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant heart of Cabo San Lucas, offering lively nightlife, diverse dining from street food to upscale, and access to iconic marine adventures.
"The atmosphere is absolutely amazing! Great food, drinks, and friendly staff!"
🎯 Clear Boat Adventure
Don't miss a clear boat tour for amazing underwater views near the Arch! Book through your hotel for ease.
👟 Sunscreen Smarts
Avoid spray sunscreen on boats; it's slippery and bad for the boat!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Arch
Land's End
Witness the dramatic natural rock formations where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. A must-see symbol of Cabo.

Clear Boat Tours
Marina
Explore underwater wonders without getting wet! These unique boats offer a transparent view of marine life near the Arch.

Downtown Cabo's Culinary Scene
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
From street tacos to upscale Italian, Downtown Cabo offers a delicious array of dining options for every palate.

Marina Atmosphere
Cabo San Lucas Marina
Stroll along the marina, enjoy waterfront dining, and soak in the bustling energy of boats and lively establishments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Cash vs. Card & Gas Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Clear Boat Adventure
Don't miss a clear boat tour for amazing underwater views near the Arch! Book through your hotel for ease.
👟 Sunscreen Smarts
Avoid spray sunscreen on boats; it's slippery and bad for the boat!
🌮 Street Food Delights
Explore Downtown Cabo for incredible street food, especially marlin fish tacos!
💰 Cash for Convenience
Carry some pesos for smaller purchases and tips, though cards are widely accepted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Clear Boat Adventure
Don't miss a clear boat tour for amazing underwater views near the Arch! Book through your hotel for ease.
👟 Sunscreen Smarts
Avoid spray sunscreen on boats; it's slippery and bad for the boat!
🌮 Street Food Delights
Explore Downtown Cabo for incredible street food, especially marlin fish tacos!
💰 Cash for Convenience
Carry some pesos for smaller purchases and tips, though cards are widely accepted.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit iconic spots like the Arch during golden hour for the most stunning photos.
⚽ Catch the Game
Sports bars in Downtown Cabo are great for watching your favorite teams with good food and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Downtown Cabo San Lucas to be an amazing place with a fantastic atmosphere, great food, and friendly staff. The marina is pretty, though some find it small. While the dining options are delicious, prices can be expensive, and some visitors noted a lack of a distinct 'old town' feel.
"Lots of businesses near the marina. Disappointingly, couldn't find the old town square."
Tony S.
"Visited while on Vacation very happy we did! Atmosphere absolutely amazing! Great food drinks and friendly staff!"
Mary Washington
"I love Cabo. I will be visiting again."
David Beebe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), you can take a pre-booked shuttle, taxi, or rent a car to reach Downtown Cabo San Lucas. Shuttles are often the most cost-effective for solo travelers or couples, while taxis offer direct convenience. The drive typically takes about 45-60 minutes.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas is very walkable, especially the areas around the marina. For longer distances or exploring nearby areas, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. Many visitors find it convenient to explore on foot.
The most common ways to travel between San Jose del Cabo and Downtown Cabo San Lucas are by taxi, rental car, or the local bus system. The bus is the most budget-friendly option. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
Yes, local buses run frequently along the main corridor connecting Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, making it an affordable way to get around. Taxis are also abundant.
Driving in Downtown Cabo San Lucas can be busy, especially during peak hours. Be aware of local driving customs and watch out for pedestrians. If you're concerned about gas station scams, ask locals for recommendations or stick to well-known chains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's often recommended to book popular boat tours, like the clear boat excursions to the Arch, in advance, especially during peak season. You can book through your hotel or online platforms.
Accessing the Arch area via boat tour typically includes the cost of the tour. Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach are accessible by water taxi or tour, and while there isn't a direct entrance fee, the boat ride is the primary cost.
Most boat tours operate during daylight hours, with departures throughout the day. Restaurants and bars in Downtown Cabo San Lucas generally stay open late into the evening.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets for boat tours and activities directly from vendors at the marina or through tour operators. However, booking ahead can sometimes secure better prices or availability.
Absolutely! Strolling along the marina, exploring the streets of Downtown Cabo, and enjoying the beach atmosphere are all free activities. You can also find live music in some public areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The iconic Arch at Land's End is a must-see, best experienced via boat tour. Exploring the vibrant marina, discovering local street food, and enjoying the nightlife in Downtown Cabo are also highly recommended.
Activities include boat tours to the Arch, clear boat excursions, sportfishing charters, exploring the marina, enjoying diverse restaurants and bars, shopping, and experiencing the local nightlife.
Yes, Downtown Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of shopping options, from souvenir shops and local artisan crafts to boutiques. The marina area is particularly popular for its shops.
Downtown Cabo San Lucas is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It's a hub for dining, entertainment, and nightlife, with a bustling marina.
While Cabo San Lucas is more known for its natural beauty and modern attractions, the downtown area offers a glimpse into local life. Some visitors have noted a lack of a distinct 'old town square.'
[^Reviews]🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Downtown Cabo boasts a wide range of dining, from upscale Italian at Romeo y Julieta
to fresh seafood at Pete's Fish House. Don't miss the vibrant street food scene for authentic tacos, including marlin fish tacos.The streets of Downtown Cabo San Lucas are filled with vendors offering delicious and authentic Mexican street food. Look out for taco stands, especially those serving marlin fish tacos, for a true local experience.
Restaurant prices in the marina area can be on the higher side, reflecting the prime location. However, exploring further into Downtown Cabo can reveal more budget-friendly and equally delicious dining options, including excellent street food. [^Reviews]
You'll find a diverse culinary scene, with popular options including fresh seafood, Mexican street food, Italian, and American fare. Many restaurants offer stunning marina views.
Yes, Downtown Cabo San Lucas has several sports bars, like Cabo Cantina and Sancho's, where you can catch live games while enjoying food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arch at Land's End is a prime photo opportunity, especially during golden hour. The marina offers scenic views of boats and the waterfront. Exploring the colorful streets of Downtown also provides great photo ops.
Golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful and dramatic lighting for photos in Cabo.
Clear boat tours offer a unique perspective for photos, allowing you to capture marine life and the underwater world. It's a different kind of photography experience compared to landscape shots.
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Also, avoid using spray sunscreen on boats as it can be hazardous.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially street performers or vendors. A small tip might be appreciated.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Couples & Nightlife Enthusiasts
🎣 Anglers & Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Arch and Land's End
When planning your visit to Land's End, consider the time of day. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most breathtaking light for photography, casting a warm glow on the rock formations. While you can't walk to the Arch, many boat tours allow you to disembark at Lover's Beach for a short period, giving you a chance to feel the sand between your toes and capture stunning photos of the Arch from the shore. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as there are no facilities on the beaches themselves.
Downtown Cabo's Culinary Delights
For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Downtown Cabo also hosts excellent restaurants. From Italian cuisine at places like Romeo y Julieta to fresh seafood at Pete's Fish House, there are options for every palate. The marina area, while potentially pricier, offers beautiful views and a lively atmosphere. [^Reviews] Many establishments, like Cabo Cantina, are also great spots to catch live sports games while enjoying food and drinks, blending entertainment with dining.
Navigating Downtown Cabo: Practical Tips
Getting around Downtown is generally easy, as the area is quite walkable, especially around the marina. For longer distances or exploring beyond the immediate downtown core, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. If you're looking to travel between Downtown Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the local bus system offers an affordable option, with taxis and rental cars also being viable choices. Remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated, as the Mexican sun can be intense. Avoid spray sunscreens on boats, as they can make surfaces slippery and are detrimental to the boat's condition.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit