Where to Stay in Cabo in 2024 | Best Areas & Hotels

When it comes to beautiful beachfront resorts, few places can match Cabo, with its wide selection of all-inclusive accommodations, fine dining establishments, and water activities. Here’s what you need to know to find where to stay in Cabo.

The Best Places to Stay in Cabo

Most people want to stay near the beach when visiting Cabo, but with miles of beachfront properties, deciding where to stay isn’t so simple. To help you out, here are five of the best parts of Cabo San Lucas:

1. Downtown Cabo San Lucas: Best for partying and budget travelers
2. Pedregal: Best for luxury travelers and panoramic views
3. Marina: Best for water activities and seafood
4. Medano Beach: Best for beachgoers and nightlife
5. Tourist Corridor: Best for shopping and secluded getaways

Where to Stay in Cabo: Best Areas & Hotels

Cabo San Lucas spreads out from the Marina to include a large part of the surrounding coastline. From the secluded beaches of the Tourist Corridor to the lavish villas in Pedregal, there’s a lot to explore.

Here’s your guide to finding the best place to stay in Cabo San Lucas.

1. Downtown Cabo San Lucas

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Downtown Cabo San Lucas sits just a few blocks from the beaches and marina to the south and east. As it’s further from the beaches, the hotels don’t fill up as quickly and tend to offer lower prices.

It’s a great spot for budget travelers and those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture. Staying in downtown Cabo gives you more opportunities to engage with locals, whether you’re shopping at a local market or visiting a historic landmark.

The area also has a thriving art scene. You’ll find street art, galleries, and museums throughout downtown. Downtown Cabo also offers a more eclectic mix of dining options.

Along with street food and the typical Mexican dishes, you’re more likely to find international cuisine and various gastronomic experiences to suit any taste or budget.

Depending on where you stay in downtown Cabo, you may also be treated to breathtaking views. Some of the hotels stand high above the rest of the cityscape, giving you a clear view of the rest of the city, the marina, and the Sea of Cortez.

Things to Do

• Shop and dine as you take a stroll through the Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza.
• Dance or enjoy the music and performers at the Plaza Publica Leon Cota Colin urban square.
• Walk over to Plaza Bonita to shop, drink, or book a boat tour.
• Get ready to party late as you explore downtown Cabo’s nightlife scene.

Where to Eat

• Tacos Gardenias for Mexican street-style cuisine, including tacos
• Pan Di Bacco for Italian food with a cozy ambiance and low prices
• Mariscos Guasave for seafood and an elegant setting
• Cabocrawl for organized barhopping through the best bars in Downtown Cabo

Downtown Cabo San Lucas Budget Hotels

• Hotel Colonos Los Cabos. This budget hotel offers a variety of room types to suit solo travelers and large families, along with providing comfortable furnishings and a charming atmosphere. Several fast-food restaurants are a short walk away.
• Estancia Real Los Cabos. If you want to stay closer to the beaches, try this low-cost hotel. It offers small but comfy rooms and convenient access to the Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas Mid-Range Hotels

• Casa Palo Verde. With large rooms and a long list of amenities, this mid-range hotel stands out for giving you all the comforts of home. It’s also reasonably priced and a short trip from several markets and restaurants.
• Hotel Santa Fe Los Cabos. This spot has spacious suites at great prices. Some of the highlights of this three-star hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a coffee house.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas Luxury Hotels

• Fairfield by Marriott Los Cabos. This is one of the most luxurious places to stay in downtown Cabo but won’t break your budget. It offers large rooms with a mini fridge and access to a breakfast buffet, along with an outdoor pool and views of the city.
• Donjuan by Melida Hotel. Located close to the Marina, this high-end hotel is also one of the top-rated places to stay in Cabo. It offers large poolside rooms and a welcoming staff that treats each guest with exceptional service.

See All Hotels in Cabo

2. Pedregal

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Pedregal is an upscale neighborhood in Cabo San Lucas, found just west of the Marina and main beaches. It offers a great mix of luxury and unique charm, with dozens of large estates perched on the hillside.

Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the city. You’ll also get more privacy and seclusion compared to most of the areas in Cabo.

Pedregal has many gated areas and exclusive resorts. Pedregal is also close to the downtown area and the surrounding beaches. In fact, some of the hotels and resorts in the area have private beach access on the southern coast, away from the bustling activity near Medano Beach.

These spots tend to have fewer crowds, allowing you to truly enjoy your time in the sand or the water. While Pedregal offers a luxurious stay, not everyone has the budget for this neighborhood.

If you’re looking for the lowest prices, you may want to try one of the other areas. This area has a few of the highest-priced hotels and resorts in Cabo.

Things to Do

• Explore the picturesque streets of Pedregal with a stroll through the neighborhood.
• Hike to the top of Pedregal Ridge for a view of downtown Cabo and the marina.
• Relax in the sand or the water at Playa El Faro – one of the less crowded beaches.
• Learn more about the local culture with a trip to the Cultural Center.

Where to Eat

• Taco Bar Pedregal for freshly made tacos and a laid-back atmosphere
• La Nao for brunch or dinner featuring Mexican cuisine and great prices
• El Farallon for fine dining with sweeping views of the ocean
• Sky Pool Bar at The Resort at Pedregal for drinks and a panoramic vantage point

Pedregal Budget Hotels

• Castillo Blarney Inn. Located in the northern part of Pedregal, this hotel offers elegant rooms at low prices without skipping any amenities. Most rooms include a microwave, fridge, and small kitchen area, along with access to an outdoor pool and daily housekeeping.
• Casa Robyn. This budget hotel is one of the most affordable places to stay in Pedregal and includes several surprising features, including an onsite coffee shop and balconies with views of the city. It also has a lovely outdoor dining area and garden.

Pedregal Mid-Range Hotels

• Pedregal Suites. Enjoy convenient access to the beach, the Marina, and downtown Cabo with a stay at this mid-range hotel. It’s a short walk from some of the most popular sites in the city, including Pedregal Beach and Medano Beach.
• Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort. This all-inclusive resort has everything you need for a great vacation, including onsite restaurants, pools, and bars. It also has a private beach and offers whale-watching tours.

Pedregal Luxury Hotels

• Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort. This is another all-inclusive resort and a great place for those wanting a variety of dining options, as it has seven onsite restaurants. Other features include six swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a golf course.
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Enjoy the high life with a stay at the most luxurious destination in Cabo. This resort offers world-class service, stately rooms, private pools, and so much more for those that can afford the high price tag.

See All Hotels in Cabo

3. Marina

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – August 14th, 2019: Embankment, waterfront and harbor in overcast day/Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock

The Marina area is always bustling with activity, with boats coming and going and a seemingly endless array of street vendors. It’s also near some of the other popular parts of Cabo, such as the downtown area, Pedregal, and Medano Beach.

However, the Marina has plenty to offer as well, including shopping opportunities and many dining options. From casual seafood to upscale restaurants and street food, you can find it all.

The boardwalk is one of the most popular areas of this neighborhood, as it’s where you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants. It’s also a great place to watch people and boats.

Due to the many high-priced yachts and boats docked in the Marina, it’s also heavily patrolled. It’s considered one of the safest parts of the city, but people in the area still know how to party.

Music spills out of the bars and lounges near the boardwalk late into the night. The Marina is where boats dock, which means it’s also the starting point for many water activities, including boat tours, snorkeling trips, and diving excursions.

Things to Do

• Watch the ships come in or catch a sunset view as you stroll the Marina Boardwalk.
• Look down to spot marine life as you go on a glass-bottom boat tour around the Sea of Cortez.
• Shop for fresh produce and handmade goods at the Marina Market on Saturdays.
• Get close to the dolphins with a trip to Cabo Dolphins near the Marina.

Where to Eat

• Chubby Noodle Cabo for noodles and Asian cuisine
• Solomon’s Landing for traditional Mexican fare, seafood, or sushi surrounded by nautical décor
• Sunset Monalisa for upscale dining and an elegant setting with views of the ocean
• Baja Brewing Company for handcrafted beer at a rooftop bar with a relaxed vibe

Marina Budget Hotels

• Capital O Hotel Dos Mares. As one of many budget hotels in the area, this place isn’t very unique but offers a prime location for starting your adventure across Cabo. It’s a short walk from the pier and some of the most popular beaches.
• Hotel Maria Elena. With comfy rooms and low prices, this hotel is a great option for those that plan on spending most of their time exploring the city or out on the beach. Several restaurants and bars are also nearby.

Marina Mid-Range Hotels

• Los Milagros Hotel. Bordering the downtown area, this is another convenient spot with access to many bars, shops, and restaurants. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Some options include access to a sun deck or views of the garden.
• Cabo Tortuga Hotel Boutique. With a large coffee shop and many outdoor seating areas, this hotel has a laid-back vibe that fits the beachside setting. It also has an onsite restaurant, free breakfast, and a bar.

Marina Luxury Hotels

• Collection O Casa Bella Hotel Boutique. Featuring large rooms and a sprawling garden, this fancy hotel has a unique charm and many amenities. All rooms include a safety deposit box and a minibar.
• Mayan Monkey Los Cabos. This high-end hotel has many wonderful features, including a nightclub and a restaurant serving Mexican and American cuisine. It’s a popular spot for those that want to party, as it’s near the beach and some of the top clubs in the area.

See All Hotels in Cabo

4. Medano Beach

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Medano Beach, or El Medano Ejidal, is a bustling coastal area of Cabo San Lucas located just north of the marina and southwest of the Tourist Corridor. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in Cabo and probably the rest of Baja California Sur.

The golden sand and crystal-clear water make it a top destination, even if you’re just passing through this part of the city. If you enjoy water activities, Medano Beach has you covered.

It’s got snorkeling, diving tours, fishing charters, jet ski rentals, and more. Of course, you can also splash in the gentle waves or spend the day soaking up the sun on the soft, sandy shores. The area also includes many beachfront bars, restaurants, shops, and resorts.

You can dine, shop, and sleep less than a block from the beach. Some spots are right on the beach, giving you waterfront dining with ocean views.

With the selection of bars and beach parties, Medano Beach may not be ideal for families but stands out as the best place for those wanting to cut loose and have a good time. The area comes to life at night, especially around major holidays, such as spring break.

Things to Do

• Soak up the sun or splash in the water at Medano Beach.
• Ride a boat to the famous El Arco rock formations off the coast of the city.
• Walk Playa El Medano Boardwalk to browse shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
• Get a better view of the beach with a short flight over the water from Cabo Sky Tours.

Where to Eat

• The Office on the Beach for low-cost seafood dishes and a lively atmosphere
• Edith’s of Eden for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a relaxed environment
• SUR Beach House for upscale dining with views of the ocean
• The Rooftop at The Cape for drinks and a trendy vibe with panoramic vistas

Medano Beach Budget Hotels

• Seven Crown Express & Suites by Kavia. Located just south of downtown, this is a convenient place to stay for those that want to see more of the city. It’s also affordable and a short walk from the beach.
• Fairfield by Marriott Los Cabos. This budget hotel doesn’t offer a lot, other than an outdoor pool, but it’s near the beach and the top restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. You can also start your day right with a filling buffet breakfast.

Medano Beach Mid-Range Hotels

• Medano Hotel and Spa. This hotel is just across from the beach and a short walk from the downtown area. It’s another convenient choice for seeing more of the city but also includes many creature comforts, including large rooms and onsite dining options.
• Bahia Hotel & Beach House. Located a short walk from the beach, this mid-range hotel is a top pick for those that want to spend most of the day on the sand or in the water. It also has an outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant.

Medano Beach Luxury Hotels

• Corazon Cabo – A Noble House Resort. With an infinite pool and views of the ocean, this hotel offers an unforgettable experience. There are also many options when it comes to food and drinks. You can grab drinks at the Baja Brewing rooftop bar, enjoy a bite from the seafood grill, or visit any of the nearby restaurants and clubs.
• Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Blanco Beach Resort. This resort is hands down the most luxurious place to stay in Medano Beach. It’s an all-inclusive resort on the beach with restaurants, spacious rooms, panoramic views, and staff that treat you like a celebrity.

See All Hotels in Cabo

5. Tourist Corridor

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As the name implies, the Tourist Corridor is a stretch of land in Cabo that caters to tourists. It’s a strip of beachfront properties that stretches the coastline between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

It’s further from the downtown area and the large villas of Pedregal, which helps give the Tourist Corridor a more relaxed atmosphere.

You’re also surrounded by more nature, as many of the resorts and hotels have the ocean on one side and lush forests on the other. This creates a more secluded atmosphere and more privacy compared to staying near Medano Beach or downtown Cabo.

There are plenty of secluded beaches and private resorts for those seeking a more tranquil and relaxing vacation. Many of the hotels and resorts offer private beach access and a long list of amenities for a comfortable stay.

The variety of places to stay in the Tourist Corridor also means that there’s something for everyone, whether you’d prefer a world-class spa and wellness center or a budget hotel.

Keep in mind that it takes longer to reach the historic sites and shops in downtown Cabo and the bustling marina when staying in the Tourist Corridor. Yet, it’s a little more relaxing in this area.

Things to Do

• Snorkel, dive, swim, or play in the sand at Palmilla Beach.
• Get your camera ready during a whale-watching tour off the coast of the Tourist Corridor.
• Travel up the coast for a day trip to neighboring San Jose del Cabo.
• Get your adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump or ATV tour at Wild Canyon Adventures amusement park.

Where to Eat

• Café B for affordable breakfast foods and coffee
• Puerto San Lucas for seafood at a family restaurant with a beachfront setting
• Cocina del Mar for upscale dining featuring coastal cuisine
• Sky Bar for drinks or dinner at a rooftop lounge with views of the ocean

Tourist Corridor Budget Hotels

• City Express Suites by Marriott Cabo San Lucas. Featuring comfortable rooms with no frills, budget travelers may enjoy a stay at this low-cost hotel from a major hotel chain. It has rooms to suit individual travelers and families, along with vending machines and room service.
• Comfort Inn & Suites Los Cabos. This isn’t the highest-rated hotel in the area, but it’s cheap and has an outdoor swimming pool. Several restaurants are just down the street and depending on the type of room, you may get a view of the city or the ocean.

Tourist Corridor Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Los Patios. Located closer to Medano Beach, this highly-rated hotel is near downtown and many of the other attractions in the city. You can also stay put for meals from the onsite restaurant and bar, which features international and Mexican cuisine.
• Sunrock Hotel & Suites. This is a relatively affordable mid-range hotel found a few miles east of downtown Cabo. It includes an onsite coffee shop and is just a short walk from an international-style restaurant.

Tourist Corridor Luxury Hotels

• El Encanto All Inclusive Resort. This all-inclusive resort is a few miles from downtown Cabo but has everything you need for a fun trip. You can spend most of your time on the property enjoying the variety of onsite features, including restaurants, a kid’s room, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a private beach, and horseback riding.
• Montage Los Cabos. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from this five-star hotel. It’s a luxurious hotel with rooms that are fitted like small apartments, complete with kitchens and fridges. Your room should also include a hot tub and a private balcony.

See All Hotels in Cabo

So, Where Should You Stay in Cabo?

Cabo San Lucas has dozens of beaches, many things to see and do, and a wide array of hotels and resorts. Whether you’re looking for the lowest price or the most luxurious stay, Cabo has options to match your needs.