Cabo is one of those destinations that is the perfect escape – warm weather, beautiful beaches, amazing food, and a nightlife scene that can be as chill or as chaotic as you want it to be. It’s so easy to get to from the West Coast, super walkable if you stay near downtown or Medano Beach, and perfect for a long weekend trip.
This itinerary is based on staying near downtown Cabo San Lucas – somewhere like Pueblo Bonito – where you’re steps from the marina, Medano Beach, The Office, Mango Deck, and all the go-out spots. But I also included hotel area breakdowns below if you’d prefer a more romantic, resort-forward stay.
Whether you’re here for a relaxing beach escape, a fun girls’ trip, or a warm-weather getaway with great food and even better sunsets, 3-days in Cabo is the perfect amount of time and this guide will help you make the most of it!
Table of Contents
Quick Deets: What to Know Before You Go
- Trip Length: 3 days
- Best For: Couples, friend trips, sun lovers, nightlife, weekend getaways
- Best Time to Visit: October – June for ideal weather; July – September is hotter with occasional storms
- Where to Stay: Cabo San Lucas Downtown for nightlife + walkability; San Jose Del Cabo for romantic resorts
- Getting There: Fly into SJD, which is about 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas
- Getting Around: Walkable in the downtown/Medano area; taxis or Uber for resort corridor spots
Is Cabo Safe?
Yes – Cabo San Lucas is generally very safe, especially in the downtown/Medano Beach area where most visitors stay. Just stick to well-lit areas at night, keep an eye on your drinks, and use taxis or Uber if you’re heading home late instead of walking long distances. As with any tourist destination, keep valuables close and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
How to Get From SJD to Cabo San Lucas
Getting from the airport to Cabo San Lucas is easy, but you’ll want to pre-book transportation to make your journey as easy as possible.
- Private Shuttle: ~$100 per ride (up to 5 people)
- If you have 4-5 people in a group, it’s besst to just boook a private shuttle in advance. You’ll be paying similar prices per person as the shared shuttle. When I come with a group, we book through Viator HERE for $100, and have always had easy, good experiences.
- Shared Shuttle: $20 – $30 per person
- If you’re a couple or in a small group, a shared shuttle is an easy and cost effective way to make it to your hotel. While you can typically hop on one of these when you get to the airport, I find it to be easier to book in advance, for safety and ease. I’ve also booked this through Viator HERE for $22pp.
- Taxi: $65 – $100
- Another option is to grab a taxi right from the airport. You’ll find the official taxi stand right past the people selling shuttles, outside of the main airport area. Since you’ll likely end up paying similar rates as a private shuttle, I don’t find it to be worth the terk.
- Uber: Not allowed from the airport (only in town)
- Rideshares pickups are not allowed into the airport area, so unfortunately, you won’t be able to call a ride to pick you up unless you walk outside of the airport boundaries.
- You can call an Uber to drop you off at the airport, though!
I personally have never found it necessary to rent a car when in Cabo, especially if staying near Downtown. A lot of restaurants are walkable, and when you need it, there are plenty of taxis and Ubers available.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
Choosing the right area will really shape your trip in Cabo. The Los Cabos region is split into two main hubs – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo – and each has a totally different vibe depending on what you want (nightlife vs. romance, walkability vs. resort seclusion).
Downtown Cabo San Lucas – Best for Friend Trips & the Going-Out Crowd
This area is walkable, lively, and super convenient if you want to be near the action. You can walk to the marina, beach bars, sunset cruises, taco spots, and the full nightlife lineup (Nowhere Bar, Squid Roe, The Club, etc.).
Best for you if:
- You’re coming with friends
- You want easy beach access + restaurants + nightlife
- You want to walk everywhere
- You like having shops, bars, and the marina right outside your door
Walkable hotel picks:
- Pueblo Bonito Rose or Blanco: Lively, beachfront, walkable.
- ME Cabo: Trendy, party-forward, high energy.
- Corazón Cabo: Modern, stylish, great rooftop + beach club.
- Villa del Arco: Relaxed, beachfront, big rooms.
This is the “fun Cabo” zone – perfect for group trips, bachelorettes, or anyone who wants to be in the middle of it all.
San Jose Del Cabo – Best for Couples & a More Romantic, Resort-Forward Trip
San José del Cabo is the quieter, more upscale, more romantic side of Los Cabos – about 30-35 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Think luxury resorts, beautiful landscaping, infinity pools, spa days, and peaceful beaches.
It’s not walkable and not nightlife-focused – this is where you stay when you want to relax, unwind, and enjoy your resort.
BEST FOR YOU IF:
- You’re a couple looking for something more romantic and quiet
- You want a “resort vacation” where you barely leave the property
- You’re not planning to go out much at night
- You want a more upscale, relaxing experience
Top San Jose Del Cabo Resorts:
- Marquis Los Cabos: All suites + adults only – dreamy for couples
- Las Ventanas al Paraíso: Ultra-luxury, private, honeymoon-level
- Viceroy: Modern, architectural, design lovers.
- One&Only Palmilla: Classic luxury, swimmable beach.
This area feels more secluded and dreamy – ideal for honeymoons or couples’ escapes.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
- Friend trip? Stay Cabo San Lucas Downtown area – you’ll be able to walk everywhere, go out at night, and get the full Cabo energy.
- Couples trip? Stay in the San José del Cabo – quieter, more romantic, and more resort-style.
- A mix of both? Stay downtown but book one nice dinner or spa day at a corridor resort.
At a Glance: Your 3-Day Cabo Itinerary
| DAY | MORNING | AFTERNOON | EVENING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive + Medano Beach | Beach time + marina stroll | Sunset cruise + dinner at The Office |
| Day 2 | Boat tour or hotel pool | Recharge + glam time | Rooftop 360 → Bagatelle dinner → Night out |
| Day 3 | Slow morning | Mango Deck day party | Casual dinner or round two out |
Day 1: Arrival, Medano Beach, Sunset Cruise & Dinner at The Office
8AM-12PM: Arrive in Cabo + Check In
Depending on your flight, you’ll likely land anywhere from late morning to early afternoon. From the airport, Cabo San Lucas is only a 40-45 minute drive. We chose to book a shuttle service from the airport to our hotel, which I recommend doing. But take a quick stop at the airport bar outside and grab a margarita before you get going!
When you arrive at your hotel drop your bags, change into beach clothes, and head straight outside – day one shouldn’t be for overcomplicating, just start enjoying the day!
12PM – 3PM: Medano Beach Afternoon
Your first afternoon is all about settling in. Medano Beach is the liveliest and most swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas, so it’s the perfect introduction to the city. You can grab chairs from your hotel, order your first margarita of the trip, and take in the constant buzz of jet skis, paddleboards, vendors, and beach bars lining the shoreline. The water here is warm and calm enough to swim, and the people-watching alone is entertainment.
This is also a great moment to decompress after the travel morning. If you want something quick to hold you over, grab ceviche or chips + guac from a beach vendor or your hotel’s beach service.
3PM – 5PM: Marina Walk + Pre-Cruise Drinks
Once you’ve had your fill of sun, head back to rinse off and regroup before your sunset cruise. From most Medano-area hotels it’s a short walk to the Marina Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll spend a little time exploring before boarding the cruise.
The marina is great for a slow wander – boats coming and going, pelicans perched on railings, small shops selling beachwear and cold drinks. It’s a nice transition from beach mode to a more scenic, relaxed evening.
5PM – 7PM: Sunset Cruise
Cabo sunsets are different, and the absolute best way to see one is from the water. Cruises will take you past all the iconic Cabo spots like El Arco, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, and the dramatic rock formations of Land’s End.
Most cruises include drinks and music, and the lighting is unreal – the ocean turns gold and the whole coastline glows. It’s one of the best ways to kick off your first night in Cabo!
We booked ours through Viator (HERE) for $106 per person and had the absolute best time, but you can find sunset cruises that range from $60-$150 per person, pending on what you are looking for! Try to book at least 2+ weeks in advance, especially during key summer months where they will sell out.
7:30PM – 9:30PM: Dinner at The Office
After the cruise, head straight to The Office, one of Cabo’s most classic restaurants where dinner is served with your toes in the sand. It’s lively without being overly chaotic and while a bit kitschy, it has that classic Cabo energy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
The seafood is fresh, the margaritas are strong, and the beachfront setting is the perfect end to your first night. Expect dinner to range from $50-80pp. And, if you’re up for it, say yes to the shot guy that will inevitably make his way to your table – just be prepared to pay cash!
If you’re still adjusting to the day of travel, keep the night mellow or have a nightcap at the hotel bar – there’s plenty of time for big nights ahead.
Day 2: Boat or Pool Day → Rooftop 360 → Bagatelle Night Out
8AM – 10AM: Breakfast + Slow Start
After a full first day, a slow morning is exactly what you need. Grab breakfast at your hotel or wander toward the marina for something quick and casual. Cabo mornings are quiet and sunny, and you’ll see plenty of people easing into the day at their own pace.
10AM – 3PM: Choose Your Morning
Option A: Boat Tour to Land’s End
If you’re in the mood to see Cabo from the water again, take a small-group or private boat tour from the marina. You’ll stop at Lovers Beach, cruise past El Arco, and this time, you’ll have the option to snorkel at Pelican Rock.
I personally love being out on the water, so we ended up booking a 4-hour shared boat trip through Viator for around $140 per person HERE. It was absolutely worth it – tons of snorkeling time, a super fun crew, and an unexpectedly delicious lunch. If you have the time, I highly recommend adding this to your Cabo weekend.
Option B: Pool Day at the Resort
If you’d rather keep things slow this morning, stay back at your resort and enjoy a pool day. The vibes around most hotel pools in Cabo San Lucas are fun but not overwhelming – you can swim, nap, read, and order a marg (or a few!). Grab some poolside lunch & a marg or two!
3PM – 5PM: Rest + Recharge
Once you’ve had your fair share of sun, take some time to relax, shower, and get ready for the night. Bagatelle evenings tend to last a long time, and you’ll want the energy for it!
5:30PM – 7:30PM: Sunset Drinks at Rooftop 360
Before dinner, head up to Rooftop 360 – one of the best golden-hour spots in Cabo. The rooftop overlooks Medano Beach with sweeping views that stretch across the bay. Expect cocktails to be priced similar to the states, around $15 each, and small bites in the $10-$18 range.
Order a cocktail and watch the colors change over the horizon – it’s truly an amazing view!
8PM – 11PM: Dinner at Bagatelle
Bagatelle is a hot spot in Cabo – it’s lively, chic, and always buzzing with vibes! The outdoor setting, elevated Mediterranean-inspired menu, and upbeat music give it a dinner-party energy that gets louder and more fun as the night goes on. Be prepared for dancing on tables after you finish eating! It’s chaotic and honestly, so much fun – and it’s the perfect pre-game for a night out.
Bagatelle is definitely a place where the bill can creep up, though, so expect to spend around $100 per person for dinner and drinks. It’s definitely worth it for the vibe – it’s always my favorite part of a Cabo trip! And, make sure to book this res early (at least 1-2wks in advance) – bookings fill up quickly.
Late Night: Night Out
Once you leave Bagatelle, you’re about a 15-minute walk from Cabo’s nightlife. If you want the full experience, start at Squid Roe – three floors of dancing, loud music, and pure Cabo chaos that somehow never disappoints. If you want something slightly calmer, Nowhere Bar sits right on the marina and always has a fun crowd. And if you’re looking for something more clubby, Mandala is the move.
Everything is walkable, and the night can be as long or as short as you want it to be.
Day 3: Slow Morning, Mango Deck Day Party & a Chill Final Evening
8AM – 10AM: Reset Morning
After a late night, a slow morning is fully deserved. Take your time waking up, grab coffee or breakfast, and maybe take a walk along the beach. The mornings on Medano Beach are calm before the crowds roll in, and the ocean is usually extra glassy.
11AM – 3PM: Mango Deck Day Party
Nothing captures the Cabo energy quite like Mango Deck. It’s loud, crowded, messy, and incredibly entertaining. DJs rotate throughout the afternoon, line dances break out, and you’ll see some of the craziest contests happening up on stage. Who knows, you might even end up getting up there, too!
You can stay for an hour or all afternoon – the vibe is yours to choose – but it’s a classic Cabo experience that can’t be missed!
Expect the cocktails to be around $15 or go for the buckets of beer at $25-$35. You won’t need to make a res in advance here, but to get prime seating on the beach, try to get there before noon!
3PM – 5PM: Afternoon Rest
After Mango Deck, head back to your hotel to shower, regroup, and relax before dinner. Honestly, if you’re like me, at this point, you’ll be very ready for a nap… it’s pretty much necessary.
6PM – 7:30PM: Sunset Walk
For your last evening, keep things easy-going and simple with a walk along the marina or down Medano Beach. The beach clears out as the sun sets, and the light is warm and peaceful – the exact opposite of Mango Deck energy.
7:30PM – 9PM: Casual Dinner
Wrap up your trip with something easy and delicious. La Lupita is a favorite of mine for tacos and mezcal, while Los Tres Gallos offers a more traditional Mexican menu in a pretty, open-air courtyard. It’s the perfect low-key way to end a long weekend.
Optional: Late Night: Round Two Out
If you still have energy left, hit whichever spot you didn’t get to earlier in the weekend! If not, grab one last drink at your hotel and let that be your Cabo finale.
Final Thoughts: Is 3-Days in Cabo Enough?
Definitely! Cabo is one of the easiest warm-weather getaways – beautiful beaches, great restaurants, fun nightlife, and insane sunsets all packed into one long weekend. Three days is plenty of time to see the hotspots and get some relaxation in, too.
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