You’ve probably heard of Cabo San Lucas … from celebrities to golfers to spring break travelers, everyone loves a trip to Cabo. Because so many people travel to Cabo, it is filled with hotels and resorts, and the options for where to stay can be overwhelming.
In general, a little searching can find you many great vacation rentals in Cabo, from one-bedroom condos for a couple’s getaway to full villas housing 10-12 guests. When choosing your rental, consider its location in relation to other sights and attractions, its provided amenities, and its price.
To help get you started, we’ve culled ten of the best vacation rentals available in Cabo. We’ve also included some tips on the best things to do and see on your trip so you can be sure your rental puts you right in the center of the action.
Where is Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas, often called “Cabo” for short, is located in Mexico, at the southern end of the Baja California peninsula. Because Cabo is in Mexico, American travelers will need a passport to visit.
You will also need to find the cheapest way to fly to Mexico!
What is the Cheapest Time to Go to Cabo?
If you want to save money on your trip to Cabo, try visiting in May and June. The winter travelers and spring breakers will be gone at this point, and the weather will be nice (later in the summer, you’ll experience storms). As a result, you’ll find accommodations will be more affordable during these months than they are during the rest of the year.
If May and June don’t work, October and November are good choices, too, for a less expensive trip to Cabo, though these months will require more advanced planning to find an affordable place to stay.
The Top 10 Vacation Rentals in Cabo San Lucas
1. Casa Kee-Mere
This breathtaking private villa sleeps ten in a luxurious setting. Take in 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, amazing sunrises and sunsets, and even possible whale sightings while you enjoy the Jacuzzi spa, infinity pool, and other amenities in the villa. Walk through the quaint neighboring Pedregal village and onto Pedgregal beach, or travel to nearby destinations including Playa Los Cerritos or artists community Todos Santos.
2. Hacienda Punta Vista
Another fantastic option for your group trip to Cabo is Hacienda Punta Vista, which sleeps eight. Enjoy beautiful views of Land’s End, the Sea of Cortez, and downtown Cabo. Relax or party on the large walk-out patio with barbeque and private pool. Hike nature trails right next to the property, or use the complimentary minivan to take your group to local sights, beaches, and more.
3. Casa Mar Azul
Going on a couples’ getaway to Cabo and want simple – but still gorgeous – lodging for two? Try Casa Mar Azul. This condo offers the best of both worlds. Its private patio offers a sunny ocean view, and you can even retract the bedroom wall to enjoy the view right from your bed. Because Casa Mar Azul is also part of the Misiones del Cabo resort, you can also enjoy many extra amenities, including:
- A resort pool with food service
- Taxis
- Concierge services to help you plan your outings throughout your stay
4. Casa de Los Suenos
If you’re traveling with family and concerned about safety, Casa de Los Suenos is a great choice. This single-family home is located in a gated community so you can feel secure. The home sleeps six and offers views of Land’s End and the Sea of Cortez. A private patio area includes a heated pool and Jacuzzi as well as a grill, and the modern kitchen allows you to easily complete your meal and enjoy a quiet evening at home. The master bedroom has additional stunning views and a private exit directly onto the patio, as well as its own en-suite Jacuzzi.
5. Cabo Penthouse Condo near Medano Beach
If you want to be near Medano Beach, you can’t beat this 5-star rooftop condo. The condo sleeps six with beautiful views onto the town, the mountains, and the ocean. Walk to restaurants and shopping or stay in and cook in the fully updated kitchen. Eat outside on the main patio, relax on the rooftop patio above it, or enjoy a soak in the two hot tubs (one on the patio, one in the master bath). The condo building also provides community pools, concierge services, and underground parking.
6. Villa La Estancia
Villa La Estancia is the perfect choice for your trip to Cabo if you’re looking for lots of great amenities and beach access. It sleeps six and offers a patio with astonishing views of Land’s End. Take in the sunset from the patio, and spend your days enjoying Estancia Beach as well as the many community amenities, including:
- A fitness center
- A spa for massages and facials
- Pools
- Tennis courts
7. Casa del Sol Naciente
This four-bedroom condo boasts two master suites, so it is perfect for two couples or families vacationing together. The kitchen, living room, and dining table look onto floor-to-ceiling glass walls for stunning views of scenic San Lucas and the ocean. You can relax on the terrace or enjoy community amenities, including a pool and hot tub. And it’s only a casual 10- to 15-minute walk to downtown San Lucas for shopping and dining options.
8. Beachfront Condo at The Ocean Club Residences
If you are looking for a spacious and luxurious residence for your group’s visit to Cabo, you’ll want to take a look at this 5000-square-foot condo in the Diamante Cabo San Lucas Community. Enjoy the media room right in your penthouse and the outstanding ocean views from the large patio. Walk or sunbathe on the adjacent beach or visit one of the several swimming-friendly beaches within a 30-minute drive. If you’re a golfer, you won’t want to miss the award-winning dunes golf course!
9. Casa Margarita
Traveling with other couples or families but want some privacy, too? Casa Margarita offers three separate residences (sunrise house, sunset house, and casita) to allow each group to have its own space while still feeling together. Enjoy a private pool, fantastic ocean views, and taking in the sunset with drinks at the rooftop bar.
10. Casa Cortez
If you want to imagine living like a star, consider staying at Casa Cortez, the former home of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Enjoy luxurious outdoor living with a patio with ocean views, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue, and a gorgeous infinity pool with an attached hot tub. Walk down the nearby trail to Playa Del Ray for a quiet, secluded beach experience great for snorkeling, or head to the nearby downtown for nightlife.
(Check out some tips on choosing a good Airbnb here!)
Top Places to Visit in Cabo San Lucas
There are so many phenomenal places to visit in Cabo that it can be hard to narrow it down to just a few things you’ll do on your trip. A few of the very best things to do in Cabo include:
- Schedule a guided horseback ride in the Cabo desert and along the Pacific Ocean.
- Have a drink or dinner at the Cabo Wabo Cantina (owned by the one-and-only Sammy Hagar, who sometimes stops in to offer a performance!).
- Grab a bus or taxi ride northeast to San Jose del Cabo to explore Spanish colonial architecture as well as enjoy a mix of restaurants, resorts, and shopping.
- Take in the amazing variety of birds housed at the San Jose Estuary and Bird Sanctuary. You can view the birds by walking nearby paths or make your experience really special by kayaking through the greenery. The best views will occur around sunrise and sunset.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise. You’ll be most likely to see whales from mid-December through mid-April. Keep in mind that smaller boats disturb the water less, so you may be more likely to spot some whales if you avoid the larger whale watching cruises. (Make sure you are on a cruiseline with the best food!)
- Scuba dive or snorkel in the Sea of Cortez to enjoy the beautiful water and unique marine life.
- Visit one of the ghost towns that housed gold miners in the 1800s.
- Hike in the Cabo desert or mountains. Be sure to go with a tour guide to avoid getting lost. Winter is the best time for hiking so that you’ll have more moderate temperatures.
- Travel to the artists’ community in Todos Santos. Visit some art galleries, stroll around the quaint town, and have a meal full of fresh and healthy local food.
More helpful travel information is available in this Los Cabos Travel Guide.
Best Beach in Cabo San Lucas
There are many amazing beaches in Cabo San Lucas, and which one will be the best beach for you depends on what you want to do there. Some beaches are great for swimming, while others are your best bet for snorkeling or surfing. Still, others are not safe for in-water activities but provide phenomenal views.
You’ll probably want to visit several different beaches while you’re in Cabo:
- For surfing, your best choice is Playa Monumentos (Monuments Beach) in the summer or Playa Los Cerritos year-round.
- For beautiful views (especially at sunset), including possible whale sightings, visit Playa Solmar. However, note that this beach has very strong tides and currents, and it is not safe to go in the water at Playa Solmar.
- For a great all-around beach experience, try Playa Palmilla. Because it is in a cove, the water is calm enough for excellent swimming, and you can also snorkel, fish, or kayak here. The beach is located in one of the main tourist areas of Cabo, so there are also lots of amenities available to make your visit more comfortable.
- But if you visit only one beach while you are in Cabo, you must visit the famous Playa del Amor. You’ll have to take a water taxi or rent a kayak to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. You can enjoy both sides of the beach (the calmer Lover’s Beach on the Sea of Cortez side and the harsher waters of “divorce beach” coming in from the Pacific).
And, of course, you can’t leave Cabo without taking your photo with the El Arco arch.
Best Nightclub in Cabo San Lucas
If you’re looking for nightlife during your trip to Cabo, you will have plenty of options. If you can pick just one, go for a night at El Squid Roe. El Squid Roe is a Cabo institution, offering three floors of partying, affordable drinks, and great music with a house party feel. You definitely won’t go home before sunrise.
It is hard to imagine a better place to vacation than Cabo. Nature and nightlife, beaches and golfing, shopping and dining, and more await you!
(When you are ready for your next trip, check out the cheapest tropical islands to vacation!)