travel

Los Cabos Vacation Guide: Top Resorts, Culinary Experiences & Outdoor Adventure

Marti Gonzalez
Marti Gonzalez 4 Min Read
Sponsored
Video Thumbnail

Article summary:

Where the desert meets the sea, Los Cabos, Mexico offers award-winning resorts, farm-to-table dining and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Recognized by Travel + Leisure and Travel Weekly as a top destination, this Baja California Sur paradise combines stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and sustainable tourism for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

  • Award-winning resorts and luxury accommodations in Los Cabos
  • Farm-to-table dining and culinary experiences, including floating restaurants and local markets
  • Snorkeling, whale watching and marine wildlife encounters in the Sea of Cortez
  • Wellness retreats, spa treatments and holistic relaxation
  • Cultural excursions to Todos Santos and local art galleries
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable travel tips for conscious explorers

Whether you’re looking for wellness retreats, culinary adventures or nature escapes, AAA Travel Agents can help craft a personalized itinerary so you can experience the very best of Los Cabos.

 

Contact An Agent
Illustrated map of Los Cabos

Unplug and unwind in Los Cabos

Where the golden desert meets the azure sea, Los Cabos welcomes travelers with a perfect blend of luxury, culture and natural beauty. Tucked at the southern tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula, this destination offers more than the lively energy of the well-known Cabo San Lucas . It’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and indulge in experiences that nourish both body and soul.

“Travelers today are seeking experiences that are authentic, sustainable and unforgettable,” says Juana Ortiz Basso, Commercial Director of Visit Los Cabos. “We are proud that Los Cabos offers all of this amid landscapes that are nothing short of breathtaking.”

The accolades speak for themselves: Los Cabos earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s “50 Best Places to Visit” for 2024, highlighting its scenic beauty, upscale resorts and dedication to sustainable tourism. For the second consecutive year, the destination was named “Best Destination in Mexico” at the prestigious Travel Weekly 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. The region’s culinary excellence also shines through, with Gold Travvy Awards recognizing it as both the “Best Destination in Mexico” and “Best Culinary Destination in Mexico”—a true testament to its evolving food scene.

Farm to Table experience in Los Cabos

Los Cabos’ farm-to-table scene

Despite its desert surroundings, Los Cabos is home to a thriving farm-to-table movement. Food lovers can deepen their connection to the region through hands-on experiences: cooking classes at local farms, taco tours of hidden neighborhood gems, tequila tastings and visits to rural ranches where traditional cheese-making is still practiced.

Tamarindos, a former sugar cane farm, invites diners to enjoy organic dishes and herb-infused cocktails in a serene garden setting. Guests can even join cooking classes to learn how to prepare meals rooted in sustainable practices. Another standout, El Huerto, serves wood-fired fare and garden-fresh menus that change with the seasons. Both restaurants and the other farm-to-table establishments not only deliver unforgettable flavors but also connect diners to the land and community that sustain them.

Plated lobster at Bequia Beach Hotel's main restaurant 'Bagatelle'

From catch to cuisine: Sustainable dining in Los Cabos

From humble taco stands to Michelin-starred dining rooms, Los Cabos’ culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its landscapes. What sets it apart is a strong commitment to sustainability: certain species, such as marlin, sailfish, swordfish and dorado, are protected for sport fishing only, while strict regulations and catch limits ensure that the seafood served is locally sourced and responsibly harvested. Barros explained, “Our commitment to sustainable seafood ensures that every meal tells a story—of the ocean, the land and the talented chefs who bring it to life.” Whether dining on the water, under the desert stars or in the heart of a bustling market, every bite in Los Cabos tells a story.

Responsible travel – sustainability in action

Sustainable travel is at the heart of the Los Cabos experience. Protected areas carefully manage visitor capacity to safeguard fragile ecosystems, while guidelines for interacting with marine life ensure wildlife encounters remain safe and respectful. Visitors can support these efforts by choosing local—dining at independently owned restaurants, shopping at artisan boutiques and engaging with community-based experiences. Practicing eco-friendly habits on beaches and trails further helps preserve the natural beauty that makes Los Cabos so extraordinary.

Woman enjoying peaceful yoga somewhere on the coast of Los Cabos

Sea meets serenity: Los Cabos wellness escapes

The spirit of wellness in Los Cabos flows naturally from its stunning surroundings. Ocean breezes and desert serenity set the stage for transformative experiences, from sunrise yoga sessions on secluded beaches to sound-healing ceremonies under the stars. Resorts and retreats draw on the region’s bounty—aloe vera, agave, sea salt—to craft treatments that honor the region’s heritage while embracing contemporary luxury.

Guests can experience temazcal steam rituals, ancient healing practices designed to cleanse body and mind, alongside modern therapies like deep tissue massages and hydrating facials. Whether soaking in a cliffside infinity pool, meditating to the rhythm of the waves or joining a guided hike through cactus-lined trails, visitors find a deep sense of balance and renewal here.

Top resorts combine luxury with wellness-focused amenities:

  • Paradisus Los Cabos – perched along a swimmable stretch of the Sea of Cortez, this newly renovated, all-inclusive resort blends AAA Four Diamond luxury with oceanfront tranquility. Guests can unwind at the YHI Spa with signature treatments like the Desert Air four-hand massage and Sacred Stones Biomassage, each beginning with a soothing water ritual for complete relaxation.
  • Dreams® Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa – this AAA Four-Diamond, all-inclusive escape on the Sea of Cortez, where ocean-view suites meet a full-service spa specializing in wellness rituals, multiple pools including an adults-only sanctuary and exceptional dining—combining luxury, rejuvenation,and family-friendly Unlimited-Luxury® indulgence.
  • Zoëtry® Casa del Mar Los Cabos – a secluded, oceanfront boutique resort along the Sea of Cortez, Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos combines Spanish-colonial hacienda charm with all-inclusive luxury. Guests enjoy personalized service, lush gardens, gourmet dining and a serene spa sanctuary, all within a AAA Four Diamond setting dedicated to wellness and relaxation.
  • Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos – a AAA Four-Diamond beachfront sanctuary that seamlessly blends modern luxury with natural beauty, featuring spacious suites, Cabo’s longest lazy river, multiple pools and an award-winning wellness spa that features the "Azul Cielo" ritual, blending ancient traditions with modern luxury. 

Explore Travel Impressions’ curated list of luxury all-inclusive resorts for friends, family, adventure or romance.

Read More
Sierra de la Laguna in Los Cabos

Adventure awaits – Explore Los Cabos’ wild wonders

For travelers eager to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, Los Cabos offers landscapes as diverse as they are inspiring. Trails wind through lush canyons, past towering cacti and palms, opening to panoramic vistas of the UNESCO-protected Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Hidden natural pools provide serene spots to pause, soak in the scenery and listen to the tranquil sounds of the desert and forest.

Cascada Sol de Mayo in Los Cabos

For adventurous hikers, Picacho Seirra de la Laguna presents a challenging trek through varying landscapes—from desert scrub to pine forests—rewarding those who reach the summit with sweeping views. Sol de Mayo Canyon, home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, offers trails with unforgettable scenery, while Santa Rita Canyon adds a soothing touch with its easily reachable hot springs. The region is also a haven for birdwatchers, with diverse habitats attracting a wide array of colorful, native species along the trails. At sea level, Santa Maria Bay invites visitors to snorkel, paddleboard or simply float in calm, crystal-clear waters. As an eco-certified Blue Flag beach, it’s an ideal spot to unwind responsibly—leaving no trace helps preserve its pristine beauty for generations to come.

Whale breaching in front of popular arches in Los Cabos

Perched at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos is a global hotspot for marine life. Where the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and the Pacific Ocean meet, this region has extraordinary biodiversity, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and includes the protected Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. Jacques Cousteau famously called it the “world’s aquarium,”  home to over 900 fish species, nearly 40% of the world’s marine mammals and five species of sea turtles. From playful dolphins and breaching whales to vibrant reef fish and gliding mobula rays, Los Cabos offers unforgettable encounters for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Popular arches in Los Cabos

A must-see natural wonder is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco), a dramatic granite formation where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This iconic landmark is a favorite for photographers, boat tours and wildlife spotting, with sea lions often lounging nearby and schools of colorful fish swirling around its waters. Visiting the Arch at sunset or during a whale-watching excursion creates a breathtaking experience, blending striking scenery with the region’s vibrant marine life.

Shopping area in Los Cabos

Beyond the resorts – Cultural and scenic exploration

Experience in Los Cabos stretches far beyond its sun-soaked beaches. “Our region offers a variety of experiences, from desert adventures to charming towns filled with culture,” says Barros. “Whether it’s a morning of snorkeling and paddleboarding or an afternoon wandering cobblestone streets, Los Cabos allows visitors to seamlessly connect with both nature and local life.”

ATV riding in Los Cabos

Thrill seekers can race across desert terrain, explore winding dry riverbeds or soak in sweeping ocean and mountain vistas along the scenic corridor connecting Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. For a taste of local culture, venture inland to Todos Santos, a designated Pueblo Mágico (magic town) celebrated for its art galleries, historic architecture and relaxed charm. Just a short drive away, Santiago offers a glimpse into traditional “Baja life,” with its quaint streets, colonial-era church and nearby waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip. Travelers can also explore La Paz, a vibrant coastal city known for its malecón, colorful markets and stunning sunsets over the Sea of Cortez.

From golden desert dunes to crystal-blue waters, Los Cabos is a destination where every experience is as vivid as the landscapes themselves. “This is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience with purpose,” explains Basso. “Sustainability, culture and luxury come together here to create memories that last a lifetime.” Whether savoring fresh, sustainable cuisine, rejuvenating in luxurious wellness retreats, exploring vibrant marine life or immersing yourself in local culture, this remarkable corner of Mexico offers travelers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and mindful discovery. With award-winning hospitality, dedication to sustainable tourism and the support of trusted partners like Travel Impressions, Los Cabos invites you not just to visit—but to truly unplug, unwind and create memories that last a lifetime.


AAA Member Benefits

  •  $75 off per booking for any vacation package booked with Travel Impressions exclusive nonstop vacation flight or a stay at an inclusive Collection by Hyatt property when adding a sightseeing tour.*
  •  $50 off any per booking for an International or Hawaii vacation package when adding a sightseeing tour.*
  •  $25 off per booking for any Domestic vacation package when adding a sightseeing tour.*

explore, discover, wander.

Escape the ordinary with AAA & Travel Impressions

Make your next vacation truly unforgettable. AAA and Travel Impressions™ are your partners in crafting extraordinary getaways with exceptional value. From sun-kissed beaches to thrilling adventures, we've got the world covered.

 

 

Start Planning Today

*Terms and Conditions

FITS only: $50 per booking tour credit for all destinations except Canada and US (minimum booking value $3,000). $25 per booking tour credit for Canada and US (minimum booking value $1,500). If the destinations don’t have excursions to choose from, a discount would be offered instead. Please contact the Call Center to apply the tour discount to the reservation. Please note that the tour must be booked before the discount is applied. Bounce Back: $100 Bounce Back savings per booking for future travel with  a minimum booking price of $4,000. Next trip must be booked with twelve  (12) months of the original travel date, with travel completed within fifteen  (15) months of the original booking. Bounce Back Offers are nontransferable,  non-combinable with the Member Benefit and have no cash value. Offer is  for members only – one member reward per booking allowed. Tour credits  are applicable for FIT sales. Agents should email helpdesk@travelimp.com or  contact the Call Center to add the discount after the tour is booked. Bounce Back Redemption: AAA agents should email the coupon found on www. travelimp.com/aaa to revenueaccounting1@applelg.net.