Why Honeymoon in Los Cabos
Los Cabos offers drama you won't find on Mexico's Caribbean coast. Instead of jungle and turquoise lagoons, you get desert sunsets that set the mountains glowing, deep-blue water and some of the most striking coastal scenery in North America. Sea life is a huge draw: humpbacks visit in winter, with the occasional gray whale passing by. The nearby Cabo Pulmo National Park protects one of the few living hard-coral reefs in the Sea of Cortez.
The resorts are another reason. Los Cabos has a high concentration of excellent hotels, many with outstanding spas and restaurants. Because the Pacific side of Mexico isn't affected by Caribbean sargassum, beaches look their best for most of the year. And the food and wine scene, from Baja-style seafood to farm-to-table restaurants, is reason enough to visit.
When to Go
Los Cabos is a year-round destination, but the most comfortable months run from November through May. Days are warm and dry and evenings are pleasantly cool. From roughly December through April, you have a good chance of seeing whales from shore or by boat. It's peak season, so book early, especially for holidays and spring break.
June and July grow hotter but remain mostly dry. August through October brings intense heat, humidity and the peak of the Pacific hurricane season, with September typically the rainiest month. Rates are lowest then, but if you travel in late summer, buy travel insurance and keep plans flexible. Sea temperatures are warmest in late summer and coolest in winter, when a wetsuit can be welcome for long snorkels.
Where to Stay
Most honeymooners stay along the Corridor, the roughly 20-mile stretch of coast between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which offers the best combination of privacy, views and access to both towns.
Esperanza, Auberge Collection, sits on the rocky headland of Punta Ballena, closer to Cabo San Lucas. It's an intimate, Forbes Five-Star resort with ocean views from virtually every room and Beachfront Junior Suites with infinity-edge hot tubs. Its cliffside restaurant, Cocina del Mar, is one of the most romantic tables in Mexico.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, sits closer to San José del Cabo and is legendary for its 24-hour butlers, rooftop-terrace suites with private hot tubs and its tequila and ceviche bar. Beyond these two, Cabo San Lucas offers lively beachfront hotels near Medano Beach, while San José del Cabo has boutique stays with plenty of character near its historic center.
Romantic Things to Do
Take a boat to El Arco at Land's End, ideally at sunset or on a private charter. Look for sea lions on the rocks. In winter, whale watching is a highlight; choose a small-boat operator that follows responsible viewing rules.
For snorkeling, the protected bays of Santa María and Chileno are the most reliable spots on the Corridor, with clear water and colorful fish. Ambitious couples can make the long day trip to Cabo Pulmo for exceptional diving and snorkeling. On Thursday evenings in season, roughly November to June, the San José del Cabo Art Walk fills the historic center with galleries, music and wine. For adventure, ride an ATV or camel through the desert, or drive about an hour north to the artsy town of Todos Santos.
Getting There & Around
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) has nonstop flights from many US cities, with flight times as short as two hours from the West Coast. The airport sits near San José del Cabo, roughly 20 to 45 minutes from most Corridor resorts depending on location.
Pre-arrange a private transfer through your hotel. Be prepared for timeshare salespeople in the arrivals hall; simply keep walking to your driver. Renting a car is easy and useful for exploring Todos Santos or the East Cape. Taxis are plentiful but can be expensive. Rideshare availability varies. Within Cabo San Lucas, water taxis from the marina are the easiest way to reach Lover's Beach and El Arco.
Food & Drink
Seafood is king. Start with Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos, fresh ceviches and aguachile. Then look for local specialties such as chocolate clams, named for their brown shells, often grilled or served raw with lime. Many restaurants feature fish caught the same morning.
The farm-to-table movement is strong here; the area around San José del Cabo is home to organic farms with restaurants serving dinners among the crops. Baja's own Valle de Guadalupe wine region supplies many local wine lists, so try a Mexican red or white with dinner. And don't leave without tasting damiana, a sweet herbal liqueur from Baja California Sur that's said to be an aphrodisiac, a fitting honeymoon toast.
Honeymoon Tips
Swim only at beaches known to be safe. Many Corridor and Pacific-side beaches have strong currents and shore breaks; follow the flag system and choose protected bays like Santa María, Chileno or Medano for swimming.
Book signature dinners and spa treatments when you book your resort, especially for whale season and holidays. Pack layers, as desert evenings in winter can be surprisingly cool. US dollars are widely accepted, but carrying some pesos helps with small purchases and tips. Downtown Cabo San Lucas gets rowdy late at night around the bars, so if you go out, use a taxi back rather than walking the quiet stretches.
