LOS CABOS

Los Cabos is a destination that delivers more than just sun and sand. If you choose to go, I’m literally begging you to leave your resort for dinner or activities. Whether you’re lounging poolside, wandering through the art-filled streets of San José del Cabo, or cooking with local ingredients at a farm in the foothills, Cabo finds a way to surprise you—in the best way. This guide covers a few of my favorite experiences that made this trip unforgettable.

OUR TRIP

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos and loved it in every way – the property is stunning! Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the resort is a great central location for enjoying both areas of Cabo. Our hacienda-style room was spacious, clean, and offered gorgeous ocean views, which we enjoyed every day from our private balcony. As I write this, I’m dreaming of sitting on that balcony in my resort robe after a long day at the pool!  

The resort is nestled along the stunning Sea of Cortez, and is  one of the few resorts in the area with a swimmable beach—thanks to a natural cove that calms the waves and rip currents. Beyond the beach, there are 3 pools: an adult-only infinity pool, a main infinity pool with a swim-up bar, and a “dolphin pool” with a splash-zone for kids. The best part though may be the complimentary poolside popsicles. 

As if that’s not enough of a reason to visit, The Hilton Los Cabos offers 7 dining options on property (including the best breakfast buffet I have ever had), the Eforea Spa for extra rest and relaxation, as well as fitness classes and tennis courts for those who like to stick to their work-out routine while on vacation.

Whether you’re looking for family accommodations or a quiet getaway with your significant other, the Hilton Los Cabos is the perfect option. It offers everything you could possibly need, you never really need to leave the resort. I feel strongly that you should still venture out though to experience more of the city! 

Trip Highlights

The ability to either do nothing all day or go on a little adventure is where I fell in love with Cabo. I don’t think you need guidance on how to chill by the beach or poolside–though let’s insert a friendly reminder that SPF is important here–so I’ll keep my trip highlights to my favorite activities. 

San Jose del Cabo

If Cabo San Lucas is the life of the party, San José del Cabo is its effortlessly cool older sibling—the one who knows where to find the best mezcal and is a true foodie. This charming colonial town is full of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and an artsy energy that feels worlds away from the beach clubs. 

The town has amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and mezcalerias. I highly recommend going during the Art Walk–it’s a dreamy night filled with live music, open galleries, and that perfect mix of culture and cocktails. We made a night out of it, starting with grabbing a margarita to sip on as we strolled the streets and browsed galleries, followed by dinner at Lumbre, and post-din cocktails at the Agave Kitchen rooftop. Agave Kitchen has a tasting room and boutique where you can taste and purchase the best tequila and mezcal Mexico has to offer! This is a must visit for Peyton’s Passport–not only is the experience fantastic, but I brought home a few bottles of mezcal exclusive to Mexico. It was a fun way to bring a little piece of the trip home with me! 

Flora Farms Cooking Class 

Tucked into the foothills just outside San José, Flora Farms is a working organic farm turned culinary haven. Many people love Flora Farms for brunch and their famous bloody mary, or dinner for the live-music. But in my humble opinion, the cooking class here is a can't-miss. 

We started the class with a tour of the farms, followed by sipping on farm-fresh cocktails while preparing our meal under a shaded pergola. I personally learned a lot–from some fun new knife-skill tips and tricks, to how to make homemade salsa and guacamole in a molcajete, down to pressing our own tortillas. It’s hands-on, laid-back, and incredibly delicious. We went home with a cookbook of everything we made. The class even inspired a molcajete and tortilla press purchase that I’m embarrassed to say we have used twice. 

Desert ATV

Here I go again, scheduling Greg an activity with four wheels and a motor! We did a guided tour that took us through the desert down to Migriño Beach and back. It was a fun combination of weaving through trails with the opportunity to speed straight down the beach. The tour catered to all experience levels–which was great for the less confident drivers (like me!) and the people who are self-proclaimed professional drivers (like Greg!). I recommend using Real Baja Tours if you’re interested in this excursion. 

Food & Beverage

Cabo’s food scene is actually one of my favorite in the world which is why I feel so strongly that you should venture out of your resort. The tortillas, oysters, ceviche, margaritas – it’s just all beyond perfect. Whether you’re in the mood for a vibey night out or a romantic dinner by the sea, these three restaurants are worth booking ahead. I genuinely don’t know how I could go back to Cabo and not have a meal at all three of these establishments.  

Acre

Acre is a whole vibe—it’s set on 25 lush acres of gorgeous, jungle-style landscape. The restaurant is known for creative, farm-to-table dishes and award-winning cocktails served under a canopy of palms and twinkle lights. The menu changes often based on what’s fresh, but don’t skip the smoked beet salad, wood-fired octopus, or anything featuring local cheese. I recommend going early for golden hour at the bar, staying until it’s dark out, and wandering the paths around the restaurant before heading back to your resort.

Lumbre

Tucked into the heart of San José’s art district, Lumbre is a modern Mexican spot that somehow feels both sleek and soulful. Everything is cooked over an open flame, from the dry-aged ribeye to the charred seasonal veggies. Their housemade tortillas and flawless ceviche are worth the reservation alone.

Cocina Del Mar

Perched on the cliffs at the Esperanza resort, Cocina del Mar is stunning. I recommend booking a reservation for when it is light out so you can enjoy the views–we had dinner during golden hour and it was perfect. The seafood is the star—the oysters, grilled sea bass, and seared scallops, were the highlights of our meal. The restaurant is high-end but relaxed, with impeccable service and views that still live rent free in my head. 

Helpful Tips:

  • Ask for the bill, it is considered rude for waitstaff to bring you your bill unless requested.

  • Tipping 15% is customary.

Transportation

I recommend working with your hotel concierge (or me!) for airport hotel transfer options. Most hotels have shuttle service or private transportation for airport arrivals and departures. 

We used Uber to get around Cabo and felt safe the entire time. The only caveat is that some resorts do not allow them to pick up within the gates. We still opted for this option as it felt safer than a taxi and much less expensive than private transportation. With any ride-share service, check your driver's information and license plate before getting in the vehicle. Please note, ride-shares are not available for airport pickup and drop-off. 

Language

English is widely spoken but it never hurts to have a few basic phrases on hand:

Helpful Phrases:

  • Buenos días — Good morning

  • Buenas tardes — Good afternoon

  • Buenas noches — Good night

  • Gracias — Thank you

  • La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please

  • Lo siento — I’m sorry / excuse me

Final Thoughts

Cabo is one of those places that meets you where you are—whether you're seeking rest, warmth, or a little adventure. Hopefully, this guide gives you the inspiration to make your trip to Cabo whatever you need it to be. For more Cabo inspo, check out the Google Maps List with additional hotel and restaurant recommendations. Peyton’s Passport offers complimentary accommodation and transportation bookings in Cabo. Reach out today and let me pass on my discounted rates and VIP perks to you!

GOOGLE MAPS LIST

Download our complimentary Google Maps List! Our recommendations have been thoughtfully curated for you to copy, paste, and board your flight—or to use as inspiration while creating your own travel plans.

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