Beyond the Nightlife: Why Los Cabos Is a Top Family Destination
A family friendly Cabo might seem like a secret, but it’s a reality for those traveling with children. Beyond the reputation for nightlife, you’ll find calm beaches for toddlers, resorts with kids’ clubs, and activities for everyone from young children to teenagers. It is a region that works for the whole family, which is why Los Cabos is the perfect family vacation.
Quick Answers: What Makes Cabo Family Friendly?
- Swimmable beaches: Medano Beach, Chileno Beach, and Santa Maria Bay have gentle waves and shallow water.
- Family resorts and villas: Many properties in Los Cabos offer waterslides, kids’ clubs, and spacious suites.
- All-ages activities: Options include snorkeling, whale watching (December through March), sea turtle releases, and pirate ship cruises.
- Safe destination: Los Cabos is considered one of Mexico’s safest regions for travelers.
- Easy transportation: Private airport shuttles with car seats are available for the 45-minute trip from SJD Airport.
Los Cabos is located where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, creating protected coves for young swimmers. The area includes two main towns: the energetic Cabo San Lucas and the quieter, arts-focused San Jose del Cabo. The resort-lined Tourist Corridor connects them, letting you choose the atmosphere that fits your family.
The weather is pleasant most of the year. Summer has warmer water, while winter brings calmer seas and migrating whales. Spring and fall offer a balance of both.
Many resorts are designed for families, with kids’ clubs, family pools, and restaurants where young children might eat free. Villas with full kitchens and private pools give you space to relax after a day at the beach.
Your days can be as full or as relaxed as you like. You could spend mornings on Medano Beach, take an afternoon snorkeling trip to Cabo Pulmo, or ride a boat to see the sea lions at Land’s End. For dinner, you can find a beachfront taco spot where the kids can play in the sand as the sun sets.
This guide provides details on where to stay, which beaches are best for different ages, how to get around with car seats, and activities your family will enjoy.
Key family travel data: 15+ swimmable beaches, 50+ family-focused resorts, best months to visit (October-May), average temperatures (75-85°F), and whale season timing (December-March). If you want a broader overview of the region itself, the entry for Los Cabos is a useful reference before you start planning in detail.
Your Guide to a Family Friendly Cabo Getaway
Choosing Your Home Base: Family-Friendly Resorts & Villas
When planning a family trip to Los Cabos, your choice of accommodation sets the tone. The area has a range of options, from resorts with extensive amenities to private villas.
Resorts throughout Los Cabos cater to families with kids’ clubs, family pools, and scheduled activities, while private rentals give you extra space and privacy.
The Garza Blanca Resort provides a program with kid-sized robes and other amenities. Its kids’ club is open daily for children ages 4 to 12. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol has a complimentary “Kids For All Seasons” program for ages 4-12, and children under five dine free. Hilton Los Cabos also offers family amenities, including a swimmable cove and kids’ menus.
Properties like Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa have rooms with kitchenettes. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa and Playa Grande Resort & Spa are also frequently chosen by families.
The Appeal of Private Villas: For more space and privacy, private villa rentals are a strong alternative. Los Cabos has thousands of family-friendly rental properties, many with pools. Villas provide large floor plans and full kitchens, which can be helpful for families with picky eaters or specific dietary needs. This setup works well for multi-generational groups.
Many villa rentals can arrange optional services like a private chef, grocery delivery, childcare, and baby gear rentals. When booking, check the room layout. Suites with separate living areas or multiple bedrooms are useful. For resorts, ask about family pools and kids’ club age ranges. For villas, confirm the number of bedrooms and whether a private pool is included.
The Best Beaches and Activities for All Ages
Los Cabos offers families a mix of calm beaches and outdoor adventures.
Family-Friendly Beaches: Not all beaches in Cabo are safe for swimming due to strong currents. These spots have calm waters suitable for kids.
- Medano Beach: In Cabo San Lucas, this is the most popular swimmable beach. It’s accessible and has activities like paddleboarding and parasailing.
- Chileno Beach: Known for clear, calm water, Chileno Beach is a top spot for snorkeling. The gentle waves are good for younger swimmers.
- Cannery Beach: This beach in Cabo San Lucas is a local spot with calm water and good snorkeling. It is often less crowded than Medano.
- Santa Maria Bay: This protected, horseshoe-shaped bay offers clear water for snorkeling and swimming.
Water Adventures:
- Snorkeling and catamaran tours: A catamaran tour to Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay is a popular way to go snorkeling. Tours usually include equipment.
- Whale watching: From December to March, whale watching tours are a main attraction. Seeing humpback whales in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.
- Sea turtle releases: From late July to November, some conservation groups, like local turtle protection programs, allow families to participate in sea turtle releases.
- Pirate ship cruises: Themed cruises offer entertainment and meals on the water.
- Dolphin encounters: Facilities in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have programs where families can interact with dolphins.
Land-Based Fun:
- Outdoor adventure parks: Parks such as Wild Canyon have zip-lining, UTV tours, and bungee jumping for older kids and adults.
- Horseback riding: You can take a horseback ride along the beach or through the desert with local operators.
- Hiking: Trails like the Punta Lobos Trail near Todos Santos offer ocean views. The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains have trails leading to waterfalls.
- Surfing lessons: Playa Los Cerritos is a good beach for learning to surf, with lessons for different skill levels.
For more ideas, you can find lists of the Top 10 Things to Do in Los Cabos with Kids.
Kid-Approved Dining and Unique Shopping
Los Cabos has a wide range of dining options that work for different tastes, including children.
Family-Friendly Dining:
- Casual taco spots: You can find authentic tacos at many places. Guacamayas is known for its spit-roasted meat and stuffed potatoes. Tacos Gardenias is another recommended spot for shrimp and fish tacos.
- Mexican cuisine: Maria Jiminez is known for its sopes and atmosphere. For fresh seafood, Mariscos Mazatlan and Mariscos Tres Islas are popular choices.
- International flavors: If your family wants a change, Salvatore’s serves Italian food. Sushimaniaz offers fresh sushi. Captain Tony’s in the marina has pizza and other familiar dishes.
- Breakfast delights: Cafe de Ciudad is known for its breakfast and fresh juices.
- Beachfront dining: Many restaurants on Medano Beach have tables on the sand, creating a relaxed setting where kids can play.
Unique Shopping Experiences:
- Local crafts and souvenirs: La Coyota is a shop in a converted house that sells a variety of local crafts. The Flea Market at the Marina is a place to find souvenirs.
- Art galleries: San Jose del Cabo’s Art District is full of galleries. The Art Walk happens from November to June.
- Farm-to-table markets: Places like Flora Farms offer organic produce and artisanal goods in a unique setting.
Tips for a Smooth Family Trip to Cabo
Getting Around Los Cabos with Kids
Planning transportation in Los Cabos with children can be straightforward.
SJD Airport Transfers: Your First Step: The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is about a 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. It’s a good idea to arrange your airport transportation before you arrive. Companies like SJD Taxi offer private and shared shuttle services.
- Private transportation: For families, a private transfer is often the most convenient option. You can book SUVs, Suburbans, vans, or other large vehicles to fit your group and luggage. A benefit is the ability to request child car seats, which are not permitted in shared shuttles. Private transfers may also include a complimentary beverage per passenger and allow for a grocery stop on the way to your hotel or villa, which is useful for stocking up on supplies. For more information, you can read about child-friendly transportation in Cabo.
- Shared shuttles: Shared shuttles are a more budget-friendly choice, with prices varying by destination. All passengers, including children, must have their own seat. Be prepared for a wait at the airport (typically 15-60 minutes) and multiple stops (usually 2-4) before you reach your destination. Shared shuttles cannot make grocery stops and do not drop off inside private, gated communities, though they can take you to the main security gate.
- Avoiding timeshare salespeople: When you arrive at SJD Airport, you will encounter timeshare salespeople. The most effective approach is to walk past them and go directly to your pre-arranged transportation outside the terminal.
Booking and Flexibility: Booking your transportation in advance is recommended, as same-day availability may be limited. SJD Taxi allows cancellations for a full refund up to 72 hours before your scheduled service.
Safety and Booking Tips for a Family Friendly Cabo Trip
Focusing on safety and smart booking helps make your trip to Cabo a success.
Safety in Los Cabos: Los Cabos is considered one of the safest tourist regions in Mexico. Following standard travel precautions is always wise.
- Personal safety: Stay in well-lit, populated areas, particularly at night, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Water safety: Supervise children at all times near water. Pay attention to the colored flag warnings on beaches that indicate current conditions. Many beaches in Los Cabos are not suitable for swimming, so check with locals or your hotel staff.
- Sun protection: The Baja sun is strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing for everyone in your family. Reapply sunscreen often.
- Hydration: Drink bottled water throughout the day. Avoid tap water.
- Food and drink: Eat at established restaurants to reduce the risk of stomach issues.
Booking Accommodations:
- Room size and layout: When booking, look for suites or villas with enough space for your family. A one- or two-bedroom suite can provide separate living areas.
- Location: Think about your family’s plans. Do you want to be close to the marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas, or do you prefer a quieter resort? Proximity to a swimmable beach is often a priority for families.
- Amenities: Check for properties with kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and on-site restaurants.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews from other families to get a current perspective on the property.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Hurricane season: The Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15th to November 30th. While storms are a possibility, resorts have plans in place. Purchasing travel insurance is a good idea during this period.
- Best time to visit: Mid-spring (March-April) offers pleasant weather and water temperatures. Winter (December-March) is the time for whale watching.
For more tips, see this guide to Cabo family travel.
Making the Most of Your Stay: Kids’ Clubs and Final Pointers
Resort kids’ clubs can be a helpful feature for families, giving parents a chance to relax while children are supervised and entertained.
The Benefits of Kids’ Clubs:
- Supervised fun: Kids’ clubs provide a structured setting with activities like arts and crafts, games, and cooking classes, allowing children to meet others their age.
- Parent relaxation: While kids are at the club, parents can have some downtime for a quiet meal, a spa visit, or relaxing by the pool.
- Age-appropriate activities: Most clubs are designed for specific age groups. For example, Garza Blanca’s club is for ages 4-12, while the Four Seasons has a program for the same age range.
- Cost considerations: Some resorts include the kids’ club in their rates, but many charge an extra fee. Check the cost and hours when you book.
Babysitting Services: If you need childcare outside of kids’ club hours or for younger children, many resorts and villa rental agencies can arrange for professional babysitting.
Packing Tips: Pack light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring any necessary medications. If you plan to use taxis frequently, a travel booster seat can be useful, though private transfer services like SJD Taxi can provide car seats upon request.
Final Thought on Transportation: To start your family trip to Cabo smoothly, arranging your airport transfer in advance is a smart move. With private, child-friendly transportation options available, you can begin your vacation the moment you land. Plan your private Cabo transportation to get started.