Los Cabos, or “Cabo” for short, is a world-renowned tourist destination on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. With its stunning scenery, lively nightlife, and endless water activities, it’s no surprise that nearly four million people visit this area each year.
For us, Cabo was once our go-to Mexican escape. Over the past decade, we’ve visited five times, drawn by its safety, easy access, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local food scene. However, our most recent trip in May 2025 left us with a different impression. The Cabo we once knew has changed dramatically, and we’re left wondering if we’ll return.
To help you decide if Cabo is the right destination for your next vacation, here is our honest take on the pros and cons of visiting today.
The Cons: Why Cabo Isn’t What It Used to Be
1. The Traffic is a Nightmare.
As Cabo’s popularity has exploded—with tourist arrivals skyrocketing from 1.25 million in 2015 to a projected 4.13 million in 2025—so has the traffic. While new roads and infrastructure like a toll road from the airport have been added, the congestion is intense. Taking the scenic route from the airport to Cabo San Lucas can now take an unexpectedly long time, and the toll road, at $5.65 USD, feels like a steep price to pay to avoid the gridlock.
2. The Hustle Culture Feels Overwhelming.
It’s difficult to walk anywhere in Cabo without being approached to buy a timeshare, a tour, or a souvenir. While this is common in many tourist spots, in Cabo, it can feel relentless. The timeshare scams are widely known, often luring tourists with promises of free stays or tours in exchange for a high-pressure sales presentation. Some will even charge you a refundable deposit as part of the deal that becomes non-refundable. We found it best to avoid these entirely.
Furthermore, we’ve had to become vigilant about checking our bills. On multiple occasions, we’ve found questionable “sanitation fees,” incorrect taxes, or a different tip percentage added than what we requested. While a mistake here and there is normal, the frequency of these “errors” makes you wonder if they are intentional attempts to take advantage of tourists. It wasn’t always like this in Cabo, and we are perplexed as to what has happened to make it this way now.
3. It Has Become Shockingly Expensive.
Cabo’s soaring popularity has driven up prices sharply. We don’t believe Mexico should be a cheap destination, but the cost of a trip to Cabo today is comparable to, or even higher than Hawaii. The average hotel price has jumped from $180 USD per night in 2015 to a staggering $525 USD in 2025. The rise of new high-end luxury resorts certainly contributes to this, but the high cost of living extends to everyday things. We paid 90-110 pesos ($5-$6 USD) for a single taco at small local spots, and many vendors and restaurants charge in USD at prices you’d expect to pay in the States. As the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, most goods must be shipped in, contributing to these inflated prices.
4. The “Party Vibe” is More Intense Than Ever.
If you’re looking for a non-stop party, Cabo might be for you. However, for those seeking a more relaxed beach vacation, the scene can be a bit much. On our most recent visit, we were struck by how much the atmosphere had shifted. The beaches are now filled with loud competing music from different clubs, the marina is a bustling scene of party boats, and even our hotel had numerous DJ events that felt more suited to a spring break trip than a relaxing getaway. The party zone in Cancun comes to mind.
5. Most Beaches Are Not Swimmable.
This is a crucial point that many visitors don’t realize until they arrive. Despite the stunning coastal scenery, Medano Beach is one of the only swimmable beaches in the entire area. The Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet here, creating incredibly strong currents, powerful waves, and dangerous rip tides on most other beaches. If your idea of a perfect vacation includes spending hours swimming in the ocean, your options in Cabo will be limited.
The Pros: Why We Still Found Moments of Bliss
Despite the changes, Cabo still holds some undeniable charm.
1. Medano Beach is a True Gem.
Of all the beaches we’ve visited on Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, Medano Beach remains one of our favorites. The sand is incredibly soft, the water is calm and clear, and it’s easily accessible with nearby parking. It offers a perfect setting for a beautiful beach day. The downside is that you have to pay to rent chairs and umbrellas for shade, there are no shower facilities, and the beach clubs can be loud. However, the beauty of the water and the breathtaking view of the iconic El Arco (The Arch) make it worthwhile.
2. The Food Scene is Interesting.
If you’re willing to navigate the tourist traps, there are some great places to eat! This is one of the things that made us really like Cabo, as the food options were better than Cancun. We’ve always loved finding local gems in Cabo. On this recent trip, we discovered Mariscos El Paceñito Tezal, a small mariscos spot with incredible scallop tostadas and aguachiles. Located outside the touristy zone, Tacos Árabes – D’ Humo is good for tacos arabe. We always go to La Pintada (formerly Cerveria Ramuri) for a craft beer and appies. You cannot beat the views and happy hour beers at Baja Brewing. The Saturday Organic Farmer’s Market in San Jose is worth a visit for local produce and food if you have access to a car. Cynthia Fresh is also a good option if you are in San Jose. Additionally, the region is home to amazing “farm-to-table” restaurants like Flora Farms, El Huerto, and Tamarindos, which offer fresh, locally sourced meals in beautiful settings.
3. Excellent Accommodation Options.
Cabo boasts an impressive array of high-quality hotels and resorts, and more are being built every year. The quality of the rooms, amenities, and service is generally superb. We’ve enjoyed stays at several properties, including:
- The Cape, A Thompson Hotel: Stunning views and a beautiful room, though the loud music wasn’t our style. You can read our full review here.
- Hilton Los Cabos: A quiet and beautiful setting with a rare swimmable cove beach.
- Hyatt Vacation Club at Sirena del Mar: Perfect for longer stays with oceanfront suites, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: A luxurious experience with breathtaking pool rooms.
4. It’s Easy to Rent a Car and Explore.
Unlike other parts of Mexico, renting a car and driving in Cabo feels much more manageable; we find it easier to drive here than in the Puerto Vallarta area. The roads are generally in good condition, and the ability to drive between San Jose and Cabo San Lucas gives you freedom. Having a car also allows you to explore the wider region, including charming towns like Todos Santos and the popular surfing beach of Los Cerritos. We rented with Cactus Rent a Car and had a positive experience.
Final Thoughts
While we still had some wonderful moments—from delicious food and beautiful beach swims to relaxing sunsets and a luxurious hotel stay—our most recent trip to Cabo confirmed that it’s no longer our preferred vibe. The traffic, expense, and the mass tourism atmosphere have changed the experience for us.
For those who love a lively, high-energy party scene and don’t mind the higher price tag, Cabo is a fantastic destination. However, if you’re seeking a peaceful and low-key Mexican experience, you might be better off heading elsewhere on the peninsula, or elsewhere in Mexico.
Have you visited Cabo recently? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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