Family-Friendly Guide to Cabo San Lucas

If you're going with your kids, and there's a kids' club, let's be honest, you're hoping to hang by the pool with a beverage while the kids have the time of their lives! I mean, that's what I did. But, if you want to be a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of excursions and things to see and do.

WHALE WATCHING

From mid-December through mid-April, thousands of whales migrate south to their breeding grounds. Personally, I like lounging on a beach chair and just watching them breach in the ocean, but if you want to get a little more up close and personal, there are whale-watching adventures for all different ages.

EL ARCO/LAND'S END

If you need a perfect site for those vacation photos, the Arch is it! Located where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes, you'll need to get there by boat....but you might see some sea lions along the way!

LOVER'S BEACH

I am not a scientist, so I don't know the reasons, but most of the Cabo beaches are not safe for swimming - something to do with tides and land formations? But, Lover's Beach on the Sea of Cortes is an exception, and many visitors head there for sand and snorkeling. On the other side, on the Pacific, is Divorce Beach, which is not a swimmable beach - be careful!

PLAZA ARTESANOS

When you are ready to set down your cocktail, and have located your wallet, head into downtown San Jose Del Cabo and hit souvenir central. Jewelry, soaps, religious items, tequila - you name it, they sell it. No hard-selling, though, and the open-air market is a lovely place to stroll for a late afternoon break. Bring cash, though some of the vendors take Venmo or Apple Pay these days.

Day Trips from Cabo

Todos Santos: The place to go for hiking, beaches, and some great food and coffee. A laid-back town with a coastal vibe.

Personally, once I have paid for an all-inclusive, I love setting aside my wallet and pretending all the food and drinks are "free." But, if you are not at an all-inclusive, or if you just want a change of scene, here are some places to try! Note: Todos Santos is the cooler, foodier area of Cabo, but it's definitely a drive from the main tourist area and probably not that much fun with kids!

Tacos Gardenias: I mean, if you're going to Mexico--of course you want to eat tacos! This family-run spot offers all the Baja classics like fish tacos, ceviche, and shrimp tacos.

Flora Farms: The current "it child" of the Cabo scene, this is the definition of farm-to-table, but casual enough to be family-friendly.

Los Tres Gallos Restaurant: This is not the place to go for trendy Mexican fusion, but it is a place to go for local classics.

La Panaderia San Jose: Only open until 2, this is the place to go for traditional Mexican baked goods, and some classic breakfast dishes too.