Sober Travel Guide: Cabo

… here’s exactly what to do in the town known as nature’s playground when you’re alcohol-free

Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico's most popular destinations and maybe my new personal favorite.

Beautiful beaches, plenty of activities to uncover, and of course a very lovely nightlife.

Now I understand that, as a sober person, you typically don’t spend a lot of time at bars and clubs. While nightlife is at the top of the “to-do list” in Cabo for some, there is so much more to do.

And if you feel comfortable & decide to check out a club one night, do it! Just be safe and always go with a friend.

                                                                                                                   Grand Velas Los Cabos

Let’s start with flights.

I typically fly Southwest because I’ve been flying with them for so long and just love their vibe. From Kansas City, there are two direct flights to Cabo which are my favorite . Southwest Airlines recently got a lot of attention when they said they would stop their open-seating policy.

If you’re considering flying with Southwest, I highly recommend signing up for their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card. I’m also hopeful that Southwest will increase the amount of non-alcoholic options served on their flights in the future.

Do I need a rental car?

When traveling to Cabo, a rental car is not needed, however it would be nice to have for a few days so that you can explore the city to its fullest. Just note that downtown you’ll be searching for parking. Ubers are plentiful and easy to grab everywhere.

Before you plan your trip, make sure you’re visiting on a Thursday, so you can check San Jose’s famous art walk. The art walk is a popular weekly event held from 5pm - 9pm between the months of November and June.

You’re going to need a place to stay and Cabo offers some of the most beautiful hotels I’ve seen in a long time:

Grand Velas Los Cabos Boutique is my favorite all-inclusive in all of Mexico and they have several properties. There are ocean view suites, with private terraces , hot tubs, and infinity pools all that turn towards the Sea of Cortez. It’s an adults-only property, next to another Grand Velas where you can access their restaurants, but tbh, you don’t need to.

Grand Velas Los Cabos has everything you need.

When people think all-inclusive, it’s easy for them to picture cold nachos, and foam parties, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth when it  comes to Grand Velas.

One of the most beautiful properties with outstanding services. Plus, they have a stellar made-to-order mocktail menu, none of this “soda water” stuff. No, it’s delicious.

I personally loved the Basil V. Soursop (a plant) pear, basil, lime, and ginger. It was SO GOOD!

If you love making your own NA drinks, check out the menu from the snack bar, Roca.

When you book your stay at Grand Velas through me, I can guarantee a room upgrade and 10% off the Hotel Boutique.

The more I travel, the more I love hotels. I’ve heard many people say, we’d rather spend money on food, which I totally get. But wait until you stay at a Grand Velas property.

This property offers a luxurious and intimate retreat. With only 79 suites and a private beach and a lounge with an infinity pool, this all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotel is the best place to be for a relaxing vacation in Cabo. It’s perfect for a girls' trip or visiting with your honey.

The best part of this hotel? The 24-hour Personal Concierge service. Gabriella was AMAZING and took care of everything for us. She was always a text away and checking in with us regularly to make sure we were having the best time.

I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to stay. The property itself was covered with these gorgeous pink and purple flowers, a wonderful accent to all of the greenery and the view of the Sea of Cortez.

In my Foodie Era:

I typically don’t love fancy food, but something about the food and Grand Velas Los Cabos had me compliment the chef repeatedly. At dinner, the server offered a selection of citrus for water - a girl could get used to this.

Here are 3 other hotels that I would recommend:

• JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

• The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas

• Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos (All-Inclusive)

Book your hotel using this link you’ll get VIP amenities, upgrades if they’re available, and other exclusive offers to make your trip even more special.

My favorite part of vacation is the amazing food.

Los Cabos has some of the best seafood and fresh dishes in Mexico. Cabos doesn’t just serve up some of the best Mediterranean and Mexican dishes, many restaurants in Cabo provide an array of dishes from around the world, which I love.

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Cabo:

Flora Farms:

I’ve never wanted to live at a restaurant until I went to Flora Farms.

Flora Farms is not just a unique farm but also home to one of the best restaurants in Cabo. All food served is grown at the 25-acre farm or sourced from local providers. The delicious dishes include homemade pizzas, pasta, and local meats like pork chops.

The mocktail options are chefs kiss:

PASSION FRUIT RIPPLE passion fruit, egg white / seedlip non alcoholic

PALOMA FREE grapefruit / NA sparkling wine

FARM FIZZ raspberry, Lemon

GREEN BUMBLE apple, Ginger & Honey

I LOVE juices and was impressed by their menu:

FARM SUNSET carrot, green apple, celery, beet, lemon, ginger

FARM GREEN kale and cilantro, celery, green apple, ginger, lemon

GARDEN FARMER green apple, beet, kale, lemon, cucumber, ginger

My favorite part of the experience was the fresh rosemary growing everywhere we sat. Our server burned some for us as soon as we had our table; it was the most delicious smell ever.

Not only do they have a farm - they also host cooking classes, farm tours, songwriting sessions, and movie nights. Frequently, they have celebrations for Mexican holidays, including a Day of the Dead altar competition. Challenge accepted. Check out the video below.

This place offers cooking classes, farm tours, art classes, songwriting sessions, and so much more. Alcohol is served here, but they have amazing NA options, including

P.S. They also have live music every night.

Nicksan:

If you love sushi, look no further than Nicksan in Los Cabos. There’s a reason this restaurant has been named a top restaurant for over 26 years.

There are two locations: downtown Cabo San Lucas & the Shoppes at Pamilla. The original location downtown opened just steps away from the marina in 1994.

The downtown location is relaxed and welcomes walk-ins. The Shoppes location, which opened in 2005, is more upscale than downtown.

Downtown is best for a vibrant & relaxed dinner, while The Shoppes would feel more casually elegant in a more sophisticated setting. Both are incredible.

The Office on the Beach:

I recommend at least once during your visit to Los Cabos, stopping by The Office, an iconic breakfast located on the sandy shore Médano Beach. While to some, it may look like a “tourist-trap”, it’s a fun and light atmosphere filled with people enjoying the stunning views.

Pro tip: get there early for breakfast and watch the sunrise. Get the shrimp & cheese omelette, or try the French toast. Or both? Their mocktail menu is limited, but you can always ask for Topo Chico with lime - typically my go-to if no other options.

I always recommend making a reservation - you can do that here.

The Office at the Beach

I LOVE street food, and when in Cabo, the street food scene is a MUST. Especially in San Jose during the art walk. There was no shortage of delicious food to taste, so I went for my go-to , elote - grilled corn slathered with mayo, cheese, and all of the chili powder.

So much room for activities….

San José del Cabo Art Walk

You must add the San José Art Walk to your itinerary in Cabo between November and June. 

Every Thursday from 5-9 pm between November and June, the Art Walk happens in the San José Gallery District. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of art galleries, bars, and restaurants in the downtown area. Shops will stay open late, some galleries invite artists in for meet & greets, and restaurants will have live music. It’s amazing.

What’s a trip to Mexico without getting in the ocean?!

Here are the best Swimmable Beaches to Visit in Los Cabos:

• Empacadora Beach

• Medano Beach

• Lover’s Beach

• Cannery Beach

Here are my Top 3 Tours in Cabo:

Los Cabos Luxury Snorkel And Lunch Cruise:

Set sail in the morning for Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay. Enjoy 4 hours aboard a luxury yacht with complimentary appetizers as you head 12 miles offshore from the Marina in Cabo San Lucas. Once anchored at a beautiful beach, you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or sunbathe in one of Mexico's top snorkeling areas, followed by a gourmet lunch with sparkling water and any other beverages you request.* The spacious vessel offers comfortable lounging, and the attentive crew ensures a remarkable experience, even letting you steer the boat on the return to Los Cabos under the captain's guidance. Alcohol is served on the tour.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour:

During this tour, you'll visit the famous rock formation at Land's End "The Arch" and you'll also visit the Sea Lion's Colony, The Pelican Rock, Neptune Finger, Lover's, and Divorce Beach. Look at the banks of fish that swim under our boats with the clear glass bottoms. You will also enjoy great views from a distance from a famous residential area at Pedregal's hill-mountain by the Pacific Oceanside. A Cabo San Lucas bay view can be appreciated upon returning to the marina.

Private Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise

The sunsets in Cabo hit different. As you venture into the Pacific Ocean to look for Humpback Whales, as the sun sets, you’ll pause at the iconic arch for a breathtaking view. There’s even a special surprise that will make your evening truly unforgettable.

Other things to do in Cabo that don’t involve alcohol:

• Fishing. I wrote about my first time deep-sea fishing in Cabo here.

• Stand Up Paddleboarding

• Hike Mt. Solmar

• Visit the Glass Factory for hand-blown glass

• ATV & Off Road Tour

• Camel rides

• Parasailing! (This I’ve yet to do… if you’ve done it, I want to know about it!)

Cabo is packed with fun things to do, even if you're staying sober.

You can explore beautiful beaches, snorkel in clear waters, hike scenic trails, and soak up the vibrant local culture. It’s amazing just to even walk around downtown.

Enjoy delicious food, go on whale-watching tours, visit the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or unwind at a luxurious spa. (my personal fav) With stunning natural beauty and diverse activities, Cabo offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Next steps for Sober Travel…

I hope this Sober Travel Guide to Cabo gave you great ideas and helpful tips for your next alcohol-free trip.

Here are some ways to help you travel better:

• Get VIP perks & upgrades at preferred hotels when you book using this Hotel Travel Desk.

• Book exclusive travel experiences, including tours, excursions, and transfers here.

• Follow me on IG for more sober travel inspiration.

• Explore the world & travel with other women who are alcohol-free ✈️

If you have any questions, need more info, or want to share your own travel stories, send an email to michelle@michelleplante.com 

Happy Sober Travels ✨✨✨

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