There’s nothing I love more than sneaking away for a long weekend, especially when the destination promises sunshine, good food, sparkling water, and a little wander-worthy magic.
Cabo has become one of those places I return to again and again — familiar enough to feel easy, yet full of discoveries every single time. This trip was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and those little joyful moments that make traveling so delicious: a great cup of coffee, a sparkling sea, a friendly server who makes you laugh, and a meal you’ll be thinking about long after you’re home. So come wander with me through four fabulous days in Cabo — from beachfront breakfasts to hidden beaches, art-filled evenings, and everything in between.
Day 1 - Travel Day
There’s just something about a getaway morning at the San Diego Airport that makes me happy. First stop, Peet's Coffee for a vanilla latte and a treat because caffeine = self-care and their cinnamon muffin is crazy good! Next, I wandered through Warwick’s for a new book because of course I will need a beach read, and then I had a very serious debate with myself about stopping at Elegant Desserts or sneaking in a taste of Phil’s BBQ. Both were calling my name. Travel-day temptations are real, friends.
A smooth Alaska Airlines flight later, I touched down in Cabo and hopped into my Viator round-trip transfer. Grey Line handled everything without a hitch — dependable, friendly, and absolutely worth the price for an stress-free start. They give you very explicit directions to help you navigate the terminal where there are many different sales agents hoping you want to make touring a timeshare part of your vacation. The choice is yours of course ;)
Checking In: Cabo Azul Resort – A Hilton Vacation Club
📍 Paseo Malecón S/N Lote 11, Col. Fonatur, San José del Cabo, 23400
Walking into Cabo Azul feels like stepping into a postcard someone made just for you. Dramatic fire-and-water features, wide-open architecture, sparkling pools, and those gorgeous beachfront cabanas that whisper “come take a nap.” The complex is a bit maze like, so ask to be escorted to your suite. The suites are spacious with full kitchens, laundry facilities available, the spa is peaceful enough to quiet even my overactive travel brain, and the whole place has this refined but relaxed luxury that I just love.
Oh, and did I mention the pools? Inside there are tranquility pools with loungers and hot tubs. Outside are magnificent tiered infinity pools with delightful water features and hot tubs as well. Of course there is a swim up bar with 2 for 1 hapy hour and the gorgeous beach with loungers and cabanas. Sadly, the waves break hard here, so swimming in the sea isn't a safe option, but with so many pools with an ocean view, you won't feel sad at all.
Dinner was easy and breezy at Flor de Noche, the resort’s poolside restaurant. Open-air, glowing fire pits, roped ceilings, and chill vibes — the perfect “we just arrived, let’s exhale” meal. Then a little pool time, a little relaxing, and mucho gratitude to be back in beautiful Baja.
Day 2
Today was all about sea, sky, and snorkels.
In the past, we have gone on snorkel tours that sail from the Cabo Marina. If this is your first time to Cabo, I highly recommend a tour easily booked through Viator. They sail past the arches and Lovers / Divorce beach and then over to Chileno Beach for some fun snorkeling. I have done this tour several times and it is definitely worth it.
However, for this trip, we opted for a new adventure: La Paz Snorkeling & Balandra’s Hidden Beaches
Booked through Viator and run by Cabo Adventures (always reliable), this full-day trip takes you from Cabo to Playa Pichilingue where you board a luxury French catamaran and sail the Sea of Cortez — Jacques Cousteau’s “Aquarium of the World.”
We had a light breakfast onboard as we sailed to a gorgeous cove to snorkel and swim. The water was so warm and the fish many and multi-colored. What a treat to dive into the gorgeous blue. Then we sailed on and visited a sea lion colony followed by anchoring next to a stunning beach to kayak and swim.
Balandra is one of those picture perfect places that make you think, Oh… this is why I travel. The colors barely look real. Lunch was delicious, the open bar didn’t hurt, and the relaxing sail back was the perfect ending.
Note: It’s a 2.5-hour drive each way — but they stop midway for coffee and a restroom break. So we napped, relaxed, and enjoyed the views. It was worth every minute.
Back at the resort, we took a quick dip in the pool, headed back to the room to shower and get ready for a fun night out. We headed to one of my favorite areas… the San José del Cabo Art District.
Colorful, artsy, walkable — full of local galleries, artisan shops, and that laid-back creative magic. I always feel inspired wandering here. As you walk down the streets, there are bright streamers everywhere and each shop decorates its door in vibrant colors and illustrations, so fun!
Dinner: La Lupita Tacos & Mezcal
📍 Calle José María Morelos s/n, Centro, San José del Cabo
What a fun night! La Lupita is vibrant, lively, and full of fantastic smells and even better food. David Camhi and Christian Fuentes dreamed up La Lupita after the storm of Hurricane Odile, turning a Centro house into a joyful taco-mezcal hangout.
Great tacos, mezcal galore, a live band, and our server Ivan kept the whole evening flowing. It’s the kind of place where you eat too much, laugh a lot, and consider coming back the next night. Actually, this was the third time I have eaten here. Yes, I like it a lot!
Post dinner is the perfect time to stroll the streets, do a little shopping, and visit a gallery or two. It is just a lovely place to be.
Day 3
Today was a "Past greatest hits” day — recreating our favorite marina walk (I’ve written about it before — click here for that post!), stopping by Café Fiore for something yummy, and then a blissful massage at The SandBar, right on the beach. I swear I leave that place three inches taller. Then stay for something yummy to eat, their wonderful smoothies, and a swim. You will definitely want to go!
After a fun day, we headed back to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Dinner: Bistro by Sébastien Agnes
Located right outside Cabo Azul, Chef Sébastien Agnès brings a sprinkle of Parisian magic to San José del Cabo, and you can taste every bit of his Michelin-trained charm. He takes Baja’s fresh seafood and turns the catch of the day into something that practically sings. And our favorites? The yummy wagyu burger and that fresh-as-it-gets fish — we’re still dreaming about both.
Bistro by Sébastien Agnès is where French flair meets Baja sunshine, one delicious bite at a time. If you’re hungry for something fabulous, this is your spot. Oh my, did I mention the fresh apple tart. Perfection!
Of course, then we had to return to those beautiful pools and relax in the hot tub because VACATION!
Day 4
Slow morning = my love language. Coffee at the resort, pastries that felt like little gifts, a beautiful beach walk, and sunshine that just sank into my bones.
Then we grabbed my mom and her guy — in town on a cruise! — and headed to one of my absolute favorites.
Lunch: Hacienda Cocina y Cantina
📍 Paseo de la Marina 4732, El Médano, Cabo San Lucas 🌐 haciendacocina.mx
This place is a whole experience. You valet (for free!), wander down the steps, and suddenly you’re looking out at one of the most spectacular views in Cabo.
The kitchen is led by Chef Julio César Gutiérrez, who brings a refined touch to Mexican coastal cuisine, blending regional specialties and making smart use of fresh seafood from the Sea of Cortés.
Service is warm and lively — thank you Pedro and Juan for being wonderful — and the food is divine. Table side guacamole, incredible beverages, tender octopus, and shrimp tacos that make you close your eyes for a second.
Yes, it’s pricey. Yes, it’s worth every single peso. This was our favorite restaurant this trip, and we will be back. I bet the sunset views are amazing. I'll let you know or maybe, you'll tell me :)
Back at the resort, we lounged by the pool, read, and soaked up the Cabo Azul serenity. Oh my goodness, this hotel is so lovely.
Dinner: Jardín Secreto
📍 Calle Morelos Lote 3, San José del Cabo
A hidden-garden dream in the Art District. Jesus welcomed us in, and suddenly we were dining under soft lights with a live band playing nearby.
Chef Jesús García heads up the kitchen, blending Mediterranean flavors with Mexican soul in a way that feels like a secret garden on a plate. A “Mexiterranean” menu where wood-fired pizzas, tacos, and local seafood collide under twinkling lights and open sky.
Of course we tried the pizza (delicious), plus mussels, shrimp, and desserts that absolutely sealed the deal. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and just a joy to linger in. Oh my gosh, the desserts were amazing too!!
Post dinner, we once again roamed the colorful streets and this beautiful coat found its way into my life. From a little shop called Colores de Cabo on Calle Alvaro Obregon. The shop owner was delightful and brought out several options for me to try. I love it! It was the perfect memento of an excellent trip!
Day 5
One last latte, one last look at the water, one last deep Cabo breath. Then off to the airport and back to reality — but the good kind, the refreshed kind, the ready-to-plan-the-next-trip kind.
Terminal 2 Cabo International Airport has a great Duty Free area, and if you have a Priority Pass, there is access to their VIP Lounge with unlimited food and beverage, free Wifi, and a very relaxing atmosphere. In fact, that is where I am right now as I put the finishing touches on this blog.
Had to show off the coat I bought - LOVE it!!!
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