Mexico’s two well-known beach destinations often leave travelers trying to decide between Caribbean coast and Pacific views. Both have great beaches, comfortable resorts, and a strong sense of local culture—but the experience you’ll have in each is pretty different. If you're thinking about heading to Mexico, this guide can help you figure out which spot — Cancun or Cabo —makes the most sense for your trip.
Cancun is on the northeast edge of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, right on the Caribbean Sea. It’s part of Quintana Roo and is often the starting point for trips along the Riviera Maya. Cabo San Lucas—usually just called Cabo—is way over on the other side of the country, at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It’s where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and the mix of desert and ocean gives the area a totally different look and feel.
Cancun International Airport is one of the busiest in the region and gets more than 200 direct flights a day from cities across North America. From Miami, it’s a quick 1.5-hour flight. From Chicago or New York, you’re looking at 3 to 4 hours.
Los Cabos International Airport is more convenient for people coming from the West Coast. Flights from San Diego or Los Angeles take about 2.5 hours. If you’re coming from farther east—Chicago or New York, for example—it’s usually a 4.5 to 6-hour trip, sometimes with a layover. Both airports are easy to navigate and have reliable transportation options to nearby resorts and towns.
If you're planning your first trip to Mexico, sometimes giving a sample Mexico itinerary can really help to visualize how to get from A to B.
Sailing in a yellow and orange sunset around Los Arcos in Cabo San Lucas © Vivid Pixels/Shutterstock
Knowing when the best time to visit Mexico is depends quite a bit on what part of the country you plan to visit. Cancun has warm, humid weather year-round. Temps usually fall between 75–90°F (24–32°C), and it feels hottest from May through September. That’s also when the rain shows up—June to October is the wet season, with the highest chance of storms around September and October. If you’re looking for sun without the stickiness, December through April is generally the most comfortable time to go. The weather in Cancun in January is especially great.
Cabo, on the other hand, is dry with very little rain and a lot of sunshine, with a desert climate with temperatures ranging from 65–95°F (18–35°C). Winter evenings can get surprisingly cool, so a light jacket isn’t a bad idea. Summers (especially July to September) are hot. The months from November to April usually bring warm days and cooler, pleasant nights. Cabo does have a hurricane season around the same time as Cancun’s, but most of the storms pass by further south.
Cancún’s beaches are wide, white, sandy, and easy to walk barefoot on © Shutterstock
Cancun’s beaches are wide, white, sandy, and easy to walk barefoot thanks to the crushed coral that doesn’t get too hot. The Hotel Zone runs along a long stretch of clear, turquoise coastline, and the water stays warm year-round. Some parts are great for swimming—especially the north-facing beaches—while others, especially toward the southern end, can have stronger waves.
Cabo’s beaches are a bit different. You’ll see golden sand and dramatic rock formations, which make the landscape feel more rugged. That said, a lot of beaches here have strong currents and aren’t safe for swimming. Medano Beach is one of the few spots where it’s generally safe to get in the water (and is one of the best places in Mexico). Lover’s Beach, near the Arch, is also more protected since it faces the Sea of Cortez. The Pacific side—like Divorce Beach—is known for rough surf, so it’s best to stay on the sand there.
Technically, all beaches in Mexico are public. But in practice, access isn’t always straightforward.
In Cancun’s Hotel Zone, many resorts line the shore and set up loungers and amenities for guests only. Still, there are public beach entrances about every half mile along Boulevard Kukulcan—you just need to know where to find them.
Cabo can be trickier. Some beaches are right next to private resorts or homes, and entry points aren’t always clearly marked. Medano Beach is one of the easiest to access, and it has restaurants and bars where anyone can hang out. Chileno Beach and Santa Maria Beach also have public parking and a few basic facilities. If you’re heading out to more remote areas, especially along the East Cape, a four-wheel-drive vehicle can come in handy.
Cancun and the nearby coast sometimes deal with sargassum seaweed, mostly between May and October. It usually peaks in July and August. This brown seaweed is a natural part of the Atlantic ecosystem, but in recent years, there’s been more of it due to warming water and shifting currents.
It’s not harmful, but it can cover the beach and give off a strong smell as it decomposes. Some resorts clean it up regularly, but it’s worth checking local beach conditions ahead of time if you're traveling during those months. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Mexico.
Humpback whale makes an appearance in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico © Shutterstock
If you’re not someone who lounges all day by the water, both Cancun and Cabo have plenty going on once you towel off.
One of the best things about staying in Cancun is how close you are to major archaeological sites. Day trips to Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba are doable and give you a look at some impressive ancient structures. If you’re more into nature, you can swim with whale sharks between May and September or float through underground rivers and mangrove forests at places like Xcaret.
Families can check out the interactive aquarium or head to the Mayan Museum for something a little more educational between beach days. If you are looking for more inspiration, see our Cancun itinerary.
In Cabo, most of the activities are tied to the landscape or the water. Golf is big here, with courses that run along the coast, and sport fishing draws people from all over. It’s one of the main spots in Mexico for catching marlin, tuna, and dorado.
You can also head inland for desert adventures—ATV rides, camel tours, or horseback treks take you through dry canyons and cactus-covered hills. Out on the water, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a good place to go for snorkeling or diving—it’s a protected reef area with coral, sea lions, and all kinds of fish. If you want a bit more action, there’s ziplining in the canyons or surfing at beaches like Costa Azul.
Isla Mujeres: a quiet option near to Cancun © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
Cancun leans into the party scene in a big way. Most of the nightlife is packed into the Hotel Zone, so you can walk from one place to the next without much hassle. Clubs like Coco Bongo and The City are massive, with packed dance floors, big-name DJs, and shows that go late into the night. Most of the action is in the Hotel Zone, which makes it easy to hop between spots without needing a taxi. It’s a popular choice for spring breakers and anyone up for loud music, open bars, and themed nights.
Cabo’s nightlife has a bit more variety. You can go full party mode at places like Cabo Wabo or El Squid Roe—both of which lean into that classic, slightly chaotic bar vibe. But you’ll also find quieter lounges and rooftop spots serving good cocktails with a view of the marina or ocean. Things are more spread out here compared to Cancun, and the crowd tends to be more mixed—yacht owners, travelers, locals, and everyone in between. It’s less about big clubs and more about finding the right spot for your mood.
Both Cancun and Cabo are good spots to slow down and focus on feeling better—but the approach is a bit different in each place.
In Cancun, a lot of the spa experiences draw from local traditions. Some resorts include Mayan-inspired treatments in their menus, and it’s one of the few places where you can try a temazcal ceremony—a traditional sweat lodge ritual led by a shaman. You’ll also find big, resort-style spas with hydrotherapy circuits, steam rooms, and relaxation pools that are easy to spend an entire afternoon in.
Cabo’s wellness scene is more tied to the natural surroundings. Spas often use ingredients from the local landscape—stuff like cactus extract, aloe, or sage—and build treatments around the view. If you’re more into movement than massage, you’ll also find a lot of fitness-based options, like yoga on the beach at sunrise or multi-day retreats that combine things like surfing, hiking, and meditation.
Puerto Juarez in Cancun © Shutterstock
Both Cancun and Cabo have plenty to eat, but the food in each place reflects different regional influences.
The Maya influence permeates Yucatecan cuisine in Cancun, featuring achiote-marinated meats, habanero heat, and citrus-based ceviches.
Cabo leans more toward fusion-style cooking. Baja Med is the name you’ll hear—it mixes Mexican ingredients with Mediterranean and Asian techniques. Seafood plays a big role here too, with a focus on whatever’s fresh and local.
If you want to eat like the locals, Cancun’s downtown and inland neighborhoods are a good place to start. You’ll find taquerias and small restaurants serving things like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), tikin xic (grilled fish in achiote), and sopa de lima (a citrusy broth with turkey and crispy tortilla strips). These spots are usually casual, affordable, and full of regulars who’ve been eating there for years.
Cabo’s food reflects its fishing village roots. Smoked marlin tacos and chocolate clams are common, and the tortillas here are typically flour-based and slightly toasted—different from what you’ll get in the south. If you’re around San José del Cabo, the farm-to-table scene is strong, with local farms supplying restaurants with fresh produce and herbs, which shows up in a lot of menus around town.
Cancun has more variety when it comes to global cuisine, especially in the Hotel Zone. You’ll see a wide range—Japanese, Italian, Brazilian, French—and a mix of both high-end spots and casual restaurants. Many of the resorts bring in international chefs or open outposts of well-known chains, so if you’re craving something specific, you’ll probably find it.
Cabo’s international restaurants tend to be smaller in number but often more focused. You’ll see fewer types of cuisine overall, but the places that are there tend to do things well. Around the Gallery District in San José del Cabo, there are some creative restaurants combining local ingredients with global styles—especially European and Asian. The atmosphere here leans more intimate, and the food often reflects what’s in season or available nearby.
Mexican-style ceviche © Shutterstock
In general, Cancun tends to be easier on the wallet, especially if you’re going with an all-inclusive or bundled package. There are tons of resorts, which means a lot of competition—and that usually helps keep prices in check. It’s also set up for tourism in a way that makes things like transportation and eating out more affordable. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you’ll be close to a lot of what you’ll want to see and do, so you won’t be spending too much on getting around. And if you book a flight and hotel together, you can often get a solid deal.
Cabo, on the other hand, usually comes with a higher price tag. It’s smaller, more spread out, and leans toward the luxury side of things. There are budget-friendly spots, but they’re not as common. That said, if you’re into golf, fishing, or staying somewhere more private and high-end, Cabo can feel worth the cost.
Cancun has a wider range when it comes to where you can stay. You can find budget hostels for under $50 a night or go big with high-end resorts that can easily hit $1,000 a night. Most places in the Hotel Zone are all-inclusive, and you’ll typically see mid-range prices around $200–$400 per night for two people, including meals and drinks. If you’re okay staying downtown and taking a cab to the beach, you can cut costs quite a bit. Where to stay in Cancun will depend on what your travel style is like.
In Cabo, rates tend to start higher. Even smaller hotels rarely dip below $100 a night during peak season. Mid-range spots usually fall between $300 and $500 per night, and the luxury end goes well beyond that. While you can find some all-inclusive options, they aren’t as common as they are in Cancun. If you’re looking to save a little, staying in San José del Cabo rather than Cabo San Lucas can help—but it’s good to factor in the cost of getting around, especially if you’ll be making that 20-mile trip often
In Cancun, there’s a small environmental tax added to your hotel bill—usually around $1–$2 per night per room. Transportation from the airport can also be pricey if you don’t arrange it in advance. Even if you book an all-inclusive resort, expect to pay extra for things like specialty restaurants, name-brand drinks, and spa treatments. And if you’re planning a day trip to places like Chichen Itza, keep in mind that the listed price doesn’t always include guides, meals, or entrance fees.
Cabo has its own set of surprise costs. Since it’s more remote, everyday items like snacks or toiletries can cost more than you might expect. Eating out is also generally more expensive than in Cancun—restaurants can run about 20–30% higher. Getting between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo adds up quickly if you’re relying on taxis. If you’re booking water activities, look out for extra port fees and taxes that aren’t always included upfront.
Mexico, Baja California, Los Cabos sunrise © Shutterstock
Cancun’s the easier place if you’re looking for variety. You’ve got large malls in the Hotel Zone with international brands, but also shops from Mexican designers if you want something more local. If you’re up for heading downtown, Mercado 28 is worth checking out. It’s full of crafts from all over Mexico—embroidered textiles, painted pottery, and silver jewelry from different regions.
Cabo’s shopping scene is smaller but more curated. San José del Cabo’s Art District is the main draw, especially during the Thursday night Art Walk (November through June). It’s a good time to check out local galleries and handmade work—everything from contemporary art to traditional crafts. The weekly organic market is another place to find handmade goods and meet the people behind them. Souvenirs here are often more specific to the region, like damiana liqueur, hand-blown glass, or polished geodes.
If you want convenience and lots of options in one place, Cancun makes it easier. Cabo is better if you’re after handmade pieces or something that feels more unique to the area.
For Cancun, 5 to 7 days is a good amount of time. That gives you space to relax on the beach, explore the Hotel Zone, and take at least one day trip—maybe to Tulum, Chichen Itza, or a cenote. If you’re curious about nearby spots like Isla Mujeres or Valladolid, or you really want to see a few ruins and swim in different cenotes, you could easily fill 10–14 days. For a more in-depth look, see our guide to how many days in Cancun.
Cabo is a bit more compact, so you can do a lot in 4 to 6 days. That’s usually enough to see both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, hang out at the beach, and maybe get out on the water. If you’re into activities like golf, fishing, off-road adventures, or day trips to places like Todos Santos or the East Cape, a full week gives you more breathing room. The pace in Cabo is slower, and the scenery is the kind that makes you want to linger—so don’t be surprised if you end up wishing you’d stayed a few extra days.
You can squeeze in a short trip to either destination with just 3 or 4 days, but keep in mind that jet lag and travel time might eat into your first day. Weekends during high season can get crowded and pricey, so if your schedule is flexible, a midweek trip often feels a bit more relaxed.
Cancun is known for clear water and white sand © Shutterstock
It really depends on what kind of trip you're planning—how much you want to spend, what pace you’re after, and whether you prefer ease or something more low-key.
Cancun is a good pick if it’s your first trip to Mexico. It’s easy to get around, most people speak English, and the Hotel Zone is set up to be tourist-friendly. Families like the calm beaches, all-inclusive with kids’ programs, and easy day trips to nearby ruins or eco-parks (more about heading out with the whole crew in our guide to Mexico with kids).
If nightlife’s on your list, it’s hard to beat having everything within walking distance. It’s also budget-friendly, especially for travelers coming from the East Coast—flights are frequent, and local transportation is affordable once you're there.
If you're coming from the West Coast, Cabo makes more sense—it’s a quick flight and there’s usually no time change. Cabo has more of a relaxed, upscale feel. It’s popular with couples, golfers, and anyone looking for a slower pace. The natural setting is a big part of the draw—you get desert views, ocean cliffs, and lots of ways to spend time outdoors. People into wellness also tend to like Cabo for its quieter atmosphere and access to smaller, more specialized spa and fitness spots.
If you're not sure which to pick, you don’t have to choose just one. Some people start with Cancun because it’s more accessible and familiar, then later head to Cabo for a different experience. Others do the reverse. They each show a different side of Mexico—Cancun with its Caribbean coast and ancient sites, Cabo with its desert views and laid-back energy. They’re both worth visiting at some point.
If you're planning your trip to Cancun or Cabo (or both!), our tailor-made trips can help. Our trips are created by locals who know the area inside and out, and created for you uniquely. You can customize the trip to your liking, and you'll receive support while on the road, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here are some sample Mexico itineraries for inspiration:
Or if you prefer to plan a trip yourself, don't miss our Rough Guide to Mexico for practical and useful travel tips and suggestions.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 27.03.2025
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