Beach

Cabo San Lucas

Desert meets ocean at the tip of Baja

Toddler score:8/10

Best from:12m+

Cabo was our first 'easy' international trip with Edison — close to home, no jet lag, and warm water from day one. The dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscape is unlike any other beach destination, and the resort corridor has everything a family needs within arm's reach. It's the perfect starter international trip.

Getting there

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is served by direct flights from most US West Coast cities — just 2–3 hours from LA. No jet lag, no long haul, no drama. The airport is small and easy to navigate with a toddler. Taxis and shuttle services to the resort corridor are plentiful and affordable.

Best beaches for toddlers

Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is the most toddler-friendly — calm, warm, and lined with beach clubs that provide chairs, umbrellas, and food service. Palmilla Beach in San José del Cabo is quieter and equally calm. Avoid the Pacific-facing beaches entirely with a toddler — the surf is powerful and the undertow is dangerous.

El Arco and the marina

The iconic rock arch at Land's End is Cabo's most recognizable landmark. Take a glass-bottom boat tour from the marina — they run every 30 minutes and cost almost nothing. Edison pressed his face against the glass for the entire ride. The sea lion colony on the rocks nearby is a guaranteed toddler highlight. The marina itself is fun to walk with ice cream in hand.

Day trips and activities

A whale watching tour (December–April) is extraordinary — humpbacks and gray whales breach close to the boats and Edison was absolutely transfixed. The Todos Santos art town is a beautiful 45-minute drive north. Camel rides in the desert are available near the resort corridor and are surprisingly toddler-friendly. Sunset cruises from the marina are a lovely way to end a day.

Food and logistics

All-inclusive resorts make Cabo logistics very easy — food, drinks, and activities all in one place. If you're staying in a villa or condo, the Costco in Cabo San Lucas is excellent for stocking up. The restaurant scene in San José del Cabo's art district is excellent for a special dinner. Tap water is not safe to drink — bottled water only, and be mindful of ice at non-resort restaurants.

Edison's pro tip

Stay on the Sea of Cortez side for calm water — the Pacific side has strong currents not suitable for toddlers. And the glass-bottom boat tour to El Arco is a must — Edison was glued to the window.