Cabo vs. Cancun: Which Mexico Beach Destination Is Right for Your Vacation?

If you’re planning a beach vacation in Mexico, chances are you’ll choose between two popular locations like Cabo San Lucas and Cancun.

While both destinations offer beautiful beaches, thrilling adventures, and high-end beachfront resorts, each location also provides its own unique climate, landscapes, and attractions. To help you determine which spot is best for your vacation — Cabo vs. Cancun — keep reading to learn about the differences between each destination’s weather, beaches, activities, dining, and nightlife!

Location & Weather

Cabo

Los Cabos is located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, making it most accessible for U.S. travelers on the West Coast. Because of its location on the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos has a dry, desert climate with sunny skies and minimal rainfall. The most popular times to visit Cabo San Lucas are winter and spring since the rainy season is in late summer and early fall.

Los Cabos encompasses two cities — Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo — that are separated by a 30-minute drive. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is the tourist hub of Los Cabos, so it tends to be busier and more lively, while San Jose del Cabo is more laid-back and local.

Cancun

Cancun sits on the northeast edge of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea, making it the most accessible beach destination in Mexico for U.S. travelers from the Midwest and East Coast. Cancun is about an hour’s drive from the Rivera Maya, which encompasses other popular Mexican Caribbean destinations, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Because of its location on the Caribbean Coast, Cancun has a tropical climate with warm, humid weather. Like most other countries in Central America, Cancun has a “dry season” (from December to April) and a “wet season” (from May to November), so winter or early spring is the ideal time to visit for the best chance of minimal rainfall. Hurricane season lasts from late summer to early fall, and it is the wettest and most humid time to visit Cancun (though it’s also the cheapest!).

Beaches: Cabo vs. Cancun

Cabo

If you’re dreaming of picturesque, rugged coastlines, golden stretches of sand, and deep blue waters, you’ll fall in love with the stunning beaches in Cabo San Lucas.

Because of its location on the tip of Baja California Sur, some beaches in Cabo San Lucas are unsafe for swimming. However, there are still plenty of sheltered, swimmable beaches in Cabo, like Medano Beach, the most popular beach in Cabo, and Playa del Amor, a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat. Also known as Lover’s Beach, this stretch of sand offers stunning views of the El Arco and, often, a chance to spot playful sea lions and dolphins from the coast!

Cancun

If your idea of a beach vacation includes palm-tree-shaded beaches with fluffy, white sands and calm, turquoise waters, you’ll be thrilled with the miles and miles of beaches along the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Because the waters are so calm at the beaches in Cancun, they’re ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Cancun is also located off the coast of the Great Mayan Reef — the second-largest coral reef in the world — making it an excellent spot for snorkeling with tropical fish or sea turtles.

Activities & Attractions

Cabo

The unique terrain in Los Cabos allows for a blend of “land” and “sea” activities easily accessible from Downtown Cabo San Lucas, making it the ideal beach destination in Mexico for adventurers!

Located at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Cabo offers many things to do in the rocky desert, including ATV tours, mountain biking, and horseback riding. And, of course, the picturesque coastline of Los Cabos makes it an exceptional spot for getting out on the water. Boat rides are extremely popular in Cabo San Lucas, from sunset cruises and catamaran rides to kayaking tours and whale-watching adventures.

Those interested in shopping at local boutiques and art galleries will love wandering the streets of San Jose del Cabo or taking a day trip to Todos Santos, the capital of Baja California Sur. And, for travelers searching for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Los Cabos is a short drive away from La Paz — one of the only destinations in the world where you can swim with whale sharks!

Cancun

Cabo might offer impressive rock formations and mountains, but Cancun offers lush jungles and white-sand beaches. However, because Cancun’s Hotel Zone was built for tourism, you’ll have to travel a little further out to experience all the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer (unless you want to lay on the beach all day with a tropical drink in hand — in which case, Cancun might be an excellent destination for you!).

Once you leave the all-inclusive resorts, Cancun is teeming with fascinating historical and cultural landmarks. History lovers will appreciate the chance to learn more about Mayan mythology at the ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. Adventure seekers will love zip-lining or dirt biking through the jungle.

Cancun is also near some of the best cenotes in Mexico — underground rivers and caves popular for swimming and scuba diving — and beautiful islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox.

Dining & Nightlife

Cabo

Cabo is known for its fresh seafood, such as shrimp and fish tacos, and romantic, high-end restaurants with dramatic coastal views. Some of the best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas are located on the cliffside, right on the water, including Sunset Monalisa and El Farallón at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Others, like Flora Farms, provide unique, immersive farm-to-table experiences. Consider taking a cooking class in Cabo to immerse yourself in the destination’s culinary scene!

Though Los Cabos does have a nightlife scene, the focus tends to be on chill beach lounges instead of lively clubs and flares up during spring break in Downtown Cabo San Lucas. If you want to avoid the “party” scene, San Jose del Cabo is an excellent option for a quieter vacation with local bars and live music.

Cancun

When comparing Cabo and Cancun, Cancun’s cuisine tends to focus on heartier meals, like tamales and slow-roasted pork (think “traditional” Mexican food), though seafood is also popular here. If you’re looking for a party, Cancun is also the ideal place to go clubbing — you’ll find no shortage of beach clubs bumping music 24/7!

Dreaming of a Cabo Vacation? Book with Cabo Rentals by Jane for an Unforgettable Luxury Stay in Cabo San Lucas

Both Cancun and Cabo have some of the best beaches in Mexico and plenty of things to do — you really can’t go wrong with a vacation to either of these destinations! However, if you decide that Cabo’s romantic restaurants, private resorts, outdoor adventures, and authentic local flair are more suited to your travel style, we would love to host you at the Villa La Estancia Resort in Cabo San Lucas!

Cabo Rentals by Jane offers a collection of luxurious penthouses, charming villas, and beachfront condos in Cabo, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay in, whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. We guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable trip to Cabo at any of our properties!