Cabo San Lucas on a Budget with all the Fun and Sun

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Cabo San Lucas on a Budget may sound like a fairy tale, but it’s not. We go all the time, love it, and enjoy it on the cheap. This post will show you how you can, too! In addition to ideas of things to do on a budget, this post includes places to stay and inexpensive places to eat. Obviously, I did not include every option, but I assure you there are tons of hotels and eating establishments that are not outrageous.

Quick disclosure: Content may include affiliate links. I *only* recommend products/services I love and think you will, too! Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas. The peak season is from December to April, when the weather is at its best, but it also means higher prices and more crowds.

The ideal times to visit Cabo San Lucas would be May to June and October to November. Because these are considered “shoulder” months, you can not only avoid large tourist crowds, but you also have the best chance of finding the best deals at hotels and resorts. That said, the quietest and least expensive time to visit would be May to June.

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Top Tip to Save Money in Cabo – Take the Bus!

The number one tip for Cabo San Lucas on a budget is to take the bus to get around. The Ruta Del Desierto, or the purple and yellow bus, is a convenient and cheap option. You can take the bus from the airport to your hotel or resort or use it to get around the area. Of course, if you take the bus from the airport, you must walk to Terminal One. Once you gather your luggage, you will then take a 10-minute or so walk. Of course, this option may not work for everyone.

We usually take the bus from the airport to our hotel in Cabo San Lucas. The cost is about 8-10 pesos per person, and the buses arrive every 8 to 10 minutes. It takes about an hour to get to our hotel, and we have to walk across the road to access the hotel.

Before you get too excited about the time frame, we arranged for shuttle transportation in advance the first time we visited Cabo. It cost $48 for the two of us, and we shared the van with other people. First, we had to wait outside for at least 30 minutes for all passengers to arrive. Then, we had to stop at every passenger’s resort before arriving at our hotel, which took about an hour.

It’s a no-brainer for us, but you can decide for yourself. I will say the bus is not as good of an option when leaving Cabo if you have an early flight. In that case, I would take a different form of transportation.

Try Budget-Friendly Hotel Accommodations

While there are many luxurious resorts in Cabo, there are also budget-friendly options for accommodation. Many of these hotels offer comfortable rooms, convenient locations, and great amenities at affordable prices. Additionally, you can find affordable and charming options through Airbnb and VRBO.

For example, The Fairfield Inn by Marriott is our favorite. This is our opinion; it is not an affiliate sponsorship here. We have stayed here numerous times because the rates are fantastic, the staff is wonderful, and it’s just a 12-minute walk to Playa Medano. Not to mention, they have a superb breakfast buffet, and the hotel is close to everything.

There are plenty of nice hotels and private residence options located near the Marina and Mendano Beach.

Additionally, you can find great hotel rates on Booking.com.

Cheap Eats in Cabo San Lucas

Eating out can quickly add up to your expenses, but Cabo San Lucas has plenty of delicious and affordable options. Try local street food like tacos and tamales from food trucks or small restaurants. You can also visit the Mercado Orgánico Los Cabos for fresh produce and ingredients to cook your meals.

There are many restaurants and taco stands to enjoy in Cabo San Lucas on a budget. Of course, the following are some of our favorites, but we try to find something new every time we visit.

Maria Jiminez’s Mexican Restaurant – Excellent authentic and inexpensive Mexican cuisine. A must when you visit.

 One & Only Taco – Best Fish Tacos and wonderful owners!

Wicked Pizza – We love Wicked Pizza! Local tip: go on Wednesdays for half-price pizza.

Taco Gus – Taco Gus has amazing Huaraches (if you don’t know what these are, you must try them at least once) and Shrimp Tacos. My favorite because they bring you so much food and the prices are excellent!
Marisicos Tres Isla – Great Seafood and Terrific Prices – The shrimp three ways was simply amazing!

Find great prices on all the best Cabo San Lucas Outdoor Adventure tours here.

Free & Cheap Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Who says you have to spend money to have a good time? Plenty of free things to do in Cabo San Lucas will keep you entertained and allow you to experience the local culture.

Fun in the Sun at Playa Mendano

The beach is why you go to Cabo San Lucas, right? So Playa el Medano is everything you would imagine a famous Mexican beach to be. Lots of people, music, water sports, restaurants, vendors, and fun! If you love taking long walks on the beach like I do, then this is a destination you will want to visit. Many resorts are located along this beach so that you may end up here by default. Don’t be put off by the vendors, as there are many, but let’s be honest, they are just trying to make a living, and they are not pushy, and a polite No Gracias will keep them moving along.

Take a Rental Water Taxi to See Lands End & El Arco

Visiting Land’s End and Whale watching tours can be expensive in Cabo San Lucas, up to $130 per person. But that does not mean they have to be. Instead of taking a private tour, head to the Marina and opt for a public water taxi. The cost is about $10 per person, which is a considerable savings for other activities. Of course, the public taxis will have larger groups on board and no refreshments, but the cost savings make it worth it.

Explore the Marina

Another great free thing to do is casually stroll around the marina in the evening. Not only is it a great place to watch the sunset, there are numerous things to do there. There are restaurants and shops to explore, plus a boutique mall featuring a Cinema. For those who love the arts, there is even the Cultural Pavilion of the Republic Los Cabos, where you can enjoy plays, operas, dance exhibitions, and more.

Visit Iglesia de San Lucas and Town Square

Located just a short 15-minute walk from the Marina is Iglesia de San Lucas. Iglesia de San Lucas is the oldest building in Cabo San Lucas and was built by a Spanish missionary in 1730. This charming church is free to enter, although donations are accepted. The church features stunning architecture and artwork.

Afterward, stroll through the town square, located on Calle Cabo San Lucas. There is a beautiful gazebo, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. If you want to experience more of the local culture of Cabo, this is the place to be.

Enjoy a Day Trip to San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is a charming town just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas. This laid-back town offers a more authentic experience than Cabo’s high-energy tourist hub.

One of the best things to do is to take a leisurely walk through its historic downtown streets. Here, you can admire colorful buildings, historic architecture, and quaint shops and soak in the local culture. On Thursdays from November to June, an art walk is held, and the galleries welcome you to explore many beautiful works by local artists.

Money Saving Tip: Take the bus because it is considerably less expensive than Uber or Didi. You will need pesos to take the bus.

Hike the Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas

Located just outside the main tourist area, the Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas offers a beautiful, cardio-boosting hiking experience. The trail is free to access and provides stunning ocean views and the surrounding landscape.

To get to the trail, travel west on Lazaro Cardenas and then cross Miguel Hildago. There is a security gate and guard, and when we visited, it was not restricted, but others who went after us told us the guard redirected them to another entrance. It’s still totally worth the view!

Non-Touristy Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Climb Mt. Solmar

We had a cloudy day in Cabo and decided to take a break from the beach by hiking Mt. Solmar. This is a moderate hike and not too strenuous, stay on the marked path. Of course, seeing the unique view of Land’s End and Divorce Beach from above is well worth the effort. However, It’s important to note that to access Mt. Solmar, you must pass through private property, but the owner is charming and will open the gate and let you through as long as you ask nicely.

Enjoy the Day at Chileno Beach

This lovely little oasis is about 9 miles from Cabo San Lucas and is a 28 pesos bus ride each way per person, which translates into roughly $1.50. If you spend time at Playa Medano, you will want to come to Chileno for a break from the crowds. It’s a small hidden gem of a beach, but you will love the peace and the lack of folks trying to sell you stuff, and if you bring your snorkel gear, you can enjoy some pretty sweet sites right off the beach. It was a wonderful afternoon, free except for the bus ride, which was pretty cheap.

Visit the Museum of Natural History 

Located in what was an elementary school, the Museo de Historia Natural is not only interesting for adults but for children as well. In addition to exhibits dedicated to paleobotany and paleoanthropology with fossils, you can also find exhibits on astronomy, geology, and paleontology. In addition, you can learn about the history of Cabo San Lucas and how it evolved into what it is today. Of course, most people who visit Cabo love the water; another area is dedicated to Cabo San Lucas’s marine history.

Explore The Estuary of San Jose del Cabo

As a matter of fact, this is an excellent option if you take a day trip to explore San Jose del Cabo. The San Jose del Cabo Estuary is a desert oasis near the San Jose River. It provides a sanctuary for many bird species in the area. This beautiful sanctuary offers lovely trails where you can view and enjoy the wildlife that calls this area home. Also, it’s easy to access because it’s just outside the Hotel Zone.

Hike Sierra de la Laguna

Another fantastic free adventure to enjoy is hiking the Sierra de la Laguna. This is a UNESCO-listed reserve at the southern end of Baja California. Not only can you enjoy a day of glorious nature and scenic views, but you can take a break from the beach and endless water sports. In addition to hiking, you can go climbing, mountain biking, or walking on a deserted mountain trail. You can begin your hike at the Rancho San Dionísio trail marker, 23 km north of downtown Cabo San Lucas.  Also, take plenty of water, wear a head covering and good shoes for the day.

Obviously, you will need to find all these places if you go to Cabo. Therefore, we are including a map to help you get around.

Map to Take With You

Wrap-Up of Cabo San Lucas on a Budget

Cabo San Lucas may have a reputation for being a luxurious and expensive destination. Still, with the right strategies and tips, you can enjoy this beautiful location without spending a fortune. From choosing the best time to visit to finding cheap eats and accommodations, there are plenty of ways to save money while having an unforgettable vacation experience. So start planning your budget-friendly trip to Cabo San Lucas and get ready to make some beautiful memories!

Finally, I hope you enjoyed this Cabo San Lucas on a budget post. Cabo is a beautiful place to vacation, but so many people stay in all-inclusive resorts and miss the whole experience.

If you’re interested in other budget-friendly trips to Mexico, check out Things to do and see in Puerto Vallarta when planning your trip.

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