Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination (and one of my favorite vacay spots) located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine, it is no wonder that many people choose to visit this beautiful city. However, creating a packing list for Cabo San Lucas can be a daunting task. With so many activities to do and places to see, it can be challenging to know what to pack for your trip.
To help alleviate some of the stress of packing, I’m sharing a comprehensive packing list for Cabo San Lucas. Whether you plan on lounging on the beach, exploring the city, or hitting up nightclubs, this list will ensure that you have everything you need to make the most of your trip. From sunscreen and swimwear to comfortable walking shoes and a camera, this packing list covers all the essentials. So, grab your packing cubes, and let’s get started!
The Ultimate Packing List for Cabo San Lucas
Essential Clothing Items
When packing for a trip to Cabo San Lucas, it’s important to consider the climate, time of year and activities that you will be doing. In this post, I’m sharing the things that I consider to be essential clothing items that you should include in your packing list:
Beachwear
Cabo San Lucas is known for its beautiful beaches, so first and foremost it’s important to pack appropriate beachwear. A swimsuit or two is a must, along with a cover-up or sarong. I love this bandeau two-piece and this set from Revolve.
I also love to travel with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect my face and eyes from the sun. In addition, I recommend water shoes or sandals for walking on the beach and in the water. Finally, a pro tip is to pack a beach bag and a waterproof phone case- trust me on this one! A good case will protect your phone if it gets wet and save you so much time and hassle.
Daytime Outfits
During the day, you’ll likely be exploring the town or participating in outdoor activities, so it’s important to pack comfortable and practical clothing. I suggest lightweight and breathable fabrics, as well as closed-toe shoes for hiking and walking. A hat and sunglasses are also important for sun protection. I also always pack jean shorts and a few tank tops. You can easily mix and match for multiple outfits.
Overall, when packing for Cabo San Lucas, it’s important to consider the climate and activities that you will be doing. Comfortable and practical clothing is key, but don’t forget to pack some evening attire for a night out on the town.
Evening Attire
Cabo San Lucas has a vibrant nightlife scene, so it’s important to pack some evening attire. For women, a mini dress or a nice top with shorts or a skirt is perfect. My go-to color is white with some pops of color in my accessories. Men can wear khaki pants or shorts with a collared shirt. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking around town. I also suggest bringing a light jacket for the evenings in case it gets chilly.
Footwear Selection
When packing for a trip to Cabo San Lucas, it’s essential to bring the right footwear to ensure comfort and style. Here are some of my suggestions for footwear that will keep you comfortable and stylish during your trip.
Sandals and Flip-Flops
Cabo San Lucas is known for its warm and sunny weather, making sandals and flip-flops the perfect footwear choice. They are easy to slip on and off, making them ideal for the beach, pool, or a casual stroll around town. It’s recommended to bring at least two pairs of sandals or flip-flops to switch between them and give your feet a break. These Dolce Vita sandals are practical and stylish with the gold buckle detail.
Walking Shoes
While sandals are perfect for the beach, they may not be the best choice for long walks or hikes. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must-have for exploring the city or taking a hike in the surrounding mountains. I love these sneakers from New Balance because they provide great support and have a non-slip sole.
Dress Shoes
For a night out on the town or a fancy dinner, I like to pack one pair of dress shoes. Cabo San Lucas has a vibrant nightlife, and many restaurants have a dress code. These pearl heels go with practically everything and will ensure that you look your best. Opt for a comfortable pair that you can wear for an extended period.
Sun Protection Gear
When visiting Cabo San Lucas, it’s crucial to pack sun protection gear to avoid sunburn and skin damage. Here are a few essential I always take with me:
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have item for any trip to Cabo San Lucas. The sun is strong in this region, and it’s easy to get sunburned quickly. It’s recommended to bring a high SPF sunscreen, preferably 30 or above, to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. My favorite is this one by Kopari because it gives you a sunkissed glow! Waterproof sunscreen is also a great option, especially if planning to spend time in the ocean or pool.
Hats
I never travel without a hat or two to protect me from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade to the face, neck, and shoulders, protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays. A baseball cap or a visor can also be useful, but they don’t provide as much coverage as a wide-brimmed hat.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a crucial item for any trip to Cabo San Lucas. The sun can be incredibly bright and intense, and sunglasses can protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. I recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, which can reduce glare and improve visibility in bright sunlight.
Travel Documents and Money
Passport and IDs
Before traveling to Cabo San Lucas, it is important to ensure that all travel documents are in order. This includes a valid passport, which should have at least six months of validity remaining before expiration. In addition, it is recommended to carry a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, as a backup form of identification.
Credit Cards and Cash
It is important to have a mix of credit cards and cash when traveling to Cabo San Lucas. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. I always make sure to inform my bank of my travel plans to avoid any potential issues with card usage. It is also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations for tipping and small purchases.
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to Cabo San Lucas, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen luggage. It is important to review the policy carefully to ensure that it covers all necessary items and activities during your trip.
Remember to keep all travel documents and money in a secure place, such as a hotel safe, to prevent loss or theft. By taking these simple steps, travelers can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip to Cabo San Lucas.
Health and Safety Items
Now that we’ve talked about what to wear in Cabo, let’s dive into some of the health and safety items that should always be considered when traveling.
First Aid Kit
When traveling to Cabo San Lucas, it’s important to pack a basic first aid kit to be prepared for any minor injuries or illnesses. A small kit containing items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and pain relievers can come in handy. It’s also recommended to include any personal medications, such as allergy medicine or asthma inhalers. I always like to bring a water bottle along to make sure I’m staying hydrated in the hot sun.
Medications
If you take any prescription medications, make sure to bring enough to last the entire trip. It’s also a good idea to pack a copy of your prescription or a note from your doctor, in case you need to refill your medication while in Cabo San Lucas. Additionally, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication to prevent it, especially if you plan on taking a boat tour.
Insect Repellent
Cabo San Lucas is located in a tropical region, so it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, which can carry diseases such as Zika and dengue fever. I always pack insect repellent containing DEET to keep mosquitoes away. It’s also a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Packing List for Cabo San Lucas
From soaking up the rays on the beach to fun excursions like whale watching, there’s no shortage of activities in Cabo. If you’re looking for even more helpful info on what to do while on your Cabo vacation, check out my all my Cabo San Lucas travel tips and tricks.
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