Nightlife in Cabo San Lucas – Your guide to best nightclubs and bars in town
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Cabo nightlife is what attracts so many visitors to this beach town. It’s a popular destination for spring breakers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and anyone looking for a fun, social atmosphere. The downtown area and the marina are filled with bars, nightclubs, and beach clubs that cater to a party-loving crowd.
Many waterfront resorts in Cabo like Riu Palace, ME Cabo by Meliá and Breathless Cabo San Lucas also know how to throw a fiesta with live entertianment, free flowing drinks and fun atmosphere.
Some popular nightclubs in Cabo don’t get busy until after 10 p.m., and the party goes on until the sunrise.
If you are ready to have a good time, but aren’t sure how to start planning your outing, I got you covered. In this article, you will find a detailed guide to the best establishments in Cabo, as well as tips on how to stay safe and not get ripped off (which can happen at popular places where staff is used to tourists who don’t check their total bill and just pay it).
Cabo nightlife by categories:
- Best nightclub in Cabo San Lucas: Cabo Wabo Cantina
- Best hip hop club in Cabo San Lucas: Crush
- Best bar in Cabo San Lucas: The Porch Cabo
- Best nightlife in downtown Cabo: The Jungle Bar
- Best beach club in Cabo San Lucas: Sur Beach Club
Best nightclubs in Cabo: overview
1. El Squid Roe
The list of best nightlife spots in Cabo isn’t complete without El Squid Roe, a busy club and restaurant where you can enjoy food, drinks and colorful shows with live music and DJ’s.
Although it’s more expensive than other places in town, it’s still a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations.
🚨While this place provides a fun atmosphere, always double check your bill, as some travelers have reported being overcharged in this place.
📍Address: Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Downtown, Ildefonso Green, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
2. The Rooftop at The Cape
A chic rooftop bar at The Cape Hotel, it offers stunning views of the ocean and is a known hangout for celebs, but you can enjoy it too!
They make excellent handcraft cocktails and serve authentic Mexican food 🌯They often have live bands and DJ’s, but the downside is that this place is on the more expensive side.
📍Address: Carretera Federal Transpeninsular Km 5, Tourist Corridor, Misiones del, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
3. Cabo Wabo Cantina
Cabo Wabo is a nightclub, restaurant and bar company founded in 1990 by American rock musicians, so be prepared for a healthy dose of classic rock’n’roll if you decide to come here. Although it does get crowded, you can still enjoy an excellent atmosphere and drinks.
📍Address: Vicente Guerrero S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
4. Rooftop 360
If you want to mingle with a younger crowd, check out Rooftop 360, a perfect place to watch the sunset with a drink in your hand while listening to upbeat music. They have a dance area, and serve delicious food and drinks in a beautifully decorated bar.
📍Address: Pelicanos 225, El Medano Ejidal, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
5. Crush
One of the best hop hop clubs in Cabo, Crush is always busy. But hip hop is not the only kind of music that you will hear at this club because they always have a good variety with DJ’s and live events. Their drinks are reasonably priced and their parties go as long as 5 a.m.
📍Address: Plaza Bonita, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 21, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Best bars in Cabo: an overview
6. Shaga Bar
A great place to have a drink with some tacos and enjoy a karaoke night, Shaga Bar is a hidden jewel of the Cabo nightlife scene. The owner is very friendly and happy to have a conversation with visitors, and even if you come here by yourself, you will quickly find a great company.
📍Address: Centro, Ildefonso Green, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
7. Sur Beach Club
If you want to celebrate a special occasion, put this place at the top of your list because nothing beats listening to music and dining on fresh seafood and authentic Mexican dish with the views of the Pacific. The food and drinks are phenomenal and the service is top notch.
📍Address: Cormoranes s/n, entre pelícanos y acuario, El Medano Ejidal, El Medano, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
8. Slims Elbow Bar
A good place to get your night started, Slims Elbow is a low-key bar where you can enjoy beer and a couple of shots of tequila.
✅ Do I need to tip in Cabo San Lucas?
This is a popular local hangout and you can meet new people, if you spend a few hours here. Slims Elbow Bar has good, budget-friendly prices, but make sure to bring cash, because they don’t accept credit cards.
📍Address: Plaza Mariachis, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
9. The Porch Cabo
The Porch is one of the best bars in town located in the Cabo Marina. Their bartender scan prepare about any drink that you can think about. They also have cold beers, daiquiris, carajillo, Don Julio, and other fun drinks worth trying.
The bar has live music, and sport games on big TV screens.
📍Address: Blvd Marina #39 Local E Marina Plaza, El Medano Ejidal, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
10. Uno Mas
Uno is a small, unpretentious bar that has excellent reviews thanks to its free-flowing drinks and friendly bartenders. It’s one of the top spots in Cabo to have a couple of drinks in a low-key environment. They have a relaxed dress code and welcoming atmosphere.
All you need to say is “Uno mas!”
📍Address: Boulevard Marina Interior, Del Sol, 23451 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
11. The Jungle Bar
Jungle Bar serves only drinks and has live rock bands perform at the venue.
Located across from the Giggling Marlin, it’s a great place to listen to live music while enjoying cold drinks. On some days, they have different bands playing music several times a day, but the it starts to get busy around 8-10 p.m.
📍Address: Plaza Los Mariachis, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Book popular Cabo bar tours
Don’t want to go out by yourself? Join one of Cabo bar tours where a party host will plan your outing and will introduce you to the best nightclubs and bars in Cabo.
This bar crawl includes all your admission covers, a welcome shot in every visited venue at El Squid Roe Nightclub and a select restaurant with DJs and dancing.
Whether you are traveling to Cabo solo and want to meet new people, or have a group of friends, these tours are perfect as they allow you to avoid the hassle of planning your night out.
Best party resorts in Cabo
1. Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas – All inclusive
One of the best party hotels in Cabo, Hotel Riu Palace hosts frequent pool parties and themed parties for its visitors.
All rooms come with mini bars that are stocked with beer and mixers, and there are beer stations and bars around the resort, so you can grab a drink at any time.
Riu Palace has 10 pools, a spa, free on-site parking and eight restaurants, so you might not need to leave the resort, except if you want to go for a hike or take a tour in Cabo.
✅ CHECK PRICES AT RIU PALACE CABO SAN LUCAS
2. Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa
Breathless Cabo San Lucas is an all-Inclusive is an adults only resort that features a swimming pool, theme parties and superb views of the Sea of Cortez. The property offers airport shuttle service, six on-site restaurants and free on site parking, if you have a car rental.
They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The resort is only a few steps away from downtown Cabo San Lucas with its nightlife, restaurants and shopping.
✅ CHECK PRICES AT CABO SAN LUCAS RESORT AND SPA
3. ME Cabo by Meliá
Me Cabo by Melia is an adult resort with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and a pool side bar along Medano Beach in the tourist corridor between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. me Cabo often throws pool side parties and its staff is very friendly. The property boasts a spa, fitness center, and daily breakfast.
✅ CHECK PRICES AT ME CABO BY MELIA
Safety tips for enjoying Cabo nightlife:
1. Take photos of your receipts
Unfortunately, overcharging customers is a common practice in many popular bars and nightclubs in Cabo. Many travelers report being charged extra at places like El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo. Always ask for receipts and don’t forget to clarify the price before ordering food and drinks. If something doesn’t make sense, always double check.
➡️ Can I drink water in Cabo San Lucas?
2. Keep your belongings safe
If you plan to go out in Cabo, take only what’s necessary. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and leave your wallet at home. Having a few credit cards and some cash is more than enough, and you are unlikely to need more.
3. Travel in groups
It’s always safer to go out with friends, especially late at night, because groups are less likely to be targeted by criminals. Additionally, if someone in the group has one drink too many, other could be there to help. Stay together when moving between venues, and establish meeting points in case anyone gets separated.
4. Watch your drinks
Drink tampering is a concern in any nightlife scene, including Cabo. Never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers unless you’re sure they came directly from the bar or server. Same applies to your meal. If you need to step away, always finish your meal first.
5. Be careful with new friends
While meeting new people on your trip is exciting, there’s always a chance you could run into someone with bad intentions. Be cautious when sharing personal information and travel plans, and never leave your food and drinks with someone you just met.
6. Pace your drinking
Excessive drinking can impair your judgment and make you more susceptible to accidents or unwanted situations. Drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and know your limits. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to stay more alert.
7. Don’t buy drugs
When exploring Cabo nightlife, there’s a chance you could be approached by someone offering you to buy drugs. If someone asks you, decline the offer and walk away. Buying drugs in Mexico is a very bad idea and it can get you in real trouble.
8. Use only legitimate transportation
If someone you just met at a bar is offering you a ride to your hotel, it’s better to politely decline the offer. Although this person might have good intentions, you never know.
Uber is a great way to explore Cabo nightlife or make your drive back home. Avoid taxis, but if you need to take one, make sure that it’s registered and has a proper license.
9. Be aware of your surroundings
Scams and petty crime can happen, especially in crowded areas where it’s easy to get distracted. Keep an eye on your belongings, trust your instincts, and avoid overly pushy vendors or strangers. Get an anti-theft bag for your trip to Cabo to keep your belongings safe.
10. Stay in well-lit areas
Stick to well-lit streets areas, especially when moving between clubs and bars. The marina and downtown Cabo are usually lively and safer to explore, whereas poorly lit and desolate areas are could have criminals and other shady people.
11. Avoid conflicts
The combination of alcohol and high-energy environments can sometimes lead to altercations. Stay calm, avoid confrontations, and if a situation escalates, remove yourself from it. If necessary, ask security personnel to help you resolve the issue.
12. Stay close to main nightlife area
The main nightlife zones in Cabo are patrolled by police and relatively safe. Stick to popular spots like downtown Cabo, the marina, and nearby beach clubs that have more people and security measures.
Book your hotel close to Cabo Marina or downtown Cabo, from where you can walk or take a quick Uber ride that will be pretty inexpensive.
Best hotels in downtown Cabo San Lucas
- Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Blanco – a beachfront resort near Cabo downtown that’s one of the best places to stay in the area and it offers excellent amenities like free breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, free parking and fitness center.
- Casa Palo Verde – excellent stay near downtown Cabo if you are looking for an apartment-style accommodation with a full kitchen, bathroom and on site amenities like free parking, outdoor swimming pool and daily breakfast.
- Donjuan by Melida Hotel – This cozy, family-owned hotel is close to everything, it offers a quiet stay perfect to relax while staying within walking distance from the center of action. The owners are very nice and accommodating, and there’s free wi-fi and on-site swimming pool.
What do you wear in Cabo at night?
Dress to impress when going out in Cabo. While you can get away with shorts and flip flops by day, be ready to put on your fancy clothes by night, because Cabo is known for its high-end nightlife where many popular establishments including bars and resorts have a dress codes.
What to wear on your night out in Cabo:
For women:
- A dress
- Jewelry
- Fashion shoes
- A handbag (clutch)
- A safety bag
For men:
- Dressy shirt
- Pants
- Shoes
Cabo nightlife: FAQ’s
Does Cabo have a good nightlife?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is known for its vibrant nightlife! The town has a variety of options, ranging from lively nightclubs like Cabo Wabo to more laid-back beach bars like Mango Deck and the Sand Bar.
Can you drink on the beach in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo is a party town, with many popular bars and restaurants by the water, so consuming alcohol at the beach is generally not frowned upon, even if you drink beer. However, be aware that drinking alcohol in public places and cars is prohibited.
Is Cabo San Lucas a party town?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas is considered a party town because of its nightlife scene and countless bars many of which are open from sunrise to sunset. Here, you will find everything from dance clubs like El Squid Roe to beachside venues like Mango Deck, where the party often starts during the day and continues into the night.
Where do celebrities party in Cabo San Lucas?
There are several spots throughout Cabo, where celebrities like to party. One of them is Nobu, a luxury hotel is co-owned by Robert De Niro that is known for hosting celebrities as well as Rooftop at the Cape, which offers a high-end dining experience with ocean views.
Cabo nightlife: Final word
Cabo San Lucas has plenty of nightclubs, bars and restaurants with live music, so whether you want to celebrate a special event, listen to live music or just have a couple of drinks, there’s something for everyone.
