At the southernmost tip of Baja California Sur lies Los Cabos, a region known for natural beauty and wonder. Within Los Cabos, there are two towns called Cabo, each with its personality and charm. Cabo San Lucas, the resort town more colloquially known as simply “Cabo,” is one of the major tourist destinations in Mexico and features endless opportunities to take in the phenomenal scenery and great weather. Visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas to see an impressive golden rock formation arching over the stunning blue waters. Relax under the sun (or a surf) at one of the gorgeous blue-water beaches. Those seeking an underwater adventure can head to one of the coral reefs for a scuba dive or snorkel. From whale watching and hiking to parasailing, the adventurous at heart will always feel at home here. Plus, you can take a 30-minute drive along the coast to the “other” Cabo, San Jose del Cabo, to experience a tranquil, elegant town with plenty of traditional Mexican culture and character. Here, you can take in the Spanish colonial architecture, explore an abundance of locally-owned dining spots and art galleries, or head to the beach for the sunset and wildlife watching.
If you’re planning on renting a property in the Cabo area, don’t get ahead of yourself with excitement! Of course, when looking into a rental property, you want to make sure that it matches your family's needs and lifestyle. There are many excellent rental options in the Los Cabos region. Each property you see will have different atmospheres, amenities, and experiences to offer, so choose carefully. Here is a list to help you sort out the details when deciding upon a rental property in Cabo.
1. Location
The first major decision point when browsing Cabo rental properties is the location. In the Cabo area, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods and resorts to choose from.
If you want to live more like a local than a tourist, you may want to choose a rental in the downtown area. Here, you’ll find traditional foods, arts and crafts, and potentially lower prices since you will be farther away from tourist hot spots.
If you want a luxurious, exclusive neighborhood, consider looking into Pedregal. Here you will find a semi-weekly farmers market, picturesque views of mountains and impressive rock formations, and the epitome of luxury living.
Homes in Querencia Cabo may be perfect if you are a golf enthusiast. Querencia is a private golf and beach resort that has recently expanded to include more beachfront residences. Featuring awe-inspiring views of the mountains, biking and hiking trails, and uniquely designed real estate, Querencia is a place to behold.
If you want to reside in a private area next to a picturesque, swimmable beach, you may want to check out the impressive homes in Palmilla Cabo. Palmilla offers elegant, upscale hacienda-style spaces where you can be sure to experience tranquility and seclusion throughout your stay in this stunning resort area.
2. Types of rentals
After you decide which of the superb locations within Cabo is best for you and your family, you want to decide what type of rental you are looking for. Whether you’re seeking luxurious villas and homes in Querencia Cabo or homes in Palmilla Cabo, choose a rental that offers plenty of space for you and your family.
To help you decide, consider how you will be spending your time while you are in Cabo. If you plan to be constantly on the go as you run from adventure to adventure outside of the home, you may only need a condo or apartment. On the flip side, if you plan on spending more time enjoying the views and relaxing on the beach, you may want to choose a larger suite or villa with private patios for lounging under the sun.
3. Parking and transportation
Another important aspect is the rental property’s availability of parking and transportation. You may be lucky enough to find a residence with attractions, restaurants, and activities within short walking distance of your front door. You’ll seldom have to worry about finding a parking space.
For the adventures requiring more of a trek, consider whether you will be traveling via car or would rather rely on public transportation.
While there are public parking options throughout Cabo, you will likely find more paid parking options than free spots. However, many of the hotels and resorts in the area offer their guests free parking. Regardless, get out a map and try to plan your commute to your favorite spots.
4. Amenities
When browsing all gorgeous Cabo rental properties, consider the available amenities. It’s a good idea to ensure that your residence has air conditioning, as midday can get pretty hot, and you will want the opportunity to cool off. Also, look for expansive open windows, not only for the awesome views but for the breeze!
Many rental properties will have a jacuzzi or heated pool options for those who want to take a dip in the early morning or late at night when the sea water can be cool. If you’re always up for relaxing outside in great weather, look for a rental property with a private balcony, patio, or deck where you can set up some comfortable lounge chairs and tables.
If you plan to make your own meals, you may want to ensure that your rental includes a full kitchen, not just a kitchenette. A washing machine will also come in handy if you stay for any length. More minor amenities that make your stay more pleasant may include Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, streaming services, mosquito nets, and a vacation rental safe.
If you choose to stay in a high-end resort rental, you’ll likely be offered an array of amenities to make your stay on the resort grounds as comfortable as possible. Many resorts provide spa experiences, restaurants, markets or convenience stores, pools, and beach umbrella rentals.
No matter which type of rental you choose, make sure that they offer all of the amenities you need to make your time in Cabo a relaxing, memorable experience.
5. Rules and regulations
Many rentals will have a list of rules and regulations for guests to abide by. These are in place for the safety of all staff and guests. So, when looking into a rental property, make sure you are willing to abide by all the rules.
Some of these rules could include the age of occupants, the pet policy, HOA regulations, and incidents that could cause you to lose any deposit you put down.
After you have spent some time in one of the gorgeous rentals within Cabo, you may fall in love with the area and decide that you want to spend more time here. If you wish to find a vacation rental that you can return to year after year or want to make a more permanent move to the area, it’s always a good idea to work with a real estate professional who knows the area and has your best interests in mind. Emily Rice is a Cabo native and second-generation real estate agent. Emily is an empathetic listener who will employ fierce negotiation tactics to ensure you find a home that checks all your boxes. Reach out to Emily when you are ready to start the process of finding your dream home in Cabo.
