The benefits of living in Los Cabos are legion. There’s the year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, of course, not to mention the amazing cuisine, festive cultural celebrations, and unending variety of incredible outdoor adventures. But there’s also another benefit that far too few locals and seasonal residents take advantage of – convenient access to first-class (in some cases, world-class) beachfront hotels and resorts. Fact is, you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the region’s stunning collection of hotels and resorts. All you need is a Cabo day pass!
Day passes in Los Cabos typically offer access to swimming pools, hot tubs, and beaches, as well as food and drinks, and in some cases even spa services. Basically, it’s the resort experience without the overnight stays and hefty price tags. Of course, after two years of pandemic inspired health guidelines at local resorts, day passes are not quite as ubiquitious as they once were. But locals and seasonal residents seeking a vacation for a day still have some excellent options to choose from. The most sought after day passes are typically for resorts in popular settings – notably, Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas – and of course the rates reflect this demand. Day passes at resorts outside the well-traveled areas of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, meanwhile, often offer shockingly affordable rates for their picturesque pleasures.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of our favorite Cabo day pass options in 2022.
Cabo San Lucas – Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa
Corazón Cabo’s grand opening in May came on the heels of a $100 million dollar rebuild and rebrand of the old Cabo Villas. The new property offers plenty of great features, from balcony hot tubs in many rooms to the highest rooftop bar in Cabo San Lucas, the spectacular Rooftop 360. The resort’s best feature, of course, is its central location on the city’s largest and most popular beach, Playa El Médano.
The former Cachet Beach Club is now Corazon branded, with everything from lounges and cabanas to fresh seafood and cocktail service. Corazón actually offers several day pass options through resortpass.com, including a $100 beach pass that includes a reserved lounge chair and umbrella, and $40 credit on food and beverage.
VIP packages include the $200 “Heart of Cabo”, which boasts a beachfront cabana and 30-minute massage, plus assorted F&B credits at resort-based restaurants (including the beachfront Aleta) and watering holes.
Pelicanos 225, El Médano Ejidal, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 980-0604, Corazon Cabo. Day pass price: From $100 USD for adults. Purchase here Corazon Day Pass.
Cabo San Lucas – Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos
This property has a long and tangled history in Cabo San Lucas. There are still a few grizzled expats who refer to it as Plaza No Glorias after one of its previous incarnations (and there have been a few, from Costa Real and Plaza Las Glorias to a brief period of Wyndham branding after it became El Tesoro).
That said, the central marina-front location is hard to beat, and the views of the marina and bay beyond from the rooftop Skypool are objectively gorgeous. The swim-up bar and hot tubs here are pretty sweet, too.
Day passes have gone up in price in recent years, but still remain an incredible value. They’re now available in either 4- or 7-hour versions, and include access to the pool and hot tubs, plus cabanas, lounge chairs and towels, as well as free Wi-Fi and basically all the food and drinks you can handle (unlimited national drinks and breakfast buffet for the 4-hour version; all that plus lunch for the 7-hour ticket).
It’s definitely a top Cabo day pass option. Children under 12 aren’t eligible, however, and guests will need to check in at reception and leave an ID card as a guarantee against damages.
Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 173-9300, Tesoro Los Cabos. Day pass price: $40 USD for 4 hours; $70 for 7 hours.
San José del Cabo – Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos
The name doesn’t lie. Gran Faro means great lighthouse, and this all-inclusive San José del Cabo resort certainly has one, along with a sushi bar at its top that offers spectacular wraparound views of the city and Sea of Cortés. The property’s most notable asset, however, is the beach. Barcelo is set along the Zona Hotelera – the city’s prime hotel zone – which is framed by a wide stretch of glorious golden sand.
The $75 dollar day pass offers access to the beach and outdoor swimming pools (there are three), with sun lounges and towels included. Yes, unlimited food and drinks are included as well, but the resort recommends checking in at reception to find out which restaurants or bars are included in the package for that day. The Kids Club is also open to day pass purchasers, and since tickets are half-price for kids ($37.50 for ages 6 to 11, and free for those 5 and under), this is a great family-friendly option.
The current pricing is good through the end of 2022, and spa services and Starbucks are not included, as are select restaurants. However, even non-participating restaurants are available for unlimited buffet dining at an additional $20 per person charge, which is still a bargain.
Paseo Malecón San José 9, Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo, (624) 142-9292, Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos. Day pass price: $75 USD
Cerritos – Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa
If you love surfing in Los Cabos, then you know the best wintertime breaks are off Pacific side beaches like Los Cerritos, San Pedrito and La Pastora. The first, commonly known as Cerritos, is a long-time favorite of locals; not just for the surfing, but as a tranquilo weekend getaway from Cabo San Lucas. The surfing is excellent here, however, and it’s the inspiration for Cerritos Surf Town Hotel & Spa – the best day pass destination on the beach.
Like many “Cabo day pass” options, this one comes with a food and drink credit ($20), plus access to the swimming pool and hot tub. Shaded tables overlook the beach, and extras like surf lessons and board rentals are available for those who don’t mind leaving the comfort of the pool for more active pastimes in a far larger pool (AKA, the Pacific Ocean). Bring your dog if you like. This is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the area, and the resort welcomes four-legged guests.
The sunsets are amazing here, so don’t leave too early.
Hwy. 19 Km. 67, Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero, (624) 160-0881, Cerritos Surf Town. Day pass price: $40 USD.
East Cape – Hotel Buena Vista Oceanfront & Hot Springs Resort
Those who’ve spent time on Los Cabos’ East Cape may already be familiar with this benchmark family-owned property, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021. Certainly those who follow the local fishing scene will know the name, since the resort plays host to Bisbee’s annual East Cape Offshore each August.
But if you don’t know it, here’s why you should get acquainted. Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort is built on underground thermal hot springs, which fuels the excellent “must try” onsite hot tub. This beautifully landscaped resort has much more to offer day pass visitors, however, from the secluded beach and large pool area to picturesque seating at El Navegante – the onsite restaurant – where menu items are likely as not made from family recipes handed down for generations.
A $20 credit on food and drink is included with the day pass price, and kids will appreciate the gazebo-set pool (billiards) and ping pong tables. Speaking of kids, everything is half price for those ages 11 and younger ($15 for the day pass/$10 food and drink credit).
105 Hwy. 1, Spa Buenavista, Buenavista, East Cape, (624) 142-0099, Hotel Buena Vista Resort. Day pass price: $30 USD.
Want your business featured in our directory and promoted by CaboViVO, please be sure to contact us here, thanks…
Saludos from Co-Founders…
Chris Sands – Writer and Michael Mattos