If you're torn between Cabo vs Cancun for your next vacation, you're not alone. Both destinations offer sunny beaches, luxurious resorts, and unforgettable experiences—but the vibe, geography, and overall travel experience are actually quite different!
I’ve had the chance to explore both places—camera in hand and kid in tow. And while I may be biased (Cabo obviously has my heart), I’ll break down the differences honestly so you can decide which Mexican hotspot fits your travel style.
Whether you're planning a relaxing family getaway, a romantic escape, or a spring break adventure, here’s what you need to know before booking a plane ticket.
1. Location, Flights, and Travel Time
The beach at Sandos Finisterra in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas, located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is often easier to reach from the western U.S. cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Phoenix. Most direct flights to Cabo are under three hours from the West Coast.
Cancun, on the other hand, sits on the Yucatán Peninsula and is a better fit if you're flying from the East Coast or Midwest (hey Chicago and New York!). Flights from the West Coast are longer and often pricier.
✈️ TL;DR: West Coast? Cabo. East Coast? Cancun. Midwest? Cancun.
2. The Vibe: Laid-Back vs Lively
If you're craving an energetic, nightlife-heavy atmosphere with a spring break mentality, Cancun barely wins. The Hotel Zone is known for clubs, resorts stacked side by side, and a younger crowd.
Cabo, in contrast, offers a chill, upscale vibe. Think boutique hotels, dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes, and classy margaritas at sunset.
Don’t get me wrong—Cabo does know how to party. The beachfront and marina are lined with bars, and San José del Cabo is known for its rooftop lounges. There’s no shortage of alcohol and ambiance—just fewer crowds that skew older.
📸 Pro Tip: The relaxed energy in Cabo makes it easier to capture candid family photos, romantic sunset shoots, or spontaneous moments with kids running barefoot along the shoreline.
3. Beach Conditions
Surfers near Lover’s Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Here’s the biggest surprise in the Cabo vs Cancun debate: not all beaches are swimmable.
Cancun has calm, turquoise Caribbean waters and powdery white sand—great for swimming and floating all day. It’s postcard-perfect but can get very crowded.
Cabo has a mix. Some beaches are wild with powerful Pacific waves and steep drop-offs (not ideal for young kids… in fact, some beaches are not swimmable), but others—like Medano Beach, Chileno Bay, or Palmilla—are calm, swimmable, and stunning.
🌊 Pro Tip: Want breathtaking photos without being photobombed by strangers? Cabo has more remote beaches and with rocky, hidden coves for dreamy, crowd-free photo sessions. Message me for the best spot!
4. Adventure and Activities
Our photographer, Enrique, hiking Mt. Solmar in Cabo, Mexico.
Both destinations offer tons of excursions, but the type of adventure varies:
In Cancun, you can:
Explore ancient Mayan ruins (Tulum, Chichen Itza)
Swim in cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes)
Zipline or ride ATVs through the jungle
Snorkel near Isla Mujeres
In Cabo, you can:
Go whale watching (seasonal, but unreal)
Hike Mount Solmar for panoramic views
Ride camels through the desert
Snorkel at Santa Maria or Chileno Bay
Rent a private boat to explore Land’s End and the iconic El Arco
For my favorite ideas, check out my guide the best things to do in Cabo.
🐋 Fun Fact: Some of my favorite photos we’ve ever taken were while whale watching in Cabo. Seeing a humpback breach next to your boat is unforgettable—and yes, your kids will lose their minds (in a good way).
5. Food and Culture
Brunch at Phenix in Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Cancun leans more touristy, and while you’ll find delicious food, many of the restaurants cater to the all-inclusive crowd.
Cabo’s culinary scene is more diverse and less commercialized. You’ll find:
Fresh seafood at waterfront spots
Farm-to-table dining in San José del Cabo
Casual taco stands with serious flavor
Upscale fusion restaurants that rival L.A. and NYC
🌮 Local Insight: If you want truly authentic Mexican food, Cabo is the winner. (Although, Enrique is originally from Mexico City and he says the food is even better there.) And the variety makes for great photo ops—from colorful markets to bougie cocktails at sunset.
6. Safety and Comfort
Both Cancun and Cabo are generally safe for tourists, especially in the resort areas. However, Cabo often feels more secure due to its smaller size, friendly locals, and less concentrated party scene.
As a mom and a business owner, I’ve never felt unsafe walking around downtown Cabo, even with my camera gear. That’s not always the case in tourist-heavy parts of Cancun.
👮 Mom Note: Cabo is great for families who want relaxation without worry. Plus, it’s easier to find smaller boutique resorts or Airbnbs with more privacy.
7. Cost Comparison
Cancun can be more affordable, especially if you’re booking an all-inclusive resort. Flights from the East Coast are often cheaper, and the high volume of hotels keeps prices competitive.
Cabo tends to be slightly more expensive, especially when it comes to hotels, dining, and excursions. But it also feels more exclusive and less like a tourist trap.
Before you book, think about how often you want to venture away from your resort or accommodations. If your goal is to stay at the pool all day with a drink in hand, Cancun’s all-inclusives are perfect. But even when I’m at my favorite all-inclusive in Cabo I’m itching to get out on the streets because there’s just so much to see and do in Cabo.
8. Photos and Scenery
Our photographer, Enrique, at one of our “secret” photo spots in Cabo San Lucas.
As a photographer, I notice the difference immediately:
Cancun is flat, with endless beaches and bright blue waters.
Cabo is dramatic, with mountains, cliffs, and sunsets that look straight out of a movie.
If you want vacation photos that don’t look like everyone else's, Cabo wins hands down.
Whether we’re photographing families walking through the marina, couples popping champagne on a private boat, or kids giggling in the tide—Cabo gives more variety, more depth, and more wow.
📷 Need a photographer while you're here? We’d love to help capture your time in Cabo. Whether it’s a multi-generational family trip, a sunset cruise, or a candid session on the beach, we’ll make sure you leave with memories as beautiful as the scenery. View our packages here.
Final Verdict: Cabo vs Cancun
Cabo vs Cancun? It Depends On Your Travel Personality.
If you want a tropical vacation with all the bells, whistles, and foam parties, Cancun may be your place.
But if you’re looking for a destination that feels like a real escape—with wild landscapes, vibrant local culture, and photo-worthy views at every turn—then Cabo San Lucas delivers in spades.
And if you do choose Cabo, don’t forget to document your experience! Enrique and I would love to be your photographers while you're here.