When we started planning our family vacation to Cabo San Lucas, we knew we wanted somewhere warm, sunny, and packed with activities for all ages.
After many hours of research, we decided on Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, a Mediterranean-inspired resort with everything we were looking for: a swimmable beach, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to Cabo’s vibrant downtown. I’ve included affiliate links in this post.
From the stunning views and poolside smoothies to swimming with dolphins and dining under the stars, our trip to Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos was absolutely unforgettable. Here’s everything I learned and loved about the resort to help you plan your own perfect family getaway.
I have no affiliation with the hotel, but I have included affiliate links in this post.
Why We Chose Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
Weather: We specifically wanted a location that offered reliably beautiful warm weather during our winter break over Christmas and New Year’s, and Cabo delivered. The mornings started out cool (I wore a sweatshirt to breakfast most mornings), but by 9:30 or 10:00 a.m., it was warm enough to jump in the pool.
Swimmable Beach: When it came to choosing a resort, we also prioritized finding a place with a swimmable beach. Many Cabo resorts are located along beaches with strong currents that make swimming unsafe. Ultimately, we chose Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos (aka “Blanco”) because of its beachfront location with safe swimming conditions and reputation as a family-friendly resort.
Note: Pueblo Bonito Rose is a sister resort that is right next store. You can walk there in less than one minute, and use their pool and restaurants. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach is a sister resort that is about 20 minutes away. We visited one night to eat dinner there. It’s beautiful, but there is no swimmable beach, and you need to take golf carts to make your way around the massive property.
Top Reasons to Stay at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
- Prime Location: Just a 10-minute walk to downtown Cabo, you’ll have easy access to a modern mall, marina, and local attractions.
- Swimmable Beach: Unlike many Cabo resorts, this beach is safe for swimming, especially the closer you get to “Land’s End.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Our kids loved the flamingos, exotic birds, lizards, and koi fish who lived on the resort premises. We also did a Dolphin Experience with Cabo Adventures and it was the highlight of our trip. Finally, we got to see sea lions and tropical fish during our Arch & Lover’s Beach Boat Tour.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: With poolside pottery painting, easy-to-access buffets, and plenty of kid-friendly dining options, the resort is great for families.
Beach and Pool Highlights
The beach at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos offers soft sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for kids. However, expect vendors selling goods and services. While some found it intrusive, a simple “No gracias” worked for us.
On the flip side, our kids loved negotiating with vendors to get their hair braided, henna tattoos, and sun hats.
The pool area is another standout feature. Bright blue waters, tropical landscaping, and poolside service made it our go-to spot for relaxation. We chose the all-inclusive option, so our kids could order smoothies and nachos to their hearts delight.
Mediterranean Charm Meets Family Fun
The resort’s Mediterranean-inspired design—with white and blue tones—creates a luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere. Wildlife around the property, including flamingos, lizards, and fish, added a touch of magic for the kids.
Dining Options: What to Expect
Opting for the all-inclusive package made mealtime stress-free.
- Breakfast: Sit-down meals at Paloma’s or a buffet at the sister resort.
- Lunch: Poolside ordering with kid-friendly options like pizza and nachos, plus adult favorites like ceviche and salads.
- Dinner: For dinner, we alternated between Cilantro, a poolside sushi spot, and the buffet at the sister resort next door. You can also take a shuttle to Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, which offers a wide variety of dining options.
A bonus for families: the wristband system! Our 13-year-old’s junior wristband let him grab food independently, which he loved. However, the younger kids’ wristbands didn’t double as room keys.
Accommodations: Comfortable or Not?
While the resort’s outdoor spaces are stunning, the beds and pillows could be more comfortable. Thankfully, after spending all day outside, we were so tired that we still slept well. If you’re particular about bedding, this might be worth noting.
The rooms were dated, but charming. The view from our Oceanfront Luxury Suite were stunning.
Must-Do Activities in Cabo
Dolphin Encounter with Cabo Adventures: Swimming with Nakai the dolphin was far and away the highlight of our trip. Each family member had a chance to pet, hug, and even swim with him. It’s also one of the only places in the world that will let you do a deep dive with the dolphin, which three of us did!
Boat Tour to the Cabo Arch: On our last day, we took a boat to the iconic arch. The kids loved spotting sea lions and tropical fish, and the views were breathtaking. You can stop and spend time at Lover’s Beach.
Considerations: Understanding the Challenges in Cabo
While our trip was incredible, it’s important to acknowledge some of the challenges we noticed during our stay:
- Extreme Poverty Nearby: Outside the tourist zones, there’s extreme poverty, with many residents living in difficult conditions. While this contrast is common in resort towns, it’s worth being aware of.
- Limited Local Resources: Conversations with locals revealed that Cabo San Lucas relies heavily on tourism and has limited infrastructure beyond the resort areas. For example, water shortages are a significant issue for residents.
- Beach Vendors: The constant presence of beach vendors can be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective. While we didn’t mind saying “No gracias,” others might find it intrusive.
Tips for Your Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Stay
- Choose a Swimmable Beach: Not all Cabo beaches are safe for swimming. The beach at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is safe for swimming.
- Embrace the All-Inclusive Package: It simplifies meals and ensures the kids stay happy.
- Plan Activities Early: Dolphin Encounters and boat tours fill up fast.
- Make Shuttle and Dinner Reservations: If you want to visit Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, you’ll need to reserve the shuttle first thing in the morning for same-day travel. Additionally, make reservations at Cilantro on your first day to ensure you get the dining times you prefer throughout the week.
- Bring Pesos for Tipping: We recommend bringing $500 in pesos for tips throughout the week. You can get a good exchange rate at your bank, but allow a week or so for them to process your request. Alternatively, you can exchange money at the airport upon arrival, though the rate may not be as favorable. The resort also has an ATM onsite, but you’ll incur additional fees.
- Navigate Beach Vendors: A firm “No gracias” works, but engaging with vendors can also be a fun negotiation game for kids.
- Explore Downtown: The resort’s location makes it easy to discover local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Final Thoughts: Is Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Worth It?
Absolutely! Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos combines stunning views, family-friendly amenities, and unforgettable experiences to create the perfect family getaway. From relaxing on the swimmable beach to adventuring with dolphins and exploring downtown Cabo, this resort has something for everyone.
Have questions or need more tips? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to share more insights to help you plan your dream Cabo vacation!
Planning another family adventure? Check out our guide on Things to Do in Kauai with Kids for tips and must-see attractions that your whole family will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Unlike many beaches in Cabo San Lucas, the beach at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is swimmable, especially near “Land’s End.”
Yes. Make reservations for Cilantro as soon as you arrive to secure your preferred dining times. You do not need to make reservations at Paloma’s or the buffet at the sister resort. You’ll also need to make same-day reservations for the shuttle to Sunset Beach if you plan to dine there.
We recommend bringing $500 in pesos for tips throughout the week. It’s best to exchange money at your bank before traveling for the best rate. If you can’t do that, you can exchange your money at the airport when you land.
Yes. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, accessible via shuttle, offers a wide variety of dining options, and downtown Cabo is just a 10-minute walk from the resort.
A polite “No gracias” usually works, but if you’re interested, negotiating with vendors can be a fun activity for kids.
Yes, but be aware of additional fees. Planning ahead and bringing pesos is recommended.
Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the all-inclusive package.
The resort offers pools, wildlife encounters, and access to the swimmable beach. Additionally, kids enjoy interacting with beach vendors and exploring downtown Cabo. They also loved ordering smoothies and eating food by the pool. The hotel offers activities like dance lessons and spanish lessons, but we didn’t partake in them.
Yes! We highly recommend the Dolphin Encounter with Cabo Adventures and a boat tour to see the iconic Cabo Arch, complete with sea lions and tropical fish. For the boat tour, we simply made arrangements with vendors on the beach.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cabo, but having pesos on hand for tips and local vendors is more convenient and ensures a better exchange rate.
Private shuttles, shared transfers, or taxis are available from the airport. We recommend pre-booking a shuttle for convenience and better rates.
Pack lightweight clothing, sandals, swimsuits, and sunscreen. Pack a sweatshirt or light jacket for cool mornings and nights. (Don’t worry, it warms up quickly during the day!) If you plan to dine at upscale restaurants, bring shoes and slightly dressier attire.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
