Are Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos the Same Place?

Located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, but even if you’ve traveled to the area, you may still be asking “Is Los Cabos the same as Cabo San Lucas?” Between the different town names that are often accidentally used interchangeably, it can be difficult to understand the difference between Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. To plan your vacation, take time to learn about Los Cabos vs Cabo San Lucas, and you’ll start to feel at home on the shores of Mexico.

Is Los Cabos the Same as Cabo San Lucas?

When it comes to Los Cabos vs Cabo San Lucas, the main difference is what area they refer to. Los Cabos is the county that incorporates the two Cabos, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, as well as the 30 kilometers of shoreline between them. These two towns are both popular destinations along Mexico’s west coast. Travelers to either one can say that they’re visiting Los Cabos, but to be more specific about your destination, you can refer to the individual town’s name. This is important especially if you’re going to visit both of them on your trip.

What’s the Difference Between Cabo and Cabo San Lucas?

Part of what makes it so confusing to understand Los Cabos vs Cabo San Lucas is that many people shorten the town of Cabo San Lucas to simply “Cabo,” even though San Jose del Cabo is just up the road. The difference between Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is simply the length of the name, and while Cabo usually refers to the city of Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos incorporates both towns.

What’s the Difference Between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo?

While both towns are part of Los Cabos, there is a distinct difference between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and knowing what makes each town unique will help you choose where to spend your vacation. Cabo San Lucas has a little bit of everything: luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, downtown boutiques, and delicious restaurants. Of the two, it’s the livelier city with fishing competitions, food festivals, and cultural events. San Jose del Cabo is a quieter town that’s known for its art scene. However, because these two towns are only about 30 kilometers apart, you can easily travel between the two and experience them both. Many travelers book their vacation in Cabo San Lucas but take a day trip over to San Jose del Cabo to wander the art galleries.

With San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and Los Cabos all having similar sounding names, it’s not uncommon for travelers to ask “Is Los Cabos the same as Cabo San Lucas?” While you can easily travel here without understanding the difference, knowing it will help you to get around and feel more like a local. However, there is a more distinct difference between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and experiencing each town will enrich your vacation in Los Cabos.