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9 Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in Cabo

Chasing the perfect sunset in Cabo?

We’re going to make your quest easy.

Cabo has the most jaw-dropping sunsets you’ll ever post on Instagram. From gentle pinks that signal the end of the day to fiery oranges and reds that blaze across the horizon, pretty well every sunset is a masterpiece.

And we know just where to catch them! (A margarita in hand is a good idea.)

So keep reading to discover the 9 best places to watch the sun set in Los Cabos!

Cabo San Lucas' marina at sunset
The setting sun paints the sky pinky-gold at the Cabo San Lucas Marina

What time is sunset in Cabo?

First, though, you’ll want to know when the sun sets in Los Cabos.

Mexico said goodbye to Daylight Savings Time in 2022. In Los Cabos, clocks never change. 

Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The famous rock Arch, backlit by a golden sky at sunset

But the local time zone changes in relation to most of North America (because most of Canada and the United States switch to Daylight Savings Time in spring). 

Cabo is on Mountain Standard Time (MST) in winter and Pacific Standard Time (PST) in the summer.

Sunset times vary by season in Cabo, so you’ll need to plan ahead to catch every glorious moment when you visit Cabo.

For example:

  • January: The sun sets between 5:45 and 6:06 pm
  • February: The sun sets between 6.07 and 6.22 pm
  • June: The sun sets between 7:01 and 7:08 pm
  • October: The sun sets between 6:06 and 6:41 pm
  • November: The sun sets between 5:41 and 5:33 pm

Check the sunset time in Cabo San Lucas here for each day of your vacation.

Okay, let’s go now to our 9 favorite places to watch the sunset in Cabo!

1) Sunset Monalisa

Couples enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at Sunset Monalisa in Cabo San Lucas, with views of Land's End.
Couples savor a romantic sunset dinner at Sunset Monalisa, with views of Land’s End in the distance (Credit: Sunset Monalisa)

Just the name of this open-air Mediterranean restaurant suggests it’s a perfect place to catch the spectacular Cabo sunset. 

Ideal for a romantic meal or special occasion, Sunset Monalisa is carved into the cliff overlooking the Bay of Cabo San Lucas.

It has multiple dining levels offering unobstructed views of Land’s End and the famous rock formation El Arco (the Arch), the iconic natural archway at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It even has a telescope set up for stargazing once the sun’s gone down.

The menu options change frequently to incorporate the freshest local ingredients, from fresh seared scallops and Baja oysters to local farm-raised fish from Ensenada. 

We love the 5-course “Signature” menu (where the courses just get better and better!) and the super-attentive staff, who make an exceptional experience even more memorable.

Arrive early to enjoy pre-sunset cocktails inspired by the legend of the Aztec sun. Maybe a Fire and Jaguar cocktail created from bourbon, Saint Germain liquor, OJ and raspberry-and-blackberry pulp?

Or choose a smooth red from the impressive Italian wine list.

2) Sunset cruise

Different types of boats cruise around Cabo's Land's End at sunset.
Different types of boats cruise around Land’s End at sunset

Summer or winter, there’s simply no better way to enjoy a spectacular Cabo San Lucas sunset than a sunset cruise on the romantic Sea of Cortez.

Caressed by the salty breeze, you’ll get a front-row seat as the sun sinks behind the rocks of Land’s End and the Arch.

The red, yellow and gold hues blazing across the horizon – plus the dramatic rocky backdrop – will help create the best photos of your trip!

As well as amazing views of the ocean and Cabo coastline, you’ll be able to view the frolicking members of the famous sea lion colony – you’ll probably hear them barking before you see them!

All tastes are catered for, whether you’re looking for a “big boat” trip or an intimate private boat tour

Two women enjoying a sunset cruise on the Liberty yacht in Cabo San Lucas
Enjoying a sunset cruise on the Liberty power yacht (Credit: Book Now Adventures)

Romantic sailing tour

Enjoy the spectacular sunset with a special someone when you book a 2-hour evening excursion with Cabo Sailing.

We’ve done this sailing tour twice and can’t recommend it enough! 

The small and luxurious French-made sailboats are kitted out with soft deck cushions, perfect for relaxing with tropical drinks as you enjoy the sunset show. 

Your experienced guides will ensure you don’t miss a thing, including beautiful Lover’s Beach and, in winter if you’re lucky, migrating humpback whales.

Small-boat sunset dinner cruise

Nothing beats a sunset cruise in Cabo except, perhaps, one that includes a tasty meal, too!

That’s what you get with the Rissalena, a luxury catamaran serving up the best dinner cruise in Cabo at a surprisingly affordable price.

Don’t expect a party boat. This is a premium experience, with pristine white leather seating, mellow music and an intimate atmosphere.

As you savor a homemade barbecue in the setting sun, you’ll see why our family thoroughly enjoys this dinner cruise – and why it receives top reviews, year after year.

Pirate ship sunset dinner cruise

Embrace your inner Jack Sparrow and climb aboard a pirate ship for a sightseeing voyage filled with tales of the high seas, singing, dancing – and some excellent barbecued ribs and chicken. 

One of the most unique things to do in Cabo, it’s ideal for kids.

It’s pretty great for the grown-ups too, with a free-flowing open bar and plenty of grog for a little extra yo-ho-ho! 

3) Rooftop pool at Hotel El Ganzo

Woman sitting by the rooftop infinity pool at Hotel El Ganzo, Los Cabos
If you think the view is great now, wait until the sun sets!

Picture yourself relaxing in a pool where the water seems to extend endlessly into the horizon, as the Cabo sun goes down.

Then make it a reality by visiting the adults-only Hotel El Ganzo. It’s one of the best boutique hotels in Los Cabos, with a rooftop infinity pool and glass-walled hot-tub overlooking the sea.

Order a margarita, kick back and soak up the laid-back music, much of it recorded in the on-site studio. Round off the experience with a delicious fish taco or try the hotel’s popular shrimp ceviche – the ultimate beach and pool treat!

The sunset view from El Ganzo's rooftop pool and bar
The sunset view from El Ganzo’s rooftop pool and bar

You don’t have to be a hotel guest. You can visit on a day pass (open until 8:00 pm).

Just be sure to call to check availability before you go, as The Rooftop doesn’t take reservations.

4) El Farallon

Sunset dining at El Farallon, Cabo San Lucas
How about this cliff-front perch for a sunset dinner in Cabo San Lucas? (Credit: El Farallon)

Experience truly magical sunset watching in Cabo at El Farallon, located in the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal resort. The restaurant is carved into the cliffs and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

The deluxe resort is one of the swankiest places to stay in Cabo. Entering it feels a little bit like a fairy tale – you pass through a chandelier-lit mountain tunnel to arrive at the restaurant’s dramatic cliffside location.

The ocean views are simply breathtaking – even more so when paired with one of the resort’s 20 unique champagnes (a few of which you can buy by the glass if your budget doesn’t stretch to an entire bottle).

It’s hard to know what’s better about El Farallon.

The opportunity to dine as the waves crash against the rocks below and the sun disappears beyond the horizon? Or the excellent ocean-to-table menu? (We watched our fish being weighed on an old-fashioned scale.)

You’ll have to experience it and decide for yourself!

5) Medano Beach

Pink sunset and view of Land's End from Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas
Oh wow! Such a pink sky! (Land’s End as seen from Medano Beach)

Its wavelets are gentle, its waters warm and it’s free to enjoy. Yes, we’re talking about Medano Beach. It’s one of the best places to view the sunset in Cabo San Lucas without spending a peso.

It’s the most popular beach in Cabo (and one of the safest for swimming). The fun and lively atmosphere as the sun goes down just makes the glorious ocean views that bit more special.

Find yourself a spot on the powdery sands (anywhere is great!), then wait for the golden hues to fade from the skies as the stars take their place.

Alternatively, check out these places on Medano Beach:

Tabascos

Tabascos is located at the quiet end of Medano Beach, so it’s ideal if you want to escape the crowds.

Cheap and cheerful, it serves snacks and simple meals that you can enjoy at a table on the sand. 

Not hungry? Just grab a stool at the thatched roof bar and treat yourself to sunset drinks instead.

SUR Beach House

One of the best beach clubs for hanging out with friends and sipping rosé by day, SUR Beach House is a fantastic spot for a sunset dinner too.

Along with spectacular views, the fresh Baja oysters are delicious. And the laid-back vibe invites you to stay long after the sun has gone down.

Cascadas Beach Grill

One of our sunset dinners at Cascadas Beach Grill, Cabo San Lucas
One of our sunset dinners with family at Cascadas Beach Grill

One of our favorite beachfront restaurants, Cascadas Beach Grill is easy to spot with its colorful Mexican tablecloths contrasting gaily with the golden sands.

No shoes are required. Just relax with your feet in the sand and enjoy excellent reasonably-priced international fare, including crisp Caesar salads, soup of the day and melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon.

6) Rooftop at the Cape, a Thompson Hotel

The Rooftop at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
This place will come alive as the sun sets (Credit: The Cape, a Thompson Hotel)

Known simply as The Rooftop (not the same pool rooftop space as Hotel El Ganzo’s), this chic 6th floor bar is one of the dining spots at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel.

It offers awesome city and ocean views. And the cocktails here are one of a kind, from the basil and mint-infused Cape to the aptly named Afterglow. 

You won’t regret kicking back here, drink in hand, to watch the sky fill with vibrant colors as the day gives way to night.

Be sure to order the delicious soft-shell crab taquitos (rolled tacos), or try the catch of the day, pan-roasted and served with grilled octopus. 

7) Sky Pool at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach

People swimming and drinking at the Sky Pool, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
Waiting for the sun to set at the Sky Pool!

Staying at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort? Then catch the stunning sunset from its fabulous two-tiered infinity pool! It’s perched on a high bluff overlooking the beach.

The resort’s west-facing location on the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas makes it an ideal viewing spot. And the pool itself makes the experience even better, giving you the wonderful feeling of floating in the sky.

Don’t pick the Sky Pool if you’re hoping for a quiet romantic sunset experience, though – that’s not the vibe here.

But if you’re up for fun and a lively atmosphere, there’s no better place to end your day as a guest at the resort.

8) Nobu Restaurant

Nobu restaurant is one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Cabo San Lucas.
Nobu restaurant is one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Cabo San Lucas (Credit: Nobu)

Feasting on top-notch Japanese-fusion cuisine while watching a beautiful sunset has to be the ultimate indulgence. Nobu restaurant, part of the Nobu Hotel but open to everyone, allows you to experience both.

As it faces west on the Pacific Ocean side, it’s a prime sunset spot in Cabo – especially if you’re lucky enough to snag a table on the outdoor terrace overlooking the beach and ocean.

The beauty of the evening doesn’t end with the sunset. If you’ve ever eaten at a Nobu restaurant, you know the dishes themselves are works of art. Our favorites are always the beautifully presented toro tartare with caviar and signature black cod with miso.

9) Agua at One&Only Palmilla

The last on our list of great places for watching the sunset in Los Cabos is Agua Restaurant.

Located near San Jose del Cabo, it’s part of the One&Only Palmilla resort, a favorite among the Hollywood elite.

Offering stunning clifftop ocean views, it has a cool design with thatched roofs and earthy tones, plus a creative menu inspired by the flavors of Baja California Sur.

Not only are the views before nightfall exceptional, but this is the place for moonlit dining. 

Reserve a table by the water, and on a clear night, the moon appears to rise from the sea, creating a lasting memory of your visit.

Go for the chef’s moonlight 5-course tasting menu. It kicks off with a delicious ceviche trio (lobster, shrimp and garlic octopus) and ends with pineapple tacos with chili ice cream.

You can dine at Agua, even if you’re not a hotel guest.

What’s your favorite place for watching Cabo’s sunsets?

Land's End at sunset
Land’s End at the golden hour

From fine dining and feet-in-the-sand eateries to sunset cruises and rooftop pools, we’ve found plenty of spots in Cabo to enjoy the spectacular sunsets in style.

Please tell us about your best sunset in Cabo, too, be it a special experience or a hidden gem you’d love to share! You can share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Sunset in Cabo

Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

  • Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
  • Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
  • Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
  • Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip?

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Photos: 6, 7, 10, 12 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor

About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor, they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!