The 10 Best Cabo San Lucas Resorts for a Family Getaway

It’s not often that you find a resort that’s equal parts chic and kid-friendly. This tiered resort is located halfway between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José Del Cabo, and every room has a view of the Sea of Cortez. From the moment you walk into the soaring lobby angled toward the view, you know you’re in for something a cut above the usual all-inclusive resort. Kids learn to make piñatas, masks and kites, and can even get some time on an Xbox or Wii (in case they’re jonesing for their at-home pastimes). Meanwhile, grown-ups have an infinity pool all to themselves. And when you’re ready to go exploring with your kids, the staff will charter you a boat and pack a picnic.

A fountain splash park playground and sandcastle-building contests are part of the kids’ Explorers Club at Dreams Los Cabos, where your offspring will be entertained from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and even fed if you decide to have a romantic dinner on the beach. Parents can join their kids for an all-ages movie under the stars or to see the magical sea turtle hatching on the beach from July to December. For the rare moments inside, your fam will love its place in one of 255 suites with special touches such as rain showers and private balconies. And yes, this resort has the gold standard of family vacations: multiple pools, including an adults-only one with two swim-up bars.

Love lolling poolside but find the short stroll to the water at most resorts just too much to bear? Book one of the innovative swim-up master suites at this Hyatt. Sliding doors open right onto the shallow lip of the pool, where your own set of chaise longues are waiting. The kids’ club includes a sweet little sandy play area and jungle gym, along with bikes and mini cars. And of course the kids have their own splash pool. If you decide to brave the actual beach, covered cabanas let you get a little shade along with your sun.

Each room and suite has a private plunge pool, and adults are welcomed to the resort with a shot of Clase Azul Reposado tequila. For the underage set, there’s Tortuguitas Kids Club, complete with a shallow pool, fun lessons teaching kids key Spanish phrases and a scavenger hunt with a twofold purpose—it helps kids learn their way around the resort and they get to snag souvenirs. The overall vibe of this resort is luxury, from the gorgeous room appointments to dinner at secluded El Farallon, tucked away in the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

You’d think you were in the Mediterranean by the architecture’s whitewashed stucco and Moorish arches, but instead you’re at a beachfront resort on the Sea of Cortez. You can see Land’s End from many of the rooms, and the golf course is one of the world’s top 100, according to Golf Digest. Parents with 11-year-olds and under will appreciate the kids’ club here. Those with older kids should check out the nearby Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach resort, whose new FunLab teen hangout has peso-operated games, PlayStation and a 35-kid movie theater along with a kid-friendly snack and beverage station.

Kayak out to the famous El Arco sea arch, which is only a quarter-mile offshore from this resort where the rooms face the ocean and all your gourmet meals—as well as activities like said kayaking—are included in the price. Kids will enjoy crafting by the pool, playing lotería (the Mexican bingo relative) and cupcake baking and decorating. This resort is a great choice for the active family since its guests can go sport fishing, bike to the nearby Sierra de la Laguna or the pristine waterfalls of Santiago—or for serious thrill-seekers—rent an ATV or motorcycle.

If your kids are happy on vacation, you’re that much closer to being relaxed. And they won’t have time to get even the teeniest bit bored if they can choose to splash around in a special water park just for them or do all the activities in their own kids’ club. Older kids (and their parents) will enjoy lighted tennis and basketball courts as well as midnight snacks included in the daily meal plan. Even the interior design of this 390-room resort has kids in mind: The cool tile underfoot won’t mind a wet swimsuit or sticky melting helado forgotten on the floor.

Finally, a resort that understands that kids aren’t the only ones who like a good water park. This 1,000-room mega-resort has an adult water park (with specially designated rooms for grown-ups who want to be near that rowdy fun) as well as a kids’ club with its own children’s pool with slides aplenty. Little ones get a visit from the resort mascot, a giant plush turtle named after a local sea turtle that hatched on one of the beaches. There are indoor and outdoor play areas and a good chance young resort-goers will leave knowing the property’s own kids’ dance.

From the sleek contemporary decor to the headboards outfitted with USB ports, this isn’t your mother’s Hilton. What is timeless is the stretch of gorgeous sand and a 12-and-under kids’ club with activities including finger puppets, stretching, bingo, mandala coloring and origami making. A teen program available during holidays lets older kids play video games, watch movies or shoot pool—and not have to hang out with their younger siblings or parents.

This all-inclusive luxury resort has two sides: One is more adult-focused, while the other caters to families, with rooms attended to by a family concierge (who will make sure every member of the fam is engaged) and a family lounge that’s got an all-day snack buffet. Little kids can have fun playing games at the kids’ club, teens have access to Xbox and volleyball, and adults are free to hit the spa, paddle over to the swim-up bar for a frozen marg or take a trip to browse the art in nearby San José del Cabo.