Cabo San Lucas Could Be Even More Crowded Than Usual This Spring Break

Officials are reportedly preparing for nearly 70,000 visitors as some travelers rethink trips to Puerto Vallarta following recent violence in Jalisco.

Cabo San Lucas BCS MEXICO. Mar 8 2024. Tourists enjoying the holidays in Los Cabos on EL MEDANO beach, on a sunny and busy afternoon.

Spring breakers heading to Cabo San Lucas this March might want to brace themselves for bigger crowds than usual.

According to The Cabo Sun, Los Cabos was already expecting around 49,000 young visitors for spring break, but that number has now reportedly jumped to nearly 70,000 as some travelers pivot away from Puerto Vallarta after recent violence in Jalisco. The outlet says Cabo could absorb roughly 20,000 additional visitors, which would mean even busier beaches, hotels, and nightlife in the weeks ahead.

The shift comes after cartel-related violence erupted in western Mexico last weekend, prompting concern among travelers with plans on the mainland. The U.S. State Department currently lists Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is located, at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, while Jalisco is listed at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

That said, this doesn’t mean Cabo suddenly became off-limits. In fact, U.S. officials have lifted the shelter-in-place alert that had affected parts of western Mexico earlier this week, and travel experts have been emphasizing that risk can vary a lot depending on the exact destination.

Still, if you were hoping for a peaceful March escape in Cabo San Lucas, this may not be the year for that.

I’ve been to the Los Cabos area recently and stayed at Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa in San José del Cabo, and absolutely loved it. It was a fantastic use of Marriott points, and for me, San José del Cabo had a more relaxed feel than the party-heavy spring break image many people associate with Cabo. So if you’re planning a trip, it may be worth thinking beyond the obvious party spots.

And honestly, Cabo is popular for a reason. There’s a lot more to do than just beach clubs and shots on the sand. Between the food scene, great resorts, boat tours, swimmable beaches nearby, and easy day planning, it can still be an amazing vacation destination — you just may want to plan ahead a little more than usual this spring.

If you’re considering a trip, I put together a guide to things to do in Cabo with some of my favorite ideas for where to stay, eat, and what to actually do once you get there.