10 Items to Pack For Cabo San Lucas, According to a Travel Writer

Much like any popular destination, location matters. Depending on your comfortability with walking and exploring a city like a local, staying within a mile or two of the arts district in downtown San José del Cabo will give you the best of both worlds: modern restaurants, eclectic shops and plenty of beach.

Since I live in a concrete jungle, I wanted a front row seat to Cabo's geological wonders: the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The estimated three-story high granite formations are easily accessible by water and several catamarans and yachts that offer daily trips. However, I opted for a hotel with the Arch in its backyard. Whether from its 360 rooftop bar or my double balcony suite, the ME Cabo by Meliá offered unobstructed vistas of the Arch and ocean from sunrise to sunset.

The hotel, about 45 minutes from the airport, offers transfers through Meliá Transportation, so I didn't worry about navigating taxis or Ubers. Once I arrived at the property, I was assured that if I left anything at home, I was steps away from several bustling shops near the marina and Playa El Medano. But because I had been to Cabo before, I knew exactly what I needed and I'm sharing all the essentials for a little Mexican vacay, ahead.

Farm Rio Pink Banana Leaves Jumpsuit ($285)

When I wanted an up-close look at the Arch, I booked an evening cruise through Cabo Yacht Charters. Watching the sun dip into the ocean is a view that never gets old in my book. Still, my flight from New York City nearly made me miss the boat's departure. By the time I arrived at my hotel, I had about 10 minutes to change before heading to the marina.

Luckily my Farm Rio jumpsuit was colorful and wrinkle free, also the fabric's weight didn't billow too much in the wind once the yacht hit its high speed. Bonus: it looked chic whether I was barefoot on the deck or with heels back on the marina.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask ($45)

I learned this travel hack from a former colleague who's a respected beauty influencer (Hey Julee!). On flights that are four or more hours, I slather this overnight mask to give my very dry skin an extra boost of moisture. At night, the restorative oils are a much needed hug for my skin after being in direct sunlight.

Anthropologie Blocked Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($38)

I've never been a black-sunglasses-wearing girl. Give me brightly-colored or white hot frames and I'm in heaven. Sunnies can add just the pop an outfit needs while shielding your eyes from the sun's harmful rays (or concealing last night's flight of tequila – did I say that?).

Supergoop! Glow Stick ($30)

When my beautiful melanin-rich friend posted that Supergoop's Glow Stick was her go-to-sunscreen, I slid into her DMs and asked incredulously, "Really?" She wrote back, "Yes!" After years of using well-meaning products that leave a white, chalky cast, I made the switch and haven't looked back. Its size is so travel friendly that I carry two: one in my purse and the other in my toiletries bag.

Uniqlo's Pleated Straight Pants ($30, originally $40)

While I was in Cabo, I wanted an experience that grounded me more in nature. Through my hotel's Destination Inclusive service, I was recommended for a group session with Sound Healing Los Cabos. The singing bowl therapy class would take place in the canyons nearby. Their only requirement was coming in comfortable clothes and an open spirit. I had both. The elastic band of my Uniqlo Pleated Straight Pants expanded with each deep breath I took, letting me feel chic and calm at the same time.

Garden of Life Organics Women's Multi-vitamins ($23, originally $30)

In Mexico, tequila is the national drink and it's rude if you don't partake. I'm kidding, of course. However, if you're not used to tequila, it can leave a nasty headache in the morning. To avoid that, I drink a glass of water and take a multivitamin before bed. A friend taught me this hangover hack years ago and it does the trick.

Birkenstock Arizonas ($50)

I broke my ankle a few years ago and while I have returned to heels, I haven't lost my love of Birkenstocks. It's now the first sandal I buy for the summer season. They are functional and chic. Even the waterproof slides are supportive and versatile; they can go from the pool to the bar. In Cabo, I brought my red ones but this summer I might switch to a pair in the papaya color.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner ($4)

For my coily, bleached-blond hair, I cannot take my chances on hotel shampoos and conditioners. My hair needs hydration and protection, especially after a day at the pool and/or beach. But I also need a little slip for my curls to bounce back. I found the perfect travel-size products to offer all three in Shea Moisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. While not explicitly for dyed hair, it's color-safe and provides the moisture that keeps my hair healthy.

Lemlem Caftan ($355)

I'm conscious with my dollars and love supporting Black-owned and/or women-owned businesses as much as possible. I fell in love with Liya Kebede's Lemlem brand through her collaboration with H&M in 2021. Last year, I treated myself to one of her Ethiopian-made caftans and it's now an essential piece when I'm heading someplace warm and sunny. The woven material gives it a nice weight and paired with some sexy slides, I'm ready for a night out anywhere.

Coolife Expandable Suitcase ($70)

I'm not saying the second reason I went to Cabo was for the tequila but did I tell you that one of the most known brands, Clase Azul, is only sold in the Los Cabos region in Mexico? I had every intention of bringing back a bottle and I needed a suitcase I could count on for this precious cargo. Enter the Coolife carry-on suitcase that not only expands 15 percent more than its 28-inch size but its hard shell ensures protection of fragile items. Let's just say my bottles arrived home in perfect condition.

Cori Murray is an award-winning editor and the former deputy editor of Essence. She's a respected journalist who covers entertainment, women's lifestyle, and travel for many publications. Cori has been featured as a cultural critic for several outlets.