Imagine strolling through sun-drenched streets where the vibrant colors of hand-painted ceramics blend with the fresh ocean breeze, and every boutique reveals a story of Baja’s rich artistry and heritage. In Cabo San Lucas, shopping transcends mere transactions—it becomes a captivating journey into the heart of a culture where luxury and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.
From exclusive designer boutiques and elegant oceanfront malls to bustling markets filled with handcrafted treasures, Cabo’s shopping scene offers something for every traveler seeking unique keepsakes, authentic local art, or sophisticated resort wear. Whether you’re browsing for exquisite jewelry, vibrant textiles, or artisanal home décor, each discovery invites you to bring home a piece of Baja’s soul.
Step beyond typical souvenirs and experience shopping as an adventure—one that delights your senses, supports local artisans, and connects you with the spirit of this enchanting coastal paradise.
Best Places to Shop in Cabo San Lucas
Puerto San Lucas Marina Shops – Oceanfront Finds and Dining
The Puerto San Lucas Marina Shops offer an open-air, oceanfront shopping experience with an upscale coastal twist. Located along the vibrant marina walkway, this area features a diverse array of stores, including local artisan shops, brand-name retailers, and specialty boutiques.
What sets this destination apart is its seamless blend of shopping and leisure. Visitors can browse handcrafted jewelry or beachwear, then settle into a dockside café to watch fishing boats return with the day’s catch. The marina also hosts live performers and evening entertainment, making it one of the most atmospheric places to shop in Cabo.
Plaza Artesanos – Colorful, Lively, and Budget-Friendly
Plaza Artesanos captures the vibrant energy and authentic character of traditional Mexican markets in a convenient, centrally located shopping destination. This colorful marketplace bustles with activity as local vendors display a kaleidoscope of handcrafted treasures—from intricately embroidered textiles and hand-painted ceramics to leather goods and folk art figurines.
What makes Plaza Artesanos particularly appealing is its accessibility for budget-conscious shoppers seeking authentic Mexican crafts. Prices are often negotiable, giving visitors a chance to practice their bargaining skills while supporting local artisans directly. Whether you're hunting for meaningful keepsakes or playful souvenirs, this market offers an immersive cultural experience alongside great finds.
Plaza Puerto Paraíso – Luxury and Variety on the Marina
Plaza Puerto Paraíso stands as the crown jewel of shopping destinations in this coastal paradise. This premier shopping center combines luxury with accessibility, offering a refreshing air-conditioned escape from the Baja sun while you browse.
The multi-level complex houses everything from international designer boutiques to specialty Mexican stores, creating a diverse shopping experience that appeals to various tastes and budgets.
What makes Plaza Puerto Paraíso particularly special is its atmosphere—elegant yet relaxed, upscale yet welcoming. Between shopping excursions, you can pause at waterfront cafés to enjoy a refreshing drink while watching luxury yachts glide through the harbor.
The plaza's strategic location near major resorts makes it easily accessible, and its extended evening hours accommodate even the most packed vacation itineraries.
Luxury Avenue – High-End Fashion and Glamour
Credit to: en.luxuryavenue.com
Luxury Avenue elevates shopping in Cabo San Lucas to an art form, creating an exclusive retail sanctuary for those with discerning taste. This boutique mall specializes in world-renowned designer brands, offering a curated selection of high-fashion clothing, accessories, jewelry, and watches. The elegant, marble-floored interior sets the stage for a sophisticated shopping experience, while attentive personal service makes every visitor feel like a VIP.
Beyond just selling luxury goods, Luxury Avenue creates an immersive environment where shopping becomes an occasion unto itself. The boutiques here offer limited-edition pieces and collections you won't find in standard department stores, attracting fashion enthusiasts from around the world. Located adjacent to Plaza Puerto Paraíso, this high-end shopping destination completes any luxury Cabo experience.
The Shoppes at Palmilla – A Boutique Escape
Nestled within the exclusive Palmilla resort area, The Shoppes at Palmilla offer a refined shopping experience that perfectly balances sophistication with authentic Mexican charm. This intimate collection of boutiques presents curated merchandise in a serene, beautifully landscaped setting.
Here, shoppers discover designer resort wear, handcrafted jewelry, and unique home décor items selected to reflect Baja's distinctive aesthetic—all without the crowds found at larger shopping centers.
What sets The Shoppes at Palmilla apart is its unhurried atmosphere and commitment to quality over quantity. The elegant open-air design invites leisurely exploration, while the adjacent cafés provide ideal spots to relax between purchases. Many boutiques showcase limited-edition collaborations with Mexican artists and designers, offering pieces you simply won't find elsewhere.
What to Buy in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo's distinctive shopping scene offers treasures that capture the essence of Mexican craftsmanship and Baja's unique character. From indigenous art to beachy fashion, these are the purchases worth making space for in your suitcase.
- Huichol Art & Beadwork: These vibrantly colored creations feature intricate symbolic patterns created by pressing tiny beads into beeswax on wooden forms. Each piece tells a spiritual story through sacred symbols like deer, peyote flowers, and corn.
- Handblown Glass: Witness the ancient art of glassblowing and take home functional artwork in one purchase. Local artisans create everything from drinking glasses and vases to elaborate sculptures, each piece unique with distinctive swirls of color.
- Talavera Pottery: These hand-painted ceramics feature vibrant blue, yellow, and orange designs against crisp white backgrounds. Traditional Talavera techniques create distinctive serving platters, decorative tiles, and charming planters that add authentic Mexican flair to any home.
- Silver and Turquoise Jewelry: Mexican silver craftsmanship is world-renowned, particularly when paired with rich blue-green turquoise stones. Local artisans create everything from delicate everyday pieces to bold statement jewelry, combining traditional motifs with contemporary designs.
- Mexican Vanilla and Spices: Culinary enthusiasts shouldn't miss taking home authentic Mexican vanilla, which offers deeper, more complex flavor than most commercial varieties. Add regional spice blends, artisanal sea salts, and small-batch hot sauces to create Baja-inspired meals.
- Designer Resort Wear: Cabo's upscale boutiques feature sophisticated beach fashion perfect for warm-weather destinations. Look for lightweight linens, hand-embroidered cotton pieces, and resort collections from established and emerging Mexican designers.
In addition to these unique items, many of Cabo's shopping destinations are themselves Instagram-worthy spots, offering picturesque backdrops to capture memories of your trip.
One of the most enriching places to pair shopping with culture is Todos Santos, a designated "Pueblo Mágico" renowned for its vibrant creative community. This charming colonial town features numerous galleries and boutiques housed in historic buildings. Between shopping discoveries, you can explore cultural landmarks, enjoy the town's distinctive architecture, and experience its artistic spirit firsthand.
Many local travel experiences eliminate the stress of navigation and parking, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. With thoughtful planning, shopping in Cabo becomes more than a transaction—it becomes a gateway to discovering the region's identity, artistry, and community.
Pairing retail therapy with cultural exploration adds depth to any visit. Whether you're browsing the marina in Cabo San Lucas or wandering through San José del Cabo's historic art district, many of the region's best shopping experiences are located near cultural landmarks, galleries, and artisan neighborhoods.
Grocery Shopping in Cabo San Lucas
If you’re staying in Cabo for more than a few days—especially in a villa, condo, or Airbnb—knowing where to shop for groceries can make your stay feel easier and more connected. Whether you’re planning a home-cooked dinner or just need snacks for the beach, these are the top local options.
La Comer is one of the largest and most modern supermarkets in Cabo San Lucas. Known for its wide aisles and clean layout, it offers fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, home essentials, and an extensive wine and liquor section. The selection includes both local Mexican brands and high-quality imports.
Chedraui Selecto offers a more elevated grocery experience. With gourmet ingredients, international products, organic options, and a wine bar-style selection, it’s ideal for foodies and wellness-focused travelers. The in-store bakery and deli counters add to its appeal for quick, high-quality meals.
Every Saturday from late October through May, the San José del Cabo Organic Farmers Market opens in the Huerta María community space. This open-air market features farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade cheeses, natural soaps, baked goods, jewelry, and locally made crafts. Live music and community energy turn it into more than a market—it’s a weekly event.
Whether you’re picking up basics or discovering regional specialties, Cabo’s grocery scene is both practical and uniquely Baja.
Shopping Tips Before You Go
- Carry cash for smaller purchases and remote shops where card machines may be unreliable or unavailable. While major credit cards are accepted at established businesses, many smaller vendors and artisan markets operate on cash only. The Mexican peso is preferred, though some tourist areas accept US dollars (usually at unfavorable exchange rates).
- Check import rules for vanilla, wood items, and alcohol before making significant purchases. US Customs allows one liter of alcohol per person (21+) duty-free. Authentic Mexican vanilla makes a wonderful souvenir, but be sure it’s genuine—artificial versions may contain prohibited ingredients like coumarin.
- Support artists directly by shopping at local workshops or artisan studios. This ensures that your purchase directly benefits the creators and preserves traditional crafts. It’s also a meaningful way to learn about local culture firsthand.
- Shop early in the day for smaller crowds, better light, and more personalized attention from vendors. Cooler temperatures make for a more pleasant experience, especially in open-air markets.
Hidden Shopping Gems and Seasonal Experiences
While many travelers head straight for Cabo’s large shopping centers and beachfront markets, the most rewarding finds often lie off the beaten path. One such gem is the Mercado Orgánico in San José del Cabo—open seasonally and full of handmade soaps, woven textiles, artisan honey, and farm-fresh produce. Visiting this open-air market offers a more intimate glimpse into local craftsmanship and slow-living culture.
For a truly elevated shopping experience, don’t miss the Thursday evening pop-ups that appear during San José del Cabo’s weekly Art Walk.
These rotating boutiques showcase emerging designers, collectible art, and small-batch fashion inspired by Baja’s natural beauty. It’s a scene full of personality and creative energy—and for those who want to make the most of it, an evening tour pairing gallery visits, wine tasting, and boutique shopping offers a seamless, curated way to experience it all.
Think sips of wine under papel picado banners, interactive art displays, and time to explore tucked-away shops most visitors miss.
Eco-conscious shoppers will also appreciate the growing number of Cabo stores focused on sustainability. From reusable beach bags made of recycled sails to straw hats and upcycled garments, the region is embracing thoughtful design rooted in both tradition and conservation.
And while resort boutiques tend to come with a higher price tag, they often collaborate directly with local artisans to create exclusive jewelry lines, handcrafted spa products, and resortwear collections that can’t be found anywhere else.
If you’re staying at a luxury property, ask about in-house artisan markets or pop-up events—they’re often timed with sunset tastings or spa evenings for a shopping experience that feels truly indulgent.
Combine Shopping with Cultural Experiences
San José del Cabo Art Walk
The charming town of San José del Cabo offers a blend of colonial architecture and vibrant art scenes. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with galleries, artisan studios, and boutiques featuring hand-painted ceramics, embroidered textiles, and locally crafted jewelry. To immerse yourself fully, consider joining a guided tour like the Art & Wine Evenings in San José del Cabo, which operates every Thursday evening. This tour includes visits to multiple galleries, wine tastings, and opportunities to meet the artists, providing a deeper understanding of the local art scene.
Todos Santos
Known as a "Pueblo Mágico," Todos Santos is a haven for artists and artisans. The town boasts a variety of galleries, a Mexican blanket factory, and the historic Hotel California. A guided tour such as the Magical Todos Santos & Camel Ranch offers insights into the town's rich history and culture. The tour includes visits to the Jesuit Mission, the Manuel Marquez de Leon Theater, and opportunities to shop for unique handcrafted goods.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Cabo San Lucas is more than a pastime—it’s a way to connect with the people, landscapes, and traditions that make this destination unforgettable. Every hand-stitched textile, blown glass piece, or carved souvenir carries with it the story of a place and the spirit of its maker.
Wander through artisan markets, meet craftspeople in vibrant neighborhoods, and discover how each treasure reflects centuries of heritage shaped by heart and hand. These aren’t just mementos—they’re touchstones of meaning that continue to inspire long after the trip ends.
Discover Cabo Adventures’ curated shopping and cultural day trips to experience the region through its art, flavors, and communities. With expert guides and thoughtfully planned routes, you’ll return with more than keepsakes—you’ll return with stories worth sharing.