Downtown Cabo San Lucas Shopping
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Downtown Cabo San Lucas is a compact, walkable shopping district centered on Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas and Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, and it's way more entertaining for families than a typical shopping trip. The streets are lined with colorful shops, open-air market stalls, and artisan workshops selling everything from traditional Mexican crafts to kitschy tourist souvenirs — and kids are drawn to the visual chaos of it all.
The main shopping strip runs from the marina area along Lázaro Cárdenas, where dozens of souvenir shops and market stalls compete for attention. You'll find hand-painted Talavera pottery, Oaxacan wood carvings (alebrijes), colorful Day of the Dead skulls, woven hammocks, silver jewelry, leather goods, Mexican blankets, and countless other crafts. The quality ranges from mass-produced tourist trinkets to genuinely beautiful handmade pieces — look for shops where the craftsmanship stands out.
The Blown Glass Factory (La Fabrica de Vidrio Soplado) on Lázaro Cárdenas is a must-visit with kids. Artisans heat and blow molten glass into colorful bowls, fish, turtles, and decorative pieces right in front of you. The shop attached to the workshop sells finished pieces at reasonable prices, and watching the process is free.
Some visitors report being allowed to try blowing glass themselves — ask if it's available.
For families, downtown shopping doubles as a cultural experience and a lesson in economics. Negotiating prices is expected and encouraged at market stalls and most souvenir shops (not at established retail stores). Teach older kids the basics: start at 40-50% of the asking price, be friendly, be willing to walk away, and settle somewhere around 60-70%.
Many vendors enjoy the back-and-forth, especially with kids.
Between shopping stops, the street food scene keeps kids fueled. Mango on a stick with chili-lime seasoning, fresh coconut water, churros, elote (street corn), and $1-2 tacos are available from vendors throughout the area.
Plan 1-3 hours depending on your family's shopping enthusiasm. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) is the sweet spot — the heat has broken, shops are open, and the streets have good energy without being overwhelming.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the heat breaks and shops are fully open. Morning (9-11 AM) is good for fewer crowds. Avoid midday when the sun makes walking the streets uncomfortable.
Nearby Food
Lázaro Cárdenas is lined with cheap taco stands and food carts. La Lupita Tacos is a popular family stop. For sit-down dining, walk to the marina for Baja Brewing Company or Solomon's Landing. Ice cream shops and paleta (popsicle) vendors are scattered throughout the shopping area.
Why Kids Love It
Downtown Cabo shopping is more entertaining for kids than it sounds. The main streets — Lázaro Cárdenas and Boulevard Marina — are lined with colorful shops packed floor-to-ceiling with Mexican crafts, souvenirs, and oddities that catch kids' eyes immediately. Painted ceramic skulls, wooden masks, colorful hammocks, woven bracelets, miniature guitars, and hand-painted animal figurines are everywhere, and letting kids pick out one souvenir is a highlight of many family trips.
The Blown Glass Factory on Lázaro Cárdenas is a standout — kids can watch artisans blow molten glass into colorful bowls, fish, and decorative pieces, and the shop is full of affordable small items. The open-air market stalls along the main street have a bazaar-like energy with vendors calling out and prices that are meant to be bargained down — older kids and teens get a kick out of learning to negotiate. Between shops, street vendors sell mango on a stick with chili lime, fresh coconut water, and churros, turning the shopping walk into a grazing adventure.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Negotiating is expected at market stalls and souvenir shops — start at 40-50% of the asking price and settle around 60-70%
- The Blown Glass Factory on Lázaro Cárdenas is free to visit and kids love watching artisans at work
- Side streets off the main drag have the same products at lower prices with less aggressive sales tactics
- Give older kids a small pesos budget and let them practice negotiating for their own souvenirs — it's a valuable skill
- Avoid buying from the first shop you see — walk the whole strip first, then circle back to buy
What to Bring
- Cash in pesos — many small shops offer better prices for cash and pesos specifically
- Comfortable walking shoes for the sidewalks and streets
- Reusable bag for purchases — shops provide thin plastic bags that tear easily
- Sunscreen and hat for walking between shops
- Water bottles — stay hydrated while walking in the heat
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 to browse.
Budget $20-50 for souvenirs and small purchases.
Street tacos $1-3 each.
Ice cream $2-4.
Mexican crafts $5-30 depending on item.
Tips to Save
- Always negotiate at the souvenir shops and market stalls — starting at 40-50% of the asking price is normal and expected.
- Shop on the side streets off the main drag for better prices.
- Buy from the market stalls near the intersection of Lázaro Cárdenas and Boulevard Marina for the best selection.
- Eat at taco stands instead of tourist restaurants.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9AM-9PM
- Monday
- 9AM-9PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-7PM
- Tuesday
- 9AM-9PM
- Saturday
- 9AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 9AM-9PM
- Wednesday
- 9AM-9PM