What New Year's Eve looks like
Hotels, beach clubs and restaurants around the bay run their own parties and fireworks, so at midnight the sky over Médano and the marina lights up from several spots at once. We have not seen a single official municipal fireworks show announced, so think of it as many private displays rather than one big one.
Mexican traditions show up too: twelve grapes at midnight, one per wish, and some people wear red or yellow underwear for love or money in the new year.
Where to spend it
Watching from Médano Beach is free and gives you a wide view of the bay. For a party, beach clubs such as Taboo and marina bars fill up fast and usually sell tickets or set minimums. Downtown, the nightlife guide covers the clubs, which stay open very late.
A boat is the other option: a private yacht charter at midnight puts you in the middle of the bay. Book months ahead; New Year's charters sell out.
Practical tips
The municipality has suspended public transportation (vans and city buses) on New Year's in past years, and taxis and Uber are scarce and pricey after midnight. From our villa at Hacienda Beach Club you can walk along the sand to Médano's beach bars, which is the easiest way to do the night.
- Book dinner for December 31 early; many places run set menus.
- Beaches get crowded and messy by 1 AM. Keep glass off the sand.
- January 1 is quiet: a good beach and recovery day.
Who it suits
Groups and couples who want a big night out, and families who are happy to watch fireworks from the sand and head in by 12:30. If you want quiet, New Year's Eve in Cabo is not for you: music from beach clubs and hotels carries along Médano until late. The sunset on the 31st is a good time for a walk before the crowds arrive. For dinner close to the villa, Cocina y Cantina is at Hacienda Beach Club.