Travel to CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas is a city at the far end of Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Cabo is a varied destination that captures the essence of Baja Peninsula in its many resorts, championship golf courses, world-class dining and amazing outdoor activities.
Cabo San Lucas is a bustling hub for sport fishermen, cruise ships, handicraft vendors, water sport aficionados and nightlife seekers. The area is considered the second fastest growing resort destination in all of Mexico and particularly busy with visitors during the winter high season, November to February. With some of the best all-around sport fishing in the world and every water sport imaginable, Cabo is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventure.
There are three districts in "Cabo":
- San Jose del Cabo, the "Old Town", which is nearest to the airport. San Jose has old Mexico charm and some shining new resorts.
- Cabo San Lucas, the "Main Town", which is 20-some miles form the airport, and the entertainment hub of Cabo. The famous arch is in Cabo San Lucas.
- The Corridor, the highway which connects San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, which is now lined with golf courses, condos and resorts that hug the stunning coastline.
By night, Cabo San Lucas is one of the hottest party towns in North America with a glittering nightlife and a plethora of dining options that make energetic Cabo San Lucas an all-time favorite. Also called Cabo San “Loco” or just plain “Cabo”, the town's reputation as the wild party center of the Baja Peninsula has brought fame and infamy to its many bars and nightclubs.
GET IN
Flight is the preferred means of traveling to Cabo. The regional airport, Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), is located outside of San Jose del Cabo and will take approximately 30-45 minutes to travel to Cabo San Lucas.
All the major American airlines fly to the airport, as well as, Aereo Calafia, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Interjet, Mexicana, Volaris and the Canadian WestJet.
If you plan on arriving to Cabo via plane, a transfer bus is the cheapest method to get to your hotel if you do not plan on renting a car. A reservation for a transfer can be made before arrival and is significantly cheaper than a taxi. There are buses at the airport charging per person for a ride to the resorts of Cabo which can be had with out prior reservation.
GET AROUND
Taxis are readily available and rates are negotiable.
One of the best and most exciting ways to travel around Cabo is to rent a BMW motorcycle. Cabo BMW Rentals rents BMW motorcycles as well as scooters and they will provide helmets. You can ride north out of the tropics to Los Barriles which is a great stop for a bite to eat or walk on the beach. It's called the "Cabo Loop" which consists of a 200 mile paved ride, starting in Cabo San Lucas and going through the larger cities of San José del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returns to Cabo San Lucas.
There are many car rental agencies in Los Cabos, most of which have names familiar to travelers in the Americas. If you are staying in a villa or plan on many day-trips that are not covered by a resort or timeshare shuttle, then a rental will likely be the most cost effective.
- Transbaja. Daily. Shuttles between the airport and the city. $17/person each way.
SEE
Filled with natural landmarks and a number of prominent monuments, the city of Cabo San Lucas has plenty of character, particularly around its coastline. From January to March, a must see is the whales, they come to Cabo during this period of time and many boats can take you out to sea to watch them. In early March, they are literally as common as squirrels.
- Land's End- Known for its exceptional views and photo taking opportunities, this area is comprised of a large cluster of rock formations that were carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sea. During low tide, many visitors like to walk here along Playa del Amante (Lover's Beach) because it allows for a better view of an eroded passageway called the Arch of Poseidon. You can also observe Los Frailes, two rock islets that are frequented by sea lions.
- Church of San Lucas (Iglesia de San Lucas). Boasting many original features, this church, almost 300 years old and has been well maintained.
- Cultural Center (Casa de la Cultura). Features a tall mirador tower and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks all of Cabo.
DO
Scuba Diving & Watersports
Scuba diving Is especially good in Cabo, because you can watch the sandfalls under the water. It is an amazing spectacle provided by nature. If you are looking for something more relaxed perhaps you want to go to Lover's Beach or to one of the multiple romantic restaurants in Cabo.
- Cabo Surfing. Stay entertained in the coolest place in Mexico - the water! Ride some of the best waves in Mexico with lessons available courtesy of professional surfing instructors. Surf tours are arranged with hotel pick-up and lunch included.
- Watersports. They offer parasailing, wave runners, kayaks and snorkeling. They also have a sunset cruise that will take you out to explore Lovers Beach or "El Arco". They have brand new top of the line equipment and they are completely mobile, so they can cater to your needs anywhere from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz to Todos Santos to the entire East Cape area of Baja California Sur. They are located on Playa Medano in Cabo San Lucas.
Fishing
Cabo is known around the world as a top fishing destination. The meeting of the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates a nutrient rich environment where sport fish thrive. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo are the most commonly targeted species. Cabo boasts one of the largest sport fishing charter fleets in Mexico. Charters range from pangas, open "semi-dorry" type skiffs, to 60 foot+ luxury sport fishing yachts. Prices for a day of fishing start around $175 for 5 hour panga trips, from $450 for 8 hour trips on 26-30 footers and into the $1,000 to $5,000 per day for boats from 34-60 feet.
- Sportfishing. Upscale charter boats and sportfishing yachts from 28' - 68'. Full service charters with everything included (licenses, bait, drinks, beer, ice, lunches, tackle and equipment) with rates from 550 USD for a full 8 hr day. English speaking crews and American guides.
Cruises
- Jungle Cruise. Continental breakfast, snorkeling, lunch and whale watching while cruising along two different reefs that are astoundingly beautiful. Children under 10 go free.
- Jazz and Wine Tour. Sail the Pacific on a large sailing catamaran. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset while listening to the best contemporary jazz music. International bar serves premium wines and hor d'ouvres.
Other Activities
- ATV's. One of the more popular ways to see and explore Cabo. Discover the sights from the seat of an ATV or a mountain bike, on a guided tour through sand dunes, desert, mountain and beach. Half day trip costs US$85 and includes an ATV or mountain bike, rappelling gear, expert tour guide, rappel instructor, energy bars, all beverages and round trip transportation in an air conditioned van.
- Buggies (Road Runner Tour), Calle Nopal 19 Colonia Magisterial. 9.00AM and 2.00PM. Buggy rides in the Boca de la sierra mountain range along mountain trails lined with all kinds of cacti and rocky dry river beds that will test your driving skills, and onto to one of the few UNESCO protected biosphere reserves in México and a swim in one of the Sierra's hidden freshwater pools. 230.00 usdlls dbl and 150.00 usdll sgl.
- The Cabo San Lucas Glass Factory. A really fun place for the entire family to visit. Touring the glass factory, you get to witness a first hand glimpse into the centuries-old art of glass blowing.
BUY
With boutiques as easy to come by in Cabo as restaurants, its a shoppers delight.
The plazas of Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment. Plaza and the adjacent Marina Cabo San Lucas offer a variety of shops and goods with an affable ambiance.
Shoppes At Palmilla offer a selection of high-end boutiques. The stores here include day spas, art galleries, fine restaurants, coffee shops, an amazing bakery, homemade crafts, and much more.
- San Jose del Cabo features traditional Mexican speciality stores which offer furniture, hand blown glass, ceramics, artwork, cigars and local souvenirs.
- Die Trying, Plaza Naútica, Loc. #A7. For something other than your standard tourist t-shirt, try Die Trying for fun, quirky line of men's, women's and children's t-shirts and casual wear.
EAT
- Alexanders Restaurant French Cuisine, On the Cabo San Lucas Marina at the Plaza Bonita Mall. It's hard to miss this lively restaurant that is always packed and upon dining here, you'll understand why it has maintained its popularlity for so long. With the chef combining French-influenced cuisine of Swiss origin with hints of the tropics and Mediterranean, the menu offers something for just about any palate and craving. Be sure to try the shrimp tempura with a Thai coconut-chile sauce, its taste and freshness will satisfy.
- La Casa del Dorado. Charming family run Mexican and seafood restaurant.
- Mariscos Mocambo, Leona Vicario y 20 de Noviembre. 11AM-11PM. Local favorite for fresh seafood served in a no frills decor.
- Peacocks restaurat (grupo Mi Casa). Peacock's Restaurant it's the best europe restaurant in Cabo, the food it's just delicious!
- Brasil Brazilian Steak House. A buffet style steak house. Good for large groups.
- La Dolce. Italian restaurant and pizzeria serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Cabo. Open for dinner only and contains standard Italian fare.
- Amarone. With a variety of Italian apertifs on offer, Amarone offers a traditional Italian vibe, complete with the Italian chef at the helm. All pastas are hand-made as well as bread and all desserts. Expect to spend about 35 USD per person.
- Mi Casa. Popular Mi Casa is well known for its Mexican dining experience and provides a taste of old Mexico. The atmosphere is friendly and funky and the staff are efficient and quick.
- El Patio. Mexican food located at Presidente Intercontinental in San Jose Cabo.
- El Coral. Mexican and Seafood. One of the older restaurants in Cabo. On the west end of the main street. Good prices and good food.
- La Casa Country. Mexican food. The best fajitas in town. Line dancing show included.
- Mariscos de Mazatlan, (on the right (west), south bound, between the airport and Cabo on the main highway). Very good seafood with good value pricing. It has an open air Palapa at least in part.
- Tacqueria Marissa. Tasty steak tacos and the best condiments to accompany them, including whole roasted jalapenos, caramelized onions, guacamole, and every color and variety of salsa imaginable. Great to meet the locals as well.
- Nikk San. Some of the freshest sushi in the area. Make sure to sit at the sushi bar and ask the sushi chef what is good that night.
- Poncho's, Hidalgo & Emiliano Zapata (downtown Cabo). Great Mexican/Sea food and the largest collection of Tequilas in the world with over 500 labels.
- Nikki Beach. Poolside dining featuring international cuisine. Live DJs on weekends.
DRINK
- No Worrys Bar & Grill, Blvd. Marina, E/V. Guerrero and Madero. Located inside the 90 foot lighthouse at Cabo San Lucas Marina, it offers a single VIP table at the top of the lighthouse tower. Well known for their relaxed attitude, sizzling sauces, awesome food, outdoor grill and deck seating. The second floor lava lounge provides private window seating and marina views.
- Mango Deck Beach Club. If you're looking for a "Spring Break" type atmosphere with bass-thumping music and bikini clad girls dancing on stage for a bucket of beer, then the Mango Deck is your spot. However, be mindful that the drinking age in Mexico is 18 and most of those girls on stage (especially in the summer) are pre-college high schoolers either on spring break or celebrating graduation. Adults may find The Office more appropriate.
- The Office. Located right next door to the Mango Deck, The Office is a more adult setting offering big blue umbrellas to shield you from the sun and an assortment of appetizers to accompany your margarita or Modelo Especial. With tables and chairs right in the sand, the office has become a famous watering hole in Cabo. The Office does NOT allow beach vendors to solicit you at your table.
- Slim's Elbo Room, Just down the street from the Giggling Marlin. Hole in the wall so it's easy to miss. Size does matter at this bar, which claims to be the world's smallest bar with four seats only and standing room for two. Drinks are served straight up as well as beer. Visitors like to tack a dollar to the wall with a stamp that says 'I was here'.
- The Giggling Marlin. Gotta check it out. They hang you upside down by your ankles and you drink a shot. Great lunch and dinner menu. Try the fish tacos and house made salsa!
- El Squid Roe. The best bar in the town. Loud, obnoxious, but thats why it's fun. Very touristy; people of all ages get up on tables and dance. Cocktail waitresses walk around with a whistle in their mouth to get your attention while they sell jello shots. This bar is multi level and plays a variety of music. Very popular bar; if others are not hoppin' this one will be!
- Cabo Wabo. Owned by Sammy Hagar, who performs occasionally, Cabo Wabo is famed for consistently providing patrons with a good time. They play the rock loud, and with attitude, but thankfully the staff are friendly and quick to serve.
- The Zoo. Way too similar to a metro US city club scene. Go somewhere with more character.
- Poncho's, Hidalgo & Emiliano Zapata (downtown Cabo). Great Mexican/Sea food and the largest collection of Tequilas in the world with over 500 labels.
- Two For The Road (Live Jazz Spot), Hotel Tesoro ~ Cabo San Lucas (On the Marina Facing M-O Dock). 8:00 PM to Midnight. A Jazz Night Spot for the over 30 crowd and for those searching for a place to go in Cabo, either before or after dinner to enjoy great cocktails, wine and Jazz Martinis with sophisticated live entertainment and pleasant conversation. Unique ambience and intimate Jazz Night Spot like no other in Cabo San Lucas located on the Marina side of The Hotel Tesoro Monday through Saturday ~~8:00 PM to Midnight Live Music nightly -- 9:00 PM to Midnight, Is located between Solomon's Landing & "No Worry's" Lighthouse Restaurant. Validated one hour free parking in Hotel Tesoro parking lot.
- Happy Ending Cantina (Rated the Best Bar in Cabo), Marina Blvd 22 (Between Cabo Wabo & Hard Rock). 10 am - 3 am. Happy Ending is located on the "50 yard line" in the middle of Cabo's action. Cheap drinks. Three bars, stripper poles, beer pong tables, pool tables, dancing, music, satellite TV for sporting events, delicious food all day and all night, cleanest bathrooms in Mexico, handicap access. ATM on the premises. Opens at 10:00 and closes at 3:00 am everyday. Best in Cabo.
- Flavor, Marina Blvd s/n Las Cardenas (In front of Burger King, Between Las Quesadillas and Pink Kitty). 11am-12am. International Cuisine with global influence. Beautiful ambience and design. Great venue for dinner with family, friends, or dates. Kids under 10 not recommended. Great Value.
GET OUT
The main beach of Cabo is located near the marina in the bay. On the beach there are some great places to eat and drink including The Office, along with many others most of the places have outdoor tables on the beach. The beach overlooks Lands End. You can also take a ride to Lands End by boat and also Lover's Beach one of the best beaches in the world.
Explore small towns surrounding Cabo: Todos Santos and La Paz are rich with history and make a great excursion. The nearby town of Todos Santos is a perfect side trip from Cabo. Todos Santos is a small community with approximately 4000 people. The town is filled with art and culture. The town is a tribute to the Eagles 'Hotel California', with its old colonial architecture and centuries old monastery one is transported back through time to a land of mystery and adventure. Stop at Elias Calles on your way home and pick a basket of organic strawberries.
La Paz (Mexico) is an old Mexican port with an 'old Baja' feel. It features in John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl based on a Mexican folk tale about the areas most valuable natural resource. Its anthropology museum offers insights into the first inhabitants of the Island 10,000 years ago. You can also see rock paintings dating back to these early settlers.


