Cabo San Lucas, located at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, is one of Mexico’s top five tourist destinations. Most often called just “Cabo,” the area offers myriad luxury and spa accommodations which began developing in 1974 prompted by the Mexican government’s desire to turn Cabo San Lucas into a major tourist destination. Cabo has a tropical desert climate with an average temperature of 75˚F, and sea temperatures averaging around 72˚F in the winter and 82˚F in the summer.
Less than a half-hour drive away, San Jose del Cabo is also a popular tourist destination. Many times both are visited in the same trip, but if you only have time for one, here’s a guide to Cabo San Lucas vs. San Jose del Cabo to help you decide.
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Here are some tips for finding the best beach, sites, and best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas!
1. Land’s End Arch
As perhaps the most recognizable and iconic landmark in all of Baja, any trip to Cabo San Lucas would be incomplete without taking a boat to see the famous natural stone Arch at “Land’s End” on the southern tip. One side of the arch overlooks the stunning Sea of Cortez, while the other views the Pacific Ocean. Sea lions are often seen sunning at the arch and on nearby Lover’s Beach which is also only accessible by boat.
Tip: Cabo San Lucas is also a great destination for kids!
2. The Office, the Beach, or Both?
There’s no shortage of beaches in Cabo. But another hum-drum day at the office doesn’t exist here. Look for the blue umbrellas just steps from beautiful Playa El Médano and you’ll arrive at The Office, a beach-side oasis popular with tourists. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with offerings such as ceviche, fish tacos, Baja shrimp and of course, margaritas.
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3. Nightlife
For one of the best nightlife experiences in the city, head to Cabo Wabo Cantina. Located on Calle Guerrero in downtown Cabo, this hot spot is a complex owned by rocker Sammy Hagar, offering a restaurant with unique Mexican and seafood choices, as well as a venue of huge bars and stages where you can watch live bands. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the occasional appearances of Hagar himself.
4. Downtown
After hours of beaches and boating, head to the downtown area. It’s an excellent place to view local architecture such as the Iglesia de San Lucas (Church of San Lucas) built in 1730 by Spanish missionaries. It’s also a good spot to observe authentic Mexican culture. Nearby on Calle Cabo is the town square, a colorful plaza with a gazebo, restaurants and small shops. The downtown area is newly renovated and is a big tourist draw.
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5. The Marina
Take a stroll along the picturesque Marina Cabo San Lucas at sunset and grab a bite to eat at one of the 50+ restaurants and bars with a variety of offerings for every palette. If you’re in the mood for shopping, Plaza Paraiso is the largest mall in the Cabo area. For many, the Marina is used as a point of departure for sea activities such as deep-sea fishing, sailing, whale-watching, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
Cabo San Lucas beaches and beyond make it a great weekend destination!
First published: Weekend in Cabo – Ships N Trips
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About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal.
1 comment
Comment by Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley August 13, 2017 at 12:39 am
Wow say no more this place is an extraordinary, easy-to-get-to winter getaway and a destination that is the perfect blend of sand, sea and sunshine. Nothing but gorgeous scenery and colorful culture, as you get up close to wildlife and nature, where the desert meets the sea in Baja.