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Cabo San Lucas Travel Tips
by Robin Munro
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Overview
Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination at the tip of the 1,000-mile Baja Peninsula where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean. The Mexican municipality of Los Cabos comprises Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the developing Tourist Corridor between. With more resorts cropping up every year, Los Cabos caters to every type of vacation, from romantic getaways and family reunions to sports adventures and Spring Break parties. But don't end up on the wrong vacation. Plan accordingly.
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When to go
A year-round tropical paradise, Cabo San Lucas averages 75 degrees in winter and 95 in summer. The only real off-season is late summer, when tropical storms over the ocean cause bursts of rainfall in Cabo. But overcast skies are a rarity; summer storms pass quick, letting the sun reappear just as fast. To avoid tourists and find cheaper flights, book a trip for late August or September; otherwise plan for long waits at restaurants and limited access to sports gear. Cabo is also a popular Spring Break destination, when the Sea of Cortes bumps to the collective techno beat of the "booze cruises" that cater to a college-age crowd. For peace and quiet, stay in inland San Jose, an all-service resort or travel to beachside Cabo in summer or winter. Otherwise prepare to learn all the words to the Macarena without even trying.
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Where to stay
Your choice of hotel is integral to an enjoyable trip to Cabo. Consider your objective before you book. The 20-mile Tourist Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas hosts a stream of full-service and golf resorts, the high-walled compounds of which many visitors never leave. For a more authentic cultural experience, consider staying in San Jose, a historic Jesuit colonial town about 7 miles from the airport distinguished by elegant courtyards and galleries. Unlike San Jose, Cabo San Lucas resides right on the still, translucent waters of the Sea of Cortes, perfect for water sports and fishing. Spring Break central, Cabo also boasts a thriving nightlife and club scene. Several resorts can be found farther in town and not just on Cabo's shoreline, but prepare for a 10-minute walk to the beach. Beachside resorts such as Pueblo Bonito Rose, however, offer direct views of the ocean while lounging poolside in a deckchair, sipping a Margarita and eating fish tacos. You can also stay on the Pacific side; the water is too rough for swimming, but the view is equally stunning and the annoying vendors few.
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What to do
Unless you're genuinely interested in purchasing a timeshare, don't waste your vacation on "free" brunches and other enticements, even those pushed by the concierge at your hotel. Explore instead the many activities Los Cabos has to offer, from scuba diving and snorkeling to salsa dancing and club hopping. Cabo boasts seven championship golf courses and offers world-renowned big game fishing. For whale watching, travel between January and March. For dancing, pick a club that suits your taste. Cabo Wabo and El Squid Row play pop music, inviting the Spring Break crowd. Less touristy Mambo Café, right off the marina, features live salsa, mambo and marimba bands; local culture embraces traditional partner dance, so don't be surprised if you're asked to salsa.
