Our Mexico two-week tour started in Cancun, then Mexico City and now Los Cabos, which includes Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
I’ve just been back to Cabo San Lucas, after a 12 year hiatus, and oh my, the place is busy and bustling! On a Saturday night it feels like Las Vegas – at the beach!
However, it doesn’t stay that way for long, so let me tell you about some great things to do here, in town and off the beaten track. And where I’d stay next time.
There are so many all-inclusive resorts that attract a large number of Americans and Canadians to come down for an affordable vacation, beach time, pool time, bars and shopping. We, as New Zealanders, were the oddity. A fascinating oddity, as some complemented us on our ability to speak English…
But here is what I suggest for a fun week in Los Cabos, and what I’d do differently next time.
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos is the area that encompasses Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. They sit on the tip of the Baja Peninsula with the Sea of Cortez (aka the Sea of California) on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
In March/April it’s still whale watching season, the weather is temperate and if you time it right, you can avoid the spring breakers! You’ll be able to see whales from the hotels along the beachfront.
But I chose Marina Fiesta Resort with two pools, plus a kids pool area. It has an all-inclusive plan and an a la carte option for those who wish to eat out and about in the local area. They have 12 restaurants that are part of the all-inclusive package, so it’s super easy for group travel.
The main pool has a swim-up bar, and the hotel concieerges are super helpful suggesting excursions and other restaurant otpions if you want to try other places. What I would say though is you’re not going
Take a Whale Watching Cruise
Cabo Adventures run several whale and dolphin cruises around the area. They are also a good source for other excursions with private guides if you want to go wine tasting or an artist walk in San Jose del Cabo (see more below).
We joined this Whale Watching tour which included drinks and snacks. I can totally recommend it.
Visit San Jose del Cabo
This historic town is about a half-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, and is famous for its many artist galleries, boutique shopping and the big Mission that anchors the town square.
Come here on a Thursday night when the store owners bring their wares on to the streets for the Art Walk. But don’t worry if you’re not in town on a Thursday, you can easily wander through the streets decorated with bunting, any day (or night) and browse and shop. You can have a hand-rolled cigar demonstration, try tequila and visit rooftop restaurants.
We loved it so much we went twice!
Where I’d stay next time
I love Cabo San Lucas, but it very busy! It’s the tourist heart of Los Cabos because of the marina and two shopping malls. Not to mention the countless bars and souvenir stores. We arrived on a Saturday and it was going off! Admittedly it was the beginning of spring break, but there’s a lot of late night bars here.
I chose Marina Fiesta Resort for this very reason though. I wanted my group to be able to wander out whenever they liked and not have to get taxis everywhere, like you would have to if you stayed further down the white sandy beaches.
For a fly-and-flop vacation, you could choose a much fancier resort down the beach and maybe visit the marina just for a whale watching tour and to get a shopping fix.
But next time, I would stay in San Jose del Cabo. I absolutely loved this town. I would probably stay at Hilton Vacation Club on the Costa Azul. It’s a stunning property and about 2.5kms to the historic town.
