Between two saints lies a place that is known as a paradise for sport fishing and a haven for celebrities looking for a good time in the sun. San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are bookends to a popular vacation spot called Los Cabos, or literally, the Capes, on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula.
Both cities and the hotels and resorts on the 18-mile stretch between, can be easily accessed via the Transpeninsular Highway, called the Corridor.
More than 280,000 visitors annually come to Los Cabos to either golf among amazing rock formations, snorkel, surf and fish for marlin, wahoo and other game fish. Taking a whale-watching tour is also a top tourist activity.
Approaching by air across the Sea of Cortez, also called the Gulf of California – which separates the Baja from the rest of Mexico – the visitor first sees contrast: the craggy peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna form a backdrop for miles of golden beach, blue water and dramatic red rock formations; saguaro cactus, palms and cultivated gardens cover the pale gold desert landscape.
Just off the shore of Los Cabos, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, you’ll see El Arco, a natural rock arch. California gray whales migrate past en route to the Sea of Cortez.
At night, take your pick between San Jose del Cabo, with its live bands and a December-March fiesta, or the pumping nightclubs of Cabo San Lucas, sometimes considered the naughtier of the two destinations. At both, evenings begin with happy hour and don’t end until early the next morning. Some spots in Cabo San Lucas are open until 5 a.m.
The days can be hot as well, with high temperatures averaging above 80 degrees for nine months of the year. But with only 10 inches of rain annually, the low humidity helps make the heat tolerable.
Stay In Style
If you think this vacationer’s paradise is exactly the kind of seaside Eden you’re looking for, here are a few hotels you might want to consider.
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso: This 71-suite, AAA-rated Five Diamond destination of elegant pampering boasts suites with private jacuzzis and adjacent professional-grade telescopes, perfect for whale watching during the day or studying the stars at night.
All suites include private terraces, marble showers and wood-burning adobe fireplaces; the smallest suites start at 960 square feet.
Special touch: Luxury reaches its zenith with the resort’s Sheet Menu. Guests can personally select the type of sheets on their bed, with options such as Italian linen or 100 percent silk.
The Westin Resort and Spa: Built by architect Javier Sordo Madeleno, the terra cotta colored resort’s design is based on the famed El Arco. The resort’s desert-colored buildings stand over seven sparkling blue pools, many of which border sandy beaches.
All 250 rooms and suites come with the Westin Heavenly Bed and Brazilian robes, and the fine touches extend into the bathroom with dual shower heads, marble floors and Egyptian cotton towels.
Special touch: Guests staying in Royal Beach Club rooms receive exclusive services, such as breakfast at sunrise and a selection of cocktails and appetizers every sunset.
Marquis Los Cabos: This seven-year-old addition to the peninsula offers more than 200 suites and 28 casitas that all have tantalizing ocean views, hydro massage tubs and complimentary breakfasts.
The casitas come with their own private pools, separate living rooms and private balconies or terraces.
This AAA-rated Four Diamond resort includes Canto del Mar, an intimate, 30-person-per-night, no-menu restaurant specializing in French cuisine.
Special touch: The Marquesa del Mar Presidential Suite includes its own 24/7 butler.
Los Cabos At A Glance
Los Cabos lies at the very tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, 1,000 miles south of San Diego. It encompasses the cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and the area between the two.
Access: For a true adventure you could drive to Los Cabos via the Transpeninsular Highway (Highway 1), which runs south from Tijuana. However, most travelers will opt to fly into the modern San José del Cabo International Airport, which is easily accessible from most U.S. hubs.
Population: 204,000
Climate: Subtropical dessert. Average temperature is 78 degrees, though summer frequently brings daytime highs over 100 degrees.
Main attractions: Luxurious resorts, golf, sportfishing, whale watching, beaches, watersports, nightlife, fine dining.
Hot Picks
Eat: Hacienda Cocina y Cantina, Cabo San Lucas. Seafood and authentic Mexican dishes served on terrace or open air dining rooms with breathtaking views of Land’s End.
See: The Arch of Poseidon, a.k.a. El Arco. This rock formation is Los Cabos’ most famous landmark. It is accessible by boat from Medano Beach.
Play: Cabo Wabo Cantina, Cabo San Lucas. Sammy Hagar’s nightspot has become Cabo’s highest profile music club, featuring the hottest bands from around the world.
Travel Tip
Visit Los Cabos between December and February to take advantage of mild temperatures and prime gray whale and humpback whale watching opportunities.
Visit Online
http://visitloscabos.travel
