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Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, this once sleepy little fishing village is now a thriving resort vacation destination. World-class resort hotels, million-plus-dollar condos and golf courses sprinkled along the coastline. Welcome to the desert that meets the sea. Warm weather and warm waters makes this an attractive location. Cabo is the perfect destination for that friendly south of the border getaway. The locals are very gracious and eager to please tourists. English is widely spoken in most establishments. |
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Downtown Cabo San Lucas is kept pristine and contemporary, looking more like California-South than most Mexican destinations. Accordingly, prices are more comparable to those found in the US, yet still affordable. The centerpiece of Cabo is its world-class marina full of sleek luxury yachts and high-tech sports fishing boats. Cabo is known for its outstanding deep-sea sports fishing. Sports fishermen come from around the world to catch prize Marlin and Dorado. The marina also makes Cabo an ideal destination for all water sports activities such as sailing and diving. There is always a lot of activity in and around the marina. There are many restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping around the marina. It’s a great place day or night. |
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Cabo’s most famous landmark, Land’s End Arch, sits at the very tip of Baja with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other side. The large rock formations comprising Land’s End are a popular attraction for visitors. It is also a popular snorkel spot. Lover’s beach (Playa del Amante) actually stretches across Lands End touching both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. The easiest way to get there is by water taxi. |
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Medano Beach is the main beach on the See of Cortez side beyond the marina channel on the edge of downtown. This is where you will find all the beach action. Here you will find top resorts lining the beach and people basking in the sun. At this beach you can swim, parasail, Jet Ski, dodge trinket vendors, and you will find popular beachside cantinas serving up margaritas and tropical drinks. The Mango Deck, Tabascos, and The Headquarters are popular beach bars serving up drinks and fresh Pacific Lobster. Most of the hotels along this strip are very welcoming if you want to come up off the beach to buy a drink and dip in their pool. Water taxis run along this beach back and forth between town and Lover’s Beach. |
Several miles out of town along the Sea of Cortez, another popular beach and snorkel spot is the pristine Playa Santa Maria. The sheltered bay hosts a colorful coral reef that is part of this underwater reserve abundant with wildlife and tropical fish. The beach requires a short walk from its parking lot, however most Snorkel tours will frequent this beach daily. Several catamarans from the Marina will sail to this location around mid-morning.
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Cabo caters well to a young lively crowd with its all-night party atmosphere. You will often see groups of young 20-something women away on weekend bachelorette parties. Cabo has excellent nightlife that is just starting when most go to sleep. There are many popular nightspots. Here's just a couple of our favorites: |
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Cabo Wabo Cantina – This is the most popular club & restaurant in Cabo. Owner and rocker Sammy Hagar is regularly spotted at the club and often performs impromptu with his musical friends. He will usually play on his birthday, October 13th. Part of the Cabo Wabo fame comes from its branded tequila. At the club you’ll find live music, dancing, a high-tech sound system and a crowd of all ages ready to party. |
Squid Roe – This long time favorite Cabo nightspot is a sister to the famed Sr. Frogs, Carlos’n Charlie’s and Carlos O'Brian's. The happening club offers three stories of dance floor and an open-air balcony. The nightly energy is high. Dancing on the tables is a tradition here. So are shots. VoyageMonkey recommends not leaving Cabo until you’ve tried the Squid Roe Guacamole, which is made fresh at your table using a stone mortar and pestle and fresh ingredients.
The Giggling Marlin - is another popular watering hole and is the oldest bar in Cabo San Lucas. At the Giggling Marlin you can be hoisted upside down on a fish-weighing scale for a photo opportunity while you have an upside-down shot of tequila. The bar is lively at night with its nightly floorshow and has potent signature drinks. Good food is also served. |
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Body Shot Nightclub – This hot nightspot creates that big mega-club atmosphere of New York, Cancun or London, complete with special VIP areas. The state-of-the-art sound & lighting system are unmatched in Cabo. The club is open-bar, yes, open-bar, so you pay one price and drink all night. This club is frequented by celebrities. |
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Other hot nightspots include El Agave Open Air Bar, Caliente Casino Real, Nowhere Bar, and The Hard Rock Café which features live music. |
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Those not into the club-all-night and siesta-all-day scene will enjoy The Cabo Dolphin Center where you can swim with a friendly family of Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins at this state-of-the-art facility. Become a Dolphin trainer for a day. It’s a great family experience and is conveniently located at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. |
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Golfers can choose from several top designer golf courses: Cabo Real (Designed by Robert Trent Jones), Cabo Del Sol-Desert Course (Designed by Tom Weiskopf), Cabo Del Sol-Ocean Course (Designed by Jack Nicklaus), Palmilla Golf Course (Jack Nicklaus Design), and Raven Golf Club (Pete Dye Design). Green fees vary based on season. |
There are many fine hotel choices in Cabo San Lucas. Hotels on the Pacific side of Lands End and west of Town include the Hotel Finisterra, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Hotel Playa Grande, and Solmar Suites. Hotels near the marina include the Marina Fiesta and the Marina Sol. Along the Medano Beach strip you’ll find the Hotel Hacienda Resort, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, Melia San Lucas, Pueblo Bonito Rose, Cascada de Baja, Villa La Estancia, Villa del Palmar, and RIU Palace Los Cabos.
Further away from Cabo San Lucas along “The Corridor” to San Jose Del Cabo you will find many mega resorts and all-inclusive resorts. Here you’ll find Dreams Los Cabos Resort & Spa, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Marquis Los Cabos, Hotel Twin Dolphin, the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos, Fiesta Americana Grand, Hilton Los Cabos, Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar, Palmilla Resort, and the Esperanza An Auberge Resort. |
Here are some of VoyageMonkey’s hotel recommendations:
Pueblo Bonito Resorts (Blanco Los Cabos, Rose, Pacifica and Sunset Beach) – There are 4 Pueblo Bonito Resort Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and we like all four of them. All with 4-Star ratings, there are two on the quieter Pacific Ocean Side (Pacifica and Sunset Beach) and two on Medano Beach (Los Cabos Blanco and Rose). All four include airport transportation services and shuttle service regularly between the sister hotels. A real convenience.
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Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - The luxurious Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach sits on 50-acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The expansive white sand beach provides a secluded and tranquil setting. There are 327 all-suite guest rooms each with private balcony or terrace. Amenities include restaurants, bars, entertainment, cigar bar, pools, Jacuzzi, tennis, chapel, and the Spa & Fitness Center at Sunset Beach. Perfect for a romantic get away. |
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Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Holistic Retreat & Spa – This retreat style resort offers 154 guest rooms including 14 suites. Rooms have calm Zen tones for that comfortable peaceful ambiance and include a private terrace. A strictly nonsmoking resort, the resort features The Armonia Spa & Fitness Center, dedicated to total wellness of body, mind and spirit. Amenities include restaurants and bars offering spa menus and natural juices, expansive secluded beach, 4-poster beach beds, pools and Jacuzzi. Perfect for those wanting peace and relaxation. Very quiet. Not a place for kids. |
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Pueblo Bonito Blanco Los Cabos – This luxury beachfront resort sits on Medano Beach with its spectacular view of Land’s End and gorgeous white sand. The resort architecture is Mediterranean style white adobe with blue trim. Their refreshing large pool is just steps from the beach. The resort offers suites and junior suites over 525 square feet each equipped with fully furnished kitchenettes and private balconies. Amenities include restaurants, bars, entertainment and 24-hour room service. |
Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa – Just steps down Medano beach from its sister hotel Pueblo Bonito Blanco Los Cabos, this all-suite resort offers warm hospitality in a comfortable luxurious setting. Junior suites offer over 575 square-feet of comfort, including fully furnished kitchenettes and private balcony or terrace. The resort offers restaurants, bars & entertainment. Other amenities include large pools, spa & fitness center.
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