The southernmost point of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the city of Cabo San Lucas is blessed with beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife. Once a sleepy fishing village, the resort has become a major tourist destination known for its restaurants and nightlife. Here are the top 10 things to do on a trip to Cabo.
Sunbathing is a serious pastime here, and the city has some spectacular beaches. The Playa Medano is the safest for swimming and is blessed with stunning views of Cabo’s iconic Arco (Arch) rock formation. The Playa del Amor (Love Beach) is a more secluded destination with gorgeous turquoise water and golden sand.
Without a doubt Cabo’s most photographed sight, El Arco is part of a rare rock formation called the Three Friars, which form the southernmost point on the peninsula. The rock marks the meeting point of the calm Sea of Cortez and the violent, choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean. Jump on a tanga and ride out for a closer look at the rocks. The occasional sea lion can also be spotted in the area.
Surfers in search of great waves and excitement will love San José del Cabo, which is just outside of Cabo San Lucas. The town contains Playa Costa Azul, home to the world-famous La Roca and Zippers surf breaks. For those of a less adventurous bent, surfing competitions take place here every year and are great fun for spectators.
About two hours northeast of Cabo San Lucas, the Cabo Pulmo National Park is an incredible place for diving and snorkeling. The park is blessed with the oldest coral reef located in North America and is the teeming with all manner of breathtaking flora and fauna. Overexploited throughout the 20th century, the fish population has expanded massively since fishing in the area was banned in 1995.
For a Baja meal that you won’t forget in a hurry, visit El Peregrino – a delicious steak and seafood paradise. Prices are affordable, staff are welcoming and the service is first-rate. Favorites include the perfectly cooked steak or the octopus in garlic sauce.
Zip-lining has exploded in popularity in Baja in recent years. Cabo Adventures Zip-Line Company, based in Cabo San Lucas, boasts the longest zip-line route in the country, taking thrill-seeking adventurers on a journey through the air above the Boca de la Sierra forest. As well as providing an adrenaline rush, it is an excellent way to get close to the local wildlife at the stunning UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve.
Every winter, approximately 25,000 Pacific Gray Whales swim to the Cabo area to mate and give birth. Their annual round trip of 10,000-14,000 miles (16,000-22,000km) is the longest migration of any mammal in the world. In February and March each year, whale-watchers from around the world descend on Cabo San Lucas to see these incredible creatures. The best way to catch a glimpse of them yourself is by joining a marine safari expedition, such as that organized by Whale Watch Cabo.
Baja is, of course, famous for its seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious you’ll find anywhere in the world. There are two dishes you simply have to try if you visit Cabo San Lucas – tempura fish tacos and Pismo clams. The former are batter-fried fish tacos that originated from the Peninsula’s large Japanese immigrant population. The latter are juicy smoked clams, often served with garlic and tomato.
It’s not just Cabo’s beaches that bring in the tourists, but the vibrant nightlife as well. The Cabo Wabo Cantina is the city’s most legendary venue. Owned by rock singer Sammy Hagar, the massive complex boasts numerous bars and stages. Since opening in 1990, the cantina has hosted rock legends such as Alice Cooper, Bob Weir and Slash.