There's a reason Cabo San Lucas is such a popular vacation destination: there's something for everyone, which is what has kept my family going back year after year. There are restaurants full of fresh, delicious seafood [1] for my parents; fun nightlife [2] for my sister and me; and gorgeous beaches [3] and resorts for everyone.
Although Hurricane Odile took a major toll on the area in 2014, Cabo is now back and better than ever. Read on for my favorite picks — and if you do go, don't be surprised if you spot J Lo, Jessica Alba [4], or Cameron Diaz [5], who often vacation at this hot spot.
Looking for another spot in Mexico to visit? Mexico City is the way to go [6].
What to See:
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: Cabo is not the place for vacationers looking for intense sightseeing. Everything here revolves around relaxing, so why not kick your feet up on a boat tour? That famous rock arch that Cabo is known for is best seen on a laid-back boat tour — especially a glass-bottomed boat to take in the turquoise-blue waters.
- Playa del Amor: Lover's Beach is the kind of beach meant for Instagram, so take your camera and snap away. It gets its name from the beautiful blue water, white sand, and romantic vibe — go expecting to spend a full day soaking in the sun (but head out early to beat the crowds).
- The bottom of Sea of Cortez: There are plenty of companies that offer snorkeling in the sparkling Sea of Cortez, which is full of incredible sea life just waiting to be explored underwater, from rainbow-colored fish to sea turtles. I have yet to take the plunge, but if you're feeling adventurous, scuba diving here is also popular.
Where to Eat:
- El Gran Pastor: This tiny stand [7] has real Mexican street tacos at their best. For lunch, you can get juicy, marinated fish or meats topped with any fixing you can possibly think of — and come back again late at night after a couple (OK, several) margaritas.
- Edith's: When I think of food in Cabo, this is the place I think of [8]. The Baja decor makes you feel as though you stepped into a whimsical Mexican world, and the cuisine is just as magical. I’d recommend the lobster, if it's available, and the flaming coffee. Delicioso! Bonus: if it's someone's birthday, the waiters will give you a special birthday song and dance — and feed you a tequila shot!
- El Farallón: This place is pricey, but it's worth a splurge for the breathtaking cliffside views [9] of the ocean and the amazing food. There's no menu here: go expecting to check out the catches of the day and leave your trust in the hands of the chef who will whip up your seafood of choice — caught just hours before — with their own special touch.
Where to Shop:
- Puerto Paraíso Mall: When you hear the word mall in the States, you automatically think run-of-the mill buys. But this mall is packed with great souvenir shopping [10], from handmade artisanal afghans to Baja-style jewelry and tchotchkes.
- Flea Market at the Marina: Come here to support local business owners' handmaking goods; it's a great place to get your souvenir shopping out of the way. But avoid cruise ship primetime (usually around lunch) and expect to barter.
- Arte de Origen: This is the place to visit for great deals on art [11], like hand-painted ceramics and locally made paintings that will add some well-traveled flair to your wall back home.
Where to Party:
- Cabo Wabo: This is what you think of when you think of a vacation nightclub [12]: a mega all-night party paired with a mix of pop and house music. But once you embrace the somewhat touristy feel, you'll have a good time — especially with the help of the local favorite liquor, Cabo Wabo tequila.
- Pink Kitty: Cabo's swankier offering almost feels more New York than Mexico — complete with, of course, pink lighting (and the occasional spraying of confetti). This is the place to get dressed up with your girlfriends or boo for a sexy night out [13].
- El Squid Roe: This is one unique, crazy four-level club [14] that on any given night can feature waiters in cowboy boots and balloon hats wielding jello shots. Be ready to go hard or go home: it feels like Spring break here all year-round, and it also serves up great food, so you'll have your end-of-the-night drunk snack ready to go.