Just need to get away? Travelers based in the western United States can reach Los Cabos by air in a matter of hours. If you choose a home base in high-energy Cabo San Lucas, you’ll have white-sand beaches, water sports, restaurants, shops, and galleries all within easy reach of your hotel.

Day 1

Arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD); transfer to accommodations in downtown Cabo San Lucas or a resort along the Corridor. Consider Casa Bella for a central location or the Hotel Solmar for a quieter setting. Head to Playa El Médano to dip your feet in the bay. Order a cocktail at Nikki Beach or the Mango Deck and watch the sun sink behind the arch at Land’s End.

After dark, explore downtown Cabo San Lucas by foot, taking in the shops and clubs along Boulevard Marina. Savor the seafood at Mocambo de Los Cabos. Then head to Cabo Wabo for live music. Finish the evening with a Cuban cigar at Hemingway’s.

Day 2

Pack a beach bag and hire a water taxi to take you to Playa del Amor, or rent a kayak and paddle there yourself before the wind kicks up. Sunbathe on the beach and snorkel around Pelican Rock before catching a boat ride back to town. Head to Las Gardenias or La Fonda for an authentic Mexican lunch. Spend the afternoon browsing the shops in Plaza Bonita and the Puerto Paraíso mall, and head to the rooftop Baja Brew Pub at Cabo Villas for drinks and a sunset view. In the evening, enjoy Argentinian-style grilled steak at Patagonia or shellfish at Maro’s Shrimp House, followed by live jazz at Edith’s.

Day 3

Grab a latte at Theory Café in Plaza Bonita or a full breakfast at Mama’s Royal Café before you head out for a day at sea. Bring lunch, and spend most of the day on a guided fishing, kayaking, diving, or snorkeling tour. Don’t forget the sunblock; and divers, remember to allow 24 hours before your return flight. When you return, take a nap or lounge by the pool before another night out on the town. Head to DOC Wine Bar for a glass of made-in-Baja wine. For dinner, try Desperado’s for Tex-Mex, Cabo Wabo for tequila shrimp, or Nick-San for a blowout sushi experience.

Start the night’s festivities at the Giggling Marlin or The Nowhere Bar on the waterfront. Then move to Barometro or one of Cabo’s notorious late-night discos, such as El Squid Roe. If it’s a Saturday, check out the Latin rock music at Desperado’s.

Excursion: The bohemian town of Todos Santos, with art galleries, organic markets, and a small historic district, is just an hour away by car.

Day 4

Spend the day shopping. Browse the traditional Mexican handicrafts at the Marina Mercado or the silver jewelry at Taxco or Joyería Albert. Admire ceramic sculptures at the Sergio Bustamante gallery and professional photographs of Baja California in the Tomas Spangler gallery. Take one last chance to fill your shoes with sand at Playa El Médano. Then off to the airport you go.