Cabo San Lucas Weekend

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 [1] or a resort along the Corridor. Consider Cabo Villas for a central location, or Club Cascadas or the Hotel Finisterra for a somewhat quieter setting. Head to Playa El Médano [2] to dip your feet in the bay. Order a cocktail at Billygan’s Island or The Office, and watch the sun sink behind the arch at Land’s End [3].

After dark, explore downtown Cabo San Lucas [1] by foot, taking in the shops and clubs along Boulevard Marina and Plaza Bonita. Savor the flavors of Japan at Nick-San Restaurant, then head to Sancho Panza Wine Bistro and Jazz Club Restaurant to taste Baja California wines, or 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 [2], or rent a kayak and paddle there yourself before the wind kicks up. Sunbathe and snorkel around Pelican Rock before catching a boat ride back to town. Head to Las Gardenias for an authentic Mexican lunch. Spend the afternoon browsing the shops in Plaza Bonita and the Puerto Paraíso mall, and head to the rooftop bar at the Cabo Villas for drinks and a sunset view. In the evening, enjoy Continental fare at Peacocks Restaurant and Bar or seafood at Mi Casa de Mariscos, followed by live jazz at Edith’s.

Day 3

Grab a latte at Theory Café in Plaza Bonita 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. For dinner, order shrimp by the bucket at El Shrimp Bucket or Italian dishes at Capo San Giovanni.

Start the night’s festivities at the Giggling Marlin [4] or The Nowhere Bar on the waterfront, then move to one of Cabo’s notorious late-night discos, such as El Squid Roe, until the wee hours of the morning.

Excursion: The bohemian town of Todos Santos [5], with art galleries and a pleasant small-town atmosphere, is just an hour away by car.

Day 4

Browse the traditional Mexican handicrafts at the Mercado Mexicano 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 [2]. Then off to the airport you go.