Los Cabos is currently the 2nd most popular travel destination in Mexico and welcomes almost 2 million visitors a year. This shouldn’t be surprising. Los Cabos has a lot to offer any type of traveler, whether it’s a family vacation, spring break blowout or a relaxing couples retreat. However, you can often feel spoilt for choice and at a loss as to where to stay and where to go in Los Cabos.
The two towns offer distinctly different atmospheres and are linked by a tourist corridor. While this only means more choice for travellers, it doesn’t make decisions any easier. So here’s a rundown of each of the areas, where to stay and what they offer!
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is located at the very southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, a 30-minute drive from its neighbor San Jose Del Cabo. Out of the two towns, Cabo San Lucas is definitely the louder, livelier party town with adventure activities galore.
What To Do
Cabo San Lucas is definitely where the action is. This travel destination became so popular largely due to the fantastic big-game sport fishing available. Other activities include quad biking through the desert, diving, watersports and zip lining. Downtown is the epicenter of Cabo San Lucas’ nightlife, where popular bars and clubs can be found. The Marina, found just south of Downtown, is also a great place to spend an evening at an authentic seafood restaurant.
Where To Stay
Where you stay in Cabo San Lucas really depends on what you plan to do there. If partying is your main focus then accommodation can be found downtown, close to the nightlife, however rentals here may be smaller and to a lower standard. The neighborhood around the marina offers rental properties that are central yet set back from the dynamic downtown. For those looking to live the life of luxury, away from the hustle and bustle of the town center then there are many developments offering luxury rental villas in popular neighborhoods. Pedregal Hills is a prestigious community with plenty of luxury villa rentals available. This location looks down over the marina as well as out across the Pacific Ocean, creating some spectacular panoramic views.
San Jose Del Cabo
Northeast of Cabo San Lucas is the quieter, more culturally focused town of San Jose Del Cabo. Quaint streets with merchants selling locally crafted wares, art galleries and rustic, authentic restaurants serving first-class food draw travellers here that are looking for a more relaxing Cabo experience.
What To Do
The town hosts a weekly art-walk during high season, which sees locals and tourists wander through the streets, perusing local art and chatting to the artists. Wander through the main square, take a historical heritage tour and enjoy the colonial architecture or visit the Wirikuta garden with its sculptures and artwork.
Where to Stay
While downtown in San Jose Del Cabo is much calmer than downtown in Cabo San Lucas, it is still a great place to stay if you’re looking to be in the center of things. The Puerto Los Cabos resort is currently the big thing in San Jose Del Cabo. As well as beautiful residences and villa rentals, there is also a world-class marina, golf courses, beach clubs, parks and more. This huge development sits along 3 miles of coastline just east of the city center. Another great option is to stay in La Playita, a small fishing community that is adjacent to Puerto Los Cabos. It offers a truly local experience, a highly favored beach and beautiful accommodation.
The Los Cabos Corridor
The hotel corridor joins Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo along a 17-mile stretch. Here, luxury villas, 5 star hotels and resorts line the coast.
What To Do
The main activity available along the tourist corridor is undeniably golf. There are a handful of first-class golf courses waiting to be played including 2 Jack Nicklaus courses and the Robert Trent Jones II course, which has hosted 2 PGA Senior Grand Slams. The corridor also has some fantastic beaches for you to relax on and enjoy the marine life.
Where To Stay
For a life of luxury, the best three options include the One & Only Palmilla Resort, Esperanza an Auberge Resort, and Las Ventanas Al Paraiso A Rosewood Resort. All 3 resorts offer lavish accommodation with first-class facilities. The One & Only Palmilla Resort and the Esperanza An Auberge Resort offer also a wide variety of private villa rentals. If you prefer a luxury villa directly on the beach, the Blue Sea Compound, located in the heart of Los Cabos Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and minutes away from the renowned Las Ventanas resort. Another great location to getaway is Punta Ballena, an exclusive gated community with luxury vacation rentals and just steps away from a quiet pristine beach.
The key is to know what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, whether you´re looking for a party vibe or for a quiet and cultured area, Los Cabos as a whole has so much to offer, and no matter where you choose to stay, the perfect vacation villa is waiting for your next trip!
Los Cabos as a whole has so much to offer that you are sure to find your perfect villa rental for your stay. The key is to know exactly what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, whether that’s a party vibe or quiet and cultured, then choose the villa rental that’s right for you.