Los Cabos

Cabo Wabo Cantina

Here you will be treated to live rock and eighties hits. The reason why is the owner, Sammy Hagar, who plays in Cabo Wabo from time to time. So if you are, or were, a fan of Van Halen then this is the place for you. There are also a number of items featuring his autograph that you can buy from the gift shop at the bar. If you do visit then you should also try Tequila Cabo Wabo, a brand that represents another business venture for the guitarist and singer.

Lázaro Cárdenas y Vicente Guerrero, Cabo San Lucas. Tel: 143-1188. www.cabowabo.com

Squid Roe

It’s not difficult to identify this as a member of the Anderson’s chain: it offers a youthful atmosphere with three floors filled with young people dancing to the sounds of rap, hip hop, etc., and food and drinks for all tastes. You can dress as you like but be sure to come prepared to take some of the shots of tequila that are dealt out left and right by the waiters with their gas tanks. Unstoppable.

Lázaro Cardenas s/n, between Zaragoza and Morelos, facing the Hard Rock Café, Cabo San Lucas. Tel: 143-0655 and 143-0517. www.squidroe.com 

Latitude 22 + Ocean View Roadhouse

In this restaurant-bar decorated with fishing memorabilia the specialties are the prime rib and the hamburgers. Many people come here to watch the game while knocking back a few cold beers. The bar offers an excellent view and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Peter Bacon, a pianist and singer acclaimed by the regulars, offers some classic songs. Closed on Tuesdays.

Km 4.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, Cabo San Lucas, Tel: 143 1516. www.lat22nobaddays.com

Nick-San

This is the most famous sushi and fish restaurant-bar in Los Cabos and it takes advantage of its position on the coast to offer the freshest sushi you can imagine. Try the sashimi, Callos Dinamita and tuna tostadas or the dish prepared with the catch of the day. Closed on Mondays.

Blvd. Marina lote 10 local 2, Plaza de la Danza, Cabo San Lucas. Tel: 14 324 91 y 14 344 84. www.nicksan.com

Romeo y Julieta

Decorated like an authentic Italian restaurant, Romeo and Juliet is as romantic as its name would suggest. The prices are accessible and the food will definitely win you over. The most popular dishes are pizzas, the Caesar salad and the Medaglionis Fungui and you have the option of choosing a table on the terrace or in the air-conditioned interior. There is live piano music every day and the restaurant is open from 19:30 to 22:15 every day except Mondays.

Boulevard Marina y camino del Cerro (entrada al Pedregal), Cabo San Lucas

Edith’s Restaurant

This restaurant offers authentic local food dating from the 17th century. The owner, Edith Jiménez, is passionate about this cuisine and is author of the book “The Cuisine of the Baja California Peninsula”. Ask for the ‘Camarón estilo Baja (Shrimp Baja Style)’ which is grilled and served in a garlic sauce and accompanied with various Mexican garnishes; and the ‘Pancho Villa’ which offers a flavor combining various chilis and is unique in the way it fuses Mestiza and Central American cooking.

Camino a Playa El Médano s/n, Cabo San Lucas. Tel: 143 0801. www.edithscabo.com

Las Ventanas al Paraíso

This resort is located between the desert and the Sea of Cortez and among the first class services it offers guests are: music, a videotheque, personalized treatment in the SPA, cooking classes, luxury tennis, boat trips out to sea and the La Querencia golf course (exclusively designed by Tom Fazio). Its four select restaurants cater to all tastes and the design shows the name chosen for the hotel is just right: you will agree that if there were windows to Paradise they would look like this.

Km 19.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San Jose del Cabo. Tel: 144 2800.

Casa Natalia

This is a boutique hotel located 15 minutes from the beach in the heart of historic San José del Cabo. It has only a few rooms to guarantee intimacy and a private atmosphere for guests. You will simply adore its rooms decorated with local handicrafts and its Euro-Mexican food. The hotel also offers a SPA service, private transport to the beach, various golf courses and the basic services such as a swimming pool and aquatic activities and ecotourism on demand.

Blvd. Mijares 4, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. Tel: 142 5100. www.casanatalia.com

Hilton Beach & Golf Resort

A 4 Diamond resort that in addition to luxurious rooms with private balconies offers activities for children, kids’ film rentals, gourmet restaurants, a men’s hairdresser, basketball and tennis courts, jet skis, ping-pong, a pool, a gymnasium and a path for walks. It enjoys access to the only beach in Los Cabos that permits swimming. The Hilton also allows you to take your pets.

Km. 19.5. Carretera Transpeninsular, San José del Cabo. Tel: 145 6500. www.hiltonloscabos.com

Whale Watching

From January to March you can see Gray Whales that migrate every year from Alaska and Liberia to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. This is a spectacle that will keep you entertained for hours as you get close to these huge mammals measuring 15 meters long and weighing 40 tons without having to feel threatened at all. Many companies in Los Cabos offer tours that take you to see the whales interact with their young and perform their graceful pirouettes.

ORV Tours (off road vehicle tours)

During these quad-bike rides you will visit the desert and find yourself riding between the sea and the sand dunes. You will cross mountains, canyons and streams and in winter you will even manage to see the gray whales out in the Sea of Cortez. As for the vegetation, well that will surprise you any day of the year.

San José del Cabo Estuary

This estuary is a must for bird lovers. From your kayak you will see 150 different species of birds as well as fish, turtles and marine mammals, all with a background of impressive flora. Another option is to explore the area on foot using the natural paths of this fresh water sanctuary.

Km 27 Carretera 1 a Mijares, San José del Cabo.

Skindiving and Cabo Pulmo

The Sea of Cortez is ideal for skindiving as the meeting of sea currents helps to produce a rich selection of fish and marine species. Cabo Pulmo is a safe area to explore and is located 60 km from San José del Cabo. Among the surprises awaiting you there are manta rays, coral, sharks, shoals of tropical fish and turtles.

Shopping in San José del Cabo

Art and handicrafts are a basic component of the old colonial town of San José del Cabo, founded in 1730. If you follow the folkloric Boulevard Mijares during your walk you will see La Parroquia de San José, La Plaza and various parks in addition to the numerous galleries. All of these are, of course, unmissable.

Beaches

Swimming is not recommended at a number of beaches in Los Cabos. San José is for playing beach volleyball and walking; El Chileno has specific areas for picnics and is safe for swimming; Costa Azul is for surfing; Palmilla is the most popular among those who like to swim; Santa María is for snorkeling; El Médano is where all forms of water sports are enjoyed; while Playa del Amor offers the most beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.