When people think of visiting Cabo, they immediately think of air horns, champagne showers, and wet t-shirt contests. To my surprise, and I hope to yours, Cabo is much, much more than the party scene that it has been chopped up to be.
Let me walk you through the most remarkable experiences you can find in Los Cabo
And yes, I meant to say Los Cabos because there is more to see outside of tourist traps that leave you feeling like you never left America in the first place. If you feel fooled by the title, I'm sorry, I knew you would click on it thanks to my SEO (Search Engine Optimization) background, but I'm doing you a solid here. Keep reading. The good stuff awaits you.
#10 La Coyota
Located in an area where most tourists do not venture into, La Coyota is nestled in the residential area of Cabo San Lucas. What was once a villa, La Coyota is a restored art shop that invites visitors to experience a unique shopping adventure. Offering authentic Mexican crafts and home decor, guests can explore the property with each area of the villa offering a different theme and story. There are many closed doors at La Coyota, but do not get timid now. Behind each door lies a collection of themed items that will stop you in your footsteps.
With a beautiful shallow pool, rooms that still have beds inside them, and an open-air floor plan, it is easy to lose track of time as the ambiance is both calm and captivating. Shoppers can find anything from kitchenware to souvenirs to one-of-a-kind handmade accessories. There is something for all shoppers with price tags on both ends of the spectrum. La Coyota is definitely something you do not want to miss on your trip to Cabo, especially if you are a shopper at heart. Here you can shop with ease knowing that all goods are from local artists and vendors, and your payment is a symbol of appreciation for their hard work.
#9 Art Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo
Typically bustling on Thursdays, yet always a place to visit at any time of the week, the Art District in San Jose del Cabo is a must-see for all art lovers and admirers. While San Jose del Cabo is about a 30-minute Uber ride from Cabo San Lucas, all the various shops, galleries, and positive energy in the air make the trip worth the drive up the coast. It is worth mentioning that any drive in Los Cabos is worth the drive; what you see, no matter which direction you are headed in, is breathtaking and alluring. On this particular drive, you will pass by grand hotels, inlets harboring expensive chateaus, and beaches with tiny bodies undulating up and down, waiting for the next wave.
One gallery in particular that tourists should visit is the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery. With most of his works being inspired by faith (whether that is your thing or not), this gallery offers a truly interactive experience regardless of belief or lack thereof. Upon arriving, visitors walk up a set of stairs that light up with each step. As each foot meets the ground, the word that is painted on each step becomes a part of you. A few paces forward you will find that the rest of the gallery has even more in store for you. You will soon recognize that this gallery is hands-friendly, and very atypical for an art gallery, but we love it.
While in the Art District, allow yourself to get lost. Take your time to look everywhere. Up and down. Left to right. There is so much to see, and even more to see without the eyes.
#8 Farm to Table Restaurants - Los Tamarindos & Picaro
Farm-to-table dining is quite a popular experience in Los Cabos as the scenery creates the perfect landscape to indulge in fresh dishes created from locally sourced ingredients. Plus, farm-to-table dining is a perfect alternative to dining in the city if you are looking to slow things down. While on any of the properties listed above, guests can feel the ease and tranquility of being on a true farm while enjoying the view of the ocean just a few miles away.
Los Tamarindos
Located in San Jose del Cabo, Los Tamarindos sits on 17 acres of rich green land. To make it to Los Tamarindos, visitors can drive through either a dry river (I recommend it for those seeking a thrill!) or through the dirt roads of San Jose. Upon arrival, the vast property pulls you in as you stare into what seems like a ravine of never-ending greenery. Immediately, guests feel like they have stepped into a hidden land, a land that is home to the most fresh ingredients.
To accompany the already breathtaking atmosphere, the restaurant burns thyme (to ward off bugs, but serves as a natural candle to me and my nose) producing an aroma that dances around guests as they eat, drink, appreciate their surroundings, and create new memories.
During my visit here, we started off with drinks and jumped immediately into the menu asking our waiter for his recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Jicama Tortilla Shrimp Tacos (the tortilla will blow your mind), the Grilled Octopus, and the Coconut Ceviche. For entrees, we ordered Homemade Pasta al Pasto (with shrimp) and the Catch of the Day.
Picaro
Situated on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, Picaro is a farm-to-table restaurant founded by a couple from Spain. Overlooking the vast and seemingly endless ocean, guests can enjoy an exceptional dining experience as the sun and tides glisten in their eyes. Offering an array of items from garden, to sea, to land, any selection from the menu will be sure to wow you.
On my visit to Picaro, I ordered calamari and zucchini as an appetizer and the Rosemary Flatbread as an entree. I visited Picaro at the end of my five-week stay and was not quite in the mood for traditional Mexican cuisine at this point. While I was there, I had the entire restaurant to myself as if I were the owner. Busy or not, the service, food, and setting of Picaro were second to none. It is becoming apparent to me that all of my favorite restaurants are in continental Mexico - I guess that just means I must return.
Bonus - Flora Farms
If you are looking for a dining experience plus a little more, this is the spot for you. Though I did not dine at Flora Farms, one of the most widely known farm-to-table restaurants in the area. Aside from their dining options, they also offer cooking classes, movie nights (temporarily on pause due to COVID-19), and walks through their fruitful garden and farms. For most of these activities, a reservation is required.
#7 Las Viudas Beach
A very different beach experience for those looking to get away from the noise and crowds. Unlike many other beaches, the sand at Las Viudas Beach is made up of small pebbles, which creates a "clean" beach day with no sand in unwanted places. Las Viudas Beach is a quiet escape from the city and populous beaches, except for the monumental crashing waves. Surrounded by rocks of ranging sizes, each incoming wave creates a wonderwall of sea foam and salty waters.
Bonus: Chileno & Santa Maria Beach
Recommended by my favorite Uber driver, these two beaches are a must. While Chilean Beach is known to be a surfer beach, Santa Maria Beach is a rather secluded, protected marine sanctuary. They are Both located en route to San Jose.
#6 Casa Musa
Just outside the main Gallery District in San Jose lies Casa Musa, a true artistic estuary and safe haven. As someone who has always had a deep interest in the arts, I felt very at home in these walls. Not only is Casa Musa aesthetically beautiful, but they offer an array of workshops such as wheel throwing, sculpting, sewing, painting, and much more for all skill levels.
Casa Musa is unlike anything I have ever seen in the States. Something about it is very unique but also intentional. Unlike other art studies in the U.S., Casa Musa seems to care about creating a community and culture. In the States, art studios just seem to provide a service in exchange for money, seemingly uninterested in creating something that is lasting. For that reason, I believe all who visit Los Cabos must visit Casa Musa.
#5 Playa del Amor y Divorcío
Oh my, where to begin?! While Playa del Amor is a clear tourist hot spot, experiencing what this beach has to offer was unlike the conformist and commercial feeling you receive when partaking in something that is purely intended for tourism.
I think my admiration for this beach first sprouted when I learned the meaning and correlation between the name and the waters. I am a sucker for life messages and deep meanings, so it was no surprise that my mind and consciousness danced with the concept of this beach.
As you can tell by the name (if you read/speak Spanish), the beach represents both love and divorce. On the Pacific-facing side of the beach, we have the divorce side, where the waters are turbulent and rocky. Swimmers are actually prohibited from swimming on this side (though not enforced - there is no entity manning this beach). Maybe prohibited is the wrong word, but it is a swim-at-your-own-risk type of thing.
Though you will not find anyone enjoying the open sea on this side of the beach, there is so much to enjoy whether you are just sitting on the sand or climbing up the rocks. Personally, I find beauty in what is deemed dangerous or scary. I think there is something both mystical and haunting about it. Something that freezes you in your path, both in awe and fear. You know that any step further could lead to your demise, but it is tempting because its beauty is captivating and alluring. Making you want to test your limits, to reach out and feel the sensation of its existence.
Between the giant rock formations on the other side of the beach that faces Los Cabos, the air immediately feels different. Not only do you hear joy traveling through the ocean wind, you feel it. On the lovers' side of the beach you can feel the warmth, safety, the bliss of the beach, and love itself welcomes you to get comfortable and stay awhile.
While mostly visited by tourists, there are still a handful of locals that come to this beach as well. There are nearly no vendors at this beach so come prepared with the proper beach essentials (water, towels, food, etc.). Additionally, the beach "closes" around 4:30 pm/5:30 pm if you arrive at the beach using a water taxi or a boat from the marina. If you manage to get there on your own, using a boat, of course, you can stay as long as you would like.
Bonus: Means Permitting, Rent a Private Yacht
On travel or vacation, I like to have a When in Rome mentality, because for me it is all about creating experiences. (Hopefully) Your money will return, but your time will not, so why not?! While in Cabo, we rented a private yacht with Unique Cabo and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. We sailed for two hours up and down the Pacific coast watching the sun slowly and beautifully set. Accompanied by great staff, some adult beverages, and great music, I never wanted to get off that boat. Drinks are included with Unique Cabo, but not food. So if you get hungry in the span of two hours, like me, bring a little snack. You won't regret it.
#4 Boca de la Sierra
Roughly an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, in a town known as Miraflores, is Bocca de la Sierra. With less than 200 residents, Boca de la Sierra is a hidden gem. And I don't say hidden lightly. You really have to know where you are going to locate this gift from nature. Luckily, on my visit, we stumbled upon a man who was standing near our destination according to Apple Maps. Pro tip: Do not use Apple Maps in Mexico - it is not accurate. He kindly walked us maybe a mile through the jungle to the serene body of water that awaited us. People usually travel to Boca de la Sierra with a tour guide, so if you choose not to opt for that route, ask a local or navigate yourself (the path is pretty clear to see once you are in the right place).
Once you arrive, you will see why tours come here. What truly feels like a mermaid's dwelling is a sliver of Miraflores where water and Earth collide. With nothing but the sound of water passing and the distant noise of a gentle waterfall, Bocca de la Sierra feels like a naturally-existing spa. While not like a public pool during a hot summer's day, Boca de la Sierra can indeed attract a small crowd, especially on the weekends. If you are looking for the most peaceful scenario, try going during the week. Even a Friday during the day will work. We had the entire place to ourselves. Then we were off to our next destination.
#3 Rancho Ecológica Sol de Mayo
Similar to Boca de la Sierra, but on a much larger and more organized scale, but still just as hard to find is Rancho Ecológica Sol de Mayo (about 30 minutes north of Bocca). Fair warning, do not even try to use Apple Maps here. Once you arrive in the general vicinity, just hop out of the car and ask someone. Another fair warning, travel in a four-wheel drive car if possible. On your route to Sol de Mayo you will drive through what seems like an endless sand road. Although it's a beautiful drive, prepare for the distance. You may even see people walking who are likely campers headed to the same destination as you.
Keep your windows down as you pull up to the ranch to be welcomed by the many animals who call Sol de Mayo home. From furry goats to exotic feathered friends, this ranch is home to more than a grand waterfall. At this ranch, you will have to pay for entrance but it is wildly worth it. The ranch does have closing hours for the waterfall so be sure to give yourself enough time to lay in the shallow, clear water and possibly cliff jump into the palms of the waterfall's end.
#2 La Paz
Sweet ol' La Paz, how I love you so. I am going to say it now to be very clear and upfront: If you ever visit Los Cabos, you MUST visit La Paz. The city is everything I could ever wish for when visiting a new city. La Paz is historic, quaint, hip, quirky, friendly, affordable, fresh, lively, interesting, and fun, all in one.
Just under two hours north of Los Cabos, La Paz offers the exact opposite of what travelers come to Cabo San Lucas for. La Paz feels like a lovely beach town, while Cabo San Lucas can feel like the strip in Atlantic City.
While in La Paz, we stayed at a perfectly designed hotel called Baja Club. This hotel seamlessly combines both modern, industrial lux with romantic, historic elements. The hotel was right along the marina and within walking distance of practically everything.
During our visit, we spent most of our time walking through the streets and letting the energy of the city guide us. One place that I do highly recommend visiting for a quick art fix is the Museo de Arte de La Paz. This museum is located in their plaza and has numerous light poles outside of it, similar to those in Los Angeles - you can not miss it.
Be sure to really take your time walking the Malecon as there is so much beauty to take in each step, from a skatepark filled with young souls to local vendors to musicians strumming their hearts away, to sea life jumping out of the amazingly blue waters.
#1 Balandra Beach
Just 20 miles north of La Paz lies heaven on Earth: Balandra Beach. Balandra Beach is a shallow, breathtaking cove surrounded by grand mountains and soft, white sands. A true paradise that beckons your arrival, Balandra Beach is a region preserved by the community. Upon entrance by car, visitation is capped at a certain amount, but all visitors on foot are welcome to come at any time without restriction.
Once in the bay, you may be startled by people walking what appears to be great distances across the cove with zero issues. That is because the waters are rather shallow yet still full of life. As you watch your feet make slow strides through the water don’t be frightened by the abundance of fish families. As you look up from the beautiful anomaly of fearless fish, you will see Mushroom Rock. Eroded by air and water, Mushroom Rock is a landmark in the Baja California Sur region. Here at Mushroom Rock, you will find most people gathering.
There are practically no vendors on this beach so come prepared. You will not want to come empty-handed to paradise. The better prepared you are the longer you can stay. And let's just say, you will want the sun to stay in the sky for as long as possible.
In Conclusion...
Cabo San Lucas is much more than the party town that is historically and typically advertised. Together, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and the surrounding areas are magical, vibrant, idyllic, and everything in between. If you truly invest in making a unique experience then a unique experience is what you shall get. Take this blog post as a first touch-point in discovering the truly ineffable region that is Los Cabos. Disfruta! (Enjoy!)
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