It's been a while, but I'm back! Work has kept us from traveling during the first half of this year. We experienced a strong FOMO as we couldn't explore new places or meet fascinating people. But that's all in the past now! Six months without traveling was far too long. As soon as we had the opportunity, we escaped the confines of our house and hopped on a plane to Mexico. Our chosen destination: Cabo San Lucas. Why Cabo? Well, why not? We've already been to Cancún, and now we wanted to explore the western coast of Mexico.
There are incredible towns along the western coast of Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and La Paz, just to name a few. While my ultimate goal is to visit each one, we decided on Cabo for this week due to several reasons. Like many coastal towns in Mexico, Cabo is popular among American tourists who fly down to enjoy the warm weather and vibrant vacation atmosphere. Its stunning location offers pristine, picturesque beaches with the perfect temperature for swimming. We were eager to escape the humidity and rain of our home base. Additionally, Mexican cuisine is one of my absolute favorites, if not the top type of cuisine that I enjoy indulging in.
The price of roundtrip tickets can vary depending on when you make your purchase, but if timed right, you can potentially find a great deal. Personally, I've found that buying my tickets 1-2 months before the trip usually yields the best results. We arrived at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which has an interesting feature for international flights. Instead of jet bridges connecting to the gate, passengers de-board on the tarmac and are transported to the terminal by shuttle buses. I wasted no time in getting acclimated to the dry heat when I stepped off the airplane.
Now, let's dive back into my blog and explore the two main areas of Cabo. I'll provide you with a detailed overview of each location, so you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect!
Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo
Have you ever noticed that there are two Cabos? It can be confusing to decide where to stay, right? When planning a trip to Cabo, this is likely the first question that comes to mind. Allow me to provide an overview of both areas, so you can make an informed choice for your travels.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is an incredibly captivating town, offering a variety of experiences. While strolling through its streets, you'll encounter a vibrant nightlife with bars designed to attract college students looking to drink. During my visit in July, the number of intoxicated college kids seemed to be less, but the lively atmosphere still reminded me of my past partying days.
However, it's important to note that this area is not solely dedicated to partying. In fact, I had the pleasure of visiting some of the finest restaurants in Cabo San Lucas. Los Tres Gallos, Hoja Santos, and Mi Casa are among my personal favorites due to their delectable local cuisine. Moreover, these restaurants are conveniently located within a short walking distance from wherever you choose to stay in the area. We were able to walk to these restaurants within ten minutes.
Finally, this area offers a plethora of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. You can embark on boat tours and dinner cruises, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Various water activities are readily available like jet skiing, kayaking, and wake boarding. In fact, you'll find tour and adventure booking shops conveniently located on every street corner. For a truly exhilarating experience with a great view, consider hiking up Mount Solmar, where you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the renowned El Arco de Los Cabos, situated on this side of Cabo.
San José del Cabo
It’s a bit hard to distinguish where San Lucas ends and where San José starts since there are resorts scattered along the coastline between the two. However you will notice the sheer number of luxurious resorts and private villas as you approach the San José side. This switch is a reflection of the demographics of the people who tend to stay on this side. The older crowd favors San José because it has a more relaxing atmosphere and laid-back vibes, in contrast to the livelier San Lucas. Additionally, Couples often choose to stay here because the resorts are more accommodating towards their needs and preferences.
When it comes to things to do, you can still anticipate a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of enjoyable activities. Some options include riding horseback on the beach, savoring delightful cocktails on a restaurant patio, or exploring the Art Walk in downtown San José.
One particular highlight is a visit to the main square, Plaza Mijares. This charming location is surrounded by local art shops and ice cream stores, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely sunset stroll and immersing yourself in the local community. The plaza serves as a hub for community gatherings, and during my visit, I had the opportunity to witness a grade school graduation ceremony taking place.
Here is the summary of all the factors I’ve mentioned above. Hope this helps!
In conclusion, you can't make a wrong choice between these two areas of town. You won't have any regrets, no matter which location you ultimately choose to stay in. Stay tuned for next week's blog about the resort we had the pleasure of staying at. We'll provide you with all the exciting details!