Anyone been to Cabo AND Zihuatanejo??
 

I'm torn between visiting these two spots on a winter trip... Never been to either but have been to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Acapulco in Mexico..
I'm traveling with two toddlers and would like nice beaches, good restaurants and good shopping... We'd like an authentic feel of Mexico also, not all Americans if possible...Probably will rent a villa....

Which would suit us best? Any opinions?

Better off going to San Diego then Cabo. McDonald's, Burger king & Pizza Hut at high prices. Very little Mexican culture there. If you wish to go to Baja Sur La Paz is far better. However I discovered Zihuatanejo about 10 year & have returned every year since. If you go to www.zihuatanejo.net you will get tons of great info along with properly the most active message board in the state of Guerrero.. Check it out & feel free to e-mail me with specific questions.

Cabo is way too americanized for my taste. If going down there, Cabo San Lucas seemed a little better than Los Cabos. There is a small downtown area that did not seem as overrun with tourists.

I havent been to Zihu yet, but I liked Puerto Vallarta town area lot better than Cabo.

'authentic feel of Mexico'

not Cabo!

Imagen PV in 1970. That's Zihua!

<b>I'm torn between visiting these two spots on a winter trip</b>

We've been to Cabo probably a dozen times, mainly for fishing. Spent a week in Ixtapa and visited Zihua several times on that trip (next bay over). We didn't really care for Ixtapa or Zihua for whatever reason and have had no desire to return.

<b>I'm traveling with two toddlers and would like nice beaches, good restaurants and good shopping... We'd like an authentic feel of Mexico also, not all Americans if possible...</b>

Cabo certainly flunks the &quot;authentic feel of Mexico&quot; test :) I would suggest Puerto Vallarta over either Cabo or Zihua, based on what you've written. It has a nice blend of tourist Mexico with authentic Mexico I feel.

Bill

Without a doubt, Zihuatenejo is the better of these two for what you're looking for. Cabo San Lucas is just about as touristy as a town can get. Z is still somewhat authentic and has a nice relaxed atmosphere. It should be cheaper too.

Thanks everyone... Zihua wins hands down...
I had a feeling Cabo was overtouristed, I just thought the landscape looked amazing...

The landscape of the southern Baja *is* amazing. If you want to visit sometime, rent a car and go to San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz instead of Cabo San Lucas (is my suggestion). There's an excellent recent thread here where people plan out exactly that road trip.

I didn't like the Cabo landscape very much, it seemed so dry and inhospitable. But if you like the way a desert looks, you will probably will find it striking.

Definately do Zihuatenejo. We've been to both Cabo and Zihua. Didn't like Cabo at all. It's just like West LA. Zihua is more authentic Mexican and more laid-back. We absolutely loved the place and we definately will go back again. We felt very safe there. If you want more night life (with two toddlers?) then you can always go just over the hill to Ixtapa. Hope this helps!