I'm doing some research for a friend for his honeymoon. Their budget is $3000 (for accommodations, food and activities, not including flight) for one week. They will be going the second week of August, for 7 nights. They aren't big drinkers, so I don't think an all inclusive would be worth it to them. They are looking for a mix of relaxation and beaches, but would also like to go into town some and do one or two excursions. Also looking for a hotel on a swimmable beach. (From my research, the hotels on the Pacific may not be swimmable, but those on the Sea of Cortez are, is this correct?) Thanks so much for your help!

Dear Lauren:

Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is about the only swimmable beach in the area. We stayed at Pueblo Bonito Blanco last year. Very nice. Next door is Pueblo Bonito Rose - more fancy. There are also several other resorts along this stretch of beach: Villa del Palmar, Estancia. Check out Fodors hotels on this site or Trip Advisor, which gives reviews on places.

In Feb. we are going back to Cabo and staying at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. This is on the Pacific side and you are right about the beaches not being swimmable.

Good luck.

MY

Thanks so much, I'll look into these!

August is a terrible time in Cabo. Hot, humid, the water is even hot. They won't feel much like going out on excursions. I think it is not a very good idea for a honeymoon. Try Hawaii.

The Hilton looks extremely nice, and is supposed to have a swimmable beach.

Do they realize how hot Mexico is in August?

If yes, and if they want to be on the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is a very pretty town. It is not too touristy and does not really have much in the way of high-end resorts, but more a natural Mexican town in a beautiful setting. They'd want to have a rental car.

I enjoyed www.clubelmoro.com for a 2-week stay a few years back.

Check out the Hilton; I have stayed next door at the Melia Cabo Real (all-inclusive). The Hilton looked like a very nice resort and it does have a safe-swimming beach. The Hilton is about a 20 minute drive from Cabo San Lucas and a 10 minute drive from San Jose del Cabo.