Top Attractions in Los Cabos
Gray Whales, Cabos San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, La Paz
All the commercialism of this part of Mexico evaporates at the stunning sight of the annual whale migration—seasonally, December through April—down Baja’s west coast and up the east. You might have arrived by plane, RV, or cruise ship, but these 45-ton creatures swam all the way from Alaska.
Land's End, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos
This is it. It's the end of the line. The sight of the towering granite formations here lets you know that you've arrived at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. El Arco ("the arch") has become Los Cabos' most iconic symbol—an odd choice, perhaps, for something so stark and natural to represent a place so entrenched in commerce. Yet all the sleek hotels and shopping malls nearby can't deflect from the end-of-the-world feel you get when you arrive.
Malecón, La Paz, Baja Sur
What's Baja's best ocean-side walk? The marina boardwalk in Cabo San Lucas gets most votes, but for a far more authentic Mexican experience, head three hours north to the seaside promenade in southern Baja's largest city. This is urban renewal at its best, with attractive landscaping for the entire 5 km (3 miles) of the malecón's length. The walkway comes alive as evening approaches and residents throng the walkway for their evening paseo.
Puerto Nuevo, Baja California
Who crosses international borders for lunch or dinner? People who live in San Diego do. About 48 km (30 miles) south of the U.S. border lies a town they've nicknamed "Newport"—not to be confused with Newport Beach farther north in Orange County. Puerto Nuevo is famous for its lobster, and the season runs October through March. Of course, if you're already in Baja, you can approach the town's dozen–plus lobster restaurants from the south, too.
Parque Nacional Marino Cabo Pulmo, Cabo Pulmo, Baja Sur
Labeled "The Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau, the 25,000-year-old coral reef here is the only living coral reef on North America's west coast. Its eight reef fingers attract more than 2,000 different kinds of marine organisms, including almost 250 species of tropical fish. Toss in the sunken wreck of a tuna boat nearby and you have one of Baja's top snorkeling and diving destinations.
Valle de Guadalupe, near Ensenada, Baja California
You may know about Corona beer, tequila, and margaritas, but did you know that 90% of Mexico’s wine came from Baja California? An anomaly in Baja's desert climate produces the Guadalupe Valley, a cooler, Napa-like pocket that cultivates several varieties of grapes and produces some of the world's best (but not best known) wines. Many of the vineyards are open to tours and samplings, some to meals and overnight stays, and all, of course, to purchases.
Boulevard Mijares San José del Cabo
Shops, trendy restaurants, and a couple boutique hotels line this pleasant street running south from San José’s expansive central plaza. Marking this zócalo is the Misión de San José del Cabo Anuiti church, founded by the Jesuit Priest, Nicolas Tamaral in 1730. As the heat of the day dissipates— usually after evening mass—locals and visitors alike emerge to partake of the boulevard’s attractions. Between November and June, this area is bustling with travelers who come for the Art Walk that takes place on Thursday from 5 to 9.
