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Cabo San Lucas On Your Own |
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The 10 Top Things to do in Cabo San Lucas |
Orientation
Your ship will drop anchor just outside the port of Cabo San Lucas, and you will be transported to the pier by ship's tender. The trip ashore will take about 10 minutes. You will be dropped off at the Tender Pier, which is located at the Cabo Marina at the center of Cabo's downtown area.
Taxis. Taxis are expensive in Cabo San Lucas. Since the town is fairly compact, you can hoof it to most places. The fare from the Marina to Playa Medano Beach is around $100 pesos.
A trip from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo will set you back $250 pesos or more. Make sure to agree on a fare before you board the taxi.
Bus System. If you're looking to travel between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the local Suburcabos buses run regularly between the two towns. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs around $30 pesos. The bus station, located at the junction of Mex. 19 and Mex. 1, is a short walk from the Marina.
Rental Cars. Although available in town, renting a car is not recommended because of the short amount of time you'll have in Cabo San Lucas. Better bet for larger groups or families that want to explore the area would be to hire a taxi or a van and a driver for the day. |
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The streets of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are lined with shops, ranging from open-air markets and small stores to large American-style malls and sophisticated boutiques. A serious shopper would be spoiled for choice.
What's Special in Cabo San Lucas
Silver jewelry, blown-glass, ceramics, clothing, sandals, masks and other handcrafts.
See our Map of Recommended Cabo San Lucas Shops for the locations of the shops listed below.
Shopping in Cabo San Lucas
Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza
Located on the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, the Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza is hard to miss. The three-story air-conditioned mall houses boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and coffee bars. There's also a bowling alley, a 10-screen theater complex and fast food court.
Open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Mercado de Artesanias El Marlin
Typical but not really unique handmade Mexican crafts; they do have some nicely made textiles, straw hats and silver jewelry. You must bargain for a better price.
Boulevard Marina between Giggling Marlin and Carlos 'n Charlie's
Open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Nupalli
If you have a weakness for jewelry, this store is both a shop and art gallery featuring the artistic creations of local and regional Mexican designers.
On Zaragoza, across from Plaza Aramburo
Faces of Mexico
Both an art gallery and museum with a very good collection of masks from all over Mexico. Most items are for sale.
Located on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas at Calle Matamoros
El Callejon
An eclectic mix of items are sold here, including furniture, pottery, antiques, paintings and unique gifts by local artisans. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
On Avenida Vicente Guerrero at Lazaro Cardenas, across from Cabo Wabo
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-3188
What's Special in San Jose del Cabo
Artwork, ceramic pieces, leather objects, silver jewelry and traditional items.
Shopping in San Jose del Cabo
Dona Pitaya
Authentic Huichol arts, crafts and souvenirs
Calle Obregon #8
Tel: +52 (624) 142-6550 or +52 (624) 183-7201
El Armario
Mexican folk art from around the country.
Morelos corner of Obregon
Tel: +52 (624) 105-2989
Los Cabos Amber Gallery
Hand made sculptures and jewelry made from fine Chiapas amber; Hand woven and embroidered textiles; and Abstract art
Calle Obregon #18
Tel: +52 (624) 105-2332
San Jose del Cabo Art District
If you're interested in Mexican art and arts and crafts, you must visit the 16 art galleries on and around Calle Obregon
San Jose del Cabo
Recommended Pharmacies in Cabo San Lucas
Pharmacies (or "Farmacias") can be found on almost every street or street corner in Cabo San Lucas. If you're thinking about buying your prescription drugs in Mexico (where they can be up to 50% cheaper than in the United States), this helpful article is a good primer on what to look for and what to expect.
Farmacia Aramburo
Farmacia Aramburo is a respected pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas.
Open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Location: Lazaro Cardenas at Zaragoza
Tel: +52 (624) 143-1489
American Pharmacy
American Pharmacy has two locations in Cabo San Lucas, and caters to American tourists and expats alike.
Open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Locations: Puerto Paraiso Mall; Tel: +52 (624) 105-1700;
Plaza Nautica, on Blvd. Marina; Tel: +52 (624) 143-0705
Farmacias Nacional/Discount Pharmacy
Farmacias Nacional is a Mexican chain of 50 pharmacies, with 5 locations in Cabo San Lucas. They've even got a helpful price comparison page on their internet site.
Open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Locations: Plaza Nautica, on Blvd. Marina; Tel: +52 (624) 143-3563
Plaza Gali, at the Cruise Terminal; Tel: +52 (624) 143-0983
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Traditional Baja California cuisine consists of simple but nutritious dishes featuring meat (beef or goat), fish, shellfish and beans.
Regional Specialties of Baja California Expect to find the following dishes in traditional Baja cuisine; click on the links for the recipes of each dish.
- Gallo Pinto: minced beef with rice, potato and other vegetables served as a hot stew
- Cabrito al pastor: In this common main course, found throughout northern Mexico, a baby goat is cooked to a crisp, juicy perfection on a spit over glowing mesquite coals and served with guacamole, roasted onions, salsa and totopos (crisp tortilla chips).
- Machaca: dried, salted beef that is re-hydrated, lightly roasted over fire, soaked in water to remove the salt and to soften, then pounded to pieces, ideally over a mesquite trunk using a mesquite pole. Then it's put in water again to get out more salt, and finally squeezed and fried in a skillet. A salsa is made with onion, chili, tomato and oregano; the salsa is then mixed into the fried beef, and the whole thing is cooked for about five minutes. Most people expect to eat this dish with wheat tortillas and beans.
- Almegas Tatemadas: especially in Loreto, local clams are cooked by piling dry wood over them, then downing them with hot sauce, cilantro, lemon juice and salt.
- De Apoyo cheese: a dry cheese especially good for grating, produced mostly during the rainy season
- Chimangos: wheat-flour fritters topped with honey
Cuisine in Cabo San Lucas
Fresh fish and seafood are the stars at the restaurants in the Los Cabos area, and you'll find these fruits de mer prepared in any number of ways. You can also find traditional Mexican, Canadian, German, American, Asian or Caribbean food in the area.
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Recommended Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
See our Recommended Cabo San Lucas Restaurants Map for the locations of the restaurants listed below.
French Riviera Restaurant and Bakery
French
Fine French dining in a beautiful atmosphere. The view from their patio is amazing, so bring your camera if you're coming here. Full bar. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Plaza del Rey
Tel: +52 (624) 104-3125
Cabo Wabo
Popular Cantina
The bar and cantina owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.
Plaza de los Mariachis
Open daily 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-1188
Mama's Royale Cafe
Breakfasts
This popular place serves good American and classic Mexican breakfasts. After it closes, the restaurant becomes Felix's (see below) at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Hidalgo & Zapata
Open daily 7:30 am to 1:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-4290
Senor Greenberg's
Deli
Mexicatessen, Mexican and deli food. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Two locations: Puerto Paraiso Mall, marina level, and Plaza Nautica near HSBC bank branch
Open 24 hours
Tel: +52 (624) 144-3804
Mariscos Mocambo
Seafood
Longstanding Cabo favorite, with its fresh seafood making it a favorite of the locals. Try the seafood soup and crab in garlic sauce; another specialty is fresh grilled red snapper. The specialty platter can easily serve four people. The restaurant is 1 1/2 blocks inland from Lazaro Cardenas. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Aves. Leona Vicario and 20 de Noviembre
Open daily noon to 10:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-6070
Crazy Lobster
Seafood
Their massive saltwater tank filled with lobsters attracts a hungry crowd. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus have a bit of a kick. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Hidalgo Street
Open daily 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-6535
Mi Casa Restaurant and Cantina
Mexican
The traditional dishes served at this very popular cantina are hard to find elsewhere in Cabo. Try the Chiles en Nogada, or the chicken mole. Reservations recommended. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Avenida Cabo San Lucas at Medero
Open daily from noon to 3:00 pm, and 5:30 to 10:30 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-1933
Felix's
Mexican
In the morning it's Mama's Royale Cafe (see above), but in the afternoon and evening it becomes Felix's, offering up an array of good Mexican and seafood dishes. The fish tacos and the shrimp dishes are recommended. Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Corner of Zapata & Hidalgo
Open: 3:00 pm to10:00 pm, closed Sundays
Tel: +52 (624) 143-4290
Pancho's
Mexican
Extensive menu. The chefs prepare your entree at the mesquite grill located in the center of the restaurant. Good margaritas too. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Hidalgo Street, between Zapata and Serdan
Open daily 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-0973
Galeon Ristorante
Italian
One of Cabo's oldest restaurants. Overlooking the bay, good selection of seafood, pasta, veal and pizza. Full bar. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard
Boulevard Marina
Open daily 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 143-0443
Recommended Restaurants in San Jose del Cabo
French Riviera Restaurant and Bakery
French bistro
Small restaurant featuring light fare and incredible baked goods, plus crepes, salads, desserts, coffees and bar drinks. Special $5 breakfast with orange juice, buttery croissant, coffee and a generous-sized bacon or ham cheese crepe.
Doblado & Hidalgo, San Jose del Cabo
Open daily 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 142-3350
Taqueria Rossy's
Mexican
A favorite for tourists and locals alike, renown for their good and inexpensive fish tacos.
Carreterra Transpeninsular KM 33, San Jose del Cabo
Open for breakfast through late lunch until the fish runs out
Tel: +52 (624) 142-6755
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Tour Operators
Cabo San Lucas is a very popular tourist resort, and has quite a number of tour operators. These tour operators provide a range of excursions and activities lasting from 2 hours to 6 hours or more. If you want to arrange an excursion or activity on your own, check out the following companies:
Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Lover's Beach is Cabo's signature spot, the natural archway at the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. It's one of the few beaches in the world that fronts on two bodies of water. You can snorkel, swim and bask in the sun on the small beach, but when in the water be careful of the strong currents on the Pacific side. Leave before high tide. You can take a water taxi from Medano Beach.
Playa Medano is a good swimming beach that begins just east of the Cabo Marina. All of the high rise beachfront hotels in Cabo lie on Medano Beach, which is on San Lucas Bay. You can walk from the Marina to the beach in about 20 to 30 minutes, or take a taxi that will cost you about $100 pesos. The problem with this beach is the constant hectoring by the peddlers selling trinkets and serapes.
Playa Barco Varado (Shipwreck Beach), located near the Hotel Fiesta Americana, is a good beach for surfing and scuba diving. Swimming is not recommended, due to the undertow.
Playa Santa Maria is a nice beach, good for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Playa El Chileno is located just beyond Playa Santa Maria, on the corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. A good snorkeling beach.
Playa Costa Azul is a beautiful beach located near San Jose del Cabo. Aside from just relaxing on the sand, this is a good snorkeling, windsurfing and surfing beach.
Botanical Garden
Cacti Mundo is Latin America's most important collection of cactus with rare and unusual species.
On Blvd. Antonio Mijares, in San Jose del Cabo
Tel: +52 (624) 146-9191
Golf
Golf in Cabo San Lucas can be very expensive; greens fees for 18 holes, cart and bottled water averages over $200. But there are a number of nice venues.
Cabo del Sol
The Ocean Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, while the Desert course was designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Tel: +52 (624) 145-8200
Palmilla Golf Club
A Jack Nicklaus-designed course offers 27 holes on three nines: the Ocean Nine, Mountain Nine and the Arroyo Nine.
Tel: (624) 144-5250 for information
Cabo Real Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Cabo Real is considered one of the best courses in all of Mexico.
Tel: +52 (624) 144-0300
El Dorado
Designed by Jack Nicholas, a challenging course in a beautiful setting.
Tel: +52 (624) 144-5451
Scuba Diving
The following companies offer diving excursions in Cabo San Lucas, and you can make reservations over the internet.
Manta Scuba Diving
Paseo del Pescador No. 1 (near the "Office Restaurant")
Playa Medano, Cabo San Lucas
Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tel: +52 (624) 144-3871
Underwater Diversions
Offers diving trips
Located on the Cabo Marina
Tel: +52 (624) 143-4004
Amigos del Mar
One of the most experienced dive companies in Cabo
Located on Boulevard marina across from the sports fishing docks
Tel: +52 (624) 143-0505
Cabo Acuadeportes
Specializes in dives in Chileno Bay. Rental gear available.
Located in the Hacienda Beach Hotel near the Marina
Tel: +52 (624) 143-0117
Deep Sea Fishing
Cabo San Lucas Tours by Johann and Sandra offer four Cabo Deep Sea Sportsfishing Tours that include full- and half-day trips into the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific. Private charters for a boat start at $300.
Horseback Riding
Cuadra San Francisco Equestrian Center
Francisco Barrena, Master Horseman and professional horse trainer, runs this equestrian center.
Accommodates riders of all levels of experience; private trail rides a specialty.
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: +52 (624) 144-0160
Water Sports
Baja's ATVs and Watersports
Located on Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas
Tel: +52 (624) 143-2050
Baja Wild
Guided kayak tours
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: +52 (624) 142-5300
JT Watersports
Jet Ski and kayak rentals
Medano Beach and Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas
Tel: +52 (624) 144-4066
Whale Watching Tours
Cabo San Lucas Tours by Johann and Sandra offer ten Whale Watching Tours that range from the speed and excitement of the Ocean Riders Tour to the relaxation and luxury of one of the larger boats. The prices range from $33 per person for an adult, on up.
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