This will be the first of a weeks worth of blogs on San Jose Del Cabo/Cabo San Lucas, otherwise known as Los Cabos, Mexico.
Cabo is a small area of Mexico located at the most southern tip of the California Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Just to avoid confusion, there are two towns: San Jose Del Cabo (SJDC) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL) that compose Los Cabos ("the Capes").
Cabo is a small area of Mexico located at the most southern tip of the California Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Just to avoid confusion, there are two towns: San Jose Del Cabo (SJDC) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL) that compose Los Cabos ("the Capes").
SJDC is a old missionary town with lots of history, period architecture and filled with artisans, restaurants, bakeries and unique stores. It is on the Sea of Cortez side (East) of the tip and located closest to the airport. In contrast, CSL is a relatively new town, built primarily for US tourists where you can find the typical tourist traps like Senor Frogs and Hard Rock Cafe as well as an assortment of restaurants and locals selling their wares on the street. It is modernized, complete with a Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, mall and cinema. It lacks Mexican charm but oozing with bars, including Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo. Think of it as a haven for spring break, sigh. It is located precisely where the ocean meets the sea. The two towns are joined by a main road known as "The Corridor", where you will find hotel after resort after hotel, etc.
Our place is located west of Cabo San Lucas, close to the Old Lighthouse (the most southern point of the Peninsula) and completely on the Pacific Ocean. It is beautiful and serene, a far cry from CSL. However, we enjoy spending time in San Jose, so the drive is a good 40 minutes to experience real Mexican Charm! The pictures above show the Church (St. Joseph's, I think) in San Jose that was built primarily in the past century, but it's roots go back to the mission led by the Spaniards as far back as 1730. San Jose delivers if you want to feel embedded in another culture. It has the beach to walk down, but also several main streets lined with traditional stores and homes. However, you will also find the best art galleries, restaurants and global eating experiences in this traditional town. My favorite new find is an authentic french bakery and bistro called The French Rivera, opened by a traditional french chef who longed for something different!
Our place is located west of Cabo San Lucas, close to the Old Lighthouse (the most southern point of the Peninsula) and completely on the Pacific Ocean. It is beautiful and serene, a far cry from CSL. However, we enjoy spending time in San Jose, so the drive is a good 40 minutes to experience real Mexican Charm! The pictures above show the Church (St. Joseph's, I think) in San Jose that was built primarily in the past century, but it's roots go back to the mission led by the Spaniards as far back as 1730. San Jose delivers if you want to feel embedded in another culture. It has the beach to walk down, but also several main streets lined with traditional stores and homes. However, you will also find the best art galleries, restaurants and global eating experiences in this traditional town. My favorite new find is an authentic french bakery and bistro called The French Rivera, opened by a traditional french chef who longed for something different!
The second picture is a shot of the marina in Cabo San Lucas. Not the main focal point, but a solid second place. It is surrounded by the Mall and many restaurants and markets. Medano Beach, one of several swimmable beaches in Cabo, is the main spot here, very crowded with ample bars and restaurants (The Office is a famous example) and people offering you everything from para sailing to boat tours. Not my cup of tea, but just right for others!
There are many places outside these two towns that are worth seeing and experiencing. If you are looking for a day excursion, try Todos Santos ("All Saints"), a small community 45 minutes north of Cabo on the Pacific Side, which has been given the distinction of a Puebla Magica town (one of ten in all of Mexico). This is an artisan and foody town. A good mix of expats and locals combine to bring the most fantastic collection of Mexican Art, pottery, copper works as well as restaurants, but most importantly, go to see the Mission Bell and what lies directly behind it - The Hotel California.
There are also many eco-based tours and depending on the time of year, you can experience the great Turtle release or the Whale migration. Also, you cannot talk about Cabo without exploring the Sea of Cortez - the newest sea on our earth and where Jacques Cousteau spent many years researching and filming his art. Dubbed as The World's Aquarium, it will be the focus of Cabo, Part 2.
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