Though more commonly referred to as “Cabo,” Los Cabos has been a premier vacation destination for decades. Located at the southernmost point of the Baja California peninsula, this beachfront hotspot is famed for the biodiversity of its aquamarine waters and the vast, rugged beauty of its mountainous deserts.
World-class beaches, fishing, and golf courses; fine dining and night life; ecotourism and water sports; art and culture; music, film, and food festivals; and major sporting events are just a handful of things that await first-time visitors. The idyllic warm weather and culture of Mexico are what welcome them back year after year.
Read on to learn more about the rich history of Los Cabos, the authentic Mexican experiences throughout the area, and an overview of some top attractions unique to “the Baja.” Once you’re familiar with some Los Cabos points of interest, I’m sure you’ll want to visit them for yourself. Contact us, Island Gold Realty Ltd., for more information.
Los Cabos History
Los Cabos has been inhabited by indigenous populations for thousands of years. It was first discovered by Spanish colonizers in the 1500s. It has been known as the “end of the earth” since it is the last piece of land in the Baja California Peninsula. During the Spanish-American War, the area was briefly occupied by Americans until it was later reclaimed. The Plaza Mijares in downtown San Jose pays tribute to the battle that led to the Spanish victory. For a short period of time, mining played a key role in the town, but eventually, mining production decreased, and residents were left to find better opportunities.
Farming slowly rebuilt the population and, in the 1950s when the Hollywood elite deemed it a favorite for world-class fishing, tourism took hold. In the decades since, tourists from all over the world visit year-round. They all long for Cabo’s near-perfect climate, easy Baja lifestyle, and comparably low cost of living.
Key Statistics
In total, there are 10 towns located within the Los Cabos municipality, with a full-time population of approximately 300, 000 residents. The most densely populated areas are the two main towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and the 20-mile tourist corridor that connects the two.
San Jose, the seat of the local government, is more laid back with its art district, bird estuary, and the historic old Jesuit Mission in its town square that still holds mass today.
San Lucas is noted for its nightlife, the famous Medano Beach, and its marina; where you’ll see everything from pangas (Mexican open fishing boats) to competition fishing boats, and day cruisers to mega-yachts. The “Golden Zone” tourist corridor is home to many top-tier golf courses, Michelin-star restaurants, and five-star resorts. El Arco, a natural stone structure at Land’s End in San Lucas, marks the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and serves as the symbol for the municipality.
The biggest industry in the region is tourism and visitors arrive on an annual basis to enjoy amenities and experiences that suit all interests. Improved medical and dental services not only provide for the ever-growing residential and resort communities, but also now cater to a burgeoning medical and dental tourism market.
With an international airport in San Jose that is just a few hours flight to many major US cities, most visitors are from North America and can get by easily with British pounds and US dollars – but a few pesos and a friendly attempt at Spanish go a long way.
The cuisine may be well described as Baja Med, a fusion of Mexican with that of a Mediterranean climate. However, the access to fresh local produce and seafood allows you to find everything from authentic Mexican food to a vast offering of styles from around the world.
Weather in Los Cabos
Without question, one of the biggest attractions of Los Cabos is its consistently beautiful weather. It’s a unique microclimate shared by only a handful of other locations in the world – when the high desert of the Baja peninsula meets the Sea of Cortez, the resulting balance has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, an average temperature of 24°C (or 75°F), and a very short humid season. It is no surprise that the area remains a perennial favorite for beach and ocean-goers, sports and ecotourism enthusiasts, and special event planners alike.
Points of Interest
The exciting, unique attractions and activities to check out in Los Cabos seem endless. It is a destination one never tires of, and just when you think you’ve experienced it all, a new restaurant or resort, experience or excursion, or undiscovered natural treasure open your eyes again like the first time.
Below, check out some of the sights that you simply cannot miss.
-
Lands End
-
Medano Beach
-
Marina Cabo San Lucas
-
Plaza Mijares
-
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
One iconic sight that is definitely not to be missed is Land’s End or El Arco. The 1,000-mile peninsula ends at this point, and you can have a look at the stunning granite formations that mark the end of the land and the merging of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. There are many photo opportunities here, and many majestic views to take in. A photo in front of El Arco is iconic, and you might just capture a breaching whale, sunbathing sea lion, or pod of dolphins in the background.
Playa el Medano or the Dune Beach is the most happening beach in Los Cabos, boasting clean blue waters suitable for swimming, around 2.4 miles of shoreline, and every water-based and beachside activity you can think of. It’s where people go jet skiing, kayaking, banana boating, waterskiing, parasailing, and play volleyball on the beach. Expect plenty of vendors, kiosks, and some of the best restaurants of Los Cabos on or around the beach.
Need a place to dock your megayacht? Look no farther than Marina Cabo San Lucas. The full-service marina offers facilities that include a high-speed fuel dock, vessel repairs and maintenance, provisioning coordination, laundry services, and customs and immigration processing. Amenities include a fitness center, a crew lounge, Wi-Fi, private showers, and on-site shopping and dining.
In the center of San Jose Del Cabo’s historic district, you will find Plaza Mijares, also known as La Plaza. This square is a popular gathering point for both residents and tourists and is home to the historic Estero de Las Palmas de San José del Cabos Mission, founded in 1730 at the end of the Jesuit pilgrimage down the Baja. Many new restaurants, old favorites, boutique hotels, art galleries, and seasonal festivals draw crowds year-round.
This protected marine park lies 60 miles north of Los Cabos, a serene five-mile stretch fronting the Sea of Cortez and surrounded by untouched desert and spectacular mountains. The region’s wealth of biodiversity includes 401 plants, 44 mammals, 28 reptiles, and 95 birds. Tourists who visit are allowed to swim, dive, and use non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and surfboards. There are also designated areas for camping. However, you can’t engage in sport or recreational fishing, or wear non-biodegradable lotions or sunscreens. Drop by authorized local dive centers and resorts during your ocean excursion.
Looking to purchase your dream home in Los Cabos? If so, then you need a licensed real estate professional that you can rely on. You can depend on my years of experience in the area to meet your requirements. Make your dreams a reality today by getting in touch with me, Ian Gengos, at +521.624.157.6323. Alternatively, you can send an email to iangengosrealty(at)gmail(dotted)com.
History of Los Cabos
Most people know Los Cabos as the place to be in the Baja California Peninsula, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. One overlooked aspect is the local history is rich, worth getting to know, and possibly spanning millions of years. Click here to travel through time and discover how Los Cabos came to be, from the formation of its granite monuments, the Pericú settlements that became synonymous with the area, to stories of pirates, explorers, and the Spanish conquest. Finally, recap Los Cabos’ contemporary history, starting with the US-Mexican War to the development of this modern-day resort town.
See you soon in Los Cabos
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the tourism industry on its head. Just as people were getting ready to fly off to their dream vacation spots to enjoy the spring break, global health and safety measures were put in place, derailing the most well-laid plans. Two months later, Los Cabos, an extremely popular resort destination, is finally gearing up to open its doors come June 1. To do so, it will have to follow guidelines set forth in a five-phase plan designed for the reactivation of tourism. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, strict health and safety protocols will be applied throughout the travel industry and its service providers. Read all the details here.
Important things to consider if you’re planning to move to Los Cabos
How can anyone resist the pull of Los Cabos? With 1,500 square miles of sandy beaches, desert outcrops, and everlasting sunshine along Baja California Sur’s southern tip, Mexico’s most luxurious resort communities promise a permanent vacationer’s lifestyle 365 days a year. Whether you crave a vibrant nightlife or a serene, family-friendly atmosphere, Los Cabos fulfills every expectation. Enjoy world-class amenities and gain unfettered access to your favorite outdoor activities, from golf to scuba diving. If you can’t wait to settle into your own condominium, luxury beach house, or villa in a gated community in Los Cabos, this essential home-buying guide will help you turn your blissful beach dream into reality.