At the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, sits the glamorous resort town of Cabo San Lucas and its cousin city San Jose del Cabo 20 miles away.
I recently returned from a week’s stay at the Hilton resort situated on the beach in between the two towns. Traveling during the coronavirus pandemic means making adjustments on how we travel. Some people may view these changes as inconveniences. I prefer not to label them as such. I was so thrilled to be going somewhere for the first time since early February.
Los Cabos, as the area is known, is a fabulous destination. The cliché is true, “there is something for everyone.” Dune buggy rides, off-road adventures, deep sea fishing, sunset and glass bottom boat cruises, whale watching, spectacular golf, soothing spas, amazing restaurants, mid-priced and luxury resorts, shopping galore, tequila tastings, and nice wines produced in Mexico that are not found in the U.S.
For my vacation with my wife and adult daughter, we chose to relax and try out the amazing restaurants and sample the wines. Daytime was spent soaking in the infinity pool, overlooking the wide expanse of beach, hoping to see a whale or two with a cocktail in-hand from the swim-up bar. Some reading, some sleeping, some talking. The weather was hot with a cloudless bright blue sky overhead, so hiding in the shade now and then was necessary.
We had a rental car from National Car Rental. While some people may be intimidated driving in a foreign country, once I found my way around, I am really glad we had the car to explore the restaurants and other resorts in the area. The only issue was finding parking in Cabo San Lucas. I gave up trying to find street parking so I paid to park either in parking garages or paid lots. It is inexpensive.
Best Restaurants In Los Cabos
In this blog’s title, is the word Eat. We had several memorable food experiences. Breakfast and lunch on the outdoor patio at the Hilton, taking in the views of the spectacular pool and turquoise ocean. One day, we had lunch at the invitation of the Grand Velas Resort and enjoyed their fish tacos. Dinner was special most evenings.
Dinner on the sand at Mango Deck with a bucket of Pacificos one night. For an authentic Mexican courtyard experience, we ate at Los Tres Gallos featuring Mexican wines, steaks, chocolate desserts and live music. And La Chatita Restaurant located on the marina where I devoured the fresh catch of the day, Red Snapper served Veracruz style. It was excellent. One of my favorite meals of all time. All of these restaurants were to be found in Cabo San Lucas.
But San Jose del Cabo holds its own when it comes to dining experiences. One of the most popular dining spots is Habanero’s Bistro, located on the city’s narrow, brick streets in the art district. This is another very authentic courtyard experience with a water fountain, gardens, and colonial chapel on the grounds for hosting weddings. They also have great food, margaritas, and impeccable service.
The highlight of the week and perhaps all dining experiences in my travels, was dinner at Sunset Monalisa situated on a rocky promontory with a most impressive sunset view of the world-famous giant arches, a natural treasure where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. This is the kind of restaurant one goes to when celebrating something special in their lives. The atmosphere is right out of “Lives of the Rich and Famous”. Plan on spending $120.00 a person or more, depending on cocktails or the wine that is chosen. The gourmet experience highlighted with special touches from the chef is worth it.
Taking a break one day from the pool and the sun, we drove to the artist town of Todos Santos, a little over one hour’s drive from the resort on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula. On the way, we saw the most spectacular saguaro cactus forest we have ever seen. An amazingly pristine area. As an outdoor person and nature enthusiast, I was in awe. I was also surprised by how green the desert was, especially following a hot dry summer.
Todos Santos is a small town, popular with artists, and with many shops and art galleries. Most noticeable is the antique colonial architecture made of red clay bricks. There are many courtyards to stop for a cool-refreshing drink. For lunch, we found a little restaurant on a side street called Santos Pecados Restaurant & Bar. My wife and daughter had the coconut shrimp which they declared the best coconut shrimp they have ever had.
Also in Todos Santos is the Hotel California, which may be the biggest tourist attraction as it is often associated, albeit incorrectly, with the song of the same name by the 1970s band, the Eagles.
Conclusion On Los Cabos
After a week of sun and good eating, it was time to come home. It had been quite a number of years since my last trip to Los Cabos. I hope to go there again much sooner than that. The destination is a perennial favorite of Americans.
