Sea of Cortez or Pacific Ocean? Work out or work the club scene? ATV or local artisans? In Los Cabos, at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, you'll get all the sunshine, guacamole and margaritas you'd expect from a Mexican getaway, as well as a diverse choice of activities that lets you craft just the vacay you want.
stay: Booking the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas through Signature Vacations as your home base means you're just a 10-minute drive from town (and have a superb view of the rocks that form El Arco, to boot). The margaritas are a solid choice at any of the hotel bars and, when your belly rumbles, the buffet, serving green chilaquiles at breakfast and a fresh roast at dinner, is a sure bet. Or, book an à la carte supper at the resort's own Mexican resto, where freshly caught red snapper served with creamy potatoes and veracruz salsa figures.
sweat:ScubaCaribe staff at the Riu can help you get your fitness on with High Tide Los Cabos. Start with a standup paddleboard (SUP) excursion to El Arco (see if you can spot the rock that looks like Scooby Doo) before getting in the water for some sensational snorkeling by Pelican Rock. If kayaking is your jam, plan for an hour-long paddle from Santa Maria Bay to Chileno Beach, keeping your eyes peeled for sea lions and, from December to March, spot whales.
shop: Flea markets hocking shot glasses, sombreros and magnets abound in Cabo San Lucas any day of the week. But, if you're looking for something a little more unique, drive 30 minutes to nearby San José del Cabo, where Thursday evenings see local artisans set up shop in the main square for the town's weekly art walk. Here, score a pretty embroidered Mexican caftan, stunning tablecloths and blankets at Curios Carmela, and fine jewelry, ceramics and Huichol tribe beaded sculptures at Marquina Gallery.
savour: When the sun becomes too much to bear, cool off with delicious paleta (popsicle) at Paleteria Tropical in San José del Cabo--these icey treats are made right on-site by the family that lives in the home behind the storefront (go for cherry). For a casual by-the-marina lunch back in Cabo San Lucas, El Agave Bar boasts a small patio, friendly service and a signature dish of local sea bass fajitas with mango salsa that'll have you wishing you hadn't gobbled up so many of that chips-and-salsa appy. --Karen Kwan
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