Los Cabos, Mexico

The neighboring towns of Cabos San Lucas and San José del Cabo comprise the Los Cabos municipality. They are located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortés. These photos were taken prior to Hurricane Odile in 2014.

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El Arco at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

1 El Arco at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. At this junction is the impressive El Arco. The Arch is one of several mammoth rock formations at the Land’s End. El Finisterra (in Spanish) is an appropriate name because the next geography directly south is Antarctica. So, get a boat or water taxi from the nearby marina, watch the passing dolphins during the short trip and then take the hint from the sunning sea lions by enhancing your tan on Playa del Amour (Lover’s Beach).

Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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El Cerro Blanco Rock Formation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

2 El Cerro Blanco Rock Formation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Several rocky pinnacles protrude from the water around Land’s End with descriptive names like The Chimney, Pelican Rock and Neptune’s Finger. At the southernmost tip of the 800 mile Baja California Peninsula are Los Frailes or The Friars. This name was bestowed on the rock formations by the author John Steinbeck because they look like hooded monks. The largest of the three is this granite outcrop called El Cerro Blanco which means white hill.

Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Lover’s Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

3 Lover’s Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Playa del Amante is a popular hideaway in Los Cabos. You can walk there but it is much easier to charter a boat or hail a water taxi. Lover’s Beach is a small stretch of hard beige sand facing both the Pacific and the Sea of Cortés. Each side offers magnificent views. However the ocean waves and rip currents can be treacherous which is why the locals call it Divorce Beach. It is strongly advised to only swim or snorkel in the water facing the harbor.

Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Playa Balcóncito in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

4 Playa Balcóncito in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Along the Cabo San Lucas Bay just before the mouth of the Inner Harbour are three strips of connected sand. They are collectively called the Cannery Beaches because of the tuna cannery that once was located here. Playa Balcóncito, also named El Balcón (The Balcony), is often deserted despite its calm waters and front row seat to watch the boats entering and leaving the marina.

Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Anchored Cruise Ship at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

5 Anchored Cruise Ship at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

About 3.8 million cruise ship passengers visit Mexico annually. Three-fourths of them disembark at ports along the Gulf coast. But there are about a dozen towns along the Mexican Riviera that are also extremely popular ports-of-call. The most active of these is Cabo San Lucas. In 2012 it welcomed about 400,000 people from 160 ships. This is the Carnival Splendor owned by the world’s largest cruise line. The Carnival company generated nearly $16 billion in 2014.

Finisterra a1, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Señor Frog’s Marquee in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

6 Señor Frog’s Marquee in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Vacationers to tropical climates looking for a place to party instantly recognize these bulging eyes protruding over a roofline in Cabo San Lucas. Señor Frog’s positions itself as a Mexican-themed restaurant but don’t expect real Mexican cuisine. What you can expect are giant margaritas and piña coladas, free flowing shots, loud music and inebriated patrons. The motto for this chain owned by the Andersons Group is, “Have fun, let yourself go and unleash your fiesta.”

Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Great Egret Stalking in Marina Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

7 Great Egret Stalking in Marina Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

If you look closely along the water’s edge of the Marina Cobo San Lucas you may catch a glimpse of this elegant great egret. This pure white heron is oblivious to the bustle of tourists while he gracefully wades through the shallow water in search of dinner. Suddenly, with a burst of speed, he plunges his S-shaped neck forward and snatches a fish in his yellow bill.

Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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World’s Biggest Marlin in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

8 World’s Biggest Marlin in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The blue marlin is a deep water game fish that swims far from land within the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. But towards the end of the Baja California Peninsula it is found close to shore. This is why Cabo San Lucas is called the Marlin Capital of the World. At its marina is this replica of the world’s largest. It was caught in 1976 off the shore of Venezuela and set the record at 4,500 pounds.

O Dock Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Inner Harbor Lighthouse in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

9 Inner Harbor Lighthouse in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

There are numerous lighthouses in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur that aid navigation in the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean. There are nine lights within the Los Cabos Municipality. But this 65 foot ornamental light adjacent to the Hotel Plaza Las Glorias at the Cobo San Lucas Marina was built as a beacon to entertain tourists.

Plaza Tesoro Local G4, Tesoro, Marina, 23040 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Day of the Dead Figurine in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

10 Day of the Dead Figurine in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This damsel wearing a wide brim hat and feather boa caught my eye. She is a Day of the Dead figurine. They are used on November 1 and 2 during a Mexican holiday called Dia de los Muertos. The celebration honors deceased family members. Some believe these skeletal statues provide good luck. I believe it is a portrait of a college girl leaving a night club after last call.

Blvd Marina Loc F 13, 14 y 15, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Giggling Marlin Marquee in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

11 Giggling Marlin Marquee in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Giggling Marlin Bar & Grille is one of several taverns around Marina Boulevard that heat up as the night temperature cools down. They call themselves the “Home of Skip and Go Naked.” But an equally fitting tagline might be, “Dance, Drink and Debauchery.” If you want your nightlife to rock with fun, this might be the place. The only warning is your headache will rock the next morning.

The Giggling Marlin Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Puerto Paraíso Mall in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

12 Puerto Paraíso Mall in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall is located along the Marina Cobo San Lucas. This three-story complex offers a wide spectrum of stores, restaurants, bars, movie theaters and even a bowling alley. Its 500,000 plus square feet houses over 100 retailers. Perhaps most enjoyable is grabbing a table under an umbrella, sipping an adult beverage and watching the people strut along the Marina Boardwalk.

Señor Sweets Bistro Restaurant, Local 39B. Nivel Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23410
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Shopping Alternatives in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

13 Shopping Alternatives in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

If you equate vacationing with shopping, then you must visit the Puerto Paraíso Shopping Mall and its next door neighbor, Luxury Avenue. Other power shopping alternatives include the Plaza San Lucas along the Tourist Corridor, the Plaza Sendero in the Delegation district and the Mega mall in San José del Cabo. Still not enough? Then visit these plazas: Bonita, Artesanos, Aramburo, Sendero and San Lucas. Eventually you will get exhausted and be ready for a nap in the sun.

Paseo de La Marina Local 107, El Medano, Marina, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Luxury Avenue Shops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

14 Luxury Avenue Shops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The name “Luxury Avenue” is a not so subtle hint at the type of stores you’ll find inside this complex along the Marina Cobo San Lucas. High-end name brands include Fendi, Swarovski, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Montblanc, Gucci and many more. The air conditioning on hot days is heavenly and free. But any purchases will give your credit card a run for its money.

C Dock Marina, 23479 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Pirate Girl Holding Skull in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

15 Pirate Girl Holding Skull in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This seductively dressed pirate girl holding a skull greets you as you enter Jack’s Bar and Grill, a piracy-themed restaurant in the Golden Zone of Cabo San Lucas. Nearby is the Buccaneer Queen, a 98 foot replica of a pirate ship. These tourist attractions are based on historical facts. Starting in the late 16th century and extending through the early 18th century, countries issued swashbucklers a “letter of marque and reprisal.” This was a sanction to attack and rob Spanish ships that were laden with treasure. If you want to learn more about these adventures, then visit the Museo Cabo San Lucas.

Jack's Bar & Grill, Puerto Paraiso Mall, Paseo de La Marina, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Stairs to Marina Fiesta Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

16 Stairs to Marina Fiesta Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

If your idea of an idyllic vacation in Cabo San Lucas is to be in the epicenter of its action day and night, then skip booking a room along the Tourist Corridor. Instead, consider one of two hotels facing the marina. Your choices are the Hotel Wyndham or the Marina Fiesta Resort. Or maybe just melt away your tensions from reality by walking up these stairs and being pampered in their European spa.

Marina Golden Zone, Muelle / Dock A, El Medano, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Boats Docked at Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

17 Boats Docked at Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Sheltered by the inner harbor along the Sea of Cortés is the Cobo San Lucas Marina. Its 380 slips accommodate yachts, charter fishing boats and a fleet of sightseeing marine craft and water taxis. It is also the locale for at least six major sports fishing tournaments. They are held annually from late June until early November. In the background is the Puerto Paraíso Mall.

A Dock, BCS, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Three Colorful Kayaks against Beach Umbrella in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

18 Three Colorful Kayaks against Beach Umbrella in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The vacation formula in Cabo San Lucas is simple: sun, beach, party and repeat until you have to go home. Everything you need for a good time is available, including these kayaks and the thatched umbrella. Enjoy!

Fin del Muelle, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
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Hotel Along Tourist Corridor in Los Cabos, Mexico - Encircle Photos

19 Hotel Along Tourist Corridor in Los Cabos, Mexico

Stretching for about twenty miles between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is the Tourist Corridor of Los Cabos, Mexico. Here you will find countless hotels, resorts, villas and golf courses tucked between Highway 1 and the gorgeous beaches of the Gulf of California. You can spend your entire vacation at any one of these sun-drenched locations. An example is the five-star, all-inclusive Barceló Grand Faro Los Cabos. Or be adventurous and explore both of the very different neighboring towns.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Paseo Malecón Sn Lote 5, Zona Hotelera, 23405 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Jesuit Mission in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

20 Jesuit Mission in San José del Cabo, Mexico

From 1683 until 1767, the Jesuits established about 20 missions in Baja California. The furthest south was founded in 1730 by Father Nicolá Tamaral. It was called Misión de San José del Cabo Añuiti. Four years later the friar was killed by Pericú Indians. The Spaniards’ goal was to convert the natives to Christianity. Inadvertently they exposed the indigenous people to numerous deceases resulting in the death of a large share of their population. This Catholic church was rebuilt in the early part of the 20th century.

Calle Ignacio Zaragoza 20, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Skateboarding at Cabeños Ilustres Monument in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

21 Skateboarding at Cabeños Ilustres Monument in San José del Cabo, Mexico

This young man is skateboarding along a crescent-shaped monument called Jardin de los Cabeños Ilustres. This means the garden of illustrious citizens of Los Cabos. Those are not a romantic couple sitting in the background. They are two of seven busts of historic people. The most prominent is Lieutenant Jose Antonio Mijares. He was a hero at local battle in 1847 during the Mexican-American War.

Plaza Mijares Calle Boulevard Antonio Mijares, Centro, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Mexican Flag Flying in Los Cabos, Mexico - Encircle Photos

22 Mexican Flag Flying in Los Cabos, Mexico

The proud Mexican flag welcomes over 1.2 million tourists a year to Los Cabos. These sun worshipers contribute nearly $1 billion annually to the municipality’s economy. This tricolor flag was first designed in 1821 when Mexico became independent from the Spanish Empire. In the center is the country’s coat of arms. It represents an Aztec vision that told them to establish a great city where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake. Tenochtitlan was founded in 1325. It is now Mexico City.

Palacio Municipal Centro, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Centro Historico Sign in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

23 Centro Historico Sign in San José del Cabo, Mexico

While exploring San José del Cabo you will often see this Centro Historico sign. This association of local businesses has worked hard to preserve and maintain the heritage of the town’s historic downtown that was founded in 1730. The signage is proudly displayed like this one on the Spanish Colonial façade of the La Internacional Restaurant along Plaza Mijares.

Manuel Doblado SN, Centro, 23450 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Town Hall in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

24 Town Hall in San José del Cabo, Mexico

San José del Cabo is a small town of about 70,000 people. It is also the seat of the Los Cabos municipality. The local government headquarters, including the mayor’s office, have resided in the Town Hall since 1927. The Palacio Municipal’s clock tower is a landmark of the main square that the locals call La Plaza.

Palacio Municipal Centro, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Restaurant Options in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

25 Restaurant Options in San José del Cabo, Mexico

In addition to charm, the Old Town of San José del Cabo offers a wide range of restaurants. Many of them are housed in historic buildings but also allow you to dine under the stars within their private courtyards or along sidewalks facing a square. Several of the high-end ones like the Vaquero Steak House closed when the 2008/09 recession caused a significant drop in tourism. But today you have plenty of menu and price options ranging from a quick burger to international cuisine.

El Arbol Del Tulipan, S.A. De C.V. Manuel Doblado, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Woman Sightseeing in San José del Cabo, Mexico - Encircle Photos

26 Woman Sightseeing in San José del Cabo, Mexico

It only takes a few minutes after arriving in San José del Cabo to understand why it is called the “Quiet Sister” versus the hectic pace of its neighbor Cabo San Lucas. The Calle Boulevard Antonio Mijares is the perfect path to stroll while exploring the town’s 18th century architecture within Centro Historico. Then a few blocks away is the Art District with over a dozen boutique galleries. This area is especially popular during the Art Walk held each Thursday night from November until June.

Calle Boulevard Antonio Mijares 42, Centro, San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Iconic Landmark El Arco in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Encircle Photos

27 Iconic Landmark El Arco in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

No visit to Cabo San Lucas is complete without marveling the iconic El Arco. Sometimes called the Golden Arch, this three-story rock formation is only accessible by boat. Be prepared as you sail from the Sea of Cortez’s sheltered waters and round the tip of Land’s End. The typical heavy waves of the Pacific Ocean will get your adrenaline pumping more than your first sight of this famous landmark.

Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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