LOS CABOS
Los Cabos is defined by two distinct personalities: the tranquil, historic San José del Cabo and the lively, modern Cabo San Lucas. San José del Cabo, the original town in the region, offers a quieter atmosphere with surfing spots, art galleries and a relaxed downtown. Cabo San Lucas, once a sleepy port in the 1950s, is now known for vibrant nightlife, restaurants and bars. Connecting them is the 20-mile Corridor, a scenic stretch lined with world-class resorts and pristine beaches. A short drive along this corridor provides a quick and beautiful introduction to the area.
GETTING THERE
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), recently upgraded, sits about 20 miles north of San José del Cabo. Direct flights arrive from the U.S. West Coast, while East Coast connections typically route through Mexico City. Many resorts offer hotel pick-up services. Affordable shared shuttles (yellow and white mini vans) operate for roughly $8–15 depending on destination; taxis are available from the terminal with tickets purchased inside, typically costing around $80 to central areas.
GETTING AROUND
To fully explore both towns and the Corridor, a rental car is the most flexible option; agencies are located at the airport, hotels and downtown. Taxis run between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas for about $36—look for red and yellow cabs in San José del Cabo and blue and green cabs in Cabo San Lucas. A public bus service also connects the towns along the Corridor for approximately $2 one way, though travel takes about an hour.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
El Arco
El Arco, known as Lands End, marks where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The distinctive rock formation is a gathering spot for sea lions and sits between Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. The area’s winds and currents create excellent conditions for snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving, while the shoreline provides outstanding sunset views.
Baja Mission Route
Beginning in the late 1600s, Spanish, Jesuit, Franciscan and Dominican missionaries established missions across the Baja Peninsula. More than 28 mission sites remain today, reflecting the region’s colonial and religious history. The original Jesuit mission in downtown San José del Cabo is among the notable stops, and the route extends through towns such as La Paz, Loreto, San Ignacio and Todos Santos.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
About 60 miles from the Los Cabos hub, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park offers a contrasting seaside experience. Nestled by a mountain range, the beaches open into a shallow bay that hosts one of North America’s three living coral reefs. The marine park is renowned for scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking, and it’s also a favored spot for whale watching from January through March.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
This high-profile fishing tournament draws anglers competing for blue, black and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado. The event combines competitive fishing with social gatherings, awards and waterfront celebrations.
Carnaval de la Paz
Held in the five days before Ash Wednesday, Carnaval de la Paz celebrates the period before Lent concludes the tradition of eating meat. Festivities include parades, floats, music and dance, culminating in lively Mardi Gras-style celebrations.
Festival of San José del Cabo
Beginning on March 8, this annual 11-day festival honors St. Joseph, the town’s patron saint. The downtown area fills with food stalls, cultural events and artisan booths, while weekend parades and carnival rides create a festive atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
RESOURCES
For official visitor information, consult local tourism resources and the Los Cabos tourism authority.