Los Cabos Extras
In previous articles we covered Los Cabos as a golf destination and as a great place for a day at the Spa - but there’s more! Here a few Los Cabos extras not to be missed on your next vacation to Mexico.
San Jose del Cabo
Visit the estuary of San Jose del Cabo. Just east of the downtown San Jose you’ll discover a quiet freshwater lagoon. This picturesque oasis was once a stop for pirates in search of drinking water, but now this 125-acre estuary is a game reserve and home to almost 200 species of birds. Ducks Unlimited of Mexico recently dredged and rehabilitated the area, making it the ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Kayak rentals available.
Los Cabos Road Trip
If an adventurous road trip is on the agenda, check out Cabo Pulmo, Santiago and Miraflores. You’ll need at least four hours, your snorkeling or dive gear, and a vehicle that can handle some bumpy dirt roads to explore the coastline northeast of San Jose del Cabo. From San Jose, ask directions to Santa Rosa and then turn toward the coast to Rancho la Vinorama and continue north to Cabo Pulmo. (This is easy to follow on a map!) Cabo Pulmo is a wonderful underwater park featuring the only live coral reef on the west coast of North America – perfect for diving, snorkeling and kayaking. From there, you can go on to La Ribera and return to Highway 1 for the drive back to San Jose. On the way back, you’ll discover the village of Miraflores (known for its fine leather goods), and the charming town of Santiago (known for its colonial mission and small, but interesting zoo). These are simple, traditional Mexican towns that offer insight into the true charm of the Baja.
Todos Santos
Just 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific coastal village of Todos Santos is a nice day trip for those in search of some “real” Mexico. Founded in 1734, this funky little town came to life in 1986 when the main highway (Hwy. 19) was completed and actually put it on the map. Some American artists have opened a smattering of galleries to compliment the great surfing beaches, historic church, a couple restaurants (including the superb Café Santa Fe, known for its gourmet Italian food), and a number of intimate Bed and Breakfast inns. The most famous resident of Todos Santos is the original Hotel California, made famous in the song by the Eagles. A great stop for a long lunch! Todos Santos also hosts an art festival every year during the first week of February.
