Cabo San Lucas

From LoveToKnow Travel

Cabo San Lucas is located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, about 1000 miles south of San Diego. The area is known for its arid, desert-like climate, its dramatic rock formations, and its world-class sports fishing. Once a sleepy fishing outpost, Cabo is becoming increasingly popular as an international resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas

History

Although the tip of the Baja had been briefly inhabited by native tribes and by Spanish explorers, the first permanent village at Cabo was established as recently as 1917. It was an American fishing concern that developed the area in order to harvest tuna. The region caught the attention of mid-century movie stars and celebrities, such as Clark Gable and Ernest Hemmingway, seeking its remote beauty and sensational fishing. But, it was not until the mid-1970s that the Mexican government started developing the area as a resort. An international airport was built; resorts were constructed; and a highway was paved from California down the length of the Baja.

Attractions

The main attractions in Cabo San Lucas revolve around the stunning beaches and the sea. Among them are:

  • El Arco – The distinctive arch, located at the entrance to Cabo San Lucas' harbor, this large rock formation has become the symbol of the region. Visitors can take a boat ride out to it. There's a small beach at its foot. Sunset views of el arco are particularly picturesque.
  • Fishing – The tip of the Baja Peninsula boasts some of the world's best sports fishing. Visitors can try for tuna, marlin, swordfish, and other large game fish. Cabo San Lucas is also the site of the largest marlin tournament in the world, with a purse of $1 million.
  • Whale-Watching – The Baja is the winter home of hundreds of gray whales that make the trek from the Bering Sea in Alaska down the coast of California and Mexico. Visitors in January through March can see the whales just offshore, often with their new-born calves in tow. Whale watching boat tours are also available for those desiring a closer look.
  • Shopping – Cabo San Lucas offers a wide range of shopping. In addition to the traditional resort offering, look for good prices and selections of silver jewelry and giftware, leather items, and Mexican textiles and colorful crafts. Kahlua and Mexican tequila are also good buys.

Visiting Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is easily accessible by plane with non-stop flights from southern California, San Francisco, Chicago, and other major US cities. Residents of dozens of other cities in the US can reach Cabo via connecting flights. Visitors from southern California may also opt to travel the modern Mexican Highway 1 that runs along the length of the Baja Peninsula. It is about 1000 miles from San Diego to Cabo.

Accommodations in the area are either sprawling luxury beachfront hotels or quiet low-rise condos or timeshares. A few hotels are located in town, but most are found along the coastlines north of the city. A rental car is an asset when visiting Cabo as most of the better beaches and a large number of restaurants are located outside of the town limits.


 


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