Fodors Los Cabos

Each of these fills one day. Together they touch on some of Los Cabos most quintessential experiences from boating to El Arco and visiting the blown-glass factory, to grabbing a beer at a local brewpub and discovering Cabos Marina Golden Zone.

On Day 1 take it easy, enjoy your hotel, take a swim in the pool, and get to know the beach in your general area. If staying in Cabo, meander around town, mentally noting the many restaurants and shops on the way that you might wish to sample later. Walking the length of the marina boardwalk will introduce you to Cabos notorious party central: From the boardwalks western end beginning near the Marina Fiesta Hotel , youll pass through the marinas Golden Zone (along which is the infamous Nowhere Bar? ). If you make it all the way to the Wyndham Hotel , youve essentially completed the marina walk. Note that its here where you can catch a boat for sunset cruises, whale-watching, and sportfishing.

To see the Corridor and make it over to San Jos del Cabo from Cabos San Lucas, its most convenient and least expensive if you rent a car for a couple of days. (Taxis are frightfully expensive, and buses limit you to their schedule and stops.) Shop around for rentals and youll be amazed at the range; Alamo and Cactus Car include insurance in their rates. Take your time driving along the Corridor, both to enjoy the sights of the coast, as well as to become accustomed to the unique traits of this quirky highway. On and off ramps are challenging, as youll see. About mid-Corridor you pass Playa Santa Mara and Chileno Bay, fun for stops to sun, swim, and snorkel. Bring your own equipment and refreshments.

As you near San Jos del Cabo, you cant miss the Tiendas de Palmilla (Palmilla Shopping Center) across from the One&Only Palmilla Resort. Tiendas comprises upscale shops and some excellent restaurants, including Nick-San. (Walmart, Costco, and Sams Club have also set up shop along Highway 1 for more basic shopping needs.) Heading farther east, youll shortly see a turnout and large parking lota great panoramic overlook of the Sea of Cortez. Its a lovely spot to watch the surf at the Old Mans break, to your right, in front of the Cabo Surf Hotel.

For a small deposit, many hotels provide beach towels, coolers, and umbrellas, or you can rent these from Trader Dicks, near the Costa Azul beach. Dicks also fixes good box lunches. The 7 Seas restaurant at Cabo Surf Hotel will deliver cocktails beachside, meaning you dont even have to leave your sunning spot for a margarita. To get to the most pristine beaches along the Sea of Cortez, head east out of San Jos del Cabo by car. At the corner of Boulevard Mijares and Calle Benito Jurez in San Jos, turn east at the sign marked pueblo la playa. The paved street soon becomes a dirt road that leads to the small fishing villages of La Playa (The Beach) and La Playita (The Little Beach), about 1 km ( mile) from San Jos. As the gateway between San Jose del Cabo and the East Cape coastline, this area known as Puerto Los Cabos is marked by a series of roundabouts that branch to the marina, Cacti Mundo (cactus world gardens), organic farms (Flora Farms and Los Tamarindos), and luxury resorts like Secrets and JW Marriott.

From La Playita, drive 60 km (37 miles) up the coast to the ecological reserve Cabo Pulmo, home of Baja Surs largest coral reef. Water depths range from 15 to 130 feet, and colorful marine animals live among the reef and shipwrecks. When hunger pangs call, stroll up the beach from Cabo Pulmo to Titos for a fish taco and an ice-cold cerveza. Try to get back to La Playa by late afternoon to avoid driving the East Capes dirt road at night. Stop for some fresh seafood and a frozen margarita at Buzzards Bar and Grill right near the beach just north of La Playa. San Jos is 10 minutes away.

Set out from Cabo San Lucas for the Fbrica de Vidrio Soplado (Blown-Glass Factory)a bit hard to find if youre driving yourself. First head toward San Jos on Avenida Lzaro Crdenas, which becomes Highway 1. Turn left at the stoplight and signs for the bypass to Todos Santos; then look for signs to the factory. Its in an industrial area two blocks northwest of Highway 1. At the factory, you can watch the talented artisans use a process little changed since it was first developed some 4,000 years ago.

From the factory, head east for the 20-minute drive to San Jos del Cabo. Park at the south end of Boulevard Mijares near the Tropicana Inn, since parking is limited from here on in. Grab some lunch at Baja Brewing Company , located on Avenida Morelos. The pub has a tasty San Jos Especial cerveza, and offers international fare to go along with it. Then stroll through the central plaza, or zcalo, directly in front of the Mision de San Jos del Cabo Anuiti (mission church) and take in the several art galleries north and west of the church.

For dinner, try Don Sanchezs in San Jose proper, where Canadian-born chef Tadd Chapman is elevating the presentation of local ingredients and Mexican wines.

Alternatively, from the glass factory, head north on Highway 19 for the one-hour drive to the laid-back town of Todos Santos. Lunch at El Gusto! restaurant in the Posada La Poza hotel promises to be one of the most sumptuous youll get in Baja. (Reservations are a must.) Spend the afternoon visiting in-town galleries near the Misin de Nuestra Seora de Pilar (Mission of Our Lady of Pilar) church.

Start off your morning with green juice and homemade granola at Lolita Caf in the heart of San Jos del Cabo. Before the afternoon sun beats down, head to chic Hotel El Ganzo at San Joss Marina where you can rent beach cruisers and bike through Cacti Mundos botanical gardens. Just in time for lunch, join a cooking class at Los Tamarindos organic farm, which includes a property tour and four-course meal. If youre in the area on Saturday, be sure to visit Mercado Organico , the farmers market that takes place in San Jos from 9 to 3. End the day with a sunset surf session with Costa Azul Surf Shop or participate in Baja Outback s evening turtle release program (August to November only). Finish with a healthy dinner at 7 Seas Restaurant , known for their local products, organic oils (instead of butter), and sustainable seafood that has not been impacted by commercial overfishing.