(LifeWire) - Welcome to Los Cabos
Located at the southernmost tip of Baja California, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is justifiably one of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations. Comprised of raucous Cabo San Lucas, its more placid neighbor San José del Cabo, and the 20-mile "Corridor" in between, Los Cabos first gained attention after World War II as a prime sportfishing spot. It was then discovered by Hollywood stars seeking seclusion and surfers seeking big waves. Major resorts began cropping up in the 1980s, but the development hasn't spoiled the beauty you'll find here. With lively nightlife in Cabo San Lucas, top shopping in San José, and world-class fishing, golfing and beaches, Los Cabos is a getaway the whole family will enjoy.
Getting There
Los Cabos International Airport receives flights from many major US cities, as well as from Toronto and Vancouver. The airport is just 7 miles from San José but 30 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Avoid touts at the airport; if your hotel does not offer airport transfers, check with TransBaja shuttle service at the airport.
How's the Beach?
Los Cabos has plenty of beautiful beaches, but the currents can be quite strong, so take your kids to the most swimmable ones. Especially popular in San José is Playa Palmilla; in Cabo San Lucas, head to Playa El Médano. Along the Corridor, Playa Santa María and Playa Bahía Chileno are your best family-friendly bets.
For those who hope to catch some waves, take your surfboard to Playa Costa Azul and nearby Playa Acapulquito.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Los Cabos is known for plush accommodations - its reputation as one of the most expensive vacation destinations in Mexico is deserved - and family-friendly resorts here also pull out all the stops with fantastic amenities and children's programs. Some choices:
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort: Located 25 minutes from the airport along the Corridor (but closer to San José del Cabo than Cabo San Lucas), this full-service luxury resort offers a spa, tennis courts, four restaurants and proximity to golfing and fishing. Both the spa and restaurants include kid-focused options and the Vacation Station kids' club (ages 4 to 12) offers a variety of activities - from pom-pom making to tug of war - for no extra cost. Big plus at the Hilton Los Cabos: a swimmable beach..
Meliá Cabo Real Beach & Golf: Also a 25-minute ride from the airport and five minutes from San José del Cabo, this high-end all-inclusive resort is surrounded by a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course and a perfect swimming beach. The activity program is geared to all ages; there are two kids' clubs: Club Four for infants and toddlers (4 months to 4 years) and Mini Club for ages 5 to 12. The tour desk offers several wildlife encounter options, including whale-watching and visits to pelican and sea lion colonies.
Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa: Another Corridor-area all-inclusive resort just 15 minutes from either Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, this beachfront property is notable for its massive suites, each of which has its own private terrace. The all-ages activities menu includes everything from scuba lessons to croquet, but the Explorers Club (ages 3 to 12) adds beach campouts and sandcastle contests. Keep an eye out for special deals for single parents.
RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas: This lavish all-inclusive Corridor resort is a relative newcomer to the area. There are two pools and a children's playground, as well as access to the best of the area's watersports.
Attractions & Fun Outings
The rough waters of the Pacific Ocean make Los Cabos a prime spot for adventurous watersports such as surfing and windsurfing, but you'll also find good places to snorkel and dive. Bahía Santa María is not only a secluded beach but also a protected sanctuary, and the snorkeling here is top-rate. Another great snorkeling spot is Bahía Chileno; divers should head to Playa El Médano and nearby El Arco, the rock arch located where the ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Sportfishing is a major draw in Los Cabos; there are an estimated 800 fish species in the waters here, and no shortage of charters to take you to them. Los Cabos has also been the site of major golf tournaments thanks to its championship courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
If you visit between December and March, take the kids whale-watching along the Corridor, where there are a few lookout points.
More Los Cabos Tips
- Single parents or guardians traveling to Mexico with a child under age 18 must present a notarized statement indicating the other parent's permission to travel abroad or proof of the death or legal absence of the other parent.
- To avoid traveler's diarrhea, stick to bottled beverages (even for toothbrushing) and avoid uncooked or street food.
- For resorts and major attractions, always check recent visitor comments at a site such as TripAdvisor.com.
- Los Cabos All-Inclusives
- General information about visiting Mexico
- Los Cabos Tourism Board site
- Baja California Sur State Tourism Office site
- Further information about family travel
*always check resort web sites for updates.
