Los Cabos is a destination filled with warm sunshine and endless natural beauty. This beachfront paradise has been a favorite for North American tourists, and it continues to attract people from all over the globe who come to enjoy its blue flag beaches and the famous Sea of Cortez that Jacques Cousteau once called “the world’s aquarium.” However, the location also provides a high quality of life for long-term residents. Here is everything you need to know about living in Los Cabos.
Lifestyle in Los Cabos
Living in Los Cabos offers residents a truly unique experience. There are many fantastic homes in gated communities that offer a variety of world-class amenities. There are also pristine landscapes that provide a true feel of The Baja years gone by, where you can enjoy a morning surf on a pristine beach with no one around for miles.
The inviting climate and nearby beaches combined with an extensive offering of leisure activities and adventures feel like you’re on permanent vacation. Private and public schools, organic markets and supermarkets, and extensive medical and dental facilities that provide excellent care are but a few of the basic needs that are easily satisfied.
The art and culinary scene of San Jose, the nightlife of San Lucas, the historic villages throughout the area, and the outdoor playground that surrounds them all hold a little something different yet special for everyone. Cabo life has come to mean a different experience for each person who calls it home – from off-grid to luxury, and from adventure-seeker to chill. One common theme holds true for all: the pace of life is easy and you can live the life you love.
Employment Opportunities in Los Cabos
For those looking to do more than retire in Los Cabos, employment opportunities are a key consideration. There is a lot of work available in the tourism sector; however, unlike the sleepy fishing and farming destination it once was, Los Cabos has evolved into an international vacation and investment hub for the world. As such, everything from artists and small businesses to large corporate firms and professional organizations now thrive. Combine that with an increased capacity for people to work remotely in today’s more connected world; and an international airport with direct flights to most major cities in North America and to the UK, Spain, and Australia, and you can create any opportunity you could wish for.
Things to Do in Los Cabos
You will never tire of things to do in Los Cabos. With so many unique sights to see and historical and cultural sites to visit, Los Cabos is a destination that requires multiple visits to truly take in. Below are some of the best things to get up to in Los Cabos.
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Go whale watching
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Immerse Yourself in the Nightlife
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Hit the Links and Drop that Handicap in Latin America’s Golf Mecca
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Visit the Magical Pueblo of Todos Santos
Up to nine species of whale visit Baja on a regular basis, and you can catch a glimpse of these majestic marine creatures by booking a whale-watching tour. The peak season tends to begin in mid-December and ends in mid-March. During these months, there are daily cruise boats that will take you right into the heart of the action. You can hope to see gray whales resting after a long journey to have their calves and humpbacks playing in the warm waters, and blues in the deeper water of the Sea of Cortez. To catch a glimpse of a pod of orcas or dolphins as it joins your fishing excursion is always a thrill.
Los Cabos is well known for having an exciting nightlife, and its vibrant scene evolves all the time. It’s not unusual to see rock stars join the house band, catch a world-class DJ passing through, or enjoy a new festival crowd. From jazz lounges and a speakeasy, to beach bars to nightclubs, there is a little something for all interests to enjoy. And don’t forget to stop by the famous Cabo Wabo Cantina to take in some rock history.
Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and more have planted their flags on greens in the Los Cabos area. A handful of these incredible offerings have even made their way onto Top 100 in the world lists. Take in epic views while you work on perfecting your swing on these top-rated courses.
The Mexican tourist board has an initiative known as “magical town,” which aims to promote places that have great cultural significance, and one of the biggest beneficiaries has been the town of Todos Santos. This location has been home to an artists’ colony since 1980, and it has attracted many painters and sculptors since. There are many fantastic eateries, galleries, and boutique shops to check out in the area. You will notice many historic brick buildings, not the least of which is the iconic Hotel California of Eagles fame.
Best Restaurants in Los Cabos
One of the best things to do in Los Cabos is to check out the fantastic restaurants on offer. Below are some of the restaurants that never disappoint.
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Acre
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La Deriva Cucina Italiana
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Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar
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Manta
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Sur Beach House
Calle Camino Real S/N, Animas Bajas, SJC La Playa, BCS, San José Del Cabo, México
The treetop hotel at Acre isn’t the only unusual thing on this 25-acre sanctuary of organic farms, eateries, and lush greenery on the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. The award-winning bar and restaurant is just as stellar, featuring the best of what they call “Baja’s Bounty.” In fact, the appetizers section of the dinner menu has a list for oysters, lobster, octopus, and the catch of the day “From the Sea of Cortez” and a selection of starters with heirloom tomatoes, baby beets, along with daily picked greens “From our orchard.” Dietary restrictions are also accommodated. The vibe of this eatery is relaxed but cosmopolitan.
Corredor Turístico CSL-SJC Km. 18.5 Cabo Real 23405, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, México
Inspired by the flavors of Northern Italy, Chef Emanuele Olivero preserves long-standing culinary traditions as he serves his innovative plates that highlight the produce of Baja California. The Burrata Fatta in Casa is made of mozzarella stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and served with heirloom tomatoes and basil. For your main, order the Ravioli Di Costine Di Manzo, a short rib ravioli with beef reduction with the aroma of habanero pepper.
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 6.5, Fracc. Punta Ballena, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The brainchild of the “father of modern Mexican cuisine,” chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, Toro blends Pan Latin cuisine with South American, Japanese and Chinese flavors. Key example: Toro’s suviche is a combination of sushi and ceviche. With views of Punta Ballena, the restaurant is also a great spot for whale-watching during the winter season.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, Carret, Federal Libre Transpeninsular, Km. 5 Misiones del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México
Manta, the restaurant at The Cape Hotel in Cabos San Lucas serves what it calls “globally inspired Mexican cuisine created to warm the soul.” Indeed, Manta delivers on all fronts – serving seafood, as the marine creature in their name suggests, in a cozy setting (“manta” also means blanket in Spanish). You can opt for the five-course tasting menu, or sample what intrigues you, like the Sea Urchin Tostada with Striped Bass and “Salsa macha,” the Octopus Anticucho with Chorizo Mayo, or the Organic Fried Chicken with Aji Amarillo Dip, a yellow Peruvian sauce made from amarillo chili peppers.
Av. El Pescador, s/n, El Medano, 23453, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
If you stay in this resort, they’ll serve you anything you want from their menu whether you’re lounging poolside or in your room. You can order chilled bottles or rosé, margaritas, or fresh oysters. You can also opt to take your place in the open-air dining room – barefoot if it suits you. Get a Squash Blossom Tempura with goat cheese to share, or a 12-oz. Argentinean Flap Steak High Choice. You can also try the barbecued SUR Burger served with blue cheese, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo, and go indulgent with the Artisanal Lobster Pasta with a shrimp coral sauce.
Looking to upgrade your lifestyle by purchasing a luxury property in Los Cabos? If so, then you need a trusted real estate professional that can work closely with you to find your ideal home; on your terms. Nobody is more knowledgeable with the Los Cabos real estate market, than me, Ian Gengos. Feel free to contact me at 624.157.6323. or send an email to ian(dotted)gengos(at)engelvoelkers(dotted)com.
Los Cabos’ Top Shopping Spots
Whether you’re looking to replenish your snack supply or interested to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself!), Los Cabos’ local shopping scene will not disappoint. You’ll find everything, from fine jewelry, intricate pottery and high-quality hand-blown glass pieces, as well as flip-flops and bathing suits to keep you looking stylish. Click here and let us walk you through the best shopping spots in Los Cabos, such as the area’s biggest shopping mall, where you can score beautiful traditional Mexican products, and a farm-to-table restaurant where you can also purchase fresh and handmade goods, all locally made.
8 of the top luxury hotels in Los Cabos
Many call Los Cabos ‘nature’s aquarium.’ Packed with big fish, this resort destination has earned a reputation as a sports fishing capital, but that’s not all. With spectacular views of the waters of the Pacific, it’s a gathering place for those seeking pristine beaches and looking to experience abundant marine life, including sightings of humpback, gray and killer whales. Here, there’s no shortage of hotels with the most outstanding facilities to cater to the needs of the most discerning international travelers. From spectacular views to private hot tubs and local cuisine that showcases the bounty of fresh fish, Los Cabos’ stunning collection of hotels speaks to your needs perfectly.
The most beautiful beaches you will find around Los Cabos
There are more than 30 beaches in Los Cabos, Mexico – many known and popular and replete with amenities to pamper guests. Others, however, are more isolated, perfect spots to get away from it all and enjoy time off for yourself. Indeed, there’s a beach in Los Cabos for any mood. Join tourists and expats at Medano Beach as they take to its usually calm and strikingly blue waters to swim, kayak, and parasail. You can also take a water taxi to “the end of the world” at Playa del Amor, or thrill to year-round surfing at Cerritos Beach. In Los Cabos, there’s always a beach with your name on it. Find yours in this article.