Cabo San Lucas / San Jose del Cabo

My wife and I go to Cabo roughly once a year. It's a short flight from San Diego, and we're even spoiled by the airfares since we're able to use the CBX (border crossing) at the Tijuana Airport. Basically you Uber to the drop-off point. Pass through a gate using your Passport, and then walk through some long hallways and you're in Mexico's portion of the airport. It's super easy and again, airfares to anywhere in Mexico and Central America are a lot cheaper. So it may even serve those outside of Southern California to use it if you feel like flying in and out of San Diego to explore things here, and then make your way south. Just a thought!

As for Cabo, we've stayed at three different properties down there - all of which are actually timeshares, but you can also book the rooms on Expedia.  Below are the resorts, as we typically don't leave them, however, we did venture out in San Jose del Cabo when we stayed at Cabo Azul.

 

Cabo San Lucas

Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa

Av Solmar 1A, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico

This is where we most recently stayed (Summer 2022). I would describe the architecture and room furnishings as somewhat of a modern/classic aesthetic providing you everything you need and nothing you don't. In fact, each room has at least a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, so you could argue you have even more than you need! (We never use the kitchen) This location is right on the beach with waves often crashing very close to the infinity-edged pool which also hosts a swim-up bar & tables in the water, as well. The resort is great for couples, families, or a group of friends to go on vacation together, as is the case with us the last two years. You can walk into town, and the marina is not far at all. My wife and I walked west along the beach which ends at a restaurant which belongs to the Waldorf Astoria if you're familiar with that group - they're great hotels.

 

Grand Solmar at Rancho San  Lucas Resort

Carretera Todos Santos Km 120 #1, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico

Grand Solmar's sister property is quite secluded and located westward around the peninsula. There, the more modern resort is set back from the ocean a bit, so the beach is very wide there. There's a huge water park on property, ideal for families, and a golf course that looks really nice on property. I haven't played it, but I hope to one day. We stayed here during COVID-19, and perhaps due to the Pandemic, it wasn't crowded-feeling at all even though there were people obviously there. Overall, the resort feels somewhat huge, honestly, but it's also newer. I believe they have units for sale, as well as homes near the golf course also for purchase. We didn't leave the resort this trip, either, so all meals were had on the premises, and overall, the food was good. I personally feel the food was better at Grand Solmar Land's End.

 

San Jose del Cabo

Cabo Azul Resort

Lote 11, P.º Malecon San Jose S/N, Fonatur, 23400 San

Located in San Jose del Cabo, I really enjoyed this resort since it's on the beach and a short walk or cab ride away from the town. My wife and I stayed here alone (as opposed to a group trips as mentioned above) and enjoyed lunch at the pool every day, and then ventured out for dinner. The rooms are great, and I love that you don't have to leave the resort if you don't want to. I always enjoy vacation spots where you can make it as relaxed as you want it to be, and this place is no exception. There were a decent number of families there with kids, so if you're looking for a quiet, adult-only vibe, this isn't the place.

 

La Lupita Taco & Mezcal

Jose Maria Morelos s/n, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico

Located in the northern part of town in the Gallery District, La Lupita served up my favorite tacos I had all trip. This place is lively. We sat in the bar at a hightop table and enjoyed their live music - the band was great, playing mostly classic rock (instrumental) covers. The Santo Pastor & Braised Pork were my favorite.

 

Viceroy Los Cabos

P.º Malecon San Jose Lote 8, Zona Hotelera, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico

Only a couple hotels over from Cabo Azul is the Viceroy which hosts a super cool restaurant called Nido which looks like a birds nest. Beautifully modern, the hotel is a spectacle in and of itself, and their restaurant, Nido, was delicious. We ended up going a second night to hit their rooftop bar which was great for a sunset happy hour before going into town for dinner.

 

Other Restaurants I've heard are great in San Jose del Cabo:

LUMBRE

Jose Maria Morelos 162, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico

 

AGAVE Kitchen

Morelos, Alvaro Obregon Esq, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico