Sun, Fun, and Relaxation in Cabo San Lucas

Tell someone you’re going to Cabo San Lucas and more times than not, you’ll get a look of envy. Located on the Baja Peninsula, along the stunning blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, Cabo is a playground for Americans, many of which hail from the southwestern states.

From Houston, my flight was right at two hours, making me wonder why I’d never visited before. Cabo is also about the same distance from Los Angeles, which leads me to refer to the area as Really Southern California. Ask ten visitors where they’re from and I’d bet at least eight live in the Golden State.

Because US tourism is vital for Cabo, many of those working in hotels and restaurants speak English. For some travelers, that’s a positive, though I actually like having to stumble through my schoolgirl Spanish. Honestly, if you want a traditional taste of Mexico, Cabo probably isn’t what you’re looking for. However, if you’re interested in a vacation spot that is essentially worry-free with stunning scenery, an abundance of activities, top-notch hotels, delicious culinary options, and comes with a passport stamp, then Cabo San Lucas is your place.

You can do as much or as little as you want in Cabo. From lounging at the pool guzzling margaritas at your all-inclusive resort to hitting the links at the one of the internationally acclaimed golf courses to parasailing in the Sea of Cortez, options abound in this desert playground. Here are some of my favorite activities from my recent four-night trip:

Stand-Up Paddle {SUP}

Believe it or not, I like to do stuff. I don’t like just laying around on the beach for hours on end; it just doesn’t appeal to me. I get bored {and burned}. Bottom line: I need to be active for a day at the beach.

Stand-up paddle {SUP} seems to be taking over the world. I’m not kidding. When I was in Austin a few weeks ago, I saw people doing SUP in Lady Bird Lake. Before my trip to Cabo, I’d never tried it, but I’m really glad I did.

The folks at Bahia Hotel set me up with Cabo SUP for a morning session at Medano Beach. I was outfitted with a board and paddle and then given a quick, basic lesson. Given that I was a college athlete, I wasn’t worried about being able to do it. I took my board and paddle out into the water, and before I knew it, I was standing and paddling out to the famous Land’s End arch.

It did take a little bit to get used to, but once I got the hang of it, SUP was simple. I’m convinced that anyone with the least bit of coordination can do it. SUP is fun, easy, and a great workout. This probably explains its popularity.

Jet Ski

I grew up riding jet skis. The thrill of hitting a wake and flying through the air was something that I loved. I hadn’t been on a jet ski in years, and I’d never done it in the ocean. I was very much looking forward to being back in the driver’s seat.

On Medano Beach, just next to Cabo SUP, is a jet ski rental company, though I’m sure you can find them up and down the beach. I chose to take one for thirty minutes, but they’re available for an hour, or I suppose for however long you’d like to pay. After signing a waiver, I was given about a 30 second lesson on the dos and don’ts of jet skiing. Then I was off.

With a serious case of permagrin, I was zipping over the water going 40-50 mph. I sought out waves and flew through the air coming down with a thud. My right thumb ached after 20 minutes—a side effect of going full throttle. The ride was worth it. However, the ride was not worth the $200 fee for the damage I caused to another jet ski. When your instructor says not to get close to another jet ski, I’d heed their warning.

Massage

Cabo offers an abundance of excellent spas. And given my SUP and jet skiing activities, I couldn’t imagine not visiting one of them for a massage. The Hacienda Spa is located between the marina and downtown Cabo. It’s quiet, secluded, and is outfitted with traditional Mexican touches throughout.

A warm towel and cup of tea greeted me into the tranquil setting. After changing into the standard white robe, I walked into a stunning open courtyard where my masseuse met me. Palms, ivy, and cactus softened the stone and stucco walls, but it was the tree with vibrant yellow blooms that took center stage. Comfortable-looking loungers sat in the shade and looked like the perfect place to relax after a treatment.

My masseuse led me through a thick, wooden door to my treatment room. It was dim and inviting. Soft music came through the speakers and there was a slightly sweet smell in the air. For fifty minutes, I simply zoned out, possibly drooling at one point. She worked the knots from my neck and shoulders accumulated from months of cramped airline seats, SUP, and jet skis. Like all massages, the time passed too quickly. It was heaven and just what I needed.

Cabo San Lucas is a place where you can do as much or as little as you’d like. I enjoyed it for the beautiful beaches, food, and for the outstanding array of activities. If those things sound ideal to you then Cabo is the perfect destination.

Vaya con dios, y’all!

I was a guest of Bahia Hotel, Cabo SUP, and Hacienda Spa. In no way was I swayed by the superstar treatment I received. As always, opinions are my own.

Note: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but helps keep me stocked in French wine {and a roof over my head}.