Detours: Los Cabos

Mexico’s Baja Peninsula looks like a long, ragged thread dangling from the state of California. It begins just south of the border, jabs into the Pacific, and ends 1,100 arid miles later in a cluster of gigantic rocks punctuated by “El Arco.” This natural rock arch at Land’s End has come to symbolize Los Cabos.

A dramatic, sun-kissed beachscape links Baja’s two cape towns — one boisterous, the other laid-back. Eight championship golf courses and some of the richest fishing grounds on the planet endow the 20-mile corridor between them.

A desert by the sea, Los Cabos boasts a dry, subtropical climate with bright days. To the east lies the placid Sea of Cortez, whose warm waters teem with plankton and a wealth of fish, including three kinds of tuna. Lack of wave action on the land-protected sea makes it the world’s best deep-sea fishing ground.

Cabo San Lucas is a bustle of languages and a pleasing mix of age and youth, flaunting a vivacious, where-
it’s-at demeanor. Downtown, colorful sidewalk cafés offer platters of peel-and-eat shrimp. Spirited restaurant and bar scenes and surrounding shops create a festive atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY

• Cabo Surf Hotel, (858) 964-5117, www.cabosurfhotel.com. Beachfront boutique resort at the best surfing spot.
• Casa Contenta,  (310) 593-4546, www.cabocasacontenta.com. A bed-and-breakfast inn run by cosmopolitan expatriates Craig and Lori Harrison.
• Solmar, (800) 344-3349, www.solmar.com. Low-key, secluded hotel on the long beach at Land’s End.
• Esperanza, (866) 311-2226, www.esperanzaresort.com. A luxury hotel on the Sea of Cortez.
• Las Ventanas al Paraíso, (888) 767-3966, www.lasventanas.com. Very exclusive oceanfront resort.
• Villas of Mexico, (800) 456-3133, villasofmexico.com. Lists private homes for rent.

FINE DINING

• La Panga Antigua Restaurant & Bar in San Jose showcases organically grown local produce, fresh seafood, and fine meat cuts. www.lapanga.com
• Mi Casa de Mariscos in San Lucas specializes in mesquite-grilled tuna and snapper. www.micasademariscos.com
• Peacocks in San Lucas features elegant European cuisine and a separate Lobster Sensations menu. elpeacocks.com
• Puerta Vieja Restaurant in the Corridor offers an international menu in a contemporary architecture setting. www.puertavieja.com
• Seven Seas at the Cabo Surf Hotel in San Jose masters seafood-stuffed poblano peppers and lobster.
• Villa Serena in the Corridor offers the true Baja dining experience with inexpensive lobster tail. 7seas.cabosurfhotel.com

 DON’T MISS

• Watching the sunset while sipping a margarita.
• Walking the Beach of Love.
• Fishing for native billfish.
• Exploring Los Cabos on a snorkel or boat cruise.
• Taking a Hummer tour with Baja Outback.
• Dining, shopping, and watching movies at Puerto Paraiso Plaza.
• Shopping at Necri for Mexican handicrafts, Talavera pottery, and ceramics from Santa Rosa.
• Smoking an authentic Cuban cigar and hobnobbing with expatriates at Amigos Smokeshop & Cigar Bar.
• Relaxing with a Tepezcochuite Healing Wrap treatment at the spa in Las Ventanas al Paraiso.