Nestled at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean meet those of the Sea of Cortés, Los Cabos is three destinations (at least) in one.
Though Los Cabos doesn’t have the LGBTQ+ focus of, say, Puerto Vallarta, it’s a friendly, inclusive and ever-evolving vacation spot with a desert climate, gorgeous beaches and a wide array of hotels, restaurants and bars to explore.
A five-and-a-half-hour flight from Toronto and just under five hours from Vancouver, Los Cabos is comprised of two towns—San José del Cabo in the east and Cabo San Lucas in the west—that are connected by a 33-kilometre “Tourist Corridor” lined with some of the world’s most state-of-the-art resorts.
All three zones are wildly different. San José del Cabo, which has the kind of town square found in many colonial Mexican towns, is laidback, artsy and pedestrian-friendly. Cabo San Lucas, which has a glitzy marina at its heart, is a boisterous party-loving place. Those staying on the Tourist Corridor are likely to have all their needs and wants met without venturing far, or at all, from the property at which they’re staying.
Here is a look at what might appeal to queer visitors while they, as an American might say, “do Cabo.”
San José del Cabo
Founded with the establishment of a Spanish mission in the early 1700s, the city is known for its beaches, historic buildings and cobblestone gallery district. A stay here will appeal to those looking for a relaxed getaway with farm-to-table cuisine, artsy experiences and relaxing—yet hip and fun—resorts.
What to do
Take a cooking class at Flora Farms (Carretera Transpeninsular San José del Cabo Km. 30 Las Ánimas Bajas, San José del Cabo), a 25-acre organic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna. They’ll teach you how to make regional salsas and guacamoles, tamales filled with seasonal ingredients and handmade corn tortillas. The picturesque farm is also home to the restaurant Flora’s Field Kitchen, a spa and a bar—you can spend the better part of a day here.
Plan your stay to include a Thursday evening so you can experience Art Walk San José Del Cabo (Alvaro Obregon 20, Gallery District, Centro, San José del Cabo) in the city centre. Held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. between November and June, this weekly event showcasing local boutiques and bars is complemented by street vendors and demonstrations by artists and craftspeople.
Where to stay
Drift San José del Cabo (Miguel Hidalgo 613, Gallery District, Centro, San José del Cabo). This 29-room boutique hotel in the Gallery District takes its design cues from the textures of the desert—think tan accents and stone surfaces. The pool and popular mezcal bar encourage mingling among the guests and locals. Guests get access to complimentary surf and yoga equipment. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth coming in for drinks—it’s where the beautiful people hang.
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa (Puerto, Fraccion Hotelera Fh5-C1 Subdelegacion De La Playita, San José del Cabo). Located along the coast a short drive from downtown, the resort features 241 deluxe rooms and 13 suites with ocean views, several pools (including an adults-only pool), an 18-hole golf course and several on-site bars and restaurants.
Where to eat
Get a table at Casa Don Rodrigo (Blvd. Antonio Mijares 29, Centro, San José del Cabo). Located in a 1920s-era home built for the city’s first mayor, this family-style restaurant serves dishes made with ingredients grown on its nearby farm, along with homemade regional cheeses.
Don Sanchez Restaurant (Blvd. Antonio Mijares 27, Centro, San José del Cabo). Also located in a restored historical building, chef Edgar Román’s restaurant adds a contemporary twist to traditional Baja cuisine, taking advantage of regional seafood, locally raised animals and organically farmed vegetables. Excellent wine cellar.
Where to party
La Revolución Comedor de Baja California (Alvaro Obregon 1732, Centro, San José del Cabo). This resto-bar is known for its inventive cocktails; the Lidia features mezcal, green chartreuse, fresh pineapple juice, lemon and Angostura. The vibe is elegant but folksy—and it works.
Baja Brewing Company (San José del Cabo 1227, Centro, San José del Cabo). A statue of Saint Lucas, the patron saint of brewers, is part of the decor at this cantina. Founded in 2007, it produces a selection of four-ingredient craft beers only available in Mexico (okay, they do sell some varieties in the U.S.), along with some seasonal ales.
Oxidos Bar (Plaza El Cardon, P.º Finisterra 102-Int. 7, Campo de Golf Fonatur, San José del Cabo). For a night of dancing and live music, try this popular gay-friendly spot.
Cabo San Lucas
The wilder younger sibling to San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas is known for its happening nightlife and southern Californian vibe; it’s a desert playground, albeit one located on the water. For daytime activities, there are lots of cruises and tours to book with operators located around the marina.
What to do
Get on board a water taxi that shuttles to El Arco, an iconic rock formation just off the southern tip of Baja California, where the water has eroded a gateway through the stone that provides a framed glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Be aware, the ride out can be choppy. On the peninsula itself you’ll find Playa de los Amantes (Lovers Beach), a secluded spot perfect for people watching. Of course, nearby but on the Pacific side, you will find the equally secluded Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach). Although Playa del Divoricio’s westward position makes for good sunbathing, like many of the Pacific beaches here, it’s too dangerous to go swimming because of the crashing waves and a strong undertow. For safer swimming, stick to the harbour side.
Cabo Adventures (Blvd. Paseo de la Marina Lt 7-A, Marina, Cabo San Lucas). Located in the marina, this tour company offers whale watching, sunset sailboat cruises, camel rides, off-road vehicle tours through the desert and swimming with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. The whale shark expedition starts with a drive two hours north to the town of La Paz, where the plankton-rich bay on the Sea of Cortés serves as a feeding ground. There are several rules to follow during the experience, to ensure the safety of these gentle giants, including not touching them and wearing biodegradable sunscreen to not introduce any chemicals to the water.
Where to stay
ME Cabo (Acuario Zona Hotelera, Playa El Medano, Cabo San Lucas). This LGBTQ+-friendly brand, named a Committed Queer Destinations Hotel, which recognizes destinations and companies welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, is sophisticated but fun. The pop and rock music theme pops up all over the property. When you’re not lounging by the pool, you can have some drinks in the popular rooftop Skybar.
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa (Av. Solmar 1A, Centro, Cabo San Lucas). Located on the Pacific coast side of Cabo San Lucas, this luxe resort is only accessible via a tunnel carved through a high hill. They’ve got several restaurants, a spa, a private beach and an infinity pool that appears to disappear into the ocean.
Where to eat
Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar (Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 6.5 Punta, Ballena, Cabo San Lucas). Their contemporary Latin American fare—think tuna chicharrón, shrimp and crab enchiladas and short rib tacos—includes several vegan options.
La Galería (Plaza Bonita, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas Supermanzana Loc 17, Centro, Cabo San Lucas). Beyond their seafood-oriented menu, one of the nice things about this marina-side restaurant is that if you’re doing some fishing, you can bring your catch here and they’ll prepare it for you.
Where to party
Chandelier’s Night Club (Francisco I Madero 8, Centro, Cabo San Lucas). Los Cabos’ only self-declared LGBTQ+ bar has been around for a while and knows how to do it right. Drag performers, go-go dancers and DJs spinning dance music.
Mandala Los Cabos (Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas 1112, Centro, Cabo San Lucas). For beat-pulsing EDM and top-40 dance music, this mainstream club offers a VIP vibe. Reservations are recommended to ensure that you get a table.
Cabo Wabo Cantina (Vicente Guerrero S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas). No trip to Cabo San Lucas would be complete without a stop at this local institution, which was founded in 1990 by musician Sammy Hagar. Nightly live entertainment. Yeah, it’s pretty straight, but this is Cabo, dude.
Tourist Corridor
The Tourist Corridor is a highway lined with world-class hotels that hug the rugged, rocky landscape. On the drive in—and from the properties—you get spectacular ocean views. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales visible from your room. While this stretch of the coast features plenty of resorts with culinary, spa and aquatic activities, there is little in the way of off-property restaurants or nightlife. You’ll need to head into Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo for that.
What to do
Wild Canyon Adventures (Carr. Federal Libre Transpeninsular, CSL-SJC Km., Cabo Real, San José del Cabo). A place for ziplining, bungee jumping and other adrenaline-pumping activities. Its eight zipline circuit zigzags across a deep canyon, with stone walking paths that take you between them. There is also a bungee jump from a glass-bottomed gondola and a giant swing, both of which are suspended 91 metres above the ground. There are horse and camel rides, and several other land- and water-based activities. Additionally, the adventure park is home to a sanctuary for rescued animals.
Where to stay
Hilton Los Cabos (Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas). This swanky (and LGBTQ+-friendly) 343-room property provides access to one of the only swimmable beaches in the area.
Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos (Km. 18.5 Carr. Transpeninsular CSL-SJC Access B Cabo Real, 23405 San José del Cabo). Enjoy clean, contemporary Mexican design with unique rooms made with indigenous woods. Operated by Marriott, a reliably LGBTQ+-friendly brand.
One&Only Palmilla (Km. 7.5 Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, San José del Cabo). Originally a 15-room luxury hideaway built in the 1950s in a traditional hacienda style for the son of the president of Mexico, this showstopper is now an expansive beachfront resort. The newer buildings keep the same classic architectural theme.
Editor’s note: The writer’s trip was covered by the Los Cabos Tourism Board. The sponsors of the trip did not direct or review coverage. The views expressed are the writer’s own.
