¡Hola!
¿Qué tal mis amigos?
It has been a busy few weeks since my hectic return to the US from a beautiful family vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico - originally wanting to send this out earlier, my free time fell victim to the hands of corporate America as it does. However! I was determined to put together this guide for you all - my favorite eats from the trip and things to do besides sipping on margaritas in the sun.
A quick note on the differing sides to the area. Yes, Cabo is known as a party destination but you’re thinking specifically of Cabo San Lucas. A majority of our trip was spent in the more laidback San Jose del Cabo, about a 30 minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas along the coast of the peninsula. You can definitely still get your fix of tequila and mezcal in San Jose (keep reading for a San Jose speakeasy rec), but without the crowds and noise of spring break destination, Cabo San Lucas. I highly recommend a stay in San Jose with a night or two into the livelier counterpart.
Let’s start with the important stuff… where to EAT!
La Lupita - San Jose del Cabo
My absolute FAVORITE food from the trip - the tacos were insane. In the arts district of San Jose del Cabo, look for the orange building with the hostess stand out front - meant to accommodate the line that will most definitely form. The staff is extremely friendly, spoke great English and were all excited to share their favorites on the menu.
Must order: The Cheese Crust Taco - instead of a regular tortilla, traditional al pastor is served in fried asadero cheese… I have no words, I think about this taco daily.
Jazmín - San Jose del Cabo
The restaurant was as beautiful as the food was delicious. The indoor and outdoor space are surrounded by tiles and local art, a giftshop and band make the atmosphere slightly more tourist-y than desired but the drinks and food shine through any detractors.
Must order: The Birria Tacos - if you’re like me and don’t have a large appetite this portion size is perfect! The tacos themselves were delicious - sigh, the trader joes birria I buy will definitely not do the job anymore…
Las Guacamayas - Cabo San Lucas
An open air restaurant - the perfect spot to kick back after our Kayaking excursion, and I was beyond excited when I saw the al pastor rotating in the window. Not the culinary highlight of the trip but definitely good guacamole and good vibes.
Must order: Both snacks on the menu! The fried cheese and guacamole were both great, and even better together.
Experiences I would do again… and again… and again.
🚣🏻♀️ Kayak to the arches and Lovers Beach followed by a snorkel sesh with Cabo Outfitters. One thousand percent would do this again in a heartbeat, kayaking through and around the famous rock formations was exhilarating. Snorkeling off of one of the beaches you stop at is just as cool, you quite literally are swimming amongst schools of seemingly unbothered fish gliding along just inches from you. Guides Casey and Carlos were both super friendly and fun, making the experience even more enjoyable.
🎣 Fish out of the San Jose del Cabo Marina then cook your catch at El Toro Guero. Did I think I would enjoy deep sea fishing as much as I did? I’m going to be real with you all, no. To my surprise, I found myself yelling “hold my beer” as I grabbed a rod to reel in the mackerel I’m pictured with below. A recommendation from the boat’s captain, we took our catches to in town to El Toro Guero where the staff will prepare your fish to perfection - chef’s kiss!
🌽 Have a meal at Flora Farms, a literal farm to table - all the food is grown on the property around you! Being in a family of foodies, our vacations always include some unique, culinary experience and Flora Farms is one of the most unique restaurants I’ve ever been to. It’s kind of like Disney world if you’re into growing your own food or DIY. The property includes the farm itself, the kitchen, a homemade fragrance studio, a small array of shops and accommodations if you choose to stay on the Farm… They also host a variety of events supporting the local community, like dog adoptions and songwriter sessions. Besides the meal having been delicious, being on the farm leaves you feeling more connected to the earth than when you arrived - a TRUE must do.
💆🏻♀️ Recover from the week with the Sun Goddess treatment at Jasha Spa. The spa offers a variety of services besides the one I did but I truly needed the Sun Goddess after a week in the sun, a massage followed by a cool towel treatment felt wonderful on my burnt body. A treatment at the spa will also get you a day pass to their private pools and facilities, I enjoyed lying back on one of the chairs pictured below and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
🍸 Finish the trip with a drink at the Baja Brewing Company speakeasy - behind the statue! This might be my favorite item from this list - if you know me, you know I LOVE a good speakeasy. I don’t know if I was giving off a ~cool~ vibe or what, but the hostesses mentioned the speakeasy to me on my family’s second visit to the brewery, leading me behind the statue to the secret bar. Giggling at my sudden disappearance, we quickly returned to the front to retrieve my family. The décor was cool, emphasizing the secrecy of the spot, with a live DJ spinning my favorite 80s tracks. The Paloma I ordered was delicious and not watered down at all. I highly HIGHLY recommend.