Mexico › Puerto Vallarta › Best Restaurants
Updated: March 7, 2022

See Also

• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

The 10 Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

1. Café des Artistes • $$$$
   
   Creative French fine dining with Mexican flair, using fresh, local ingredients. The decadent menu features popular mainstays like duck confit with mole or pork belly in a hibiscus merlot sauce, as well as an ever-changing selection of seasonal dishes. Ambiance is romantic and celebratory. Diners may choose a table on their jungle garden patio or in their white and crystal dining salon. Their extensive wine list showcases varieties from ten countries as well as several regions in Mexico, though their cocktail menu is equally tempting with regional spirits and fresh fruits. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially if requesting outdoor seating in the winter months. Children eight years and over are allowed. Located in El Centro, three blocks from the Malecon in a gorgeous hundred-year-old house.

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2. Mariscos Cisneros • $
   
   Casual, local seafood diner with cheerful décor and a friendly vibe. The restaurant keeps a taco truck in front for a quick lunch, though the main restaurant has a larger menu and more seating – indoors, or in their backyard patio. Local favorites include the aguachile ceviche and manta ray tacos, while travelers rave about their shrimp burritos and strong margaritas. This simple, family-friendly restaurant is incredibly popular, so arrive early to avoid a wait. During peak lunch and dinner times, the line gets long enough to wrap around the building, especially during the high season when the food tours stop here.

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3. Kaiser Maximilian • $$-$$$
   
   Upscale, Austrian bistro, with a casual, sidewalk café in front and an intimate, fine-dining restaurant inside, all with white table-cloths, fresh flowers, and candles. The menu features authentic Austrian and European recipes, along with Mexican favorites, and some of the best espresso in the city. Expect rich flavors, warm hospitality, and great people watching from its central perch in Zona Romantica no matter what time you visit. The restaurant is open all day but is most popular for breakfast (pastries, large portions, great mimosas, and liquor-spiked coffees) and dinner (succulent meats, chocolate, and fruit desserts, over one hundred wines).

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4. 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar • $$-$$$
   
   Trendy spot for tapas and cocktails with a lively atmosphere. Cocktails are super refreshing, using fresh-squeezed or pureed fruits and local spirits. Contemporary spins on classic drinks include cucumber margaritas and chili-mango mojitos. Their tapas menu is seafood-heavy with Mexican favorites, alongside Spanish and international flavors; octopus and calamari dishes are the most popular, closely followed by their thin, crispy pizzas. This is a small spot with a few bar stools and mostly two-seat tables. Reserve in advance for larger groups or if you prefer outdoor seating, otherwise the wait during happy hour and dinner is usually around 45 minutes.

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5. La Palapa • $$-$$$
   
   Contemporary and classic Mexican dishes, with dashes of Asian and French flavors, are served in casual, elegant style here. Diners may choose al fresco tables under their main thatched roof or in their beach club section under shady thatched umbrellas with their toes in the sand. This family-owned, four-diamond restaurant, open since 1957, is one of the oldest and best-known spots in the city and remains especially popular for Sunday brunches, romantic sunset dinners, and special occasions. Seafood dishes are most raved about here, especially the ceviche trio. The Mexican coffee comes with a fun fire show.

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6. Restaurant Pajaritos • $$-$$$
   
   This hidden gem is a local favorite, best known for its seafood tacos; choose shrimp, octopus, or fish, all of which come wrapped in bacon. Their chile en nogada, though, offers a truly outstanding blend of savory, rich, and sweet flavors with picadillo, poblano, pomegranate seeds, and walnut sauce. Great margaritas are a staple, as are aguas frescas with different flavors every day. The humble restaurant features a small sidewalk bar in front, covered dining inside, and tables on their garden patio in back. Tucked away on a residential street in El Centro, Pajaritos is open seven days a week from 1:00-7:00 pm.

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7. Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana • $$-$$$
   
   An excellent restaurant for fresh, authentic flavors and a warm atmosphere. Fire-roasted salsas and fresh guacamoles are made tableside with a customized level of spice. Their carnitas Michoacán, barbacoa de res, and shrimp molcajete are the stand-out dishes, a change from the usual fish-based menus in Puerto Vallarta (though they do have amazing green ceviche here, too!) Nightly live music usually features a two-piece band or mariachis. The restaurant is across from Guadalupe Church, so expect lots of tourists. In spite of this, recipes remain traditionally Mexican, rather than Americanized versions.

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8. Pancho’s Takos • $
   
   Fantastic, little street restaurant specializing in tacos al pastor: pork cooked over charcoal, sliced to order, served on fresh, soft, piping hot corn tortillas, with roasted pineapple and cilantro. Though al pastor is the star, their queso fundido (with chorizo or mushrooms) and quesadillas are not to be missed. Be sure to top your meal with some of their house-made salsas, ranging from a mild green to spicy red to an atomic orange (mango habanero for a sweet and fiery treat!) This casual hole-in-the-wall offers just a couple of tables inside, with the rest spilling off the sidewalk and into the street. There is usually a wait, but the line moves quickly.

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9. El Brujo Vallarta • $$-$$$
   
   A beloved local restaurant known for its stuffed fish dishes. The Brujo Negro is the recipe that got them started, a fish fillet stuffed with shrimp and huitlacoche with a squid ink sauce on a bed of corn and rice. Their Santa Cruz, stuffed with crab and cheese and served with a crab enchilada, is another local favorite, along with the Pirey, stuffed with shrimp and octopus with a tomatillo sauce. Most of the recipes are prepared mild; do ask for a spicy preparation or request salsa on the side if you prefer more heat. This family-friendly restaurant is great for younger kids; they have a kids menu and a playroom with lots of toys for preschoolers.

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10. River Café • $$-$$$
    
    Upscale restaurant on Cuale Island serving a range of international fare all day. Regional Mexican food feature more prominently at breakfast and lunch, while Italian-inspired options are most popular during dinner service, especially their lamb lasagna. The ambiance is romantic and service is friendly and attentive, perfect for a date night or special occasion. Nightly live music and exceptional cocktails complete the experience. Reservations are recommended, especially for their Sunday brunch or if you prefer seats in the gazebo overlooking the river.

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Read More

• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
• Best Beaches in Mexico
• Best Time to Visit Mexico

Mexico › Puerto Vallarta › Things to Do
Updated: March 7, 2022

See Also

• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

1. Walk the Malecon

   
   Considered the heart of the city, the Malecon is a pedestrian-only esplanade following the shore for about a kilometer from Hotel Rosita in the north to the Los Arcos Amphitheater in the south. By day its most prominent features are its sculptures; “Boy on the Seahorse” being the most iconic. (This one is a replica; the original is further south on Los Muertos Beach). Free walking tours of the sculptures are available Tuesday mornings at 9:30 from November through April. Several shops, galleries, and restaurants line the way. At night, the Malecon lights up with food stalls, buskers, and street performers. Free music and cultural shows are held almost every night at the Los Arcos Amphitheater. Though the official Malecon covers just one kilometer, an extension of the Malecon (the Malecon II), continues along Los Muertos Beach south of the Cuale River through Zona Romantica, with more sculptures, food, nightlife, and the gorgeous Los Muertos Pier lighting the night.

2. Discover Your New Favorite Foods

   
   Puerto Vallarta is a foodie paradise, thanks to top-notch seafood and produce, the rich culinary traditions of Jalisco, and the hundreds of chefs who have made Vallarta their home. With throngs of restaurants and food stalls to choose from, one of the best ways to get to know the real city is on a food tour. Head off the beaten path into the neighborhoods of the Old Town to experience the variety of foods that make this city so beloved among gourmands. Several companies offer food tours; the best option is the Puerto Vallarta Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine (mornings, classic local flavors). The tour lasts around three to three and a half hours with a good deal of walking, so wear comfy shoes and come hungry. Beer is available for purchase at most stops, but if you have a chance, try the raicilla (aka Mexican moonshine) – it never disappoints.

3. Surf Sayulita

   
   One of the top surfing destinations in the world, Sayulita’s main beach offers consistent surf almost all year round. Just an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, this eclectic little village has been a popular destination for surfers since the 1960s. Waves here are steady but not too wild, making this the ideal spot for beginners. There are several shops for lessons and rentals, but the best is Surf’n Sayulita. David, the owner, is a lifelong surfer and experienced instructor for all ages and abilities. Single lessons or full day trips (with or without lessons) are affordable, and available for individuals or groups. Located on Calle Gaviota, just half a block from the beach. Downtown Sayulita is walkable and filled with casual bars, lively cantinas, and fun local crafts, so plan on spending at least a day here to experience it all.

4. Explore Marietas Islands

   
   Sometimes called the Mexican Galapagos, Islas Marietas Islands National Park is a small, uninhabited archipelago recognized by UNESCO as a vital breeding and shelter site for marine birds, most notably the blue footed booby. It’s also home to the most diverse population of reef fish in Banderas Bay and a wide variety of coral. But its main draw is the Hidden Beach, located in a manmade crater, the aftermath of military bombing exercises in the early half of the twentieth century. After becoming a national park in the ‘60s, the Marietas Islands and the Hidden Beach became popular camping spots. However, access to the islands was closed after too many careless tourists damaged the coral and started wildfires. The park has only just been re-opened in Spring 2017, with limited numbers of visitors allowed per day. Guests will need to book a tour to gain access to the Hidden Beach. The closest departure point is from Punta de Mita, though many tours operate from Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. Punta Mita Adventures, Vallarta Adventures, and Sayulita Entourage are the best tour operators in each respective area.

5. Get Up Close to Crocodiles

   
   El Cora is a fantastic eco-sanctuary for crocodiles and other native animals and plants. Guided tours are led by knowledgeable local biologists and are fully interactive. Guests are invited inside enclosures to handle the baby and adult crocodiles, while learning about their biology and habits. Several wild crocodiles live in the surrounding Quelele Lagoon, and the guides are usually able to call them closer for guests to observe (though visitors are not allowed to touch the wild crocs). The park is open for drop in tours from 11a-6p every day except Wednesday for a suggested donation of 200 pesos (about US$11). Night tours are offered on select dates and include a performance of the Huichol crocodile legend. For long term travelers, El Cora welcomes volunteers who want to assist in their conservation efforts. Located just north of Puerto Vallarta in Bucerías, on a long dirt road behind Flamingos Golf.

6. Wander the Old Town

   
   For a true taste of Vallarta’s Old Mexico charm, travelers should spend a day exploring Old Town, just inland from the Malecon. This highly walkable downtown features several attractions within just a few minutes of each other. The most striking feature of the city is Guadalupe Church (Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), a gorgeous colonial brick church with a wrought iron crown. Services are offered three times a day on weekdays and seven times on Sundays, with bilingual masses available at certain hours, for those who want a closer look. Just to the south, travelers will find the Mercado Municipal, the flea market north of the Cuale River, with great local crafts on the main floor and an array of fantastic, cheap restaurants up above. Cross over the wooden swinging bridge to reach Cuale River Island, a tropical island with a secluded feel, offering a small archeology museum, a cultural center with art classes, and several craft vendors and restaurants. Head south across the river into Zona Romantica and duck into the several art galleries on Basilio Badillo and Lázaro Cárdenas streets. Grab a happy hour drink on Olas Atlas Street and watch the sunset from Los Muertos Pier. Walk back north along the Malecon, if you still have energy left.

7. Cuddle a Baby Lion

   
   Vallarta Zoo (Zoológico de Vallarta) is unlike any other zoo, allowing guests to pet and interact with almost all of the animals. For US$10 entry plus $5 optional for a bag of food, the animals walk right up to the front of their enclosures for a handfed treat. The giraffe and hippos are especially popular for feeding. For an extra charge, visitors are allowed into a special enclosure to hold, cuddle, and play with the baby big cats, which can be lions, tigers, panthers, and/or jaguars (depending on availability), plus monkeys and lemurs. This hands-on experience costs US$85 and is inclusive of entry, a food bag, two drinks, and a souvenir from their shop. This is truly a unique experience and worth every penny. However, be advised that the zoo here is not like a typical, pristine Western zoo. Though the animals are well-fed and cared for, their habitats are smaller than guests may be used to seeing. Located south of Puerto Vallarta in Mismaloya.

8. Make Your Own Chocolates

   
   Chocolate is one of Mexico’s greatest gifts to the world, with the first and still highest quality cacao beans cultivated here. ChocoMuseo’s Bean to Bar Workshop takes students through the complete process of chocolate making. Beginning with a brief history lesson in chocolate, the class then provides hands on instruction in roasting and grinding the beans followed by mixing and molding the chocolates. Other classes cover truffles and how to cook a traditional Mexican Mole. Its 3-story location includes a chocolate shop, café, and a factory open for tours of the process.

9. Hike through a Jungle Garden

   
   The Vallarta Botanical Gardens cover 64 acres of the Mismaloya jungle to the south of the city. Unlike a typical manicured garden, the landscape here is largely left wild, with several hiking trails winding their way over steep hills and down to the edge of the Los Horcones River (bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to take a dip). Trails vary from moderate to difficult, and a good pair of shoes is necessary to navigate over the uneven paths. Hike early to avoid the heat, then return to the center of the gardens, a flat area with a huge collection of orchids, the largest in Mexico, as well as an aquatic plants pond and a cactus garden. Birds, butterflies, and iguanas are all found here, plus a fresh Mexican restaurant with good food and even better cocktails.

10. Sunset Cruise in Banderas Bay

    
    Vallarta is known for its colorful orange and purple sunsets and, under the right conditions, the rare “green flash” just as the sun disappears over the horizon. There’s no better spot to see the city’s famous sunsets than from aboard a sailboat, gliding over the calm waters in the Banderas Bay. You’ll have a great vantage point here to see not only an unobstructed view of the horizon, but also dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and in the winter months, maybe a whale or two. Most cruises offer an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and sweets along the way, and last about three hours. The best sunset sailing tours are offered by Ada Sailing, leaving from Marina Vallarta, and Ally Cat Sailing Adventures, leaving from La Cruz Marina near Bucerías.

Read More

• Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
• Best Beaches in Mexico
• Best Time to Visit Mexico

Mexico › Best Playa del Carmen Restaurants
Updated: March 7, 2022

See Also

• Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels for Families in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

The 3 Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

1. Oh Lala! • $$$$
   
   Fine dining restaurant featuring fresh, local ingredients and inspired choices. The menu features a bold blend of international flavors with Thai and Mexican featured most prominently. Meat, seafood, and vegetables are all prepared with great care and artful presentation. With talented chefs, attentive servers, stellar wines, and decadent desserts, this restaurant is always among the best in Playa. Oh Lala! is romantic and tiny with only nine tables total, so reserve in advance.

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2. Las Hijas de la Tostada • $$-$$$
   
   Casual, al fresco restaurant specializing in Mexican seafood dishes. Two pages of their menu are dedicated to tostadas, mostly with seafood, though meat and veggie options are also offered. The Tikal (raw tuna with chipotle) and the Mixta (shrimp, mahi-mahi, and octopus) are outstanding, as are the shrimp burgers, guacamole, and ceviche. The house cocktails are complex and creative, with mezcal, cardamom, or serrano peppers, while their tropical classics are strong and smooth. Great corner location on 5th, perfect for people watching from their sidewalk patio seats.

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3. Ah Carbón! • $
   
   No frills Ah Carbon! stands out for its mouthwatering grilled meats. The al pastor tacos are the best in Playa; try the build-your-own version with a hearty portion of meat buried under a pile of fresh tortillas with cheese, lime, and a selection of four made-from-scratch salsas. Their papa al carbón is also rich and filling: a baked potato with butter and cream, topped with your choice of meat, whether chorizo, carne asada, al pastor, or arrachera. This family-friendly restaurant is casual and fun with indoor and outdoor seating, a low-key vibe, cold beers, and warm service.

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Read More

• Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels for Families in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels in Cancun
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• Puerto Vallarta Family Hotels
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Mexico › Los Cabos › Best Restaurants
Updated: March 7, 2022

See Also

• Cabo – Where To Stay
• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Family Hotels

The 6 Best Restaurants in Los Cabos

1. Los Tamarindos • $$-$$$ • San Jose, Puerto Los Cabos
   
   Casual, Mexican fine dining on a seventeen-acre organic farm. This gorgeous restaurant is hosted in a nineteenth-century farmhouse with vines growing up the brick walls and a rustic palapa roof. Tables are arranged on the wraparound porch overlooking the farm and orchard, which blooms with local produce year-round. Fresh Baja cuisine with a Spanish flair is served in generous portions; succulent meat and hearty vegetarian dishes both feature prominently on the menu. Cooking classes are available twice a week and conclude with a family-style meal. The restaurant is tricky to find, about 2 km inland from the marina and estuary on a dirt road rife with potholes. Free parking. Reservations strongly recommended.

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2. Las Cazuelas del Don • $ • San Jose, Downtown
   
   Low-key restaurant run by a husband and wife team, serving a rotating menu based on the Seven Deadly Sins. Decadent meat and veggie stews are slow-cooked in traditional clay pots, with three or four different dishes to choose from nightly. Order “quezuelada” style to have them topped with bubbling cheese. Each dish is served over the diner’s choice of tacos, tortas, potatoes, or tostadas. Pair with a cold beer or frozen tequila. The restaurant sits on a residential street downtown with ample street parking.

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3. Mi Cocina • $$$$ • San Jose, Downtown
   
   Romantic, fine dining restaurant, offering a unique Euro-Mexican menu. Mi Cocina is tucked back from the road in the tranquil courtyard of boutique hotel Casa Natalia, lit by candles and fairy lights with flowing fountains muting any street noise. Featuring a creative seasonal menu, a stellar wine selection, and perfectly mixed cocktails, this is easily the best restaurant in Downtown. Do not miss their B.O.B. spoon appetizer, featuring tequila-cured salmon and crab! Centrally located on Plaza Mijares; there is a small parking lot in the main square out front, as well as street parking around the corner on Alvaro Obregon.

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4. The Hangman (aka Taqueria El Ahorcado) • $ • San Jose, Downtown
   
   This has long been a favorite restaurant for travelers and locals. The Hangman features flavorful tacos with a variety of fillings, from roasted pork pibil or squash blossom to more traditional flavors, such as huitlacoche or beef tongue in mustard. Its eclectic décor is another stand out feature, incorporating old sewing machine tables, with the foot pedals still attached, along with pots and pans, and of course, a hanged man dangling from a noose at the entrance. This late-night spot opens around seven, and its stellar menu, strong drinks, friendly service, and live music keep this place crackin’ until midnight. Ample, free street parking out front.

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5. Restaurante Los Tres Gallos • $$-$$$ • Cabo San Lucas, Downtown
   
   Hands-down, the best restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. Specializing in authentic Baja cuisine, such as conchinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), along with traditional Mexican favorites, like mole poblano, huitlacoche, and carnitas de Chamorro. Mouthwatering dishes come in shareable sizes, and the bar features a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals. Its atmosphere is casual yet romantic, set in a brick-walled courtyard with fruit trees, string lights, and mariachis. Street parking is easy to find here. Bonus: they’ve just opened a taco bar by the marina.

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6. La Lupita Taco & Mezcal • $$-$$$ • San Jose, Downtown
   
   Stylish cantina with a wide selection of mezcals and wild variety of tacos. Not just any run-of-the-mill taco bar, creative flavors here include duck mole, miso fish, and pibil suckling pig, alongside classic pastor and barbacoa. Their mezcal menu is extensive, with drinks served in jicaras (hollowed gourd halves) with lime and powdered worm on the side. Tasting flights are available, as is the harder to come by raicilla, an agave-based liquor best described as Mexican moonshine. Décor is shabby chic and artistic, with sculptures of the Virgin of Guadalupe (their namesake), sugar skull wall art, weathered wood, and hot magenta. Live music every weekend night. Street parking can be hard to find.

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Read More

• Cabo – Where To Stay
• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Family Hotels

Mexico › Los Cabos › Best Things to Do
Updated: March 6, 2022

See Also

• Cabo – Where To Stay – Best Towns & Areas
• Cabo – Family Hotels

Top 10 Things to Do in Los Cabos

1. Kayak to El Arco

   
   Highly recommended! El Arco (the arch) is Cabo’s most iconic landmark, a striking rock formation rising from the southernmost point of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean becomes the Sea of Cortez. The best way to visit El Arco is by kayak; this is the only way to access the cove and get up close to the arch, as larger boats are unable to maneuver the tight space there. Tours last about 3.5 hours, with the price inclusive of hotel transfer, life vests, snorkel gear, and refreshments and snacks. Kid-friendly for swimmers ages 7 and up. The Cabo Half-Day Luxury Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling is also highly recommended.

2. Snorkel the Sea of Cortez

   
   Called “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is one of the world’s richest marine environments. Thousands of unique species are found here, from sea lions to sea turtles, from colorful reef fish to mobula rays – a type of manta ray that leaps out of the water. The dazzling blue waters in this gulf are gentle for most of the year, though temperatures vary; the warmest months for snorkeling are June through December. Explorers can snorkel on their own, swimming off the coast at Santa Maria, Chileno Bay, or day tripping up to Cabo Pulmo. For guided tours, try Cabo Trek for the best private trip or Esperanza’s Tours for a fantastic, affordable tour for couples or smaller groups.

3. Learn to Cook Baja Style

   
   A hands-on cooking class is an amazing way to connect with Baja culture. Most classes begin with a trip to the local market or farm, where students will learn about indigenous ingredients and how to choose them. Authentic recipes for ceviche, salsas, mole, tamales, and more are taught in restaurants or home kitchens in classes that usually last around four or five hours, including time to eat your creations. Casa de Colores and Cookin’ Cabo offer home-cooking, family-friendly classes in Cabo San Lucas, while Huerta Los Tamarindos is on a charming organic farm, slightly more upscale, and has amazingly delicious food.

4. Explore an Oasis at Sierra de la Laguna

   
   Sierra de la Laguna offers a striking contrast to the deserts of Los Cabos: a lush oasis with waterfalls, cold granite pools, natural waterslides, hot springs, and leafy green trees. To find the best spots in this pristine UNESCO biosphere reserve, travelers will definitely need a guide. Baja Sierra Adventures is the single best tour operator for Sierra de la Laguna. Owner Edgardo Cortes takes guests on multi-sport treks – hiking, biking, and swimming all of the area’s hidden wonders. Day trips, overnights, or multi-day excursions all include intimate dining at working ranches, mingling with the locals, and sometimes tortilla-making lessons over an open fire. Tours are adaptable for each group and can be easy to strenuous, great for families or couples. Available year-round, except for August and September. Travelers will need to rent a car to get to Santiago, the tour’s home base.

5. Amazing Cabo Bar Crawl

   
   Cabo San Lucas is known for its wild nightlife scene, and the best way to learn the hotspots is on a pub crawl. Drink and dash through 4 or 5 bars in about three or four hours, solving puzzles and completing challenges along the way (though every tour can be quite different depending on your guide).

6. San Jose Art Walk

   
   Spend an evening walking through the art galleries in historic downtown San Jose, when the town’s quaint, Spanish colonial streets fill with colorful street performers, food stalls, musicians, and dancers. Superb local artwork here ranges from painting to sculpture to jewelry and beyond, each gallery with its own unique flair. Travelers can sample wine and tequila in the galleries or stop by the local cantinas for tacos, margaritas, and ceviche. The Art Walk is a free, all-ages event that takes place every Thursday evening between 5 and 9 from November through June. The main galleries are located on Obregon, Morelos, Guerrero, and Comonfort streets. Maps are available at any storefront and are helpful for finding the smaller galleries on the side streets. Tours are available but totally unnecessary.

7. Burrito Safari

   
   Enjoy Rancho Carisuva’s sunset or morning hike with a trusty little donkey (burrito) as companion. In this unique hike, guests will explore the Baja desert landscape, learn about local plants and wildlife, and take a break at a seaside clifftop lookout, where your friendly burro will offer beer and snacks. The hike back to the ranch follows a pristine beach. This is part of a rescue program that helps donkeys who have been abused or abandoned by local farmers and miners due to technological advances. The Burrito Safari is family-friendly and can be combined with ATV tours or horseback riding. Tours last about two hours, and rates include beer, water, and snacks, plus round-trip transportation. Guests may choose to provide their own transportation and get 30% off the tour price.

8. Swim with Sharks

   
   Cabo Shark Dive’s exhilarating tour offers a rare chance to safely swim, snorkel, or dive in the open water (no cages) with these apex predators. The Sea of Cortez is home to a variety of sharks that can be seen year-round, but this area is especially great for spotting silkies, blues, makos (the world’s fastest), and hammerheads that begin to gather here every March. Though sharks are the main attraction, guests may also get the opportunity to swim with other marine life, such as dolphins, sea lions, whales, and manta rays. Tours last roughly 5 hours, depending on how fast the sharks find the chum; guests will need to wait patiently. Very occasionally, no sharks will come. It’s rare that this happens, but in this case, guests will be offered a second tour at 50% off. Ages 13 and up only; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

9. Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach

   
   These twin beaches jut out into the Sea of Cortez near El Arco, with Lovers Beach facing the calm gulf side and Divorce Beach facing the choppy Pacific. The water on the Lovers side is popular for snorkeling and swimming; the Divorce side is best for lounging, but the water is too rough to swim. Travelers will need to bring their own towels and umbrellas, but there usually are locals selling beer and refreshments. Lovers and Divorce less crowded than the main Medano Beach, because they are harder to get to. Most people take a water taxi to get there. Be advised that there is no dock on the beach side; the captain will pull up as close to shore as they can, and guests will then need to jump out and negotiate their way to the beach. There are locals who will help people ashore and handle their gear, usually for another 80 pesos ($5 USD). Another option is to hike to the beaches from the Grand Solmar, a moderate hike but not for novices. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to scrabble over the rocks. Stick to the inside, and don’t try to get by on the beach side.

10. San Jose Estuary

    
    A marshy, freshwater lagoon and bird sanctuary, the San Jose Estuary is fed by an underwater river and covers about 2000 acres, including a thin strip of beach. Several hundred local and migrating bird species are found here, including Great Blue Herons, White-faced Ibis, and endangered Belding’s Yellowthroats. A little trail cuts through the area for hiking or biking, while kayaking is popular in the lagoon. Be sure to stop by the Wirikuta Cactus Garden just to the west of the Estuary, which houses about 1800 varieties of cacti as well as a sculpture garden. The Estuary is about 10 minutes’ walk from Downtown San Jose or 15 minutes bicycling from the Hotel Zone.

Read More

• Cabo – Where To Stay
• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Family Hotels

Mexico › Los Cabos › For Families
Updated: March 6, 2022

See Also

• Cabo – Where To Stay
• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Family Hotels

Top 8 Family Activities in Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, Mexico has long been known as a hot getaway for honeymooners, sport fishermen, and spring breakers. The truth of the matter is that this sunny destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula also makes a fantastic getaway for families.

Visitors quickly fall in love with the dramatic natural beauty of white-sand beaches, mysterious desert hills, the mighty Pacific Ocean, and the incredible turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Just a short flight from most US gateways and home to two distinct cities, Los Cabos offers beautiful resorts, world-class activities, and plenty of charm. Cabo San Lucas (often known simply as “Cabo”) is the bustling heart of the action, with magnificent views of the iconic arch at Land’s End, restaurants, shops, and beautifully swimmable Médano Beach. San José del Cabo is the colonial sister city, with quaint boutiques and a historic plaza. Between the two cities lies the sun-swept 20-mile stretch of beaches known as the Tourist Corridor.

From one end of Los Cabos to the other, families will find plenty of fun both on land and sea. Here are some of our top picks for a fantastic family getaway with the kids:

1. Pirate Ship Cruise

The Buccaneer Queen is a magnificent tall ship that has appeared numerous times in film and TV. Boat tours include options for sunset sails, whale watching, swimming, and snorkeling. You’ll admire the postcard-pretty views and kids will love the onboard pirate fight.

2. A day at the Beach

The warm beaches of Los Cabos offer the perfect setting for a sun-drenched day of beachcombing and sandcastles. Because of the strong confluence of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, strong undertows make many beaches unsafe for swimming. However, the gentle waters of Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas are a family favorite and this stretch is fantastic for people-watching. For an added bit of fun, head out on a snorkeling tour to experience the vibrant underwater sea life of what Jacques Cousteau called “the World’s Aquarium.” (The Cabo Half-Day Luxury Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling is excellent.) And, of course, no trip to Cabo San Lucas is complete without a water taxi ride out to scenic Lover’s Beach, located near the famous arch. While the beach offers no services, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours playing in the sunshine. On the Tourist Corridor, Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay are must-sees for their beautifully protected waters.

3. Whale Watching

California gray whales make a remarkable annual migration from Alaska each year to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez to give birth. Whale watching in Los Cabos during the winter months with an experienced guide is a truly unforgettable experience that will move visitors of any age. Whale mothers have been known to bring their young right up to vessels to get a close look at the gawking, awe-struck humans aboard.

4. Work off some steam at the playground

While you won’t find much in the way of children’s play areas in Cabo San Lucas, in the San José del Cabo area there’s a pleasant park (Parque Ballena) with kids’ equipment located between the Mega shopping center and Plaza Garuffi, toward the west end of the hotel zone.

5. Glass Factory

Stop in to see glass-blowing artisans at work in this busy Cabo San Lucas workshop. In operation for over two decades, the glass-blowing factory employs over 30 highly-skilled artists who produce hundreds of pieces every day. Kids will find the process fascinating and there’s an on-site gift shop with unique hand-blown items to browse. While many tour operators offer this as a guided activity, you’re free to show up on your own in your rental or a taxi.

6. Turtle Release

Every year, several species of endangered sea turtles nest in the warm sands of Los Cabos. Conservation efforts focus on ushering the fragile, tiny hatchlings safely into the sea. Baja Outback Adventures offers a certified naturalist-led program in which participants can “adopt” a hatchling and help them make their way into the Sea of Cortez.

7. Horseback Riding

Explore pristine beaches and beautiful desert scenery as you ride with Cuadra professional horseback riders. Towering desert cacti and sparkling ocean vistas will make this a ride to remember.

8.Zip Lines

The zip-line tours offered by Wild Canyon will have you and the kids soaring over desert arroyos as you admire the dramatic Baja scenery and views. Highly trained guides help ensure a fun-filled experience.

Read More

• Cabo – Where To Stay
• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Family Hotels