Nestled at the southernmost tip of Baja California del Sur is Mexico’s notorious party paradise, Cabo San Lucas. I’ve been traveling to Mexico at least once every year or two since as far back I can remember, and many of my favorite memories as a kid were spent traveling the western shores of Baja California. Since the Mexican Riviera is an easy 2 hour flight away from my hometown of California, we explored everything that Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Acapulco, East Cape, and Cabo San Lucas had to offer… often traveling with other families and friends and doing everything from deep sea fishing to snorkeling to sailing to sunning to shopping the Mexican markets. I’m pretty sure I learned how to barter in Spanish before I even learned how to read in English… haggling with Mexican shopkeepers in broken six-year-old-kid Spanglish over the price of everything from fireworks and poppers (that we would light up on the beach at night), to a woven bracelet with my name on it (that I’d unabashedly show off to all my friends at recess while they complained about their family’s fifth spring break road trip to the Grand Canyon). I’m so grateful that my parents not only showed us the beauty of Mexico from such a young age, but that they taught us Spanish the way I think everybody should learn any language, by speaking it with the locals, everywhere we went. I am pretty proud that I still speak Spanish like a Mexican local, and even more proud that I can still haggle with the best of them. $20 for a cab downtown? Ay ay ay. Try $5, senor. Not the blonde gringo you thought I was, amigo.

Anyways, these days I’m more likely going to Cabo on a bachelorette party, or with a group of friends, and I still consider it one of my favorite places to travel. Cabo has something for everyone and a fun-loving culture all it’s own, which is why it continues to reign as a global hot spot, year after year!

My new favorite restaurant view in the world @ Sunset Da Mona Lisa

The Best Places to Eat in Cabo San Lucas

The food in Cabo is outstanding. And this is coming from the girl who pretty much has guacamole for every meal in America. When I got to Cabo, you know all hell broke loose. I think I tried every chips & guac & marg the town had to offer, and I was not disappointed. Here were some of my favorite places:

Sunset da Mona Lisa – I cannot say enough incredible things about this restaurant, as it was easily the most picturesque (and delicious) meal I’ve ever eaten in my life. It’s ranked as one of the top 5 coolest restaurants in the world by the NYTimes, and there’s no question why. With breathtaking views spanning the entire coast of Cabo, there is literally nowhere I would rather be. The service, food, atmosphere and overall experience were all top notch and we had the most memorable night here. Of course had to bring my favorite Napa Valley merlot (pictured to the right).

Acre Baja – Cabo’s newest and trendiest boutique hotel and farm-to-table restaurant. Definitely worth going to for a dinner in Cabo. The cocktails are AMAZING, and the vibe is super hip and modern-chic. 

Hacienda Cocina y Cantina – Nestled right above Medano beach, I loved this place for dinner. Great resort-ey ambiance and great Mexican food! Get the carnitas and a spot outside where you can watch the sunset.

Mi Casa – Is this place is touristy? Yes. But is it also exactly what you want when you think of a dinner in Mexico? Absolutely. Mi Casa is a beautiful hacienda-like candlelit patio restaurant with colorful mexican decor everywhere you look. Enjoy the DELICIOUS queso (the best I’ve ever had), and take in the awesome atmosphere, complete with balloon hats and lots of fun mariachi music, of course.

Flora Farms – it’s not easy getting out to Flora Farms, a 17-acre farm tucked into the mountains of San Jose del Cabo, but the bumpy ride is worth it once you arrive to the stunning farm-to-table restaurant (Flora’s Field Kitchen) set on a farm and a luxe private cottage community equipped with a spa, and yoga studio. The diverse daily menu uses ingredients literally grown on the farm next to your table, and features everything from colorful salads and woodfired pizzas to roasted meats raised ethically on their 150-acre ranch. Bite into foodie heaven as you sip on their vibrant cocktails (think Carrot Margaritas, Lavender Maritnis, and Grilled Citrus Sangria). 

Los Tres Gallos – For a charming and delicious Mexican restaurant downtown, look no further than Los Tres Gallos – a romantic courtyard restaurant shaded by gorgeous willowing tangerine, mango, and other fruit trees. The food is delicious, the courtyard is beautiful, and the service, like the food and atmosphere, is fabulous. Best of all, Tres Gallos is pretty affordable, with pretty much everything on the menu priced at under $25.

The Office – this bar and grill, located in the sand of Medano Beach, is a rite of passage for cabo tourists. Decked out in beach umbrellas, tiki torches and colorful tablecloths, this is the spot during the day. The food is good and the margs are even better.

El Squid Roe – this outrageously iconic Cabo night club and restaurant is a one-of-a-kind. With four stories of open air dance floor, countless throngs of partygoers and waiters armed with jello shots, Squid Roe is loud, wild, and full of energy. I had so much fun dancing the night away here.

Mango Deck – If you’re heading to Cabo for a bachelor or bachelorette party weekend, this is going to be your go-to spot. With a prime view of Land’s End, live music and entertainment, and non-stop margaritas, Mango Deck is party central.  During the high season, this makes Mango Deck Spring Break Cabo home base, but it’s a great place to grab a drink and laugh at some ridiculous drunken contests any time of year.

OMNIA Cabo – This beachfront day club features luxurious private cabanas and plunge pools, plus two-story VIP bungalows. The dance scene at OMNIA warms up as the afternoon goes on, and gets rowdy when the latest celebrity DJ takes the stage.

spanish phrases for gringos 101

Mango Deck @ Medano Beach

“Soy Christina, soy de los Estados Unidos” – I’m Christina, I’m from the USA
“Me gustaría la guacamole” – I would like the guacamole
“Me encanta la playa!” – I love the beach!
“¿Cuanto Cuesta?” – How much is it?
“Adiós, amigos!” – Bye, friends!
“Hasta la vista, baby” – See you later! *See Arnold Schwarzenegger for pronunciation*
and the most important one of all….
“Mas cerveza, por favor” – Another beer, please.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer oasis, there’s absolutely no place like Cabo for a little R&R on the beach with a margarita in hand. Ah, la vida es gran.
xoxo,
Christina