Overview

Situated at the tip of Mexico's Baja peninsula, Los Cabos' dramatic landscape, a mix of desert, mountains and sea, has long drawn vacationers, including celebrities and fishermen. Los Cabos ("the capes") consists of three areas: bustling Cabo San Lucas to the south; the quieter, traditional Spanish colonial city of San Jose del Cabo on the Sea of Cortes to the north; plus, the Corridor, a 20-mile stretch of road that connects the two Cabos and is lined with hotels.

John Steinbeck wrote Log From the Sea of Cortez based on his six-week journey to the area. Ernest Hemingway and John Wayne came for the marlin fishing, still a popular lure, and contemporary celebrities from John Travolta and Barbra Streisand to Celine Dion seek pampering at the region's secluded, luxury resorts.

Families find much to do, as well, including sport fishing -- Cabo is called the "marlin capital of the world" -- watching for gray whales from January through March, sea kayaking and exploring the desert. Since Cabo San Lucas is still a magnet for college students on spring break in March and April, avoid visiting during those months.

Written by Candyce H. Stapen