Family Fun in Los Cabos

When Linda Lester of Gilroy, California, was looking for a sunny vacation destination where her family could unwind and enjoy great food, she chose Los Cabos, Mexico. While Linda and her husband explored town, or lounged poolside at their private villa and marveled at the spectacular ocean view, her nineteen-year-old son and his friends played golf at one of the world-class courses, or worked on their tans at the beach.

“During the day, everyone found fun things to do. Then we got together for dinner to talk and trade stories,” said Lester. “We especially liked the gourmet meals prepared at our villa that Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations arranged for us. After dinner the boys would check out the nightlife -- their favorite activity! My husband and I, however, were totally content to just put our feet up, and spend a quiet evening listening to music, or watching Mexican TV,” she added.

Families with young children, like the Jones family of San Francisco, also find Cabo a great get-away. “There’s lots to do in Los Cabos. But because we lead hectic lives, we want to do as little as possible in Cabo, and just be together as a family! We bring good books and head to the beach, where our kids are happy as clams. My two-year-old plays in the sand, while my six-year-old snorkels,” said Jane Jones. Some of the Jones’ favorite beaches for safe swimming with children are Chileno and Santa Maria.

Family Style Accommodations

If you’re planning a family vacation in Los Cabos, one of your first decisions is whether to stay in a villa or a resort. "Many of our clients that have children or families traveling together, prefer a villa, which is like a home away from home offering greater privacy, tranquility and spacious accommodations," said Don Hirschaut, President of Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations, the leading vacation agency for Los Cabos. Other families enjoy the festive atmosphere of resorts that have on-going activities for all ages."

Swimming pools are a main attraction at Los Cabos’ resorts and villas, and swimming, splashing, sunning, reading, or sipping poolside, provide hours of fun and relaxation for families.

Many of the major resorts have kids clubs for ages four to twelve. These clubs offer organized day-time activities such as swimming and other sports, games, and arts and crafts. While your kids are safely entertained, you can slip away to one of the dozens of spas for a few hours of pampering, or take a side trip on your own. Some kids clubs offer evening activities as well, allowing you to step out for some adult conversation over dinner or a tour on the dance floor. If you’re staying at a villa, you can also take advantage of kids clubs. Call Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations to make arrangements.

Get Adventurous

After a couple days of kicking back at the pool or beach, you may be ready for an adventure. A ride in a glass-bottom boat to Land’s End might be just the ticket. You’ll be mesmerized by the colorful panorama of sea life below your feet, and entertained by the sea lions basking on the rocky shore.

A snorkeling tour will take you by boat to a cove resplendent with tropical fish. If you're new to snorkeling, you can get the guidance you need to snorkel comfortably and confidently in crystal clear, and protected waters from the captain and crew.

Another option is to take a relaxing cruise on a motor yacht and enjoy the gorgeous Los Cabos sunset, and the evening’s soft breezes.

For a unique experience your kids will talk about for months, consider a cruise on the tall ship “Buccaneer Queen.” At one hundred feet-long and nineteen feet-wide, kids can stretch their legs on the ship’s large, stable decks while listening to yarns of pirate lore from days gone by.

Your family may enjoy a trail ride on well-trained horses that are appropriate for any level of experience. You can choose from a ride on the beach, a trek into the hills to see the Great Thorn Forest, or a desert ride among unusual rock formations and exotic cactus.

For golf buffs -- both older children and adults --don’t miss your opportunity to play on some of the best courses in the world! You’ll find five world-class courses with perfect climate and breathtaking scenery. For those seeking something less challenging, miniature golf is just a half hour away in San Jose.

When the Family is Famished

No matter how you spend your day in Los Cabos, you’re sure to work up an appetite. There is a large variety of conveniently located, family-friendly restaurants to choose from to satisfy the tastes of everyone in your family. Most restaurants have children’s menus and high chairs. The cuisine runs from Mexican to Italian to Japanese.

The “Los Cabos Guide to Good Eating” identifies all the kid-friendly restaurants in Los Cabos. You can order this popular reference book for only $7.95 at www.loscabosrestaurantguide.com. Or ask Earth, Sea & Sky for recommendations or to have a memorable gourmet meal prepared in your villa.

Travel Tips

In Los Cabos, convenience stores are scarce on the way to the beach, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and sand toys. To guard against sun exposure, make sure that your children don’t get too much sun, and encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

If you need medical attention during your trip, there is a new hospital in Cabo San Lucas with competent, English-speaking physicians. However, the hospital is not equipped for severe trauma cases and medical service here is not as sophisticated as in the U.S. or Canada. To be prepared for any emergency, ask your concierge for the name and phone number of an English-speaking doctor and carry it with you.