Guide to Los Cabos

Beaches

You want beaches? Los Cabos has got beaches! Big ones, small ones and everything in between - it's all golden sands and shimmering seas on the shores of Baja California. In fact, there are so many beaches, you could visit a different one every day and still not have finished the list by the end of your holiday. In Cabo San Lucas you can choose between swimming off the shores of Medano Beach or lounging on the sands of Divorce Beach. If it's surfing you're after, the breaks at Costa Azul will definitely push your holiday buttons. And although the waters off San Jose Del Cabo are a bit too rough for swimming, the silvery sands are perfect for volleyball, romantic walks or, simply, soaking up the rays. With over 40 beaches peppering the surrounding coastline you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports and diving or even just finding a secluded spot to get away-from-it-all.

Eating out

'Delicioso' – the Mexican's sum up their food so well don't they? Tacos and nachos. Burritos and fajitas. Chimichangas and enchiladas. The thought alone is enough to make your mouth water. As with the rest of Mexico, the tortilla and the chilli pepper are the staples of the local diet. But because the fishing is so good here, seafood takes the top bill on most restaurant menus. Think swordfish with mesquite, chilli king prawns with salsa verde and caldo de mariscos – seafood soup. And with everything from elegant eateries to sand-side dining, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to location. Got a sweet tooth? Try pan dulce for breakfast. They're sweet pastries, very similar to doughnuts and you can buy them in virtually every bakery. And if Mexican's not your thing, you'll be pleased to see an array of American diners and swanky Mediterranean restaurants. There's something to suit every palate and pocket.

Nightlife

As the sun goes down and the lights come on, Los Cabos shows its true colours. With something for everyone it's a kaleidoscope of evening entertainment - an out-and-out nightlife buffet. Cabo San Lucas, or Cabo for short, is hip, happening and hot to trot. Sammy Hagar of Van Halen fame runs the legendary rock club, Cabo Wabo - come in, rock out and get 'waboed' on Sammy's signature tequila. Drink Skip and Go Naked cocktails at the Giggling Marlin before joining in the Dirty Dancing-esq floor show. Groove to 80's hits at El Squid Roe before braving their Squid Buster, a tequila and jell-O shot. Or head to the Zoo Bar for the freshest dance tunes. Life's one big P-A-R-T-Y in Cabo, but if you want to take the high spirits down a peg or two the Hard Rock Cafe is close at hand. Wind down in Sancho Panza with a selection of smooth Latin grooves and jazz. Or move like the locals and learn to salsa in the Mambo Cafe. At the other end of the scale, San Jose del Cabo has kept itself firmly in the slow lane. More traditionally Mexican, evenings here mean spectacular sunsets, quiet bars and candlelit restaurants.

Shopping

Whether you live to shop or just shop to live, you're bound to find something that takes your fancy in Los Cabos. There's the swish American-style mall in Cabo San Lucas for a start. It's not brimming with big brand names but you will find the likes of Kenneth Cole, Lacoste and Nautica nestled among the Mexican boutiques – and if you want to take a break from all things Mexican you'll find a Subway and a Haagen-Dazs cafe here too. For a more traditional experience, the stores around the marina are calling you. Treat yourself to some Mexican art, shiny silver jewellery or some pottery. But perhaps the best shopping indulgence on offer is the custom-made swimwear. Walk in to Chicas Sin Limites, choose you fabric and design and 24-hours later you'll have a brand new swimsuit created to your exact measurements. Los Cabos is a Mexican shopping Mecca.