Shopper's Paradise

Cabo offers a wealth of great finds

By Sarah Muñoz

After a stay in Los Cabos, it’s practically impossible to go back home without a little extra weight in your suitcase. The sport of shopping is one of this area’s most popular pastimes, and for good reason. The duty-free emporiums, uncommon art galleries, designer outlets and upscale boutiques found in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and The Corridor between them reveal amazing finds for every budget and predilection, as well as all possible day-to-day conveniences.

Los Cabos is increasingly making its mark among sophisticated shoppers, with a wealth of top-tier items and exotic choices. Among the options are fine jewelry from Mexico and abroad in both gold and silver — look for the .0925 or .0950 and “Mex” or “Mexico” stamp on the back of the latter — in intricate styles that are often one of a kind. Home décor items are also popular. You will want to keep an eye out for leather handbags, fragrances and other high-end pieces that will often be less expensive than in the U.S. Above all, make sure you explore the many options available throughout, including the strip malls and boutiques along The Corridor, as there’s always a great find in store. If you haven’t rented a car, you can still easily explore the many retail opportunities available by joining a shopping tour that will take you to some of Los Cabos’ most popular spots, including The Shoppes at Palmilla.

Shopping in San Jose del Cabo
Shopping in The Corridor
Shopping in Cabo San Lucas

Great Finds in Cabo San Lucas

An easy walk around Cabo San Lucas will reveal all types of retail options, including world-famous clothing brands, all types of perfume and cosmetics — often available at a better price than in the U.S. — and inexpensive souvenirs, whether in shops or outdoor markets. For a useful reminder of your time in Los Cabos, you might want to browse through Vida y Olas’ extensive collection of T-shirts.

There is a big chance you will run into Puerto Paraíso as you get to know Cabo San Lucas. This shopping and dining emporium sits right by the Cabo Marina and is über-convenient for visitors and locals alike. You’ll find all the accoutrements for a day at the beach (bikini, swim trunks, sunglasses, flip-flops, sun hats) and a stylish evening (couture apparel, well-cut suits, stylish shoes), plus jewelry of all types, gifts for everyone in the family, art for your walls and lots more. 

Among the standouts at Puerto Paraíso is Adolfo Domínguez, which sells beautiful fashions by the renowned Spanish designer. Chic and cosmopolitan, the styles here are timeless and translate well in any city — in fact, you’ll find Adolfo Domínguez stores around the world, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow snatching up the latest off-the-runway choices. You’ll also want to stop by the Adolfo Domínguez Outlet for a chance to pay a fraction of the price for sharp pieces for men and women. Other must-stops in Puerto Paraíso include Blu Lagoon, for the latest in trendy swimwear, and Allegra, a boutique specializing in cocktail dresses and fancy evening gowns for your see-and-be-seen moments in Los Cabos. 

Diamonds International, located both in Puerto Paraíso and at the Marina Boulevard, is the largest jewelry retailer in Mexico and the Caribbean; it has over 140 stores in 25 different locations and is also the number one recommended jewelry by cruise lines in North America. As a De Beers site holder, Diamonds International offers higher value for your money on high-end luxury jewelry and exquisite timepieces. In Cabo San Lucas alone, it offers more than 37 international brands, such as Harry Winston, Piaget, Corum, John Hardy, Raymond Weil and many others. In addition, the company has a lifetime upgrade policy for its clients, valid in any one of the Diamonds International branches in Mexico, the Caribbean and Alaska, as well as U.S.-based customer service.

At the Marina Golden Zone, also by the Cabo Marina, there are quite a few establishments worth your time. One of these is the Tequila Museum, which is easily spotted due to the sculptural characters sitting on benches right outside (a popular spot in which to take a fun picture). This museum/store has a variety of tequila-related exhibits, including photos of ancient tequila factories, as well as different brands available for sale. Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, you can stop by for a tasting.

The Marina Golden Zone is also home to Mi Mexico Jewelry, which features handmade jewelry such as delicate rings and necklaces adorned with semiprecious stones, including the gorgeous Mexican opal. Here you’ll also discover unique pottery and glass pieces in a variety of designs.

The much-loved, warehouse-style Costco has a presence just outside of Cabo San Lucas. Who doesn’t love Costco? Stock up on water for your days on the beach, baked goods and snacks for when the munchies strike, towels for the beach or your choice of libation. If you’ve left your reading glasses at home, stop by the optical center or fill a last-minute prescription at the pharmacy.

Do You Know the Way to San José?

Its reputation as an arts hub is not undeserved — San José is home to dozens of art galleries and studios displaying diverse media and genres from local, national and international artists. In these galleries and in many other shops throughout town, you’ll find one-of-a-kind works on canvas, eclectic sculptures in bronze and metal, hand-carved religious artifacts, fine jewelry and Mexican-themed souvenirs, including fun Day of the Dead skeleton figurines. Another plus to a day of shopping here is that, like Cabo San Lucas, it’s easy to navigate and easily explored on foot.

You’ll also discover that Los Cabos is not without its share of choices for clothes hounds. If you haven’t heard of Pineda Covalín, you’ll soon fall in love with its offerings. This is one of the country’s most famous brands, known for fine handbags, apparel, jewelry and accessories that celebrate the cultures and colors of Mexico. Pineda Covalín offers original, unique designs that highlight historical themes in silk scarves, ties, blouses, shoes and other pieces. They are joyful and vibrant, but also delicate and well made — wearable art of sorts that make a great addition to any closet. You’ll find a store on Mijares Street in San José and another in Cabo San Lucas’ Puerto Paraíso.

Stop by Casa Paulina at Plaza Paulina on Morelos Street for the latest in home furnishings and accessories, plus expert guidance on everything related to interior design and maximizing space fashionably from interior designer Paulina Gutiérrez. Known for her vast network of suppliers and her long-distance consultations with fans and clients, Gutiérrez follows a chic aesthetic easily discernible in her furniture boutique. She can help handpick the perfect textile for a dream chair or the ideal lamps for a revamped home. Afterwards, you’ll want to swing by the adjacent Arte Julián García or other galleries to find the right art piece.

Speaking of art, you will want to stop by the Sol Dorado gallery to admire — and possibly snatch up — the colorful hand-beaded art pieces from the Huichol Indians, whimsical Rodo Padilla ceramics and the beautiful authentic Talavera tableware. If you love beautiful things, it is virtually impossible to leave this place empty-handed! 

And In Between: The Corridor

The highway that connects San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas has developed into an exclusive shopping destination, with options for all tastes sprouting between some of the region’s most luxurious resorts. You will want to make a point of visiting quite a few of these shopping centers and stores and retail hubs on your way from one town to the other, as they hold some of Los Cabos’ most indulgent buys.

A favorite among visitors is The Shoppes at Palmilla, home to great dining options and divine boutiques, specializing in fine art, fashion, jewelry and home décor. Designed in a Spanish colonial theme, The Shoppes provide plenty of sophisticated ambience. One of the stores here, Casa Vieja, specializes in fashion from talented Mexican and Latin American designers, including the very cool Pepa Bombo and Vicky Bátiz, who create exciting knits from cactus fiber. You’ll also find some silver jewelry to accentuate your outfit. If you’re staying in the Palmilla area, The Shoppes offer complimentary transportation from and to your villa or hotel.

Not too far off is Plaza El Faro Design Center, a one-stop shop for all matter of home design and décor. You’ll discover the perfect door, kitchen cabinets, sofas and more. If you want to get ideas, order high-end home accessories and furnishings or even speak to an expert, this is the place for you.

Click here to browse the shops in Cabo and other areas of Baja, Mexico.