Los Cabos' Top Ten

Here's a quick checklist of "musts" so you can experience all the seduction, spontaneity and geniality of Los Cabos.

1. Vacation like a celebrity. Indulge in a day's worth of luxurious spa pampering, whip out your huge sunglasses and stroll about as the Hollywood types do. Don't be surprised if you spot a famous actor or singer (or even a paparazzo) "hiding out" beside you, enjoying the warm days and lively nights of Los Cabos. Even decades after the likes of John Wayne headed here for a little R and R, the glitterati still love this spot of sassy sophistication. Regardless of its party reputation, Los Cabos is also very much a place in which to tune out!

2. Find your own beach. Whether seeking a secluded spot for a romantic escapade or a snorkeling piece of shoreline that's also great for kids, Los Cabos and its surroundings offer a bevy of beautiful beaches. Those low-key roads veering off onto sea often hide a bonanza of prime waterfront. Browse through this site's "Beaches" section to find your own piece of paradise.

3. Revel in wildlife. From December to March, Baja California Sur welcomes a flurry of whales seeking warm waters in which to give birth. Visitors may arrange for a tour that takes them just inches away from these gentle mammals (it's best not to touch them, however), or even spot them from beaches or a strategically built bar overlooking the ocean. You may also spot seals sunning themselves on the rocks around El Arco and loudly complaining about the presence of kayakers nearby.

4. Swing out. As one of the world's most famous golf destinations, Los Cabos glitters with amazing greens. Championship courses have been carved out of an arid landscape that often looks out into the blue beyond, and everyone from Tom Fazio to Jack Nicklaus has helped mold and shape what are now some of the area's most enticing attractions.

5. Head East. To the East Cape, that is. This relatively undeveloped area is a favorite spot for fishermen and surfers looking to get away from the crowds. With more rustic surroundings and camping sites than its more sophisticated neighbor, the East Cape is a dream come true for nature types, including divers who want to reach the Cabo Pulmo natural reef system.

6. Go fish. Even if you don't think of yourself as the fishing type, you must try your luck here! Many hotels and outfitters (such as Picante Sportfishing or Josephine Charters) offer fishing packages and assorted options for fun days at sea. If you'd rather run with the big boys, sign up for one of several championship tournaments taking place throughout the year.

7. Indulge your inner artist. You'd be wise to take your camera, pencil or even crayons every time you leave your hotel room, as Los Cabos' natural beauty and man-made élan provide ample options for a lifetime of memories. Whether it's fishermen coming back from a day at sea or the orange traces in the sky as the sun goes down, Baja's beauty is meant to be captured in some way or another.

8. Drive around. Don't neglect Los Cabos' earthly treasures just because there's so much to discover at sea. A drive around Baja is an adventure itself and not as daunting as you may think (we've done it ourselves a few times). Having your own wheels will give you access to miles of regal cacti, a forgotten fish taco stand with ice-cold beer, and other unexpected surprises.

9. Come hungry. Leave your diet at home and get ready to savor some of the best seafood and Mexican delicacies in the entire peninsula. From toe-tingling Pacific tuna to shrimp tacos with a spicy kick, Los Cabos' range of culinary options offer something for everyone.

10. Leave it all behind. You're in Los Cabos. Soak it all in, because this is as good as it gets.

Why is Cabo so much fun? There is so much to do! Click here for a list of dive, watersports, fishing and tour operators. You'll also find links to Cabo's world class golf courses, spas, adventure tours, horseback riding, wedding coordinators and cruises.