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South Baja: Many Faces of Fun in the Pacific Sun!

South Baja, or Baja Sur, is rapidly becoming the most exclusive vacation destination in all of Mexico. The area was once known as a last resort, located at the very southern portion of the Baja Peninsula. Today, however, Baja Sur is home to some of the best golf courses in the world; combined with the sun and fun that comes from some pristine beaches and a reputation for some of the best sports fishing anywhere, Baja Sur is an excellent choice for a much needed getaway.

The two most popular destinations in the region, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, are collectively known simply as "the Cabos." Although the towns share vacationers and activities, the varying ambiance of these sister cities could not be more different. Cabo San Lucas is an extension of Southern California, USA. Luxury accommodations mingle with a myriad of shopping opportunities, all set in a fast-paced atmosphere of fun and spectacle. San Jose del Cabo, by contrast, is more reminiscent of old Mexico. The town's centerpiece is a cathedral, and Mexican traditions are clearly evident. The streets are lined with pastel colored houses that hearken back to provincial Mexico.

The relaxed pace of San Jose del Cabo is ideal for kicking back and enjoying the Pacific sun. The closest beach with excellent swimming is Pueblo la Playa (also called "La Playita"). Nearby, a fleet of small fishing boats (pangas) sit waiting to take anglers for a day of surf fishing. Playa Palmilla, 5 miles west from San Jose, is another great swimming beach, and the interesting rock formations that jut out in the Pacific add to the beautiful scenery.

For some great bird watching, head to Estero San Jose, a nature preserve with at least 270 species of birds. This is a protected park and has a small cultural center showing photographic exhibitions of the ever changing residents.

Visit the areas around Mijares and Zaragoza Boulevards for some excellent shopping opportunities. The town has an eclectic selection of family-owned shops, hip boutiques, art galleries housing wonderful collections by local artists, and upscale salons attracting the ultra-wealthy.

Cabo San Lucas is like the precocious little brother of San Jose del Cabo. Smaller than San Jose, San Lucas is much more excitement oriented. San Lucas first built its reputation as a primo fishing location. No wonder! The waters off the coast are teeming with game fish. Striped marlin run year round. The majestic blue marlin runs from June through mid-November. Others commonly hooked include amberjack, bonito, black sea bass, dorado, yellow fin tuna, and yellowtail. Charters can be rented at any of the hotels, or at the many marinas in the area.

The beaches of Cabo San Lucas are legendary for their beauty and the number of outdoor activities available. Medano Beach has sea kayaks, wave runners, jet skis, paddle boats, wind surf boards, and snorkeling equipment.

The area between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is peppered with hidden beaches, coves, and out of the way nooks and crannies attractive to even the most discerning sun worshiper. Playa Cemetario is a white sand beach and gently slopes into the ocean. Playa Barco Varado curves around a rocky promontory and the remains of a Japanese freighter sunk in the 1960s. Santa Maria Bay is popular with scuba divers for the clear water and because great dive sites are within walking distance from shore.

Golf is quickly becoming the new "fave rave" with vacationers in the Cabos. Courses are springing up as fast as golfers can tee it up. Palmillo Golf Club, the original Cabo course, is a beautiful Jack Nicklaus design that values strategy over length off the tee. Cabo del Sol, another Nicklaus course, is called "The Pebble Beach of Cabo" due to its incredible holes that skirt the ocean. Cabo Real was designed by Robert Trent Jones, and sits high above the Sea of Cortez. The course blends astonishing views with an intricate, shot-making driven, test of golf that can be enjoyed by all skill levels.

A vacation in Baja Sur can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be. A day's itinerary can include swimming, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, parasailing, or just lounging on a gorgeous beach with a good book and some Pacific sun. Visit Cabo San Lucas for a frenetic pace and excitement a plenty. Visit San Jose del Cabo for a taste of Old Mexico and a more sedate pace. However you choose to spend your Baja Sur vacation, just being there is the best decision you could have made!