The Secrets of Summer

Cool ideas to beat the heat
By Sandra A. Berry

The heat and humidity of June, July, and August make summer Los Cabos’ slow season, but this is also a great time to explore the region and its lesser-known activities. Whether you’re a tourist or full-time resident, now’s the time to turn off that computer and let a new adventure begin.

Cabo San Lucas

Start your day—before the heat sets in—with a latte next to the Amelia Wilkes Plaza. Sit under the gazebo and enjoy the fresh morning air. Then step across the street to the Iglesia de San Lucas, a charming Catholic Church that offers solace and respite from the heat, to check out local architecture and culture. Built in the 1700s by a Spanish missionary, this is the oldest building in Cabo San Lucas. Next take a tour of the Museo de Historia Natural (natural history museum), which is located next to a whale skeleton. Even for non-Spanish-speaking visitors, the museum provides an entirely different understanding from the high-energy Cabo of today by showcasing a rich history of more than 10,000 years.

Another fun way to see the town is to go on a scavenger hunt. In Cabo San Lucas, Wicked Pizza offers a Wild, Wild Goose Chase (www.wickedcabo.com/activities) with a photo challenge of must-see landmarks and some hidden gems. Interact with locals, businesses, and fellow tourists. There is also Cabo Crawl (www.caboccrawl.com) to learn where the watering holes are.

An afternoon stroll through air-conditioned Puerto Paraíso shopping center might be just the ticket to get out of the heat. Shopping is always a good choice to while away a hot summer afternoon. Take in a movie in the VIP salon at Cinemex with reclining lounge chairs. Many American films are shown with Spanish subtitles.

Come evening time, walk along the Golden Zone (www.goldenzonecabo.com) area of the Cabo San Lucas Marina for some restaurant hopping, stopping at the Oyster Bar for oysters on the half shell, then for an entrée at Los Deseos for Mexican food or Jack’s Bar & Grill for steak.

Every Saturday through July 1, from 5 p.m.–10 p.m., stroll along Cabo San Lucas Marina behind Tesoro Hotel for Circuito Cultural (cultural circuit) to enjoy local art, sculpture, photography, music and dance.

Perhaps an evening can be spent on the beach stargazing. Make it a game to see who can name the stars and planets. Download a free evening sky map from www.skymaps.com. Sur Beach House by Bar Esquina (www.bahiacabo.com) is a great place for evening stand-up paddling, and afterwards a beach bon fire. Another adventure not to be missed, the Wirikuta native show by Wild Canyon (www.wildcanyon.com.mx) every Wednesday, 7 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

Take part in México’s distinctive world of libation dating back to the Mayans with a tequila tasting at Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar (www.panchos.com). Boasting the largest collection of premium brands of tequila from mainland México, some of which are not sold but rather part of their museum collection, Pancho’s tastings involve lively discussions about mythology, history, and customs, plus you receive a certificate as a tequila connoisseur. Take a cooking class. María Corona (www.mariacoronarestaurant.com) offers classes in Mexican dishes, while Rukhsana Khan (www.retreat cabo.com) teaches secrets to Indian cuisine. If on an extended vacation, take a Spanish class; make it a point to speak it every chance you get. The locals appreciate your effort.

San José del Cabo

An early morning barefoot walk along any beach breathing in salty fresh air can revitalize the mind, body, and spirit. Search for seashells and glue them to a round Styrofoam ball, a creative gift of the sea. Go fly a kite on the beach and let your inner self soar with it. Visit the San José del Cabo estuary and bird sanctuary to become one with nature.

You can combine nature and fitness with a 3.5-mile bicycle ride starting at Wirikuta Cactus Botanical Garden, which houses 1,500 species of cactus and succulents set in a geometric pattern around three pyramids built from gigantic boulders inspired by Huichol culture. Your bike path will take you through the sculpture garden, a grassy park surrounded by palm trees where you will witness works of some of México’s most respected living artists.

Outside of Los Cabos

Go touring and check out waterfalls at Santiago as well as the Wild Wet Fun (www.wildwetfun.com). Drive to Todos Santos and spend the day sightseeing.

If beach camping overnight is your thing, when driving toward Todos Santos, pull off the road at Cerritos Beach Inn, continue toward the beach where several areas await that allow overnight beach camping at no charge with small markets for ice and groceries. Locals swear it is 10 degrees cooler there in summer.