Cabo Nightlife

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Nightlife - Beach & Beyond - Taking the Party Outside

El Médano

When you feel yourself suddenly overcome with a desire to kick back with a cold one and soak up some prime Baja rays, you’re probably at El Médano. During the day, Médano Beach teems with fun water activities and many open-air restaurant-bars where you can grab a bite to eat. As the night falls, these bars turn into great casual spots where you can dip your tootsies in the sand and feel the sea breeze on your face, as you relax and enjoy.

One of the newest tenants on El Médano, in front of the Cabo Villas Resort, is Baja Cantina Beach Grill. A sister venue of the much-loved Dockside location, it’s a perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail or a romantic dinner for two. Live music nightly, an open design and understated elegance, make it a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m., but the bartender holds court behind the round, central bar until midnight, turning out perfect apple martinis and the ever-popular Baja Cantina Margaritas.
Just next door, Billygan’s Island is an ultracasual bar packed with bikinis, beer and music. Most of the gang here just walked in off the beach for the all-day 7 a.m.-to-7 p.m. happy hour or to tackle their appetite with Billygan’s scrumptious ceviches, tacos or quesadillas. Mexican, continental, and seafood specialties flow from the kitchen until the 10 p.m. closing. Whether you’re there for the food or the bikinis, arrive early for a full night of fun.

Further north, the somewhat larger, and bucket loads naughtier, Mango Deck, is Cabo’s undeniable spring break haven. It’s a great people-watching spot, but curiously enough, most of the watching takes place within the premises––with non-stop bikini, dance and other fun contests, you will look no further than Mango Deck. Two-for-one drink specials keep thirst at bay, while Mexican and “hangover-healing” specialties are made to satisfy the heartiest appetite. From its 8 a.m. opening until the 11 p.m. closing, the activity at Mango Deck never stops.

If you like to see and be seen, the Passion Nightclub and Lounge is your mecca at El Médano (and possibly in all of Cabo). This chic nightclub, located at the Me by Meliá Cabo (formerly Meliá Cabo San Lucas), is perfectly described as a place to raise eyebrows, blur boundaries, tempt, tease and seduce. Passion is one of the places where VIP treatment is a standard, and fabulous-looking fun seekers fill every inch of the dance floor during the ever-popular theme parties. On a regular night, the club starts happening after 11 p.m., when great mojitos, groovy DJ rhythms and … passion come together for a night to remember.

All that Jazz

If you’re not exactly the wild-party type, but a good tune, an eye-pleasing view and the ocean breeze on your face make you sigh with delight, Cabo has just the right options for you.

In a cozy corner of the Cabo San Lucas Marina, outside Plaza Puerto Paraíso, Amarone Ristorante Italiano satisfies the longing for a piece of New Orleans in the heart of Cabo. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m., jazz rhythms fill the marina-view terrace on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Diego Ramirez, Daline Jones, and other exceptional musicians transform this otherwise tranquil ristorante into the marina’s happening place.

Another inspired way to slip into the Baja nightlife is by mixing some smooth jazz rhythms with a sunset on an all-you-can-drink booze cruise. The Tropicat’s jazz and wine tour leaves the Cabo marina at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. As you sail by El Arco, watching the golden ball drop into the Pacific, fine wines flow generously. Meanwhile, the night falls, and you’re primed to hit the bright lights of the town winking at you from the shore.

Viva Mexico!

Several venues around Los Cabos host a regular Mexican Fiesta night with folkloric dances, music and food under the starry Baja sky. These fiestas provide an opportunity to experience the tradition and culture of México, while enjoying its great outdoors.

One of the most seasoned fiesta spots is Solmar Suites’ La Roca Restaurant. Guests are entertained every Saturday with a journey through Mexican traditions and an 18-dish sensational buffet fired up with tequila shots and margaritas. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m., just as the sky turns to fire over the Pacific, setting a magnificent backdrop for a night of fiesta.

Along the Tourist Corridor, set inside the luxurious Casa Del Mar Resort, the Beach Club Mezquite is home to a Mexican Fiesta every Friday night starting at 6 p.m. As you enjoy the stunning view of the Sea of Cortés, on the palapa-covered patio, the dancers and mariachi will treat you to a night of bright festive fun. The fireworks show is almost as delightful as the traditional buffet, and just as fiery as the tequila shots.

And for a truly Mexican, toes-in-the-sand affair, go to The Office on Médano Beach. The blue umbrellas and colorful tablecloths will draw you in, and the mariachi, singing of love, betrayal, revolutionary heroes and life, won’t let you leave. If you haven’t had a margarita and caught the view from The Office, make sure you head down to El Médano on Thursday night, for this quintessential Baja experience. The fiesta starts at 6:30 p.m.

Whether you’re searching for a laid-back ambiance with a healthy serving of beach-bar craziness, a night of groovy jazz or an all-Mexican fiesta, Los Cabos’ open-air scene has all that and more. And of course, the unparalleled vistas and the soothing sound of the crashing waves are always included.

Article from Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #13 - Summer 2007

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