Head for a long weekend on Baja's southern tip

At its busiest, Cabo San Lucas can seem a lot like Las Vegas: alittle too crowded, a little too boisterous. At least, that’s therap the once-sleepy fishing village got in the early 1990s, whenlate-night hangouts like El Squid Roe drew flocks to the tip ofBaja California. Although the nightlife scene is still vibrant, wefound plenty of options for couples and families interested inkicking back at a quiet resort or wandering a bit afield for a moreauthentic Mexican experience. If you haven’t visited in a while,you’ll be surprised by the number of first-rate resorts. In thelast few years, hotel and condo developments have spread themselvesout on bluffs above the Sea of Cortez along the 18 miles of coast― known as the Corridor ― separating Cabo San Lucasfrom the classy shops of San José del Cabo. Another attractionis the booming cultural scene in artsy Todos Santos, an hour’sdrive north of Cabo. In less than a decade, it has gone from beingone of those “hidden gems” to ground zero of bohemian Baja. Balmyspring weather in Baja makes this an excellent time to visit, andconvenient flights make it perfect for an exotic long weekend.― David Lansing To the tip of Baja Be certain to bring yourpassport. If you rent a car (you won’t need one if you stay only inCabo San Lucas), U.S. insurance isn’t valid, and Mexican insurancecan add 20 percent or more to already high rental costs. To calllocal Baja numbers from the United States, first dial 011-52;English is widely spoken. Contact Los Cabos Tourism Board(www.visitcabo.com or 866/567-2226) for complete travelinformation. LODGING The following accommodations are among ourfavorites in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and TodosSantos. El Encanto Inn. This quiet inn in downtown San Josédel Cabo is a short stroll away from the beaches and nightlife.From $69, suites from $79. www.elencantoinn.com or (624) 142-0388.Esperanza. Opened last year, this luxury Auberge resort on theCorridor has two infinity pools that seem to drop off into theocean. Suites from $550. www.esperanzaresort.com or (866) 311-2226.Meliá San Lucas. Fronts lovely―and calm―MedanoBeach and has great views of El Fin de la Tierra (Land’s End), yetit’s just a 10-minute walk from downtown Cabo. From $280.www.solmelia.com or (800) 336-3542. Todos Santos Inn. After addingtwo air-conditioned suites, owners John Stoltzfus and Craig Sinelreopened this historic inn last fall. From $95, suites from $135.(612) 145-0040. THREE-DAY WEEKEND IN BAJA Friday Saturday SundayMAP: MINOT/HERSHMAN STUDIO Home Page | Travel | Garden | Homes |Food | Books Copyright 2003 Sunset Publishing Corporation Try twoissues of Sunset free!

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