By Isabel Prontes
Cabo San Lucas is located in
Mexico's Baja California peninsula, and is one of the nation's most popular tourist destinations. People from the
United States and all around the world visit Cabo San Lucas because of its many exquisite
beaches, spas, water activities and other tourist attractions. If you are planning on visiting Cabo San Lucas with your family, there are also a lot of fun family-oriented activities available in the town as well.
San Jose Estuary
The San Jose Estuary (Estero San Jose) is in central San Jose del Cabo. This is a great locale for bird watching, which the entire family should enjoy. Other fun activities to partake in at this estuary include kayaking and hiking along the natural scenery. Estero San Jose is where the sea's salt waters touch Rio San Jose's fresh waters. It is one of southern Baja's most reliable sources of water. There are a lot of unusual bird species around here, including turkey vultures, cormorants, caracaras, herons, frigate birds, osprey, egrets and many others. [Paseo San Jose San Jose Del Cabo 23400 Mexico - Tel: 011 (+52) 81 1426 9628]
Playa Barco Varado
Playa Barco Varado is known as "Shipwreck beach." It was named after the Inari Maru wreck, which occurred in the 1960s when a tuna boat from Japan sunk offshore. The wreck is all gone now, but the beach is still a lovely place for swimming and exploring tidal pools. Parents should probably avoid allowing very small children to go in the tidal pools, however. This beach has a serene atmosphere which is ideal for families relaxing on vacation. [Off of the main Highway Km 12 Cabo San Lucas 23410 Mexico - Tel: 011 (+52) 624 143 4777]
Cabo Pulmo Marine Park
Cabo Pulmo Marine Park has been a National Marine Preserve since 1933. Its main purpose is to protect and defend the ecosystem underwater. This is a great tourist attraction for families because it has clear water and coral reefs that provide great views for scuba divers and snorkelers. This park is also ideal for kayaking. There are several water sports guided tours and lessons available at the park. Be sure to try to see if you can catch a glimpse of the sea lion colony in the area. [Highway 1 Km 31 National Park San Jose del Cabo 23400 Mexico - Tel: 011 (+52) 624 141 0001]
Town Square
The Cabo San Lucas Town Square is a wonderful places for families to experience a slice of authentic Mexican culture. The square is two blocks north of the city's downtown district. The park consists of a beautiful gazebo and has several benches and trees. This bustling, vibrant square is a good place to have a relaxing picnic with the family. The square also has various tourist attractions, like the mission church from 1746, Iglesias de San Lucas and the Museum de Californias (a museum that details the history of Baja, California). [Avenue Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas 23410 Mexico - Tel: 011 (+52) 624 143 4777]
Pasado Marina de Museo
Pasado Marina de Museo is a fishing museum that details the Baja peninsula's busy fishing past. The ceilings are adorned with taxidermy (sharks and tuna will be hanging above you) and there are many types of local fish species on display at this museum, including wahoo, dorado and marlin. Entry into the Pasado Marina de Museo is free of charge. It is a fun way for families to learn about the area's diverse fish and fishing history. [Lazaro Cardenas Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, 23410 Mexico - Tel: 011 (+52) 114 3 1770]
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
