Say “Cabo” and what comes to most peoples' minds is spring break-style partying and big name celebrities making the scene at the latest hotspot. And that vision of Los Cabos is certainly not inaccurate. Cabo and partying go together like lime and salt; the town can rank right up there with Vegas, Bourbon Street and Key West in hard-rocking nightlife. But, you want to know a secret? There are more sides to Los Cabos than the popular lore and gossip magazines would lead you to believe.

First off, let's get “Los Cabos” straight. Los Cabos is the name for the municipality extending along the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and encompassing Cabo San Lucas at one extreme and San José del Cabo at the other. Between the two cities lies the 30-kilometer Tourist Corridor, a sun swept stretch of beaches, resorts and golf courses. From one end to the other, you'll find that Los Cabos offers an interesting diversity of activities and amenities.

The term “Cabo” is often applied as an affectionate shorthand for the famous (some say infamous) city of Cabo San Lucas. The city boasts a storied past replete with pirates, Spanish galleons and the sport fishing of legends. With a pedigree like that, it's no surprise that Cabo's still known for action and adventure.

In Cabo, you'll find legendary watering holes and swank cocktail lounges all vying for the attention of vacationing revelers. This is where you can sip Cabo Wabo in its birthplace and where you'll find the Giggling Marlin, the bar that made the upside-down tequila shot famous. And of course, there's El Squid Roe – the multi-level Cabo icon where the dancing never stops.

Look beyond your shot glass, and you'll see Cabo San Lucas offers a bit for everybody. Médano Beach is the heart of the waterfront with a host of beach activities – jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing to name just a few. The beach scene is lively, the water perfect for swimming and you've got a great view of Land's End, sparkling yachts and beautiful people. Cabo's marina is world-class and a great place to enjoy fine restaurants or board a fishing charter or whale watching adventure. The side streets of downtown are full of shopping treasures –designer clothing, local arts, jewelry and unique souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy one of Cabo's acclaimed restaurants featuring delicious Baja-style Mexican or international cuisines.

Head out of Cabo San Lucas to the northwest along Highway 1 and you're on the Tourist Corridor, one of the world's finest beachfront resort areas. Posh resorts command million-dollar views of the spectacular beaches lining this stretch of coastline. Renowned championship golf courses are nestled between the cactus-studded desert hills and the unbelievable blue of the Sea of Cortez. The beaches here are quieter and the amenities first-class. Along the coast, you'll discover pristine snorkeling spots, like Santa Maria and Chileno Bay. Hotel properties cater to the most discriminating travelers with incomparable luxury, celebrity-chef restaurants and glamorous beach clubs.

San José del Cabo is the romantic colonial sister city to Cabo San Lucas. Here you'll encounter the authentic flavor of Baja. In the 1500's, pirates and Spanish galleons sailing to Manila frequented the area. The valiant local Pericú tribe occupied the area for thousands of years and retained control of the region until 1730 when the Spanish established a mission. Today, San José del Cabo retains much of its colonial mystique. Beautiful historic architecture and the traditional Plaza Mijares provide an enchanting backdrop for leisurely exploration. Fine art galleries and specialty boutiques line the narrow cobblestone streets. Artistic courtyard restaurants and chic cocktail lounges offer sophisticated pleasures. The estuary of San Jose provides an excellent bird-watching spot and delightful beaches invite a romp in the beautiful waters. Along the beachfront, gracious hotels have recognized the unique romance of San José and offer elegant environments for those Los Cabos travelers looking for a slightly different flavor than that of Cabo San Lucas.

From one side of Los Cabos to the other, visitors can enjoy the entire spectrum of the Baja experience – beautiful scenery, historical charm, luxurious villa rentals and beachfront resorts and, yes, even a tequila shot or two.

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