15 facts about Cabo San Lucas

Today, most people know Cabo San Lucas Mexico as a tropical destination for spring break, honeymoons, and family vacations. However, the information about Cabo San Lucas dates back thousands of years with a rich history of sailors, pirates, and Hollywood stars. Before you head south of the border, read these fascinating facts about Los Cabos, and you’ll discover a deeper appreciation for the land and its people.

Ancient History: Cabo San Lucas beach has been called home for over 10,000 years. Archeological evidence points to human settlements on the tip of the Baja Peninsula thousands of years ago, and some traces of primitive paintings can still be seen today in the canyons surrounding Los Cabos.
Primitive Sailors: The earliest aboriginal group we have evidence of in Cabo is the Pericues tribe. While other American tribes are believed to have migrated from Siberia, the information about Cabo San Lucas we have indicates that the Pericues tribe hopped from island to island and crossed the sea from Asia to Mexico. Where exactly they sailed from is still a mystery.
Treasures and Gems: When you think about Los Cabos, you probably think about precious gems and metals, and that’s exactly what drew early explorers to the areas. Rumors of gold on the Baja Peninsula circulated the globe, and the discovery of an abundance of pearls in the Sea of Cortez drew traders to the shores.
Pirates at Sea: Before the fort in Cabo San Lucas Mexico was built by Spain, pirates sailed the Sea of Cortez hunting for treasures. Their ships could hide among the craggy rock formations until they were ready to attack trading vessels and steal their bounty.
Land’s End: One of the most well-known facts about Los Cabos is that it’s where the land ends. Here, El Arco is the name of the iconic arch where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. One of the most incredible pieces of information about Cabo San Lucas is the legendary beach that rarely appears at Land’s End underneath El Arco. When the tide shifts and the beach appears, you can walk under the iconic arch. The most recent sightings were in 1989 and 2008.
Sandfalls: Diving is one of the most popular Cabo San Lucas activities in part due to the wonders under the sea like the sandfalls. Discovered by the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, the sandfalls are underwater cliffs where sand cascadas down into a 1,200-foot canyon.
The Aquarium of the World: Jacques Cousteau also nicknamed the Sea of Cortez the aquarium of the world. Snorkeling is one of the best Cabo San Lucas activities for this reason. As you swim, you’ll be able to spot tropical fish of all colors, playful dolphins, colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and even whales in their natural habitats.
A Fisherman's Paradise:Cabo San Lucas weather isn’t the only draw for fishermen. The city has been referred to as the Striped Marlin Capital of the World, and one of the many annual fishing tournaments awards three million dollars to whoever captures the biggest tuna.
The Arrival of Tourists: When the Palmilla Hotel opened in 1956, traveling to Los Cabos was challenging without a major airport or highway, but that didn’t spot Rod Rodriguez. The son of a former Mexican president, he helped put Cabo San Lucas Mexico on the map and start the construction of Cabo San Lucas hotels.
Hollywood Haven: One of the other first Cabo San Lucas hotels was the Hotel Cabo San Lucas. In its early years, Hollywood stars like Lucille Ball, John Wayne, Desi Arnez, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby graced the shores of the Cabo San Lucas beach on vacation here.
Hotel California: The most legendary of the Cabo San Lucas hotels is Hotel California in Todos Santos. While the Eagles’ song was written after a Chinese immigrant opened the hotel, many visitors to Hotel California have noted a striking similarity between the song’s lyrics and the hotel.
Medano Beach: Medano Beach is a gently curving beach in the center of the city, and it’s by far the most popular Cabo San Lucas beach. In front of some of Cabo’s luxury resorts and lined with famous bars like Mango Deck, this is where families and friends gather for a day of splashing in the surfing and relaxing in the sand.
American Migration: Many retired Americans have created new homes for themselves in Cabo San Lucas. Today, 70% of the city’s population is American expats, with English commonly spoken in restaurants and tourism businesses.
Cabo San Lucas Weather: Sunny with a high of 75 is an average day in Cabo. The Cabo San Lucas weather heats up in the summer, but the median temperature for the year stays at 75°F, degrees. While the fall months tend to be a little rainy, the total rainfall for the year is typically between 6-8 inches, making Cabo a year-round tropical paradise.
Rock Stars Of Cabo: The Cabo Wabo Cantina in one of the city’s most famous spots for specialty cocktails and live music. Sammy Hagar of the band Van Halen started the bar in 1990, and he still returns every year for his annual Birthday Bash. A night out dancing here or at one of the city’s other lively nightclubs is one of the best Cabo San Lucas activities and a chance to party like, or even with, a rock star.

From famous rock stars to iconic rock formation, these facts about Los Cabos show off the city’s varied history that has drawn people from all walks of life to the sunny shores where the land meets the sea. As you bask in the warm Cabo San Lucas weather, write your own chapter of Los Cabos history.