The Corridor: San José to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

1. Take a Baja cooking class: Learn to make tortillas, mole, or fresh ceviche with a local chef using regional ingredients. I first learned at La Ventana, barefoot by the sea, slicing fish and squeezing limes—it’s a recipe I still make, and a moment I’ll never forget.

2. Golf cliffside fairways: This is my husband’s favorite part of Cabo—early mornings on lush greens overlooking the sea. Courses like Palmilla and Chileno Bay offer championship-level play with panoramic views that make every hole memorable. Even if you’re just riding along, the serenity and scenery make it a stunning start to the day.

3. Wander the Estuary Nature Reserve: Just beyond the Hotel Zone, this quiet wetland sanctuary is a haven for herons, egrets, and the occasional turtle. Shaded walking trails wind through palms and reeds, offering a peaceful break.

4. Thursday evening Art Walk: Every Thursday from November to June, San José’s historic center transforms. Galleries stay open late, musicians fill the plaza, and local artists spill into the streets. I never miss it when I’m in town—it’s my favorite way to connect with the creative soul of Baja.

5. Craft in the jewelry district: At Manuel Sánchez Jewelry, three generations of silversmithing come to life in every handcrafted piece. Just down the street, Carlos de la Cruz carries on the gemstone traditions he learned from his grandfather. These studios blend heritage and artistry, turning precious metals into personal stories you can wear.

Sunset Monalisa: My favorite restaurant in Cabo

There’s something magical about Sunset Monalisa—no matter how many times I return, it still takes my breath away. As the sun melts into the sea behind Land’s End, the tiered terrace glows with golden light and ocean breeze. The food is just as unforgettable: delicate crudo, handmade pasta, and seafood grilled to perfection, all crafted with Baja’s freshest flavors. It’s no surprise The New York Times once called it “one of the five coolest restaurants in the world”—to me, it’s the one I always come back to.

Flora Farms & ACRE

Roughly 30 minutes from the Corridor, Flora Farms and ACRE sit side by side in the foothills near San José del Cabo—two standout destinations. Your driver will wait while you enjoy a leisurely afternoon or an unforgettable evening. Flora Farms feels like the Earth’s soul. It is grounded in tradition, with open-air dining set among heirloom gardens and citrus groves. Seasonal menus spotlight what’s grown and raised on-site: wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, garden-fresh salads, and house-infused cocktails. A short walk away, ACRE offers a modern contrast—lush palms, bold global dishes, and a design-forward atmosphere with cocktail flair and treehouse suites.

Nick‑San Palmilla

This establishment has been delighting diners since 2005, making it a staple of the Corridor for nearly two decades. Led by Chef Ángel Carbajal and inspired by his partnership with Japanese mentor Masayuki Niikura, this restaurant masterfully blends Japanese precision with bold Baja ingredients.

Mezcalería CÓDIGO 1530: My favorite agave bar in San José

If you can’t get to Oaxaca, this is the next best thing—and one of my favorite spots in San José. Above La Lupita, this bar treats mezcal with real reverence. I love sipping Código 1530 Ancestral here—soft smoke, wild agave, and a velvet finish. Made using ancient methods like clay pot distillation and hand-milled agave, ancestral mezcal captures the purest expression of the craft.