Fall in Cabo: Top Things to Do This Season

In nature, the barren desert is a vibrant shade of green as a result of the summer rains. With the native vegetation turned from dusty tan to bright green, the destination is transformed. No wonder seasoned ex-pats prefer autumn to all other seasons.

Here are several of the best things to experience in Los Cabos this fall.
Water Sports. Come fall, the Sea of Cortez, is clear, calm, and warm, its salubrious waters a holdover from the hot summer months. Conditions are optimal for all water sports, from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking and paddle boarding. From Chileno Bay to Medano Beach, Cabo is a welcoming playground for all aquatic enthusiasts starting in October.

Fishing. In addition to the big jackpot fishing tournaments like the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament (October 20 – 25), anglers from around the world are drawn to Cabo’s rich coastal waters at the place where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. In addition to marlin, prized species include dorado, tuna, wahoo, and sailfish.

Golf. Fall marks the beginning of the ideal golf season. Temperatures in the high 70s or low 80s guarantee a very pleasant round, morning or afternoon. Quivira Golf Club’s epic Jack Nicklaus Signature course, which tightropes sheer granite cliffs high above the sea and boasts more oceanfront exposure than any other venue in Los Cabos, is in its best shape of the year.

Dia de los Muertos. Originated long ago by pre-Hispanic cultures, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) venerates the departed in a joyful way. For indigenous groups of Mesoamerican people, death was a natural phase in life’s continuum. For them, the dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit. Revelers don makeup and costumes, join parades and dance in the streets on November 1 and 2 to celebrate Día de los Muertos, a holiday that has endured for centuries as a reaffirmation of life.

Art Walk. One of the destination’s most enjoyable and entertaining outdoor events is back on the calendar starting November 6. Each Thursday through June, the streets of San Jose del Cabo’s Art District, closed to vehicular traffic, come alive with color, culture, and people. Situated near the town’s historic church off Plaza Mijares is a diverse array of art galleries, artisan shops, and inviting cantinas and restaurants set along colonial-era cobblestone lanes.

Desert & Nature Tours. Once the air cools, the fall season becomes a fantastic time for ATV rides through Cabo’s desert landscapes and camel rides along the beach. In addition, hiking the network of trails at the tip of the Baja Peninsula brings a genuine appreciation for the unique Land’s End environment. Watch for multi-armed, centuries-old cardon cactus, the largest species of cacti on earth; and impressive rock formations extruded eons ago by volcanic eruptions.

Saint Luke’s Day. Each year on October 18, Cabo San Lucas pays homage to its patron saint, St. Luke. Throughout the city, the streets are given over to an all-day celebration featuring mariachi bands, spirited dancing, and regional cuisine. Musical groups perform in Plaza Cota Collins downtown. For children, there are rides, amusements and sweets. St. Luke is not only the patron saint of Cabo San Lucas, he’s the patron saint of artists, physicians, physicians—and brewers. Beer is the refreshment of choice on this feast day.

Seasonal Dishes. Foodies, take note. The harvest season brings fall-inspired dishes such as pulpo al pastor (marinated octopus), sopa de calabaza (pumpkin soup), and traditional stuffed poblano peppers known as chile en nogada. Meals are best enjoyed al fresco with a refreshing margarita or a glass of wine produced in Baja California’s Guadalupe Valley.