How to Make the Most of a Shopping Day in Cabo San Lucas
There is no shortage of souvenir shops in Cabo San Lucas. In fact, you can find one on nearly every corner of the marina and its adjoining side streets. However, if you’re looking for a more interesting shopping experience—places where the merchandise is well-priced and worthwhile—make your way to one of two special shopping experiences. Each is completely different from the tourist-centric stores loaded with tchotchkes and bric-a-brac you’ll see downtown and around the marina. After all, how many refrigerator magnets and sleeveless T-shirts do you need?
La Coyota. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Cabo San Lucas unknown to most tourists and visitors, La Coyota occupies a beautiful Colonial-style hacienda off Avenue Leona Vicario that was once the home of Edith Jimenez (as in Edith’s Restaurante and The Office). She later converted her house, which opens into an emporium where every room is organized by theme, and where every conceivable surface and space is ‘shoppable.’ One of the bedrooms is decked out entirely in embroidered linens. The kid’s room is packed with plush toys, dolls, games, and Day of the Dead-themed figurines and curiosities from Oaxaca. The second floor landing is outfitted from floor to ceiling in sacred hearts and religious artifacts. Handcrafted cotton clothing, silver serving pieces and jewelry can be found in other rooms off the upstairs balcony. In La Coyota’s sun-filled courtyard, partially shaded by palm trees, find hand-blown glass ornaments in every size and color imaginable. In addition to a fabulous collection of tequila shot glasses, there are also colorful ceramics, hand-painted talavera pottery, light fixtures, curio boxes, napkins and placemats, and countless other treasures for sale. All items are priced fairly and the knowledgeable staff is very friendly. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Artesano’s. At the opposite end of spectrum from the stylish environs of La Coyota is Artesanos, a massive two-story warehouse on the ocean side of a service road off the highway on the eastern outskirts of Cabo San Lucas. Billed as a “Furniture & Crafts” store, this wholesale establishment, beloved by interior designers seeking an artisanal vibe, has an open courtyard at its entrance filled with metal sculptures and ornaments suitable for outdoor display. Inside, this bargain shopper’s paradise descends to a sprawling main floor chockablock with handicrafts and objets d’art from Mexico. Row upon row of colorful ceramic pottery, mainly from Oaxaca, is the main draw. These items include matched dinner sets that include everything from plates, dishes and bowls to matching vases, creamers, little spice dishes, and salt and pepper shakers. But there’s more, much more. This cavernous outlet (cash only) carries an array of beautiful pewter trays and bowls, hand-blown glassware, decorative items made from onyx, pure beeswax candles, hand-embroidered pillows, tea kettles, coffee mugs, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, ashtrays, bird baths, flower pots, Christmas ornaments and religious figurative pieces. The upper floors are a mash-up of furniture (indoor and outdoor) of all types and varieties, mainly stools, chairs and tables plus handwoven straw baskets, wood carvings and decorative knick-knacks. Every touchable surface has a thin film of dust, but Artesano’s thoughtfully provides hand wipes at the check-out counter. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday.