My Do's and Don'ts from Vacationing in Los Cabos/La Paz Baja California Region

I'd like to remember what worked best on this, my third trip to the Los Cabos region of Baja California.  

Do's:

• If you live in Northern California, catch a nonstop flight on Southwest Airlines direct to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)--2 and a half hours and it's 20 degrees warmer and you're surrounded by gorgeous coastline, like everywhere.

• Rent a car and waive every single insurance thing (but then put the card on Amex or some credit card that provides insurance).  We got our Nissan for $54 a week.

• Go to La Paz.  I've been to Cabo San Lucas three times now and La Paz twice (but once was in like 1977 when it was a sleepy fishing village).  Now its a bustling ecotourism destination with a LOT to offer.  For us it offered this this week that I recommend:
• AirBNB beach house with private beach and private pool and private kayaks--stunning!!!
• Las Tres Virgines Restaurant--best meal of the trip.  Every single bite memorable.  Grilled corn, seafood tostada and most of all freshest possible whole grilled red snapper --just the most subtle, moist and flavorable fish of my life.  Whole meal in a fancy high end restaurant for two including drinks $50.
• Anzuel Restaurant -- second best food of the trip and that's saying a lot--best seafood tacos ever and lovely view of marina
• Walk on the Malecon (that's the first thing everyone will tell you)--3 kilometer long stunning boardwalk -- walkable bikeable super skateable (anyone with any interest in skating or skateboarding should totally bring their stuff)
• If in Cabo San Lucas

• Go to the massage tents on Medano Beach.  $40 for full hour high quality massage in a tent with breeze on the beach.  Or go to Hoboken Nail Salon and get a full hour massage for $10 in a cheap back room.
• Get your nails done at Hoboken Nail Salon
• Eat seafood at Las Tres Islas.  OMG.  Delicious.  Beautiful indoor outdoor space just back from main drag.  Affordable
• Eat at Pollo de Oro--delicious
• Go to the free Mt Santos guided hike to the top of the undeveloped hill at the "end of the world" -- get to the gates across from the Naval Station at whatever time is posted on trip advisor.  Usually twice a day.  This is a unique point in the world.  Next land mass south of there is Antarctica
• Pay for a kayak snorkeling trip to the Arch.  Such a great way to see and do that stretch.
• Unless you are an alcoholic in recovery, go on a whale viewing booze cruise.  If its winter you WILL see lots of whales and you do get a LOT of booze for the money. I don't really drink alcohol but I drank copious diet coke and was very happy with the whales!

Don'ts:

• Don't stay at an all inclusive resort.  They all talk about all inclusive this and that.  Don't do it.  We did it last time.  You're then trapped in the resort because you paid for everything and there's lots of other places to go and things to see (and it's so easy to drive down here, not a big deal).
• Don't eat lunch or dinner at a tourist trap on the beach --have a drink, walk around, have breakfast.
• Don't go on a cruise ship.  Big polluters and gross.
• Don't stress if its your first time to Mexico.  Driving is easy.  Everyone who deals with tourists speaks good English.  Customs and immigration is a breeze.