- BY
- MARIANELLA ORLANDO
- 9/15/2015 AT 8:00AM
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas in the Baja California Peninsula
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
The time has come, fellow Wanderlust-ers. Southwest Airlines will soon begin servicing international flights from Hobby International Airport to several new destinations in Mexico.
You will now be able to travel directly to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, among many others, starting on October 15, just in time for the holidays. To help you begin planning your trip to paradise, we’ve listed a few places where you can stay, eat and explore.
Puerto VallartaWhere to stay: If you don’t plan on venturing out much, the Velas Vallarta Suite Resort is your best option. It’s all-inclusive, sits right on the beach, and has a gorgeous pool. For something more luxurious, stay at the Resorts by Pinnacle, a 5-star hotel with oceanfront views and numerous amenities such as spas, fully equipped gyms and infinity pools.
Where to eat: If you’re going to taste true Mexican cuisine might as well do it big, right? Check out the Vallarta Eats Food Tours and sample chicharrones, carnitas, tacos and mole. And be sure to check out Café de Artistes, which was voted number two on Trip Advisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants in Mexico. The restaurant is a classic, upscale bistro where you can enjoy many French dishes—yes, French.
What to see: Once you’ve had enough eating, make your way to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an iconic monument in the downtown part of the city, and Los Muertos Pier, which has an amazing view of the Bay.
Cabo San LucasWhere to stay: The Resort at Pedegral is paradise within paradise. The hotel offers a relaxing environment with its beachfront location, in-house spa, private plunge pools and rainforest showers. We also recommend the Welk Resorts Sirena Del Mar, a seven-acre resort secluded on the cliffs that offers two infinity-edge pools. Each villa has a view of the hotel’s private beachfront cove.
Where to eat: El Farallon also found its way onto Trip Advisor’s 2014 list of best restaurants. Specializing in fresh seafood, the restaurant offers anything from red snappers to sea bass to yellow tail tuna to parrot fish. On your second night, go to Alcaravea Gourmet for Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Get the catch of the day or a pasta dish.
What to see: When in Cabo, explore nature. There are many fishing, whale watching and scuba diving tours to choose from so you can see the ocean more in-depth. For more extreme sightseeing, go zip lining or take an ATV tour.