Top Holiday Shopping Spots in Los Cabos

With colorful twinkling lights illuminating every resort, residential community and shop from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo, Santa and his reindeer will have no trouble finding the Baja Peninsula.

Even if you’ve waited until the 11th hour, Cabo has several last-minute shopping spots where you’re certain to find something special for that special someone, from colorful ceramics to exquisite jewelry.

Marina Mercado

Searching for a taste of authentic Mexican culture? Marina Mercado is a can’t-miss destination. Located along the waterfront in downtown Cabo San Lucas, this bustling arts and crafts market has been a staple of the community for more than 20 years. Once a gathering spot for classic car enthusiasts, the market has since evolved into a thriving hub for local artisans. Shoppers can browse an eclectic mix of handcrafted goods, including ceramics, ironwood carvings, silver jewelry and colorful Talavera pottery. Each piece offers a tangible connection to Mexico’s rich cultural history.

Glass Factory

Tucked away in the village of El Arenal a short drive from Pueblo Bonito Resorts is the San Miguel Blown Glass Factory. Two tons of empty bottles are picked up from the resorts each week and carted to the factory, where they are cleaned, crushed and melted in super-hot ovens. Artisans dip long tubes into the molten glass to blow bubbles and create colorful hearts, vases and figurines. (These objets d’art are also available for sale in the resorts’ gift shops).
Artesanos

A large two-story warehouse on an access road on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas, Artesanos is chockablock with artisanal handicrafts and bric-a-brac from around Mexico. Colorful ceramic pottery is the main draw (including matched dinner sets), but this cavernous wholesale outlet carries an array of pewter trays, onyx basins, embroidered pillows, glassware and seasonal items, including Christmas ornaments. The upper floors are packed to the rafters with furniture, statuary, wooden carvings, straw baskets and decorative items. Fair prices. Cash only. Bring pesos. Open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Plaza Puerto Paraiso

Overlooking the marina in Cabo San Lucas, this sprawling, multi-level mall houses dozens of shops and businesses, including a Harley Davidson showroom. Here you’ll find art galleries, a food court plus a 10-screen Cineplex. Name-brand stores range from L’Occitane to Tommy Bahama. Numerous boutiques offer the latest resort wear and beach fashions. Have you promised him or her the sun and the moon? The Sergio Bustamante Gallery features silver- and gold-plated jewelry by the eponymous Mexican artist, who uses the sun and the moon as design motifs in his creations, including bracelets, cufflinks, chokers, earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings.

Luxury Avenue

Showcasing a collection of upscale fashion brands, this boutique mall just steps from the marina is the place to go for designer gifts and chic accessories. Luxury Avenue’s list of retailers includes Caroline Herrera, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp, Lacoste, Swarovski, Montblanc, Pandora, Victoria’s Secret, TAG Heuer, Vilebrequin (French swim and loungewear), and many more. In addition, Ultrafemme showcases the very best men’s and women’s colognes and perfumes, from Acqua di Parma to Yves Saint Laurent. Next door is Ultrajewels, specialists in timepieces and fine jewelry.

La Coyota

Tucked away in downtown Cabo San Lucas, La Coyota occupies a Colonial-style hacienda that was once the home of Edith Jimenez (as in Edith’s Restaurante and The Office). Her abode has since been converted into an emporium where every 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 glass hearts and religious artifacts. Handcrafted cotton clothing, silver serving pieces and costume jewelry can be found in other rooms off the upstairs balcony. Hand-blown glass ornaments in every size and color fill La Coyota’s sun-filled courtyard. Hand-painted Talavera pottery, light fixtures, curio boxes, napkins, placemats, and countless other treasures round out the collection. La Coyota is “must visit” for one-of-a-kind gifts.