Francisco de Ulloa was credited with first discovering Cabo San Lucas in 1537. The Sea of Cortez was named after Hernan Cortez. Cabo quickly became a busy trading port and stopover for pirates. British and Dutch ships often enjoyed the treasures that the Spanish ships were trying to take back to Spain.
The Spanish treasure-galleon, the “Great St. Anne,” was captured off Cape St Lucas by Sir Thomas Cavendish November 14, 1587, prompting King Phillip II of Spain to establish a small fortress at Cabo San Lucas to try to rid the waters of “undesirables.”
The establishment of a fort at Cabo San Lucas helped open up the area to exploration. Settlements along the Baja began to spring up as pearls were discovered in the Sea of Cortez. In 1730 a Jesuit mission, Jose del Cabo, was established to the north. Together, the two towns became known as Los Cabos (the capes). However, Cabo San Lucas remained largely undeveloped having no steady water supply.
The population of Cabo San Lucas was still around 400 by the 1930’s when it started to become know as a sports fishing haven. It was accessible only by small plane, long range yacht, or anyone willing to travel 1000 miles of rutted dirt “roads” to get there.
After World War II, word started spreading around Southern California’s elite and Los Cabos became a playground for the rich and famous. By 1950, Bing Crosby, Phil Harris, Desi Arnaz, and The Duke had built the exclusive hotel Las Cruces on the East Cape. More development followed.
In 1974, with Cabo’s population at around 900, the peninsular highway was built and Los Cabos started to become accessible to middle America. Mexican architecht Manuel Díaz Rivera purchased 250 acres, which would become the home development known as Pedregal. Marlin fishing tournaments began drawing international attention and Fonatur, the Mexican tourist agency along with international developers, began to pour money and resources into the region. Construction of an international airport in San Jose Del Cabo, a modern 300-slip marina and a fresh water pipeline to Cabo San Lucas have ignited the current boom.
Today, sportsmen continue to flock to Los Cabos for world-famous fishing, outstanding diving, and game bird hunting. However, the area now also draws families, beach lovers, honeymooners, and golfers. Huge investments in golf courses have been made in the 30 kilometer “Corridor” between Cabo San Lucas and Jose del Cabo. There are 108 holes already open, with a master plan calling for an eventual 207 holes. The dramatic course layouts, built by some of golf’s premier designers, take full advantage of the region’s striking landscape. Cabo Luxury Lifestyle will help you arrange activities and services during your stay in Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas boasts dozens of fine restaurant, shopping, a marina, and an active nightlife. Accommodations are first-class and feature some of Mexico’s finest properties. Cabo Luxury Lifestyle offers visitors private villa options at Villa La Estancia Resort in Cabo, as well as other cabo rentals such as private homes and condos and villas in Los Cabos. With miles of pristine beaches, beautiful scenery, and almost perfect weather, it’s no wonder that Los Cabos is fast becoming the ultimate resort destination.