The Best of Mexico by Day (and Night)

From frolicking under the sun to painting the town red, activities and attractions are endless and around-the-clock in Mexico. During the days, various beach towns, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are renowned for near-perfect balmy weather, exciting water sports à go-go and endless resort options. Then when the sun goes down south of the border, these hot spots transform into thriving night destinations with celebrated restaurants and glitzy nightclubs.

From the Yucatan to Baja, here’s where to chillax, party on and enjoy Mexico any time day or night...

Photo Credit: Capella Pedregal

Los Cabos

Located on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, this tony beach area beckons visitors in search of the good life with top chef-helmed restaurants, highbrow happenings and some of the country’s poshest resorts. Day activities range from yachting and surfing to snorkeling and shopping, while the nightlife buzzes at intimate tequila bars and champagne toasts on colorful patios.

By Day:

Hover above. Flyboarding — the adventurous hybrid of skiing, jet skiing and snowboarding — has invaded Los Cabos. Snap on wakeboard boots that are attached to a watercraft board equipped with water pressure jets. Then you’ll skim above the azure Pacific waters.

Surf's up. A 30-minute drive north takes surfers to one of the best spots for waves — Cerritos Beach. Here, the waves are beginner friendly and the beach is sublime, but can be crowded since it’s also one of the only swimmable beaches around.

Sunny cocktails. Nightclub chain Nikki Beach is known for its fashion-forward crowd that parties until the wee hours of morning. The sunkissed twist at Nikki Beach in Cabo is that in lieu of a large, dark club, the party takes place outdoors. From afternoon to dusk, enjoy a sundowner in Nikki Beach’s loungey atmosphere under swaying palms right on Medano Beach.

At Night:

Dig in. The 10-acre farm-slash-beer-garden-slash-restaurant, Flora Farms, serves highbrow organic fare in multi-course dinners. Fans range from George Clooney to superstar chef Thomas Keller, and reservations should be secured at least a month in advance. The beer garden buzzes with local expats and visiting foodies who partake in late-night bites and drinks.

Drink in the view. The rooftop bar at the new boutique Hotel Ganzo flaunts a sexy, all-glass hot tub, a recording studio that lures indie rockers and music aficionados and a terrific drink menu comprised of local beers and craft cocktails. There’s also a rooftop lounge featuring sushi straight from the sea served alongside live bands or a DJ set under the stars.

In the club. There’s no shortage of nightlife options in San Jose Del Cabo though Privé Club reigns supreme with its swank interiors, bottle service, famous DJs and a robust party atmosphere. Arrive early or be victim to the velvet rope line-up.

Where to stay: All 96 rooms and suites at Capella Pedregal come equipped with a private plunge pool, and it’s the only luxury crash pad that’s near all the nightlife action. Enjoy personalized service, a terrific infinity pool and fresh fish at El Farallon restaurant tucked into the cliffs (room rates start at $990 a night and include personal assistant services, a bottle of specially designed Jose Cuervo Platino and more; capellahotels.com).

Photo Credit: Capella Pedregal

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