Although, as expected, Cabo San Lucas is home to much of Baja's nightlife, that resort city isn't the only place to have a good time after dark. Along the northern Pacific coast, beachside dance floors with live bands and extended happy hours in seaside bars dominate the nightlife. Here are some of my favorite hot spots:
- Nikki Beach, Los Cabos: The global haven of the hip has arrived in Cabo San Lucas, on the beachfront of the ME Cabo resort on Médano Beach. Lounge on oversize beds draped in white, day or night, while sipping colorful cocktails and watching the beautiful people groove to music spun by the world's hottest DJs.
- Tijuana's Zona Río: While Tijuana's Avenida Revolución still maintains a bit of its quirky charm, it's grown a bit seedy for even the most ardent spring breaker. These days if you want to see how the Tijuanenses party, you'll want to head over to Zona Río for lively bars like Baby Rock and La Cantina de los Remedios.
- Locals Bars in Loreto: In Loreto, "nightlife" starts well before sundown. A couple draft beers at Del Borracho, which closes at sunset, will jump-start the afternoon. Then, roll into Augie's Bar & Bait Shop around 4pm, take a seat at the bar, and wait for the rowdy barrage of friendly expats to join you for half-priced drinks till 7pm. Chances are, you'll make a few friends and end up coming back for more the next day.
- Beach Bars of Rosarito and Ensenada: It doesn't have to be spring break in Rosarito or Ensenada to find a similar let-loose party atmosphere here. The favored spot is Papas & Beer, which has a location in both of these beach towns. And both regularly draw a young and spirited crowd for endless-summer-style fun and potential love matches.
