It's never quite winter in L.A., but when November rolls over the coastline between Malibu and La Jolla, what could be more tempting than a swift getaway to the warm and sunny beaches at the southern tip of Baja California? A short flight from LAX will take you to San José del Cabo, a gorgeous resort and a renowned haven for entertainment moguls and Hollywood stars.

Much more quaint and discreet than its rowdy neighbor Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo shines like a pearl at the gates of the Sea of Cortès. The region benefits from no less than 350 days of sunshine a year and has established itself throughout recent years as one of the most gorgeous and reliable destinations on the Mexican Riviera. While Cabo San Lucas was designed from the ground up 20 years ago by the Mexican government as a Vegas-style party-oriented resort, San José del Cabo has been an outpost on the tip of Baja California for centuries. With its fresh flowing water sources and lagoons, the town provided an ideal retreat for merchant galleons and pirate ships alike in the years following the conquest of Mexico. In 1730, the Spaniards built a Jesuit mission and a fort to secure the area and settle in permanently. In later years, many sailors and buccaneers decided to jump ship and opted to retire in San José del Cabo. They became ranchers or fishermen and gave their French and English patronyms to some of the oldest families in the region.

San José del Cabo has kept alive most of this colonial past and remains to this day a dream-like expression of the authentic Mexican way of life. Quiet streets lined with beautiful plastered and columned buildings, fountains and secret courtyards with traditional shops and fine restaurants give the town its delightful charm and clean atmosphere. San José del Cabo doesn't cater to mass tourism and the resort focuses mainly on offering an elegant and genuine destination to the upscale traveler. To preserve its identity, the town refuses to host most of the usual franchises such as McDonald's or Pizza Hut. There are enough delicious restaurants to ravish a gourmet's palate in San José del Cabo. From local seafood favorites to European, American or Asian fare, dining in town is a celebration of all senses, far from the hustle and bustle of most coastal resorts. Patios adorned with bougainvilleas, palms and laurels welcome the guests and provide for a relaxed and sophisticated environment.

Activities and events abound in San José del Cabo. Surrounded by the sea, the area provides a fantastic playground for surfing, sailing, sportfishing, bird and whale watching, snorkeling, hiking or horse riding. The 18-mile corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo features a wide range of golf courses, luxury hotels and celebrity mansions. Year-round festivals, concerts and art exhibitions give the visitor yet another opportunity to discover local culture and enjoy a lively evening.The proximity of the Gorda Banks, a world-renowned marlin fishing spot, makes San José del Cabo an ideal destination for dedicated anglers and recreational fishermen. The beauty of El Arco, Baja's most famous landmark, sits at the very tip of the cape separating the cooler Pacific Ocean from the warm waters of the Sea of Cortès. This natural arch carved from the granite cliffs by millions of years of sea water shelters Lover's Beach, an awe-inspiring and secluded strip of sand favored by romantic couples as well as nature lovers.

Everything in San José del Cabo will take you back to a not-so-distant past where life just wasn't as hectic as it has become today. Charming and peaceful, this beautiful coastal town is a refreshing alternative to the shallow and uninspired stereotypes of many modern resorts. All things considered, after a few days of resting and flirting with your date in beautiful San José del Cabo, nobody will prevent you from taking your date to the other Cabo and indulging in a night of frolics. If you need to party...