Upon the discovery of Cabo San Lucas in 1537 by Francisco de Ulloa (the navigator for Hernan Cortez, the namesake of the Sea of Cortez), it took very little time to establish it as a bustling port for trade with Spain, as well as a place for pirates to plunder. In 1587, King Phillip II of Spain has a small fort built in Cabo San Lucas in order to deter the pirates and keep them from continually raiding the Spanish galleons.
Settlements along the Baja peninsula were established, and a Jesuit mission was founded in the northern part of the area in 1730. Cabo San Lucas, without a real fresh water supply, remained pretty much undeveloped.
Several hundred years later, Cabo San Lucas’ reputation as a mother lode for fishing had grown. But because of its inaccessibility, only the yachts and private planes of the most wealthy could take advantage. By the 1950’s, Cabo San Lucas had developed into quite the playground for the wealthy elite. Development began to occur at a swift rate.
By the mid 1970’s a highway was constructed down the peninsula, and the area became more reachable by regular folks. Developers began putting more and more money into the area, an international airport and marina were constructed, and a freshwater pipeline was added. Marlin tournaments that drew international entries added to Cabo San Lucas’ appeal and exposure. The area was on its way to becoming a world-class vacation destination for everyone.
In Cabo San Lucas today, there is a lively nightlife that boasts world famous bars and restaurants, it is a top Spring Break destination, it is home to many world-class golf courses, top-notch sport fishing, scuba diving, and boating. People from all walks of life are drawn to Cabo San Lucas’ white sand beaches, impeccable views, diverse landscapes and wildlife, temperate weather, and the wide variety of fun and exciting activities to enjoy.