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Arts & Entertainment Business Culture & Student Life Social Media

Authenticity, Creativity, and Social Media

A Personal Approach to Social Media Marketing

As I finish up my last social media marketing class, as well as my last semester at Ventura College, I have to look back and think on what I’ve learned and what I need to continue to learn. And for the first time in my life, I am not going down the path of refined essays and polished projects. I have discovered a lot about myself during my time at VC, especially through fully embracing the messiness of an amateurly edited YouTube video. And what better way to sum up everything I’ve learned both socially and professionally than with an in-depth look at the social media profiles of myself and others? For a month, I posted once a day on my Instagram, trying to imitate the creators and businesses I admire in search of a version of myself that can authentically and creatively relate to audiences. So please enjoy this weird video about a weird person and her weird journey to produce authentic and creative social media content.

And please excuse the video’s less-than-HD quality and lack of music. Hopefully, it can only get better from here!

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Culture & Student Life

5 Easy Steps for Transferring

We go to college to learn from our professors but sometimes we end up being the ones that teach ourselves. I started my educational journeys a few years ago and although I can’t remember the process, I do remember the fear of the unknown. Well guess what, during your second year you start to feel that same bundle of nerves. It usually happens around January when your friends start talking about transferring. Fear not I am going to tell you the 5 must do things for easy transferring.  

1.See the counselor. This is your guide to all things with school. Ideally you will meet with a counselor when you first arrive at college and create an educational plan. At the beginning of your sophomore year, you will meet with the counselor again. This is when you will make sure  you are taking the correct classes for your major and you will receive the application deadlines for the colleges you want to apply to.  

2. Apply for Finacial aid. Ideally you filled out your FAFSA when you started college. The second time that you apply will be much easier. Most of your information is already saved in your profile be sur to adjust any changes. When you reapply in the fall of your sophomore year add all the colleges you think you would like to attend. This is free so don’t be shy to add a few to the list. You will get info from the colleges in the spring as a reminder. Home | Federal Student Aid 

Speaking of free money it is scholarship time!!!!! Apply to all the scholarships you can you never know you might get awarded enough to pay for first year tuition. 

3. It is very important to visit the transfer center to get guidance on how to apply. They also will be the first ones to celebrate with you when the time comes. They hold a transfer celebration dinner in April for the students and their family. You will check in with the center in the fall and again in the spring of your sophomore year. Or as many times as you need assistance, they are there for you specifically for these questions. 

4. See your counselor again in early spring. You have to do a graduation check to verify you are ready to transfer. The counselor will also send in the application to graduate. This is what gives you your diploma and allows you the privilege to walk at the commencement ceremony. Don’t let the heart fluttering thought distract you. Have a copy of your transcripts and ask the counselor how to read them. You will need to enter your course information on the college application. 

5.Apply for college usually in February or March; make note of important deadlines, they will come faster than expected.  You only need to apply to one website; from there you can send it out statewide. This is where financial aid comes in handy as you could qualify to apply for FREE. You will know if it is zero cost when you finalize your application prior to submitting. Note the option will only be present if you meet the requirement AND put the school on your FAFSA last fall. This is the link for applying Cal State Apply | CSU 

So, while in middle of studying for finals getting ready to graduate, you wait….and wait, to hear if you got in. Be patient and think positive ‘stop staring at the inbox. ‘It’s time for scholarships, dean lists and (drumroll please) …transfer!! 

Cheering and applause -congratulations you have been accepted. 

Now you will repeat what you did a few years ago, signing up for programs, classes and clubs. The process will feel overwhelming but just remember to ask questions and reach out. Follow the directions of your counselors and reach out to the college representatives. They know exactly how to help you.  Submit what the college asks as soon as you receive the life changing email. Start working on transcripts as soon as you can, they are the hardest part of the application. It is a long process, but they will have orientation and new student mixers. Remember you are standing shoulder to shoulder with other people just like you and of course there is always new swag to look forward to!! Be proud of what you have accomplished, it’s ok to be scared. Make an appointment with an academic advisor and visit the new student center. Always follow their suggestions and sail away pirate, you’re on your way to your next adventure 

Categories
Culture & Student Life

A Day in the Life

When I decided to go back to school for the first time in more than a decade, I knew it would be a challenge, but I didn’t fully realize how much it would shift my day-to-day life. Between working full time, raising two kids, helping my husband run his business, and trying to still be a whole person in the middle of it all… some days feel like a total blur. This Reel is a little glimpse into the chaos, joy, exhaustion, and growth I’ve experienced in this season of my life. It’s not perfectly curated (because life isn’t). But it’s real, and it’s mine. If you’re in a chapter of life where everything feels like a lot, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. We’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

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community Culture & Student Life Local Business

Besant Hill School

In this promotional video we highlight Besant Hill School An Academic & Arts School Developing Individuals’ Intellectual & Artistic Abilities.

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community Culture & Student Life

For Future Pirates

There is something special at Ventura College most may not know about. There is a learning opportunity for children between the ages of 2-5. The Orfalea Child development center is at the far west end of campus at Telegraph and West Campus Way. The emphasis of the center on STEM education has earned them the Golden Gear award in 2019.” The center is one of the top programs in the county”, states Deanna Hall a professor and co-chair of the center. She has been in education for 35 years. Students enrolled in the Early Education program earn their associate’s degrees while not only observing but actual hands-on experience working with the children at the center. 

The classes are small with a 1 to 10 ratio and the classrooms for the children aged 3,4 and 5 will never go over 20. The 2-year-old class has one teacher for every 6 children. The advanced students will serve as teachers’ aide alongside permanent highly qualified teachers employed by Ventura College. The school’s outside learning lab has a garden where children can not only plant and grow their own vegetables but fulfill their desire to play at the mud table. The center has a “jungle” of trees that provide opportunities to look for lady bugs in the grass and be young explorers. The outdoor area also has a constructed river with rocks and logs to play on. The sensory adventure continues with what else but a pirate ship to play on. 

The center has scholarships available for qualified students; more information can be found by visiting the center or emailing vcchilddev@vcccd.edu. The quality care is comparable to most child learning centers. The center is family focused as it encourages parents to participate in volunteering and hosts STEM Day events twice a year. The center has built the curriculum to ignite the children’s imagination and lay the foundation that will begin their educational journey. For more information on how you can take advantage of this program visit https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/child-development-center

Categories
Culture & Student Life

Concert Culture: The Good And The Bad

Concerts are literally some of the best experiences you can have  but sometimes, they’re not perfect. There’s a good side and a bad side to concert culture, and if you’re planning to go to your first show, you should probably know both.

The Good Stuff

First off, concerts are just a great experience, especially if you go with the right people. The second the lights go out and the artist steps on stage, it’s like the whole place explodes. You’re surrounded by people who love the same music you do, and even if some of the people around you cannot sing you still appreciate every minute of it. Everyone’s singing, dancing, screaming , it’s pure happiness.

Another awesome thing is the connection. Sometimes the artist will stop mid-show and just talk to the crowd, telling stories or saying how much they love their fans. It’s super personal and makes you feel like you’re seen, even if you’re in the nosebleeds with binoculars.

Plus, the memories you make at concerts are unmatched. Even if you lose your voice and your legs hurt the next day, you’ll always remember the night you screamed your heart out with a stadium full of people.

The Bad 

Concerts can also be rough.First of all, the crowds. If you don’t like being squished between sweaty strangers, you might have a bad time. People will shove you, step on you, and some won’t even say sorry. Especially in general admission (aka standing areas),it’s like survival of the fittest in there, especially for me standing at 5”3, I see people shorter then me around and I wonder how they are feeling.

Also, getting tickets is a whole nightmare. You think you’re gonna be fine, but then Ticketmaster decides to put you at 30,000 in the queue . And IF you somehow manage to get a ticket, it costs so much money. 

Finally, there’s always the risk of bad crowd behavior. Some people don’t know how to act, they push, they fight, they throw stuff on stage. It can turn what should be a fun night into a stressful one if people don’t respect each other.

Final Thoughts

Even with all the downsides, concerts are still SO worth it. Yeah, you might get shoved around and spend too much money, but the feeling of seeing your favorite artist live is just unbeatable. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, probably lose your voice, but most importantly, you’ll leave with memories you’ll never forget.

Categories
Culture & Student Life Sports & Leisure

5 Tactile Crafts for Fidgety Fingers

Learning is especially difficult for someone with ADD like myself. Sitting still is even more so of a challenge. So when I want to take a break and relax with a hobby, what do I do? I decide to learn different types of crafts to satiate my need to work with my hands. It’s a double edged sword: learning a new skill, controlling the need to move my fingers, and keeping my procrastination and perfectionism managed. So here is a breakdown of my favorite crafts and how I (barely) manage to execute them.

Crochet

Knitting works as well but since I’ve never been good with two sharp sticks, I have decided to stick with one dull hook. For those of you who don’t know the intricacies of crochet versus knitting, I don’t really either but that’s the main difference. This craft is great for turning your brain of and just following a pattern. But that only works for me if the pattern is simple. As it turns out, those craft influencers who can zen out while making a complex, intricate sweater or stuffed animal are way out of my skill level. Who knew that not everything on the internet is as easy as it seems? Still, if you’re comfortable with making less than visually impressive pieces, crochet is a great way to pass the time. I highly recommend it as a sort of fidget toy while watching TV; doing something with my hands really helps settle my mind and hands for a good show binge or movie night and there’s no fear in stabbing your hand on anything sharp while you watch!

For those of you especially obsessed with the cutesy, eye catching TikTok patterns I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint. My latest crochet piece is simply a blanket with chunky yarn. No fancy stitches or patterns, just row after row of a half double crochet in the back loop (sounds complex but it’s really simple, I promise). If I ever get around to finishing it, it’ll be the perfect couch blanket for when you have guests over and want to talk about your crochet hobby. But since a picture of a simple half finished blanket isn’t very interesting, I have other visual offerings: crochet flowers, one of which uses embroidery floss and a very long stem to create a bookmark, while the other is just a rearview mirror accessory.

The aforementioned mirror accessory, a crocheted sunflower.

Sewing

Honestly, everyone should know how to sew. Sure, crochet, knitting, and other yarn crafts can be practical as well but be honest, when are you going to wear that itty bitty crochet tank top that you saved the pattern for after seeing it on TikTok? And don’t even get me started on itchy yarn. After I finally started my own sewing journey after years of dreaming of it, I can attest that it is the definition of “easy to learn, hard to master.” But again, this is coming from my clumsy hands and ADD brain. Anyway, I digress. Sewing is perfect for those who want to be productive while procrastinating. Have to do chores? Sew an apron instead! Homework needs to be done? Why not sew yourself a new bag to put all those unfinished assignments in! It’s as handy as it is consuming. There is no zoning out during sewing, only locking in. Otherwise, you may end up with a finger sewn into that hem you’re working on. (I haven’t ever seen it happen, but I heard stories. Terrible stories.) If your ideal hobbies involve repetition, tidiness, and a rather intense focus, then sewing is most certainly your best bet at keeping your hands (and mind) busy for a few hours, days, weeks, or months (depending on the project).

Sadly, I haven’t been able to finish any sewing projects outside of a costuming class I took a few semesters ago. I’m in the middle of making a “bento box bag,” as the pattern calls it, though right now, it’s just a bunch of squares sewn together. But to show you what I’m capable of when there’s a deadline (and for some much needed visual appeal), here are the costuming class projects that got me started with sewing: a hat and corset.

My homemade hat and corset actually go rather well together.

Embroidery

Do you like drawing but hate how easy it is to just draw a line? Well, now you can use thread, needles, and at least 10 different stiches to “draw” that straight line instead! Jokes aside, I really can see why women did this so much back in the day (although I’m sure it was more handy back then). Embroidery is takes all the precision of sewing and the creativity of drawing to make a tactile experience that feels like you’re a Regency era lady waiting to be called upon by a gentleman suitor (or maybe I’ve watched too much Bridgerton). Ignoring my embroidery fantasies, it is really lovely to do when sitting and listening to something—no TV since your eyes shouldn’t really stray from the pointy needle. I did hear somewhere that audiobooks are a great listening option. But aside from the aesthetic nature of the process, you can really get creative with your canvases. While it may not hold up great over time (especially for beginners with maybe some looser stitches), I’ve seen many cute embroidery projects on jeans, shirts, jackets, and even shoes (Converse, of course). Even simple stitches can turn into beautiful patterns and arrangements with the right technique and design. Plus it is so fun feeling a thread-dense pattern after it’s complete. The texture is simply top notch (is that a thread pun? I didn’t intend it but if it works then I definitely did intend it).

My latest embroidery project is a throw back to the type of embroidery that first got a needle in my hand: phrases with flowers. I don’t know why, but I always liked the idea of embroidery that goes in a bathroom or hallway, ones you’d see in your Grandma’s house with cheesy phrases surrounded by cutesy little flowers. Except, well… I put my own spin on it as you won’t be able to see due to some mature language. Use your imagination as to the combination of some select swear words and “live, laugh, love”-esque mantras. Sometimes, you just want to make something that makes you giggle and that’s enough of a reason to create it. The piece I am most proud of however, is a thread-painted water lily. Yes, I did simply color the water with markers and yes, it was to create dimension on the fabric. And I was lazy. At least I finished this one, ok?

The water does actually kind of look good though…

Miniatures

I only just recently started to explore the world of miniatures but boy are they fun. Frustrating at times, but fun! I’ve always loved dioramas and little scenes and objects so it was only a matter of time before I ended up buying my own miniature kit. I’ll admit, I was influenced by those little bookend dioramas you can see ads for on TikTok and Instagram. But since those were far bigger (ironically) and more intricate than I was ready to handle, I settled for a less involved set. And it was especially useful for the part of my brain that hyper-focuses on one thing for hours (as fleeting as that part can be). I have literally spent hours in what felt like a blink of an eye crafting a tiny little table with a tiny little photo frame next to a tiny little flower pot. But I’ve found that at times even my tiny little hands are too big for some of the miniatures (and I do have proof that my hands are about the size of a 12 year old’s). The end result is very satisfying but miniatures are not for the weak willed. There will be times when you just want to throw it against a wall and smash it because you just can’t get the angle of the pieces just right. Not to mention the back pain that comes with hunching over all the tiny little pieces. Like sewing, you really need to be locked in for this craft to work for you and as frustrating as sewing can be, it’s easy to start over with a seam ripper. As for miniatures, it’s impossible to move something once the glue dries. Precision and perfection are how I’d ideally describe miniatures; although I’ve been not very successful at either, it is still fun to create your own little world (but if you got the cash to spend, I’d recommend Lego for that set creation satisfaction).

As a warning, here is my first and only miniature I’ve ever done, unfinished (as nearly all my projects are). The directions were sometimes confusing but at least it’s possible to customize your miniature using the materials given. I’d suggest finding a niche within the miniature community, since it’s far more satisfying to work on a garden scene when you like flowers. Your end goal is usually a display piece so find a kit that you’re going to love putting the work into.

The current progress on my miniature garden shed.

Paper Crafts

Ok, I’ll be honest. I haven’t really done much paper crafts. I’m painfully terrible at origami (literally, paper cuts hurt) and as for papier mâché, I can only handle so much glue on my hands before my brain goes into an overstimulated shutdown. My solution was crepe paper flowers. I don’t know if you can tell by now but I really like making flower-based things, so my choice of paper crafts shouldn’t come as too much of a shock. But that is kind of the point: regardless of what kind of craft you pick, you have to make things that appeal to you. I made a bunch of crepe paper flowers years ago to give out during Valentine’s Day to classmates, random people, just trying to brighten someone’s day. And you know what? I did not give out much, but the point wasn’t about giving them all away as much as it was doing something kind for others. Paper crafts are down-to-earth, simple projects that you could even do with young children. The process of it has been my favorite so far. Nothing has made me connect with my inner child more like those crepe paper flowers. I felt like a little second grader again, playing with paper and tape, making gifts for strangers for the fun of it. Not to mention, there is something beautiful about its fleeting nature. This craft is wholesome but insanely impractical and delicate. You have to appreciate what it is and then completely let it go; it’ll most likely end up smushed or crumpled beyond recognition in a few hours. And that is something I enjoy with my creative endeavors. Something to keep my fingers moving but also something that I can be ok with, even with all its imperfections. And to be honest, that’s what crafting is, right? If you never let go of any project, then you’d just be stuck on one, trying to perfect it over and over again. Be at peace with the crooked stitches, wonky seams, smudged paper. Be proud that you made something and then do it again. Now, if I could only finish my projects before I move on to another one…

Categories
Culture & Student Life Podcasts

Learning in Lockdown

Learning in Lockdown VC Social

Since the pandemic, a few years has made all the difference when it came to education. Did you get to go to a prom? Graduation? Were your first years of college all online? Looking back, every school year had a wildly different experience during lockdown that shaped their future years in school as well. Mae, Sara, Ella, Brooke, Samantha, Rylee, and Jaime talk about their own experiences learning during the pandemic and explore those differences between middle school to high school to college.Note: if you're having trouble with the audio quality, we have a complete transcript of the episode available.Where to Find Us:Maehttps://www.instagram.com/professionallymaehttps://vcsocial.biz/mae-lazarovits/Sarahttps://www.instagram.com/sara_bowman521https://vcsocial.biz/about-sara-bowman/Ellahttps://www.instagram.com/ella.m248https://vcsocial.biz/ella-morgan/Brookehttps://www.instagram.com/brookedoesvcsocialhttps://vcsocial.biz/brooke-wiley/Samanthahttps://www.instagram.com/samsarti16https://vcsocial.biz/about-samantha-sarti/Ryleehttps://www.instagram.com/ryleeromeroo/https://vcsocial.biz/about-rylee-romero/Jaimehttps://www.instagram.com/sweetstar24https://vcsocial.biz/about-jaime-adame/

Since the pandemic, a few years has made all the difference when it came to education. Did you get to go to a prom? Graduation? Were your first years of college all online? Looking back, every school year had a wildly different experience during lockdown that shaped their future years in school as well. Mae, Sara, Ella, Brooke, Samantha, Rylee, and Jaime talk about their own experiences learning during the pandemic and explore those differences between middle school, high school, and college.

Where to Find Us:

Mae:

https://www.instagram.com/professionallymae

Sara:

https://www.instagram.com/sara_bowman521


Ella:

https://www.instagram.com/ella.m248

Brooke: 

https://www.instagram.com/brookedoesvcsocial


Samantha:

https://www.instagram.com/samsarti16

Rylee:

https://www.instagram.com/ryleeromeroo/

Jaime:

https://www.instagram.com/sweetstar24


Categories
Arts & Entertainment Culture & Student Life

Beyond the Page: Embrace the Power of Audiobooks

Literature is such a wonderful thing to have in the world. There are so many crucial reasons why we need it in life. We can gain more knowledge, build our creativity, and even relax. For some people, reading can be a chore and may not be enjoyable. However, others may struggle with reading because of a learning disability or are too busy to finish reading that book. I want to share why you should look into audiobooks if you get busy, lack interest, or personal challenges with reading. With this experience, you can expand your horizons with literature and how this might be the perfect solution to get you through those novels!

How It Started:

So, a little about me: I love to read but struggle to find time to read. Sometimes, I get tired or distracted, so I don’t make it far into my books. There are so many books I want to read, but I can’t find the time. I realized one day that it was bothering me how I couldn’t get back to my book when I had just gotten to the good part, but I had gotten busy. I didn’t have the time to return to my book, but then I remembered that I could always listen to it through an audiobook. So, I downloaded Audible and got a student discount. Their deals change occasionally, so watch for the best price!

Now, let’s understand why you should consider listening to a book instead.

Too Busy?

Let’s start with being busy. For example, when I get busy with house chores, going to the gym, or even driving somewhere, it is obvious I cannot read during those tasks, but I want to keep going in my book. What I do is listen to it in the car or put in some earbuds and start listening. 

One chore I dislike the most is doing laundry, especially folding it. I loathe folding laundry! I discovered that this annoying chore is much easier to complete when listening to my book, and I might have a drink to make it even better. By multitasking, I distract myself while getting this tedious chore over with. Once I started this habit of listening, I applied it to other tasks, and now they’re not as annoying. That’s why distracting yourself by listening to your book helps get those annoying tasks over.

Loss of Interest?

Now, moving on to losing interest in your current book. I will use one of my favorite series as an example. I struggled to get into this series for so long. I heard it was a great set of books, but I couldn’t get past the first book. This is when I decided to try listening to it instead of reading it, and I am so happy that I did! I later appreciated the first book after finishing the series, but I would not have made it through that first book without listening to it instead. 

One thing I realized that helped keep my interest and made the experience much better was learning about the different styles of narrators’ recording books.

 My favorite style is “duet reading.” In this style, no matter whose chapter it is, they will always read their character’s part, so it’s like listening to an actual conversation instead of a single narrator. In duet reading, all male parts are spoken by the man, and the female parts are only spoken by the woman versus a single narrator who reads all the characters’ parts. The last style is dual narrators, in which two people record their chapters and never record their voices with the other person. For example, if a man reads his chapter, he will play the part of every character involved. In other words, in that chapter, whether a man or woman speaks, the male narrator speaks all parts. 

Personal Challenges?

Now, for my last reason, reading can be a personal challenge. You might get tired from reading, maybe you don’t feel better, it hurts to read, or perhaps you might have a learning disability. When I can’t sleep or feel well or don’t want to turn the light on, sometimes it is nice to listen in the dark. It makes this situation quite peaceful. 

For those with learning difficulties or other conditions that make reading or writing challenging, Kurzweil 3000 is an educational tool, also known as an assistive technology, that offers a reading, writing, and study platform. This software downloads books and other texts in the system and reads them aloud. If it helps, it highlights what is being read so you can read along while listening. 

This program costs a bit, but if you are a student and need accommodations, you can qualify for it for free during that semester. I have used it over the last few years, and it has helped my education immensely.

If you would like to learn more about this program, go to: https://www.kurzweil3000.com/KLogin.php 

Now that I have covered a few reasons why people should consider listening to their books, I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I do. There are so many incredible stories out there that are waiting to be heard. With the help of talented and gifted narrators, these books have come to life.

Thanks for reading, but maybe next time, you should listen to these posts instead…

Categories
Culture & Student Life Nature & Outdoors

Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo? A travelers guide to Baja California Sur

Have you ever wondered which coastal destination is next on your vacation list? Sometimes deciding can feel overwhelming when two destinations are fairly close to each other. Baja California Sur is home to a number of Mexico’s well-known, lovely beach destinations, two of them being Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—these locations are separated by an estimate of 30 minutes, and they offer travelers completely distinct atmospheres. Cabo San Lucas is prominent for its energetic atmosphere, active nightlife, and luxury resorts. On the contrary, San José del Cabo offers a serene atmosphere, cultural richness, and local artistry. This blog post will provide informative details gathered through personal experience where I compare these coastal towns in hopes that an interested traveler finds it convenient.


Atmospheres, Aesthetics, and Tourist Popularity

San José del Cabo’s center offers colorful cobblestone streets made up of numerous restaurants, boutique shops, drinking bars, and cafés, all within walking distance. You will spot small numbers of tourists walking these streets during the day and only increase slightly towards the night. The town presents an Instagram-worthy aesthetic with its marvelous and vibrant wall art. As someone who loves to capture moments, I was constantly mesmerized by all of the story-telling art I encountered in this town.

Having said that, sky-high luxury hotel buildings cram the town of Cabo San Lucas. The powerful beach waves send an ocean breeze scent that fills the air. Music-filled streets add to the lively atmosphere. Both high-end restaurants and food stalls fill their cobblestone streets. This town is perfect for the socializers out there because it is often busy with a diverse mix of visitors. Peak seasons might feel overwhelming when trying to book reservations of any type.


Things to do

San Jose del Cabo offers a variety of activities, from beach clubs to art galleries; here are just some personal recommendations: 

  • For art lovers out there, here are some art galleries recommended by other travelers.
  • Veleros Beach Club is located at La Playa, and it is one of the very few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Its low tourist population contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
  • San Jose Del Cabo Art Walk is an open air even that’s free to attend every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, from November to June. Indulge in art galleries, food, and live music.

Cabo San Lucas offers an assortment of activities, from outdoor water ventures to laying beachside; here are some recommendations: 

  • The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or “El Arco,” is a captivating natural wonder carved by wind, waves, and erosion millions of years ago. I suggest walking through the harbor if you prefer booking a boat tour in person.
  • Corazón Beach Club is located at Medano Beach, and it offers delicious food and drinks, but I will say the multitude of tourists can become overwhelming if your intention is to relax or catch an unobstructed view of the ocean.
  • Book a whale watching tour from January to March (abundant in early March) for a spectacular experience.

Check out this seasonal calendar that may influence your decision on the timing of your visit!


Restaurants and Nightlife

Cabo has a mix of affordable and pricey restaurants; it simply depends on your cuisine interests. As previously mentioned, you will have fun anywhere you decide to go, as Cabo’s energetic and active nightlife is alluring. But please take precautionary actions if you’re planning a night out. 

Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:

  • The Office is an unforgettable beachside restaurant that offers scrumptious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend making a reservation around sunset to enjoy a beautiful view.
  • Edith is an astonishing restaurant with savory dishes. Their prices are considerably high, but their service is impeccable.
  • La Vaquita—if you’re a fan of old school R&B, reggaeton, and Latin music, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your time here.
  • El Squid Roe is party-central. Enjoy your time here as you order a rib eye with a side of bottle service.

Just as Cabo, San José offers a variety of cuisines for a multitude of palate interests. Prices range from high to low. I suggest searching through Yelp, as many restaurants include their prices on their online menus. Opposite of Cabo, San José’s nightlife is mellow and typically involves going out for some drinks and ending the night right after.

Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:

  • Visit Jazmin’s Restaurant for some delicious authentic Mexican food. Though it is on the pricier side, I loved my breakfast chilaquiles and thought the restaurant interior was beautiful.
  • Osteria 107—Visit this Italian kitchen for some flavorful pasta, fresh seafood, a glass of wine, and a picture-perfect interior.
  • Nomada Bar De Origen—this bar offers a mellow atmosphere where you can grab a drink during the nighttime. Imagine catching up with someone else on a warm night and house music playing lightly in the background. I don’t know…it seems pleasant to me!

Top 5 Accommodation Options:

Now, I think this will be the section that will conclude your decision-making. Price rates vary by season; expect higher prices during high season. Below you will find rates for 1 room, 1 night.

Located in San José del Cabo:

  1. Marquis Los Cabos— all-inclusive and adults-only hotel; from $593
  2. Hotel El Ganzo— adults-only hotel; from $489
  3. Villa del Faro— secluded hotel; from $395
  4. Drift San José del Cabo— boutique hideaway; from $271
  5. Casa Natalia— boutique hotel; from $133

Located in Cabo San Lucas:

  1. Hard Rock Hotel— all-inclusive; from $660
  2. Riu Palace—all-inclusive resort; from $334
  3. Corazón Resort and Spa— luxury resort; from $419
  4. Villa del Palmar— optional all-inclusive; from $147
  5. Fairfield Inn Marriott Los Cabos— modern hotel; from $89

Essential Safety Tips: 

  • Avoid back alleyways late at night or in general.
  • Only take car rides from licensed taxi drivers or Ubers (I used Uber during my entire stay and had no issue with the service).
  • Watch for pickpockets in the nightlife areas.
  • It is crucially important to not beach walk at the water’s edge on the Pacific side, as huge waves may come ashore with little to no notice!

In short, both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo welcome multitudes of diverse travelers every day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a couple, or as a family, I hope this has helped you finalize a decision by now. If you are still undecided, do not worry, as their accessible distance makes it simple for everyone to get a glimpse of both. Lastly, I invite you to visit these coastal towns and create your own memories.

Feel free to contact me for any further questions.