For years, residents and visitors walking the Cabo San Lucas Marina passed a concrete skeleton, the long-abandoned Plaza de la Danza lot. It stood as a blunt, grey symbol of stalled commercial ambition right on the water’s edge.
Today, the aesthetic of that part of the waterfront is not only being reclaimed, but its new vision and design offer a variety of experiences to discover, enjoy, and return to. This strip of the marina, known as The Place in Cabo, is designed as a charming outdoor cultural shopping and gastronomic space, incorporating art, sports, and education into its offerings. Strolling through its alley on a hot June afternoon, you’ll be appreciative and marvel at the trees, plants, and foliage it harbors, and by virtue the shade and cooling effect they create. If you are questioning whether I am, in fact, referring to “The Cabo San Lucas Marina,” I am indeed.
This newer developed part of the marina emits a more subtle, charming, and relaxing vibe. Through collaborations with artists, the space is curated with unique sculptures, exhibitions, and musical events. Next to the Ferris wheel, which is also part of The Place at Cabo, you can now enjoy their new outdoor sports bar, Domo, which has a giant white dome for shade and all of the free breeze from the water, right in time for the FIFA World Cup.
High-Tech Museum Opens at Cabo Marina
Their new addition, which opens its doors on June 9, is the anticipated Los Cabos Discovery Center, an immersive, high-tech museum located in front of Dock J at the marina, along the Barracuda Walkway. I had the pleasure of visiting the facility ahead of its public debut; aside from the incredible immersive experience that makes you feel like diving without the water and being wet, it gave me a new perspective and appreciation for the future of museums incorporating new technology.
The discovery center is a cutting-edge, 360-degree digital “aquarium” that uses high-tech projection screens and LED lighting to showcase the rich marine biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, including the area’s famous whales. The immediate takeaway upon entering the center is the transition from the heavy footprint of the active marina into a cool, quiet, controlled environment. The design abandons traditional, static museum architecture, using visual narrative and other tools to create the physical sensation of submersion.
Operating Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the center provides an immediate, indoor alternative to standard activities and commercial shopping for cruise ship passengers, resort guests, and all of us full-timers here throughout the summer.
Director Shares Vision for Visitor Experience
To learn more, join me for my interview with Carlos Arámburo, Director of Experience at the Discovery Center.
Naailah: “What can visitors expect when they first walk into the museum?”
Carlos: “They can expect a strong first impression. The idea is for visitors to feel like they are stepping into the Sea of Cortez, not just walking into a regular museum. From the lobby, the experience should feel modern, immersive, and easy to enjoy.”
Naailah: “What makes this attraction different from anything else in Cabo?”
Carlos: “What makes it different is that it is not only about looking at things. It is about feeling the ocean, the wildlife, the light, the sound, and the story of the Sea of Cortez in a very immersive way. Cabo has many great outdoor activities, but this gives visitors a new indoor experience connected to the place they are visiting.”
Immersive Storytelling and Visual Design
Naailah: “What part of the museum do you think people will be most excited to see?”
Carlos: “I think people will be very excited about the immersive rooms, especially the moment when the story comes alive around them. The mix of visuals, sound, and movement should make people feel they are inside the ocean, which is memorable and easy to share.”
Naailah: “What kind of experience do you want visitors to leave with?”
Carlos: “We want people to leave feeling surprised, inspired, and more connected to the Sea of Cortez. Ideally, they walk out saying, ‘I did not know all of this was here,’ and they feel a stronger appreciation for Cabo and its natural environment.”
Learning Through Visual Immersion
Naailah: “How will the museum help people learn more about the Sea of Cortez?”
Carlos: “People learn simply and visually. Instead of giving too much technical information, it will use immersive storytelling, images, sound, and clear messages to explain why the Sea of Cortez is so special and why it matters.”
Naailah: “What are you most excited for people to experience when it opens?”
Carlos: “I am most excited for people to have that first ‘wow’ moment. That moment when they stop, look around, and realize this is something different. I think that reaction will be very special.”
Opening Soon at The Place in Cabo
Naailah: “What would you say to someone thinking about visiting once it opens?”
Carlos: “I would say: come with an open mind and enjoy the ride. It is a great way to see Cabo from a different angle, learn a little more about the Sea of Cortez, and have a fun experience that feels fresh, visual, and very easy to enjoy.”
Naailah Auladin for more on my work: www.naailahauladin.com or reach me on WhatsApp at: +52 612 141 8002
Naailah Auladin is a life and relationship doula in La Paz, specializing in guiding individuals and families during periods of emotional trauma, crisis, and mental unrest. She focuses on teaching and inspiring individuals to take responsibility and ownership in participating in their civic duties, prioritizing the well-being of “self” first, as she believes that fostering and maintaining well-managed emotional, mental, and physical health is our primary civic duty.
