There are countless reasons to go to Cabo, with its balmy weather, diverse sporting/recreational opportunities, sublime dining and superior service, but there's one consideration that's a bit more intangible, a bit more centered on things like style, atmosphere and feeling. That consideration is the Cabo "scene." Los Cabos definitely has a scene, and it's smoking.

First off, let's clarify: defining what's hot and what's not can be tricky, because a happening spot can become so just by quick word of mouth, though its sizzling moment might only last a month or two and then it cools off, only to be replaced by the newest sensation. And obviously, the most popular places might be popular only for cheap food, oozing booze and herds of consumers—not for their cool factor.

So what we're listing here won't be the bright candles that might only burn for a night, nor just the places where the crowds are so thick strangers will sip your margaritas while you're holding them. No, these are the places that have been cool for a chunk of time, and will be so in times to come. And as you well know, cool is definitely hot.

Let's jump right in to "Best Overall Nightclub": Cabo is renowned for being one of the places where 2am means it's time to turn up the music, so there's a full deck of choices for joints that rock, roll and tickle your soul all night long. The best nightclubs have a unique, individual atmosphere, good sound and visuals, and of course, a congenial crowd.

The Passion Club at the ME gets the winning nightclub nod, because it's frequented by the beautiful people heating up the dance floor in a chic, trendy environment, thus it's no surprise that it also won votes for "Best Disco/Recorded Music" and "Best Drinks" venue. Barometro, on the Marina Boardwalk has many plusses in the top-club category, with its big-screen lounge, tasty seafood and great view; it also got a solid vote in the "Best Drinks" category. The Nowhere Bar in Cabo holds its own both for being a great club with some dandy dancing too.

There's dancing, and then there's dancing on tables, and maybe on the shoulders of newly met friends. If that's your cup of tequila, then don't miss Squid Roe, perhaps the granddaddy of the mad dance scene. But if DJ-ing scratchers playing trip-hop and trance don't jiggle your pegs, there's always some classic monster rock live to be had at venerable Cabo Wabo, where Sammy Hagar still serves up some mighty licks. The Habana nightclub in San Jose also garnered some kudos as a "Best Live Music" spot for its hot jazz, and don't forget the Mambo Cafe down in the marina for hot (and live) salsa sounds.

And it's right there in the name: if you're hankering for the "Best Place to Watch a Sunset." Sunset da Mona Lisa at Misiones del Cabo is the ranking choice, and a good restaurant too. (Don't miss the upscale DG Lounge right above for some low-key acoustic music.) Sunsets are also a choice menu selection at any of the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach restaurants.

Our last category isn't exactly part of the post-midnight, stiletto heels scene, but it's really a scene unto its own: "Best People Watching." Los Cabos has its share of kooks, characters and crazies, and inside the Puerto Paraiso Mall is considered a definitive spot from which to admire them. Other venues for observing the human animal in all its glory are The Office restaurant, Baja Cantina on the beach and at the Marina, and the Mango Deck at Playa del Medano. Try not to stare. In short, there's no shortage of hot spots and cool cubbyholes for scenesters in Los Cabos. Don't forget, you can always spend the next day lounging by the pool; aspirin optional.