Los Cabos is likely one of the hottest trip locations in Latin America. Mexico’s west coast is an oasis of tranquility, identified for fabulous resorts, huge sandy seashores, and an azure ocean. If you’re planning a trip in San Jose del Cabo and wish concepts on what to incorporate in your itinerary, you’ve discovered simply the fitting information!
I’ll let you know about all one of the best issues to do in San Jose del Cabo, from taking part in golf to climbing. Whether your excellent trip consists of lounging on a seaside or rappelling down a mountain, you’ll discover loads of methods to keep busy in Mexico.
Prioritize the actions that sound like essentially the most enjoyable to totally take pleasure in your trip to Los Cabos. And remember the fact that a few of these experiences are seasonal (whale-watching) and can be obtainable provided that you’re in Los Cabos at a particular time. Now, let’s get into all one of the best issues to do in San Jose del Cabo!
Best of San Jose del Cabo Quick Guide
- Must See: Plaza Mijares, Art District, El Arco, Palmilla Beach, Lovers Beach, Mision San Jose del Cabo
- Where To Stay: Flora Farms, Marisol Hotel Boutique, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
- Fun To Do: Zip-line Park, ATV Rides, Surfing, Snorkelling, Horseback rides
- Day Trips: Cabo San Lucas (Lands End), Todos Santos, Espiritu Santo Island
- Must-Try Foods: Enchiladas, Tamales, Guacamole, Tacos
Best Things To Do In San Jose Del Cabo
Sandy seashores, scrumptious meals, and thrilling adventures are my regular experiences with Mexico resorts. Whether I’m within the temper to lounge on the seaside the whole day or I need to do one thing loopy and out of my consolation zone, I’m by no means dissatisfied.
San Jose del Cabo is not any exception to the rule. The city’s sights embody every thing from luxurious five-star resorts to cooking lessons with native cooks, with numerous different choices in between.
1. Stroll Around The Gallery District
Souvenir retailers, native handicrafts, and artwork galleries are the staples of San Jose del Cabo’s Gallery District. Set within the alleys behind the city’s major sq., the Gallery District is understood for conventional Mexican attraction and intriguing paintings.
On Thursday nights, the streets of Cabo’s Gallery District shut for autos, permitting the locals and vacationers to swarm them. The occasion is regionally often called the Art Walk, and it was established by the native authorities who wished all guests in San Jose del Cabo to expertise extra of the city’s custom and tradition.
Visit San Jose Del Cabo’s artwork district to find and help native artists from Baja California Sur and choose up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take house.
Practical Information: San José Art Walk takes place each Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM between November and June.
2. Visit Misión San José del Cabo
Every city has a major non secular constructing that’s particular to all of the locals, and on this Mexican metropolis, it’s Misión San José del Cabo. The Town’s Mission church borders the Mijares Square within the middle, so it’s an attraction you fairly actually can’t miss should you’re simply strolling round downtown San Jose.
The church is fairly from the surface however the inside is a bit underwhelming. There’s some artwork inside and the stained glass home windows are noteworthy, nevertheless it’s not a spot the place you’ll spend greater than 10 minutes should you’re not non secular. Visit the Mijares Square at evening to see the church illuminated with shiny colours.
Practical Information: Mision San Jose del Cabo is open on daily basis from 9 AM to eight PM. Entrance is free.
3. See The Iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is essentially the most well-known pure landmark on the Baja peninsula. But it’s in Cabo San Lucas, and to go to it from San Jose, you’ll want to rearrange a guided tour or take an Uber. Is it definitely worth the trouble? Absolutely, should you’re fascinated by nature.
Head to the Lands End in Cabo San Lucas to see the long-lasting Arch. Towering rocks are within the backdrop of this whole sandy seaside, and so they create a spectacular scene. Also, it’s known as Lands End as a result of it’s the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. If you have been to comply with a straight line down, you wouldn’t contact land till the South Pole.
Guided excursions are one of the best for visiting the Arch from San Jose del Cabo. Hotel pickup is included, and one of the best excursions embody rides in glass-bottom boats and snorkeling. And in fact, you possibly can’t e book a tour in Mexico with out complementary tequila!
Practical Information: Expect to pay round $100-150 for an organized tour to The Arch of Cabo San Lucas from San Jose.
4. ATV Rides on The Beach
Most of the Baja peninsula is desert terrain, which is finest explored on ATVs. Arrange an ATV tour and also you’ll get picked up at your lodge, and brought to a seaside stuffed with dunes the place you possibly can trip round on an ATV for hours.
It was essentially the most enjoyable I had in Los Cabos and I might completely do it once more. Single and double ATVs can be found so you possibly can trip nonetheless you want. All members should be not less than 18 years outdated and have a sound driver’s license to drive an ATV. Even kids are welcome to affix on double ATVs!
You’ll get all of the protecting gear and directions on how you can drive an ATV, in case it’s your first time. Most of those excursions take you to areas of the peninsula that may solely be accessed in all-terrain autos, and it’s an exciting means of exploring Baja California Sur.
Practical Information: ATV Tours of Los Cabos begin at roughly $75, with out entrance charges to nature parks.
5. Hike To Cerro De Las Chivas
Cerro De Las Chivas is an statement deck atop a hill in San José del Cabo. The trailhead is simply off the principle street in Mauricio Castro neighborhood, and it takes solely 20 minutes or so to make it up the hill.
This is a well-liked spot for panoramic views, particularly amongst people who find themselves feeling a bit of adventurous in Los Cabos. It’s an effective way to kill an hour, get in some train, and expertise a scenic view of the town and the Pacific Ocean, multi functional fast hike.
Practical Information: The Cerro De La Chivas statement deck is accessible at any time, freed from cost.
6. Day Trip to Espiritu Santo Island
Espiritu Santo Island is a spot of mesmerizing surroundings. The island is a nationwide park, located near La Paz. It’s finest to go to it on crusing excursions from Los Cabos as a result of the island can solely be visited by boat.
It boasts dramatic rock formations and plenty of miles of sandy seashores. One factor to notice is that there’s just about no shade wherever on the island, so be certain that to carry a hat on the very least. Camping on the island is allowed, and it’s the one option to spend various hours right here.
Practical Information: Arrange a boat cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo with native operators as a result of there are not any industrial ferries to the island.
7. Play Golf
Resort holidays and {golfing} go hand in hand, so it’s not shocking that San Jose del Cabo has some glorious golf programs. If {golfing} is one thing you take pleasure in, Los Cabos is the proper vacation spot.
Puerto Los Cabos is likely one of the finest golf resorts on the town with three totally different programs designed by pioneers of the game. And most holes supply scenic views of the ocean, so attempt to not be distracted.
Practical Information: The charges for Puerto Los Cabos golf programs vary from $165 to $600.
8. Lounge At Your Resort
There’s nothing incorrect with taking a whole day to your self, particularly once you’re on trip. Spend a day lounging at your resort benefiting from your reserving, and discovering all of the totally different companies the resort can give you. Maybe fake you’re in White Lotus for a day however with out all of the drama.
Staying on the resort is the most suitable choice should you take pleasure in swimming as a result of most seashores in Los Cabos are usually not swimmable. And those which are get crowded quick, so chances are high you gained’t have the ability to discover any shade from the solar should you’re not there very first thing within the morning. Set up camp by the pool, sip cocktails all day lengthy, and devour an excellent e book – you’re on trip and also you deserve it.
Practical Information: Resorts in San Jose del Cabo don’t supply entry to swimmable seashores. Swimming within the pool is the most secure possibility.
9. Attend a Cooking Class
Mexican meals is excessive on my record of preferences and I like cooking, so this exercise was the dream for me. A couple of totally different cooking lessons can be found in San Jose del Cabo, however by far one of the best one is with chef Fransico. Book the cooking class with a tour of the native market, and also you’ll get to spend the day with a really pleasant and extremely proficient prepare dinner.
Chef Francisco can educate you how you can make tamales, enchiladas, carnitas, and plenty of different staple Mexican dishes. And irrespective of the principle course, Fransico will at all times educate you how you can correctly make margaritas and guacamole. Tequila tastings are additionally a part of the cooking class and so they make the whole expertise far more enjoyable.
Practical Information: Book the cooking class and market tour with Chef Francisco for about $130 per particular person. The assembly level is on the entrance to the market.
10. Ride A Horse On The Beach
Horseback rides on the seaside are standard in Los Cabos and are an effective way to really feel like a film star for a couple of moments. Bonanza Horse Riding is an area operator in San Jose del Cabo that provides horseback using within the city. Even complete newbies to using are welcome to come back on excursions.
Bonanza Horse Riding is a family-run operation. All their horses are well-kept, fed one of the best diets, and actually well-trained. The information is pleasant and educated, and it’ll make horse using seem to be a breeze even to these with out prior expertise.
Practical Information: The one-hour trip takes place on the Costa Azul seaside. The two-hour trip additionally features a trip within the San Jose Estuary.
Baja Blown Glass Factory is an area glass-making store in San Jose del Cabo. Here you’ll discover distinctive gadgets made by locals, and there’s every thing from kitchenware to artwork you possibly can grasp on the partitions.
What I like essentially the most about this place is that they will make you something you need out of glass, proper earlier than your eyes. In addition to distinctive native souvenirs, you get to witness a glass-maker at work, an expertise normally reserved for museums.
Because it is a store and never a museum, there’s no entrance price. Anyone can browse the gadgets on sale, and discuss to the glass-makers to study a factor or two about their craft.
Insider Tip: If you order one thing custom-made, you gained’t have the ability to take it house the identical day as a result of it wants time to chill.
Practical Information: Baja Blown Glass Factory store is open from 9 AM to six PM.
12. Hang Out at Plaza Mijares
Plaza Mijares is the principle city sq. in San Jose del Cabo. It’s lined with charming buildings, together with the city corridor, and encompasses a middle stage for occasions. This is the guts of city, and on heat summer time nights, it’s buzzing with vacationers and locals.
The sq. presents easy accessibility to artwork galleries, museums, eating places, and the native Mission church. It’s a must-see spot throughout any correct tour of downtown San Jose del Cabo, much more so should you’re searching for good native retailers. During the Thursday evening Art Walk, native artists arrange stalls on the Plaza, showcasing all their finest work.
Practical Information: Plaza Mijares is in downtown San Jose del Cabo, accessible at any time without spending a dime.
13. A Day At A Beach Club
San Jose del Cabo is a vacation spot for relaxed holidays and it’s obtained the seaside golf equipment to show it. Spend a day at a seaside membership to take pleasure in pure hedonism and supreme leisure. Hang out in a cover seaside mattress and benefit from the views of the ocean, whereas servers carry drinks and snacks on to you.
El Ganzo de Playa is likely one of the finest on the town. It’s located on a small swimmable seaside in San Jose, one among few within the city. The membership doesn’t take reservations, so should you arrive early within the morning, securing a spot shouldn’t be an issue.
Practical Information: El Ganzo de Playa Beach Club has a day move price of 1,000 Mexican pesos (roughly 59 USD), $800 of which is credited for drinks and snacks.
14. Zip-line Rides & Rappelling
Costa Azul is a well-liked journey sports activities operator in San Jose del Cabo. The enterprise presents zip-line rides, guided rappelling down a mountain, and the prospect to stroll on a transferring suspension bridge. If any of that appears like enjoyable, Costa Azul ought to be one among your first stops in San Jose del Cabo.
What I actually like about Costa Azul is that they’ll choose you up at your lodge and take you to their location within the nature park, simply 10 minutes exterior downtown San Jose del Cabo. And all members get a shot of tequila after they’re accomplished with the journey, in true Mexican style!
Practical Information: Costa Azul prices $99 for entry to all their actions, lodge transfers, lockers, and complimentary drinks (water and tequila). Participants are charged an extra $15 for entrance to the park.
15. Whale Watching From Cabo San Lucas
The whale watching season in Los Cabos is from November to April. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do within the space, particularly should you’re trying to fill your day with enjoyable and thrilling actions.
Book a whale-watching tour to spend a day observing the majestic mammals from a ship. It’s a beautiful expertise, particularly should you get a pleasant information who can’t wait to let you know every thing they learn about whales.
Insider Tip: Avoid the open-bar excursions as a result of they’re extra about day ingesting than whale watching.
Practical Information: Whale-watching excursions are normally priced at $100-150 per particular person.
16. Dine at a Farm-To-Table Restaurant
San Jose del Cabo has a couple of farm-to-table eating places that supply an genuine Mexican eating expertise. The hottest locations are Flora’s Field Kitchen and Tamarindos, each located within the Ánimas Bajas neighborhood.
Flora’s Field Kitchen is an element of a big property that features a car parking zone, retailers, a farm, 10 non-public villas, and a group space. This is the place to be if you wish to keep at a luxurious non-public residence in Los Cabos, and have recent produce for breakfast on daily basis.
Tamarindos is an upscale restaurant serving conventional Mexican delicacies. All the dishes are ready with produce grown on the restaurant’s farm, so every thing is recent and scrumptious.
Practical Information: Book a desk at both a restaurant on-line or by telephone.
17. Swim within the Ocean at Palmilla Beach
Not all seashores in San Jose del Cabo are swimmable attributable to sturdy currents and large waves. Palmilla Beach is a swimmable sandy seaside a brief bus (or Uber) trip from downtown San Jose.
Come right here to spend a day enjoyable on the seaside and swimming. The ocean is calm sufficient even for stand-up paddleboarding, which is kind of uncommon for this a part of the Baja California peninsula. Head out to the seaside early within the morning so you possibly can lease loungers and umbrellas and spend the whole day having fun with your self on the seaside.
Insider Tip: You can’t purchase meals or drinks on the seaside so carry your personal.
Practical Information: The Ruta del Desierto bus can take you to Palmilla Beach from downtown San Jose del Cabo.
18. Head To Todos Santos For a Day
Situated simply an hour exterior San Jose del Cabo on the west coast of Mexico, Todos Santos is a captivating little city. It’s obtained many artwork galleries so it’s extremely popular with artists, and there’s even an area historical past museum within the cultural middle.
Todos Santos seashores are nice for browsing due to the massive waves. They’re probably not swimmable seashores, however you possibly can at all times calm down beneath the solar for a short time and observe the surfers. Unless you’ve obtained a solar allergy; in that case, you’ll need to cowl up and keep as removed from the seaside as attainable.
Walk across the charming little city and pop into the native retailers to take a look at the distinctive handicrafts. Todos Santos even has a Hotel California, which made me cease in my tracks and get away in tune in the midst of the road!
Practical Information: Todos Santos is an hour and 10 minutes from San Jose del Cabo by taxi and Uber.
19. Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach
Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach are the 2 sandy seashores at Lands End in Cabo San Lucas. Most tour operators bundle journeys to the seashores with visits to El Arco, Lands End, and even whale-watching excursions within the space.
The two seashores are linked however are named otherwise in reference to their accessibility. At Lovers Beach, the ocean is calm and you may go for a swim. But at Divorce Beach the ocean is tough and tumultuous, therefore the title. Sometimes, it’s not even attainable to make all of it the best way to Divorce Beach as a result of the sand is simply too sizzling.
Practical Information: Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach are accessible solely by boat excursions from the Cabo San Lucas marina.
20. Walking Tour of Cabo San Lucas Town
I’ve included a couple of totally different actions that happen in Cabo San Lucas or are accessible solely from that Cabo. So, it’s solely proper that you simply find time for a guided tour of the city, particularly should you’re in Los Cabos for the primary time.
It’s a special vibe from San Jose del Cabo, which has outdated buildings and a bustling central metropolis. The major sights in Cabo San Lucas are close to the marina, so that you don’t must stray too far into the residential areas. The city has a Museum of Natural History with an interesting exhibit on the archaeological and geological historical past of the peninsula.
Avid hikers ought to pack a pair of strolling poles and head straight to Mt. Solmar, for epic views of the ocean and the cliffs at Lands End.
Practical Information: Cabo San Lucas is roughly half an hour from San Jose del Cabo, accessible by taxi, Uber, and native bus.
21. Go Snorkelling
The coral reefs of Los Cabos boast ample marine life, which is important for an excellent scuba diving or snorkeling expertise. Chileno Beach and Pelican Rock are among the hottest locations for diving as a result of they’re not simply accessible and have ample marine life.
Some operators even supply open-bar snorkeling excursions, which embody a visit to Lands End at Cabo San Lucas. Don’t fear, the drinks begin to move solely when everybody is finished with the diving.
Practical Information: Snorkelling excursions in Los Cabos can value wherever from $65 to $150+.
22. Try Surfing
The seashores of San Jose del Cabo won’t be nice for swimming, however they’re excellent for browsing. The massive waves are a dream for anybody with expertise on a surfboard, whereas the smaller ones are the proper alternative to attempt browsing for the primary time.
Surfing classes and excursions can be found on the seashores in central San Jose del Cabo. However, extra skilled surfers will doubtless need to organize a visit to East Cape or Todos Santos, as a result of the seashores in these cities have legendary waves.
Practical Information: Surfing classes can be found at Zipper’s on Costa Azul Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Walk Around San Jose del Cabo?
Yes, you possibly can stroll round San Jose del Cabo. Its historic middle could be very charming and a delight to find.
Which is healthier Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas is healthier should you’re searching for events and touristy cities. San Jose del Cabo is healthier for an genuine Mexican city and fewer crowds.
Does San Jose del Cabo have a downtown?
Yes, San Jose del Cabo has a downtown. It’s finest identified for the Art District which is stuffed with galleries and native handicraft retailers.
Is San Jose Del Cabo Beach Swimmable?
No, San Jose del Cabo Beach will not be swimmable. There’s one small swimmable part close to Hotel El Ganzo, and the closest correct swimmable seaside to San Jose del Cabo is Palmilla Beach.
Where To Stay in San Jose del Cabo
With so many glorious resorts, deciding the place to remain in San Jose del Cabo is a frightening process. The finest place for you largely depends upon your funds, and whether or not you’re trying to keep at an all-inclusive resort. Here are among the finest lodges in San Jose del Cabo for all budgets:
Tips and Information For Visiting San Jose Del Cabo
Best Time To Visit
The excessive season in Cabo is from December to April. Cabo is a well-liked spring break vacation spot, so by far, the largest crowds are in late March and early April. If you need to keep away from the crowds and have a good time in Cabo, I like to recommend planning a visit in May, June, October, or November.
Don’t go to Cabo in July or August as a result of it’s insanely sizzling. Also, the summer time is hurricane season in Cabo, and despite the fact that the city isn’t affected, it’s finest to play it protected. Most issues to do in San Jose del Cabo happen open air and are usually not enjoyable if the temperature is continually above 90 levels.
Getting There
San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are each serviced by the Los Cabos International Airport. At the airport, you possibly can take a shared shuttle to your resort. San Jose del Cabo is way nearer to the airport than Cabo San Lucas, so this shouldn’t take too lengthy even when your resort is likely one of the final alongside the best way.
It’s additionally attainable to rearrange non-public shuttles and transfers, however this should be accomplished a couple of days earlier than your arrival. Taking an Uber from the airport to the lodge will not be an possibility as a result of Uber is banned on the airport. However, you possibly can take an Uber from the lodge to the airport, and that’s what we advocate.
Getting Around
Uber is one of the best ways of getting round San Jose del Cabo. It’s considerably cheaper than the native taxi service, and far sooner than the buses. Sure, native buses can be found and so they’re by far the most cost effective possibility out of the bunch, however they’re extremely gradual and never at all times the most secure.
Uber could be very inexpensive in Mexico and usually the most suitable choice for getting round rapidly. However, you need to at all times make it possible for your driver ends the journey after you arrive at your vacation spot. That means they will’t cost you greater than the agreed-upon worth, which has been identified to occur.
How Much Time Do You Need
You want not less than 3-4 days to expertise Los Cabos, and doubtless much more if you wish to take a few days to simply calm down by the pool. But to see simply the highest sights in Los Cabos and discover a bit of extra of the peninsula, 4 days is the perfect period of time.
I like to recommend planning per week’s trip, so you possibly can spend as a lot time as you need exploring and occurring adventures, but additionally enjoyable by the pool and benefiting from complimentary resort companies.