Los Cabos is likely one of the hottest trip locations in Latin America. Mexico’s west coast is an oasis of tranquility, recognized 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 correct information!
I’ll let you know about all the perfect issues to do in San Jose del Cabo, from taking part in golf to mountain climbing. Whether your excellent trip contains lounging on a seaside or rappelling down a mountain, you’ll discover loads of methods to remain busy in Mexico.
Prioritize the actions that sound like essentially the most enjoyable to totally get pleasure from your trip to Los Cabos. And hold in thoughts that a few of these experiences are seasonal (whale-watching) and might be out there provided that you’re in Los Cabos at a selected time. Now, let’s get into all the perfect 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 normal experiences with Mexico resorts. Whether I’m in the temper to lounge on the seaside all the day or I wish to do one thing loopy and out of my consolation zone, I’m by no means dissatisfied.
San Jose del Cabo isn’t 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 outlets, native handicrafts, and artwork galleries are the staples of San Jose del Cabo’s Gallery District. Set in the alleys behind the city’s major sq., the Gallery District is understood for conventional Mexican allure and intriguing art work.
On Thursday nights, the streets of Cabo’s Gallery District shut for automobiles, 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 needed 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 decide 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 spiritual constructing that’s particular to all of the locals, and in this Mexican metropolis, it’s Misión San José del Cabo. The Town’s Mission church borders the Mijares Square in the middle, so it’s an attraction you fairly actually can’t miss in case 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 in case you’re not spiritual. Visit the Mijares Square at evening to see the church illuminated with vibrant colours.
Practical Information: Mision San Jose del Cabo is open each day 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 problem? Absolutely, in case you’re fascinated by nature.
Head to the Lands End in Cabo San Lucas to see the long-lasting Arch. Towering rocks are in the backdrop of this whole sandy seaside, and so they create a spectacular scene. Also, it’s referred to as Lands End as a result of it’s the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. If you had been to observe a straight line down, you wouldn’t contact land till the South Pole.
Guided excursions are the perfect for visiting the Arch from San Jose del Cabo. Hotel pickup is included, and the perfect excursions embody rides in glass-bottom boats and snorkeling. And in fact, you possibly can’t guide 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 journey 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 journey nevertheless you want. All individuals have to be not less than 18 years previous and have a legitimate 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 easy methods to 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 automobiles, and it’s an exciting manner 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 commentary deck atop a hill in San José del Cabo. The trailhead is simply off the primary highway 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 adventurous in Los Cabos. It’s an effective way to kill an hour, get in some train, and expertise a scenic view of town and the Pacific Ocean, all in one fast hike.
Practical Information: The Cerro De La Chivas commentary 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 lots of miles of sandy seashores. One factor to notice is that there’s nearly no shade wherever on the island, so be certain to deliver a hat on the very least. Camping on the island is allowed, and it’s the one approach to spend quite a lot of hours right here.
Practical Information: Arrange a ship 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 stunning that San Jose del Cabo has some wonderful golf programs. If {golfing} is one thing you get pleasure from, Los Cabos is the proper vacation spot.
Puerto Los Cabos is likely one of the finest golf resorts in city with three totally different programs designed by pioneers of the game. And most holes supply scenic views of the ocean, so strive 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 fallacious with taking a complete day to your self, particularly whenever 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 faux you’re in White Lotus for a day however with out all of the drama.
Staying on the resort is the best choice in case you get pleasure from swimming as a result of most seashores in Los Cabos are usually not swimmable. And those which might be get crowded quick, so chances are high you gained’t be capable of discover any shade from the solar in case you’re not there very first thing in the morning. Set up camp by the pool, sip cocktails all day lengthy, and devour an excellent guide – 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 in the pool is the most secure choice.
9. Attend a Cooking Class
Mexican meals is excessive on my listing of preferences and I really like cooking, so this exercise was the dream for me. A number of totally different cooking lessons can be found in San Jose del Cabo, however by far the perfect 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 gifted prepare dinner.
Chef Francisco can educate you easy methods to make tamales, enchiladas, carnitas, and lots of different staple Mexican dishes. And irrespective of the primary course, Fransico will all the time educate you easy methods to correctly make margaritas and guacamole. Tequila tastings are additionally a part of the cooking class and so they make all the expertise far more enjoyable.
Practical Information: Book the cooking class and market tour with Chef Francisco for roughly $130 per individual. 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 just a few moments. Bonanza Horse Riding is a neighborhood operator in San Jose del Cabo that provides horseback driving in the city. Even complete newbies to driving are welcome to come back on excursions.
Bonanza Horse Riding is a family-run operation. All their horses are well-kept, fed the perfect diets, and actually well-trained. The information is pleasant and educated, and it’ll make horse driving appear to be a breeze even to these with out prior expertise.
Practical Information: The one-hour journey takes place on the Costa Azul seaside. The two-hour journey additionally features a journey in the San Jose Estuary.
Baja Blown Glass Factory is a neighborhood glass-making store in San Jose del Cabo. Here you’ll discover distinctive objects 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’ll 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 charge. Anyone can browse the objects 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 be capable of 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 primary city sq. in San Jose del Cabo. It’s lined with charming buildings, together with the city corridor, and incorporates a heart stage for occasions. This is the center of city, and on heat summer time nights, it’s buzzing with vacationers and locals.
The sq. gives quick access 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 in case you’re on the lookout for good native outlets. 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 at no cost.
13. A Day At A Beach Club
San Jose del Cabo is a vacation spot for relaxed holidays and it’s bought the seaside golf equipment to show it. Spend a day at a seaside membership to get pleasure from pure hedonism and supreme rest. Hang out in a cover seaside mattress and benefit from the views of the ocean, whereas servers deliver drinks and snacks on to you.
El Ganzo de Playa is likely one of the finest in city. It’s located on a small swimmable seaside in San Jose, one among few in the city. The membership doesn’t take reservations, so in case you arrive early in the morning, securing a spot shouldn’t be an issue.
Practical Information: El Ganzo de Playa Beach Club has a day go charge 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 gives zip-line rides, guided rappelling down a mountain, and the possibility to stroll on a transferring suspension bridge. If any of that seems 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 decide you up at your lodge and take you to their location in the character park, simply 10 minutes exterior downtown San Jose del Cabo. And all individuals get a shot of tequila after they’re accomplished with the journey, in true Mexican vogue!
Practical Information: Costa Azul expenses $99 for entry to all their actions, lodge transfers, lockers, and complimentary drinks (water and tequila). Participants are charged a further $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 the most effective issues to do in the world, particularly in case you’re seeking 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 an exquisite expertise, particularly in case you get a pleasant information who can’t wait to let you know every thing they find out about whales.
Insider Tip: Avoid the open-bar excursions as a result of they’re extra about day consuming than whale watching.
Practical Information: Whale-watching excursions are normally priced at $100-150 per individual.
16. Dine at a Farm-To-Table Restaurant
San Jose del Cabo has just a few farm-to-table eating places that supply an genuine Mexican eating expertise. The hottest locations are Flora’s Field Kitchen and Tamarindos, each located in the Ánimas Bajas neighborhood.
Flora’s Field Kitchen is an element of a giant property that features a car parking zone, outlets, a farm, 10 personal villas, and a group space. This is the place to be if you wish to keep at a luxurious personal residence in Los Cabos, and have recent produce for breakfast each day.
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 cellphone.
17. Swim in the Ocean at Palmilla Beach
Not all seashores in San Jose del Cabo are swimmable resulting from robust currents and large waves. Palmilla Beach is a swimmable sandy seaside a brief bus (or Uber) journey from downtown San Jose.
Come right here to spend a day stress-free on the seaside and swimming. The ocean is calm sufficient even for stand-up paddleboarding, which is sort of uncommon for this a part of the Baja California peninsula. Head out to the seaside early in the morning so you possibly can lease loungers and umbrellas and spend all the day having fun with your self on the seaside.
Insider Tip: You can’t purchase meals or drinks on the seaside so deliver 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 bought many artwork galleries so it’s very talked-about with artists, and there’s even a neighborhood historical past museum in the cultural heart.
Todos Santos seashores are nice for browsing because of the massive waves. They’re not likely swimmable seashores, however you possibly can all the time calm down beneath the solar for a short while and observe the surfers. Unless you’ve bought a solar allergy; in that case, you’ll wish to cowl up and keep as removed from the seaside as attainable.
Walk across the charming little city and pop into the native outlets 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 music in the center 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 in the world.
The two seashores are linked however are named otherwise in reference to their accessibility. At Lovers Beach, the ocean is calm and you’ll go for a swim. But at Divorce Beach the ocean is tough and tumultuous, therefore the identify. 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 scorching.
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 just a few totally different actions that happen in Cabo San Lucas or are accessible solely from that Cabo. So, it’s solely proper that you just find time for a guided tour of the city, particularly in case you’re in Los Cabos for the primary time.
It’s a unique vibe from San Jose del Cabo, which has previous buildings and a bustling central metropolis. The major sights in Cabo San Lucas are close to the marina, so that you don’t need to 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 a few of 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 movement 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 may not be nice for swimming, however they’re excellent for browsing. The large waves are a dream for anybody with expertise on a surfboard, whereas the smaller ones are the proper alternative to strive 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 possible wish 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 heart could be very charming and a delight to find.
Which is best Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?
Cabo San Lucas is best in case you’re on the lookout for events and touristy cities. San Jose del Cabo is best 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 recognized for the Art District which is filled with galleries and native handicraft outlets.
Is San Jose Del Cabo Beach Swimmable?
No, San Jose del Cabo Beach isn’t 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 wonderful resorts, deciding the place to remain in San Jose del Cabo is a frightening activity. The finest place for you largely is dependent upon your funds, and whether or not you’re seeking to keep at an all-inclusive resort. Here are a few of the finest motels 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 most important crowds are in late March and early April. If you wish 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 scorching. Also, the summer time is hurricane season in Cabo, and although the city is never 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 consistently 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 personal shuttles and transfers, however this have to be accomplished just a few days earlier than your arrival. Taking an Uber from the airport to the lodge isn’t an choice 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 the easiest way of getting round San Jose del Cabo. It’s considerably cheaper than the native taxi service, and far quicker than the buses. Sure, native buses can be found and so they’re by far the most affordable choice out of the bunch, however they’re extremely sluggish and never all the time the most secure.
Uber could be very inexpensive in Mexico and usually the best choice for getting round shortly. However, you must all the time ensure that your driver ends the journey after you arrive at your vacation spot. That manner they’ll’t cost you greater than the agreed-upon value, which has been recognized 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 only calm down by the pool. But to see simply the highest sights in Los Cabos and discover a bit extra of the peninsula, 4 days is the best period of time.
I like to recommend planning every week’s trip, so you possibly can spend as a lot time as you need exploring and happening adventures, but in addition stress-free by the pool and making the most of complimentary resort companies.