The Top Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico: Explore This Historic and Charming Mexican City

There are so many things to do in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Located in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, this town offers charm for the romantics, beaches and outdoor adventure for the nature lovers, top-tier restaurants for the foodies, and art galore for the cultural connoisseurs. It’s one of Mexico’s best kept secrets.

From the moment I arrived in San Jose del Cabo, I felt it was remarkably easy to connect with what made the city special. A simple walk around the town, even a short one, can easily reveal that.

It’s part of what I love about travel to Mexico in general, to be honest. I can recall times travelling in nations like Switzerland where it would take me a fair bit of time to establish what the vibe or feeling of a city was (something I’m clearly at least mildly obsessed with as a travel writer), but in Mexico, especially places like Mexico City, Guanajuato City, Holbox or especially in San Jose del Cabo in particular, it’s all on display and easy to tap into—and I love that.

We (I was fortunate enough to be staying with some fellow travel writers at the nearby Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos) arrived in the central town square, Plaza Mijares, to the sound of live music, and the stage was abuzz with a local dance rehearsal.

The square was alive. So much motion, so much energy.

When you arrive in San Jose del Cabo (and if you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you’re considering it) I’d urge you to get a feel for the current of the city, and hop right in the water. It’s a city that is worth surrendering yourself to and appreciating as an experience on its own terms.

Naturally, I’ll get into precisely how you can do that below.

About San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo (which would roughly translate to “Saint Joseph of the Cape” is a city located in the southern part of the state of Baja California Sur. It’s an intimate place that isn’t necessarily built up too much, so it’s sometimes hard to realize that the city has a population that is over 125,000.

San Jose del Cabo is not to be confused with Cabo San Lucas, which is roughly 30 kilometres away. I get the sense that the partiers base themselves in Cabo San Lucas, whereas that more laid back travellers base themselves in San Jose del Cabo. At this point in my life, San Jose del Cabo is much more my style.

It’s worth knowing that, colloquially, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas (and the area in between and around) are known collectively as “Los Cabos.” Not confusing at all, right?

The Mission San Jose del Cabo (the southernmost of the Jesuit missions on the Baja California peninsula) was founded back in 1730. It was built somewhat strategically because of its proximity to the crystal clear waters of the Rio San Jose, which flows into an estuary that happens to be the largest body of fresh water in the region.

The city has been well preserved, and it’s a lovely opportunity to take a step back in time when you’re visiting areas like downtown San Jose del Cabo and the surrounding area. That being said, with its vibrant restaurant and art scene, it’s not a city that is only looking backwards - it’s a city with its eye on a bright future.

Please note: This post contains some affiliate links. Simply put, it means that I may get a small commission for some of my heartfelt and honest recommendations. That being said, the opinions expressed in this article are fully my own.

Getting to San Jose del Cabo

If you’re travelling from outside of the area, you’re more than likely going to find yourself arriving to the region via Los Cabos International Airport.

This airport is the seventh busiest in Mexico, and 23rd in Latin America for passenger traffic. Since it’s fairly busy, you’re going to want to plan out your time landing at this airport to ensure you have the comfortable transportation you need. This is especially true if you’re going to be landing early in the morning or later in the evening, when it’s just nice to get to your accommodation without much worry.

If you’re looking to relax on arrival to the airport, I’d highly recommend booking a private airport shuttle to meet you when you land. This is always something I appreciate doing in advance of a trip, especially if I’m looking to step into vacation mode on arrival, and don’t want to be tasked with figuring out transportation or navigating prices on arrival.

Where to Stay in San Jose del Cabo

There are a lot of benefits to staying in San Jose del Cabo on the Baja California peninsula.

First of all, it’s much closer to the airport than Cabo San Lucas, and it also isn’t as crowded or overrun with tourists. It’s also home to some incredible hotels. As I mentioned earlier, I personally stayed at the Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, which is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city itself. It is, simply put, one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in, and I’ve stayed in some pretty top-tier spots.

This adults-only all-inclusive luxury resort has everything you could ever desire for a premium vacation mode time away from home. The rooms are immaculate, their bars offer some of the most sought after spirits in the world, and their spa is premium class. I had a massage during my time here, and it was one of the best ones I’ve ever had in my life.

If you’re looking for something in the city itself, the very quaint Casa Natalia would be a good bet. There’s just 18 rooms, and it’s just a 15 minute walk to the beach. I’ll be honest, I haven’t personally stayed there myself, but I tapped a pal on the shoulder who knows this city well, and she assured me this would be a nice counterpoint for visitors who weren’t looking to go all out on their accommodation.

That being said, there are so many incredible accommodation options in San Jose del Cabo. You can use the map below to help find the place to stay that’s right for you. If you’re considering going all out, Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos certainly is the place to do it.

What to Do in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

There are a diverse set of San Jose del Cabo attractions to choose from, so you have some option in how you want to spend your time here.

If you have some time to spare here, or you’re here for an extended period of time, I would honestly just take the first little bit of time and explore by foot. Start in the San Jose del Cabo main square then walk in any direction and see what you come across.

It feels like that kind of city, at least to me.

That being said, it’s good to have a plan and to know what to do in a city before you arrive, so let me run through that for you, so you’re all set to go.

Admire the Mission of San Jose (Parroquia San Jose)

the Mission of San Jose or *Parroquia San Jose*

If you’re in the centre of San Jose del Cabo, then you won’t miss the chance to see the Mission of San Jose because you’ll likely stumble right across it. They’ve actually added a colourful San Jose del Cabo sign at the bottom of the steps that lead up to the mission, and it’s one of the most ideal spots to take a photo in the city.

The Baja California peninsula had already been a stopping point for Spanish navigators for centuries when they finally decided to start a mission here in 1730. It was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times, and eventually moved to this exact location in the late 18th century under the lead of the Dominicans.

It’s now one of the most well known landmarks in the city.

Tap Into the Restaurant Scene

There are excellent restaurants all over San Jose del Cabo, as it’s a city known for its cuisine. Here are a few of the restaurants in the city that you might want to consider visiting while you’re here.

La Revolucion - Comedor de Baja California: We had a spectacular meal here that featured a spread of picturesque (and delicious) cocktails, incredible appetizers, and main course options that left us all stuffed (and satisfied) as can be. I’d recommend their oysters (they’ve got an excellent “raw bar”), the pollos brasas (half grilled chicken) and whatever the catch of the day is. Fantastic ambiance here as well, and right in the centre of the city.
Baja Brewing Company: Some of my US readers might already recognize this name as their beer becomes more widely available across the country. This is Baja California Sur’s first brewery, and it’s situated in the art of San Jose del Cabo’s famed Art District. They do freshly brewed beer, and then your comfort food staples to go along with it.
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal: This is one of the most popular spots for tacos in the city. It’s not cheap, but they also take a very classic, refined approach to tacos that ensure that no one is complaining about the prices. Get some mezcal, get a variety of tacos, and perhaps even some chapulines (grasshoppers), and then proceed to enjoy the evening.
Latino 8: You’re much closer to the water than the Art District with Latino 8, but sometimes it’s nice to tap into a different energy. They serve more than just Mexican cuisine, and have a menu that represents food offerings from Cuba, Argentina, Peru, and other Latin nations. If you’re into Latin American wines, they’ve got a nice list!
Cuervo’s House: What’s neat about this restaurant is that they feature cuisine that comes from Cuervo family recipes (yes, that Cuervo family). They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but their piano bar (after 9pm) is especially popular. It goes without saying they’ve got plenty of tequila on the property to go along with their well respected food offerings.

Appreciate the Charm of San Jose Del Cabo’s Main Square

The mission of San Jose is actually on the edge of the main square, and that’s an attestation to all that’s going on in the central square. It’s absolutely magnificent, and so utterly fun.

We arrived in the square right around sunset, which is apparently when the square is known to “come alive.” As I briefly noted above, we happened upon dancers practicing their routine on the stage, and that was accompanied by loud music that had the whole square swaying their hips ever so slightly. If you know me, you’ll know I was in heaven.

The square is filled with shops, noted government buildings, fountains, as well as park benches, plants and flowers, and romantic covered platforms (almost gondola or pergola like in nature).

As far as things to do in San Jose del Cabo, it would be a huge mistake not to spend a good amount of time here. Take your time, and let things sink in. Let the scene unfold before you - because it will in a spot like this.

Escape to the Nearby Beaches

There are a number of beaches in and around San José del Cabo that are popular among visitors. The most obvious would be Costa Azul since it’s one of those classic beaches that you can walk all the way down. It’s got a very laid back vibe, and a lot of people appreciate that it’s not swarming with vendors and folks trying to sell you things just yet.

Playa Palmilla isn’t within walking distance of the heart of San Jose del Cabo, but many would say it’s worth the short taxi ride. Playa Palmilla is best known as a good swimming beach and its especially calm waters. This makes it a nice spot for swimming if you’re travelling as a family.

East Cape Beach, which is on the east side of the city (not surprisingly considering its name) has a different vibe from the other two beaches I listed above. There’s also a restaurant there if you’re keen to get a bite, and it’s not a far walk from the San Jose del Cabo Marina. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours!

If you’re keen to head a little further, Santa Maria Beach is a little closer to Cabo San Lucas, but is a manageable day trip from San Jose del Cabo. It’s a stunning, crescent white sand beach, situated between dramatic rocky cliffs on either end. It’s a favourite spot for swimming, diving and snorkelling in the area.

By the way, if you’re a beach hunter when you’re travelling, you’ll likely enjoy my articles on the best beaches in Cyprus, as well as the best beaches in Costa Brava.

Check Out the San Jose Estuary and Bird Sanctuary (Estero San José del Cabo)

It’s shocking how close a bird sanctuary can be to a hotel district!

The sanctuary covers roughly 40 kilometres and it’s a lovely spot to catch your breath if you’re been travelling at a rapid pace. If you’d recently spent time in a big city (Mexico City, for example, which is one of my favourite cities on the planet), then this would be an excellent counterpoint.

The area’s biodiversity is quite unique and important, so it’s certainly well worth protecting. Apparently, this area was getting badly polluted and was put into a perilous position, so they were very much forced to make this a protected area. Please be respectful if you do visit.

With all that in mind, it’s not a place that you drive through, but rather a place where you’d look to do some kayaking, hiking, or something active without a motorized vehicle. The estuary is home to more than 100 species of varying animals, so bring your camera, and, as I mentioned, be respectful of the fact that we’re visiting their home.

Take a Whale Watching Tour

The whole Baja California peninsula is famous for the abundance of whales that come year after year to its waters. Whales of all shapes and sizes can be found along the coast, ranging from humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and even Orcas.

Whale watching is at its best in the region in December and January each year. While it’s possible to see whales from the shoreline sometimes, nothing beats getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures. There is an excellent whale watching tour you can book that departs San Jose del Cabo to see the whales for yourself during your trip.

Make Time to Explore the Art District

The Art District or Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo is astonishing. The cultural heart of the city used to be the main square, but now you could argue that the lifeblood of the city is in the Art District. The whole district is like a painting in and of itself considering the amount of colour that can be seen and appreciated.

There are furniture stores, design houses, art galleries, and everything in between. If you want a unique souvenir to bring home with you, this is where you’ll find it!

One of the most famous spots in the district is the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery. His work has become synonymous with the city in some regard. You should also check out the Corsica Galeria de Arte, which represents more than 50 artists, and if you get tired, pop into El Armario for a coffee and a little more art.

Mostly, though, just follow your own instinct and take an art walk of your own making, and see where you end up.

Take An Incredible Guided Tour of The Area

From self-guided walking tours to boat trips, if you’re looking to take a guided tour to help enrich your knowledge of the Baja California peninsula while you’re in town, there are certainly several excellent options for you to choose from.

I’d personally recommend choosing from the tours listed below. You really can’t go wrong selecting from this list:

Cooking and Market Tour - This tour is excellent for those who love to cook and learn more about a culture through food. This small group or private tour includes a Mexican cuisine cooking class and market tour in San Jose del Cabo. Along with learning about the local culture through food, there is also a tequila tasting session included!
Food Tasting, Tacos and Market Tour - This intimate tour offers an insider’s perspective on Mexico’s top culinary traditions. Walk along the picturesque town of San Jose del Cabo and stop for spicy fish tacos, creamy desserts, and rich tequilas, with in-depth commentary on the history and culture of Mexican cuisine.
History & Culture Walking Tour of San Jose del Cabo - This tour is nice because it takes place during the cooler evenings on your trip, and offers you an opportunity to stroll through the heart of the historical streets of San Jose del Cabo. Listen to little-known stories about Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula, and learn about recommendations for the best places to stop by while you’re in town.
Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo Tour - This is an excellent way to explore not just San Jose del Cabo, but Cabo San Lucas as well. This is a 5-hour sightseeing tour that goes to culturally and historically significant places in both towns, and gets you out on the water on a glass-bottom boat tour. On the water you’ll see some of the most famous sites and experiences, like the famous peaks of El Arco and marine animals. It’s a really great tour to take if you’re visiting with a shorter amount of time in the region.

Head to Flora Farms

Flora Farms is a memorable destination, and a must-visit spot on any trip to San Jose del Cabo. It’s a 25 acre working farm that’s also known as a place for great food, a centre for learning, a creative cocktail headquarters, a shopping destination, and a community hub .

Definitely plan to spend a few hours here, bring your appetite and get ready to fall in love with this unique destination rooted so deeply in its surroundings. If you’re looking for a unique and serene experience during your time in the area, you can even book private accommodation in one of the ten romantic properties on the farm. People have even hosted dreamy weddings and events at this enchanting space.

For all the information you could ever need, make sure you check out my complete article about experiencing Flora Farms.

Get Active in San Jose del Cabo

If you’ve been doing a fair bit of eating, a lot of tequila drinking, and some beach chilling, you might have a hankering to get active.

Hiking is popular throughout the region, and it’s especially popular in the city because there are some quality hikes nearby. The hike that is done by most people is called the Cerro de Las Chivas. It’s about a 15 minute walk outside the city, and it doesn’t take very long to get to the top (under an hour). It’s not the prettiest hike you’ll ever do in your life, but it’s great to get the blood moving. You can find more info on it on AllTrails.

Another way to be active is of course to do some swimming or snorkelling at the beaches that I recommended up above, or head to Cabo Pulmo. Cabo Pulmo is known for some of the best snorkeling in North America in The Sea of Cortez, with a living coral reef. If you’re looking to book an incredible tour of this marine park, I’d highly recommend booking this one. Just be sure to wear sunscreen!

I haven’t done this myself, but I also read that there’s some good mountain biking in and around San Jose del Cabo. It’s apparently a relatively new phenomenon in the region, but it’s catching like wildfire. You can even take off road motorcycle tours in the area, which is an excellent way to get more acquainted with the coastline and the rugged terrain of the area.

And then, of course, there’s walking. This is a city that, to me, is best explored by foot, so take long, deliberate walks and soak up the fact that you’re getting exercise and filling your heart with culture.

San Jose del Cabo Awaits!

Writing this article has made me want to go back because I know that I’ve got more to see and do in the city and region. At the same time, the moment I arrived, I knew that I wanted to share this place with my readership because, as I alluded to above, I knew this spot was special the moment I stepped out the car.

Not to mention, if you’re into travel photography (and you know I am), it’s quite literally a dream come true. All that you can shoot even within a city block would give you a treasure trove of photos that you’d be keen to show the grandkids down the line.

I hope that when you visit, you feel the same magic I did, but I get the sense that, with a city like this, that won’t be a problem in the slightest.

Buen viaje.

I want to humbly thank Visit Los Cabos (with help from Jesson+CO) for hosting me as media. All opinions are completely my own.

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