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 fitting information!
I’ll inform you 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 seashore 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 completely take pleasure in your trip to Los Cabos. And preserve in thoughts that a few of these experiences are seasonal (whale-watching) and shall be out there provided that you’re in Los Cabos at a selected 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 standard experiences with Mexico resorts. Whether I’m in the temper to lounge on the seashore the whole 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 is not any exception to the rule. The city’s points of interest embrace 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 fundamental 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 automobiles, permitting the locals and vacationers to swarm them. The occasion is domestically often known as 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 assist 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 fundamental 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 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, but it surely’s not a spot the place you’ll spend greater than 10 minutes should you’re not spiritual. Visit the Mijares Square at night time to see the church illuminated with vivid colours.
Practical Information: Mision San Jose del Cabo is open daily 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 well worth the trouble? Absolutely, should you’re fascinated by nature.
Head to the Lands End in Cabo San Lucas to see the enduring Arch. Towering rocks are in the backdrop of this whole sandy seashore, they usually 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 had been to observe 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 embrace rides in glass-bottom boats and snorkeling. And after all, 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 greatest explored on ATVs. Arrange an ATV tour and also you’ll get picked up at your lodge, and brought to a seashore stuffed with dunes the place you possibly can experience round on an ATV for hours.
It was essentially the most enjoyable I had in Los Cabos and I’d completely do it once more. Single and double ATVs can be found so you possibly can experience nonetheless you want. All members have to be no less than 18 years outdated and have a sound driver’s license to drive an ATV. Even youngsters are welcome to hitch on double ATVs!
You’ll get all of the protecting gear and directions on find out how 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 method 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 principle 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 of adventurous in Los Cabos. It’s a good 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 greatest 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 anyplace on the island, so ensure to deliver a hat on the very least. Camping on the island is allowed, and it’s the one solution 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 aren’t any business 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 greatest golf resorts in city with three completely different programs designed by pioneers of the game. And most holes provide 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 unsuitable with taking a whole day to your self, particularly whenever you’re on trip. Spend a day lounging at your resort profiting from your reserving, and discovering all of the completely different providers 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 should you take pleasure in swimming as a result of most seashores in Los Cabos usually are not swimmable. And those which might be get crowded quick, so chances are high you received’t be capable to discover any shade from the solar should you’re not there very first thing in the morning. Set up camp by the pool, sip cocktails all day lengthy, and devour a very good guide – you’re on trip and also you deserve it.
Practical Information: Resorts in San Jose del Cabo don’t provide entry to swimmable seashores. Swimming in the pool is the most secure choice.
9. Attend a Cooking Class
Mexican meals is excessive on my checklist of preferences and I really like cooking, so this exercise was the dream for me. Just a few completely 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 train you find out how to make tamales, enchiladas, carnitas, and lots of different staple Mexican dishes. And irrespective of the principle course, Fransico will all the time train you find out how to correctly make margaritas and guacamole. Tequila tastings are additionally a part of the cooking class they usually make the whole expertise far more enjoyable.
Practical Information: Book the cooking class and market tour with Chef Francisco for roughly $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 seashore are widespread in Los Cabos and are a good 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 gives 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 one of the best diets, and actually well-trained. The information is pleasant and educated, and it’ll make horse driving seem to be a breeze even to these with out prior expertise.
Practical Information: The one-hour experience takes place on the Costa Azul seashore. The two-hour experience additionally features a experience in 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 this can be a store and never a museum, there’s no entrance price. Anyone can browse the gadgets on sale, and speak to the glass-makers to be taught a factor or two about their craft.
Insider Tip: If you order one thing custom-made, you received’t be capable 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 center of city, and on heat summer time nights, it’s buzzing with vacationers and locals.
The sq. gives 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 in search of good native outlets. During the Thursday night time Art Walk, native artists arrange stalls on the Plaza, showcasing all their greatest work.
Practical Information: Plaza Mijares is in downtown San Jose del Cabo, accessible at any time free of charge.
13. A Day At A Beach Club
San Jose del Cabo is a vacation spot for relaxed holidays and it’s obtained the seashore golf equipment to show it. Spend a day at a seashore membership to take pleasure in pure hedonism and supreme rest. Hang out in a cover seashore 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 greatest in city. It’s located on a small swimmable seashore in San Jose, one in every of few in the city. The membership doesn’t take reservations, so should 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 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 gives zip-line rides, guided rappelling down a mountain, and the possibility to stroll on a transferring suspension bridge. If any of that feels like enjoyable, Costa Azul must be one in every of 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 members get a shot of tequila after they’re carried out with the journey, in true Mexican vogue!
Practical Information: Costa Azul costs $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 among the finest issues to do in the realm, 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 an exquisite expertise, particularly should you get a pleasant information who can’t wait to inform you every thing they learn 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 particular person.
16. Dine at a Farm-To-Table Restaurant
San Jose del Cabo has a couple of farm-to-table eating places that provide 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 a component 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 daily.
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
Come right here to spend a day enjoyable on the seashore 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 seashore early in the morning so you possibly can lease loungers and umbrellas and spend the whole day having fun with your self on the seashore.
Insider Tip: You can’t purchase meals or drinks on the seashore 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 obtained many artwork galleries so it’s very talked-about with artists, and there’s even an area historical past museum in the cultural middle.
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 below the solar for a short while and observe the surfers. Unless you’ve obtained a solar allergy; in that case, you’ll wish to cowl up and keep as removed from the seashore as potential.
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 track 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 realm.
The two seashores are linked however are named in another way 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 title. Sometimes, it’s not even potential 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 a couple of completely 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 distinct vibe from San Jose del Cabo, which has outdated buildings and a bustling central metropolis. The fundamental points of interest in Cabo San Lucas are close to the marina, so that you don’t should 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 considerable marine life, which is important for a very good 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 considerable marine life.
Some operators even provide open-bar snorkeling excursions, which embrace a visit to Lands End at Cabo San Lucas. Don’t fear, the drinks begin to circulate solely when everybody is completed with the diving.
Practical Information: Snorkelling excursions in Los Cabos can value anyplace 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 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 doubtless wish to prepare 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 in search of 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 greatest recognized for the Art District which is stuffed 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 seashore 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 activity. The greatest place for you largely is dependent upon your price range, and whether or not you’re trying to keep at an all-inclusive resort. Here are among the greatest resorts 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 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 greatest to play it protected. Most issues to do in San Jose del Cabo happen open air and usually are 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 potential to rearrange personal shuttles and transfers, however this have to be carried out a couple of 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 suggest.
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 quicker than the buses. Sure, native buses can be found they usually’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 rapidly. However, it’s best to all the time be sure that your driver ends the journey after you arrive at your vacation spot. That method they will’t cost you greater than the agreed-upon value, which has been recognized to occur.
How Much Time Do You Need
You want no 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 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 happening adventures, but additionally enjoyable by the pool and benefiting from complimentary resort providers.