The calmer, more cultured other half of Los Cabos — San José del Cabo, a pretty colonial town of pastel adobe buildings, a palm-shaded plaza and church, a celebrated Gallery District, boutique hotels and superb restaurants, with a mellow, arty and authentically Mexican feel. Charming, relaxed and characterful, away from the Cabo party; the base for travellers who want colonial atmosphere, art, great dining and a quieter, more grown-up stay. Los Cabos at its most charming. Lovely and laid-back.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€110–240
typical per night in Mexico
The sensible middle
Typical prices for Cabo San Lucas — neither steal nor splurge.
Where it sits
The circle is San José del Cabo and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Snorkelling at Santa Maria32 min taxi10.5 km
- Medano Beach & the beach clubs83 min taxi27.6 km
- Medano Beach (beach)83 min taxi27.7 km
- El Arco & Land's End85 min taxi28.4 km
- Lovers Beach & Divorce Beach85 min taxi28.4 km
- A sunset cruise86 min taxi28.8 km
- Marlin sportfishing87 min taxi28.9 km
- Cabo nightlife87 min taxi29.1 km
- Whale watching88 min taxi29.5 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 7.San José del Cabo Art Walk — The cultured, charming antidote to Cabo's party — the historic town of San José del Cabo, with its pretty pastel-and-adobe streets, palm-shaded main plaza and lovely 18th-century church, is home to a celebrated Gallery District of art galleries, boutiques and design shops. On Thursday evenings from November to June the neighbourhood comes alive for the Art Walk, when galleries throw open their doors with wine, music and local artists in a festive street party. Wander the colonial lanes, browse the art, and soak up the authentic Mexican atmosphere and superb dining. A delightful, cultured highlight. Charming and relaxed. Time your visit for a Thursday Art Walk.
- 10.Baja fish tacos & seafood — Baja is the birthplace of the fish taco, and eating your way through Los Cabos is a highlight — crispy beer-battered fish tacos topped with cabbage, crema and salsa; fresh ceviche and aguachile; grilled catch of the day; sweet local chocolate clams; and a shrimp 'taco de camarón', all washed down with an ice-cold cerveza or a tangy margarita. San José del Cabo and the downtown taco stands do it best; skip the resort buffets and eat where the locals do. Fresh, zingy and delicious — the real taste of Baja. Unmissable and cheap. Chase the food trucks and busy taquerías.
- 16.Todos Santos — A bohemian desert-meets-ocean 'Pueblo Mágico' an hour north — galleries, surf beaches, and the famous Hotel California. A refreshingly authentic day away from the resorts.
- 17.Playa Balandra — Mexico's most beautiful beach, near La Paz — a shallow, mirror-calm turquoise lagoon you can wade right across, backed by desert hills. Worth the drive; go early.
- 18.Cabo Pulmo reef — A protected coral reef up the East Cape — the healthiest in the Sea of Cortez, alive with schooling fish, rays and turtles. Some of Mexico's best snorkelling and diving.
- 19.Estero San José — A palm-fringed estuary at the edge of San José where the desert meets the sea — hundreds of bird species, easy trails and calm water. A peaceful, green contrast to the party side.
- 20.Swim with whale sharks — In season, snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks in the bay off La Paz — the biggest fish in the sea, and utterly harmless. A bucket-list encounter, a couple of hours north.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to San José del Cabo; flights via Google Flights.