22 Best Things to Do in San José del Cabo

Discover a complete list of exciting things to do in this San José del Cabo travel guide.

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San José del Cabo is the lesser-known older sister to the major tourist town of Cabo San Lucas. Nestled on the Sea of Cortez, at the southern tip of Mexico’s state of Baja California Sur, San José del Cabo is a more authentic Mexican town. Offering an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a colourful colonial centre, vibrant art scene, and sophisticated beachfront lined with boutique hotels. In this article, we’ve listed all the best things to do in San José del Cabo, from exploring the historic centre to whale watching, in this complete guide.

The best things to do in San José del Cabo

From a vibrant art scene to sprawling beaches, there are plenty of fun things to do in San José del Cabo. There are three main areas that tourists visit in the city of San José del Cabo (excluding the airport):

San José del Cabo’s city centre is set back from the beach, home to a thriving artistic community with boutiques, galleries, and studios showcasing regional and international art. The coastal area, on the other hand, is lined with miles of soft, sandy beaches leading to a protected mangrove nature reserve along the estuary.

Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are the top 10 things to do in San José del Cabo:

San José del Cabo Map

What to do in San José del Cabo Downtown

San José del Cabo’s downtown area is a historic district with charming cobblestone streets, colourful colonial buildings, street art on every corner and traditional papel picado, little flags strewn like bunting along streets. Here you’ll find unique galleries, boutiques, and markets perfect for souvenir shopping. As the sun sets, the central plaza transforms into a lively scene of outdoor cafes, live music, and street performers. Here are the best things to do in downtown San José del Cabo.

1. Wander the Art District

A historic area teeming with art galleries and studios showcasing an eclectic mix of traditional Mexican and contemporary art, San José del Cabo’s Art District is a cultural hub. Colourful murals grace the walls and sculptures line the cobblestone streets while boutique shops and artisanal markets offer unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.

It’s easy to get lost wandering by the avant-garde spaces featuring works by local and international artists but that’s exactly what you want to do to discover hidden courtyards, independent galleries, and pop-up exhibitions.

2. Join the Art Walk

The Thursday evening Art Walk is possibly the best thing to do in San José del Cabo. A beloved tradition run by the San José del Cabo Gallery District Association, galleries extend their opening hours, offering wine and nibbles, live music, and discussions with artists and collectors. Join a Guided Art Walk and admire works by emerging talents and established artists in a variety of formats including mixed media, paintings, sculptures, and photography.

3. People watch in Plaza Mijares

The town square, Plaza Mijares, is the city’s central square, surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants. This picturesque plaza is named after Miguel Mijares, a local hero who played a significant role in the town’s development.

At night, the plaza comes alive as couples and families flock to the square to enjoy food stalls, street performers, and live music.

Community events and festivals like the Festival de San José del Cabo are often held in the plaza too.

4. Visit the San José del Cabo Church

The historic San José del Cabo Church (Misión San José del Cabo) can be found on one side of Plaza Mijares. Founded in 1730 as a Jesuit mission, the church was rebuilt in 1840 after suffering destruction from pirate attacks.

A dusty-coloured church with an impressive bell tower and neoclassical facade, this is a stunning example of 19th-century, mission-style architecture. The church’s interior features stunning stained-glass windows, historic artifacts, and religious relics, with a peaceful atmosphere.

Daily masses are held in Spanish, with traditional music accompanying Sunday services. Visitors are welcome to enter the church but should adhere to modest dress, be respectful, and follow photography guidelines.

5. Get a picture with the San José del Cabo sign

The iconic San José del Cabo sign is a vibrant landmark outside the San José del Cabo Church. An Instagram-worthy location, the colourful letters are decorated with intricate paintings, ironwork, and tropical designs. At night, the sign is lit up and is a great place for a photo opportunity or to sit by while enjoying some Mexican street food.

6. Take a historic walking tour

If you’re looking for cultural things to do in San José del Cabo, taking a historic walking tour of San José del Cabo is a great way to learn more about the town’s rich history, cultural significance, and architectural heritage.

Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming streets with a local guide to gain insight into the town’s founding, its role in the missionary era, and its evolution into the thriving artistic community it is today. You’ll pass notable landmarks, historic museums, and restored haciendas, down streets lined with colonial-era buildings, quaint shops, and independent art galleries. This is also a great way to discover streets like Jose Maria Morelos with colourful papel picado (Mexican bunting) and artisanal souvenir shops.

7. Stroll around the estuary

The San José del Cabo Estuary (Estero San José) is a protected State Ecological Reserve featuring hiking trails and abundant bird life. A tranquil and biodiverse nature reserve, the estuary is nestled between the town’s historic centre and the Sea of Cortez.

Walk along meandering walkways to observation decks, exploring the estuary’s mangrove forests, marshes, and sandy beaches. Informative signage and community programs promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts and make a self-guided walk interesting.

8. Birdwatch in the ecological reserve

The 120-acre Estuary Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Municipal Esteró de San José del Cabo) is a vital habitat for over 200 species of birds, including migratory and resident populations. This is a great place to get your binoculars out and enjoy some birdwatching.

While observing an array of birdlife in their natural habitats, you might see brown pelicans, terns, ibis, snowy egrets, turkey vultures, herons, Xantus’s hummingbirds, and black-necked stilts, as well as marine life like turtles and fish. There are informative signs about bird behaviour, habitat preservation, and conservation efforts too.

9. Browse independent art galleries

San José del Cabo is home to a diverse range of galleries and studios showcasing the town’s artistic heritage. Alvaro Obregon, just off the plaza, is the street with most of the art galleries in San José del Cabo. Here are some of the best galleries to check out during your time here:

10. Shop for sustainable souvenirs

It’s not difficult to find unique souvenirs in the many little boutiques and handmade craft stores in San José del Cabo. Shopping in locally owned shops is a great way to support the local community, ensuring your money doesn’t leak out to international economies.

For markets, head to Municipal Market or Plaza Artesanos and browse traditional Mexican clothing and crafts. Or check out the galleries and stores in the centre for unique clothing, jewellery, ceramics, and pottery.

Unique things to do in San José del Cabo

Venturing out of San José del Cabo’s central area is a great way to discover hidden gems. Here are some unique things to do in San José del Cabo beyond shopping and dining.

11. Relax on beautiful beaches

While Cabo San Lucas may be known for its beautiful beaches, San José del Cabo is home to its own sprawling golden bays that are much quieter.

The Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) lines San José del Cabo’s coast with luxury and boutique resorts and some of the best beachfront hotels in Cabo.

Soft sand meets crystal-clear waters with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, perfect for snorkelling and surfing.

Here are the best beaches in San José del Cabo:

12. Go hiking in the mountains

Escape the city and head into the mountains for a day of hiking. San José del Cabo offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, offering views of cacti-strewn mountains and unique desert landscapes. Here are some of the best hikes in San José del Cabo:

13. Go whale watching in winter

If you’re a wildlife lover, whale watching in Cabo is the best thing you can do in San José del Cabo. Every winter, from December to March, whale watching in Baja kicks off as humpback whales make their way from the Arctic to warmer waters.

On a whale watching trip in San José del Cabo, you can get up close and have a front-row seat to a dazzling display of acrobatics, including breaching and surface slapping. You may even see a baby or other species of whales, including grey and blue whales, that also migrate to Cabo during this time.

Most tours go from Cabo San Lucas but there are a few companies who leave from the marina in San José del Cabo too. We’d recommend Salty Cabo Excursions, a responsible and licensed company.

14. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise

Taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a unique perspective and is one of the best things to do in San José del Cabo. There’s a whole variety of different boat types and tours to choose from. Enjoy a day sailing along the coast on a luxury catamaran and see the iconic Arch (El Arco) in Cabo Bay. Or opt for a sunset cruise for a more romantic atmosphere.

15. Visit an animal sanctuary

Get your fix of puppy love and head to Acre Dogs. Part of ACRE Resort, this rescue sanctuary is home to dogs, donkeys, miniature Pygmy goats, and free-roaming peacocks. Here you can help by interacting with the animals or taking a dog or two for a walk around the resort. Acre Animal Rescue is a registered non-profit Asociacion Civil in Mexico working in partnership with Acre Dogs.

16. Experience farm-to-table dining

Farm-to-table dining showcases the region’s fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients in organic and creative dishes. Menus are crafted to utilise seasonal produce, with dishes often featuring organic fruits and vegetables from nearby ranches and farms. Flora Farms and ACRE are two of the most popular organic farm restaurants near San José del Cabo while Tamarindos also offers garden-to-table cuisine in a quaint eatery on a former sugar cane farm. Flora Farms also offers free tours of the site, but reservations must be made in advance.

17. Enjoy a food tour

Savour the flavours of authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the best restaurants in San José del Cabo. We pretty much spent all our time here eating as there’s a huge variety of amazing cafés, eateries, and street food stalls to choose from.

Tacos may be synonymous with Mexican cuisine and there’s no better place to try authentic tacos than at a local restaurant. Join a taco-tasting tour in San José del Cabo to taste these delicious delicacies in the best taquerias in town.

18. Take a cooking class

There’s no better way to immerse in local culture than by taking a cooking class. Learn new skills as you prepare fresh Mexican dishes as part of a class taught by a local. And even better? You get to eat your hard work for dinner! Join a cooking class in San José del Cabo and discover traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations while preparing iconic dishes like tacos, mole, and chiles rellenos.

19. Attend a festival

San José del Cabo hosts various festivals throughout the year. We were lucky enough to be in San José del Cabo during the Festival de San José and saw traditional and modern dancing, music acts, a fair, a parade and a fireworks display. It’s an 11-day celebration that honours the patron saint, San José, in March.

Other dates to keep in mind are Mexico’s Independence Day in September and the Day of the Dead in November.

20. Go snorkelling

Explore the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez by snorkelling from San José del Cabo. See colourful corals, tropical fish, and even occasional marine life like turtles, rays, dolphins and whales. Chileno Beach and Santa Maria Bay are both protected bays perfect for snorkelling. Or go further out to Gordo Banks, a submerged seamount popular for spotting large pelagics like sharks.

The best day trips from San José del Cabo

Still not got your fill of things to do in San José del Cabo? If you want to get out a bit further afield and explore the beautiful Baja California Sur Peninsula, here are some awesome day trips from Cabo.

21. Visit Cabo San Lucas

Take the short journey down the Tourist Corridor to Cabo San Lucas. A popular party town, Cabo San Lucas has a lively atmosphere with fun coastal activities.

Visit Land’s End and see El Arco (The Arch), a unique rock formation and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Lover’s Beach. Or relax on Medano Beach, Cabo’s sprawling central beach.

22. Go SCUBA Diving

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected marine park, Cabo Pulmo is the best place for SCUBA diving in Cabo. Despite its name, it’s not technically in Cabo but is a short journey east of San José del Cabo. Once underwater, you can enjoy breathtaking visibility and epic encounters with marine life like bull sharks and sea lions on a Cabo Pulmo Diving Tour.

If you don’t fancy making the journey to Cabo Pulmo, you can enjoy a variety of dive sites just off the Cabo coast. Cabo San Lucas Marine Park and Gordo Banks, just off the Tourist Corridor, are super close to San José del Cabo, with the chance to exciting marine species like sea lions and sharks.

Things to avoid in San José del Cabo

As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in San José del Cabo. However, some activities on offer can be harmful to the local community or environment, especially when it comes to experiences involving animals. To avoid unethical animal experiences, avoid any experience that involves:

Our experience in San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo is home to the largest international airport in not only Cabo but also the entire Baja California Sur state. Because of this, it is seen as the unofficial capital of Los Cabos and we incorrectly assumed that this would mean it was larger than Cabo San Lucas with a wilder party scene. In fact, we nearly skipped it altogether. But we are so glad we didn’t. In reality, although they’re only separated by a half-hour drive, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo could not be further apart.

We had the best time in San José del Cabo and honestly found it difficult to leave. Much of our days were spent wandering the cobbled street, admiring street art, and browsing galleries and boutique stores. Not to mention that every day we’d find an amazing restaurant or café to eat in (we definitely spent more money than we normally would on eating out in San José del Cabo). We also spent a day at the beach, enjoying the deserted sandy Playa Costa Azul from the public access point.

We were lucky enough to be visiting during the San José del Cabo Festival and were treated to dance and music performances in the plaza by day and fireworks displays at night.

We found San José del Cabo to be a more enjoyable city than Cabo San Lucas. That being said, we wouldn’t have skipped Cabo San Lucas as it gave us some of the most epic whale watching experiences. Overall, we feel it’s worth visiting both cities to make your own mind up as everyone’s preferences are different.

Staying in San José del Cabo

There’s a large variety of hotels in San José del Cabo from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget. We’ve shortlisted the best accommodations below.

San José del Cabo Travel Information

To ensure your journey to San José del Cabo is seamless, here’s all the essential travel information you need to know to help you plan your trip.

Eating in San José del Cabo

From beachside bars to fine dining establishments, San José del Cabo is home to a diverse dining scene, featuring a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste and preference. A variety of restaurants can be found in San José del Cabo, offering everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international flavours. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in San José del Cabo:

Getting to San José del Cabo

The main airport for all of Los Cabos is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) just outside San José del Cabo. From the airport, you can book a private Cabo airport transfer or taxi, take the public bus, or hop on a shared shuttle from Los Cabos airport.

San José del Cabo is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. The city is directly connected to many major flight routes, with convenient transportation options on the ground to get you to your destination.

Getting around San José del Cabo

San José del Cabo has a compact downtown area and scenic coastal roads that are easy to navigate. The historic centre and beachfront are walkable so you can see the main sights on foot.

Renting a car in Cabo is a great way to get around on your own schedule. Or you can take a taxi or bus, allowing you to easily navigate the area no matter your preference or budget.

FAQs

We’ve covered a lot of useful information about San José del Cabo in this guide but if there’s anything else you need to know, it’s probably in the frequently asked questions below.

What is there to do in San José del Cabo?

There are so many things to do in San José del Cabo. On the coast, relax on the beautiful beaches, go whale watching, or enjoy a sunset cruise. In the historic centre, explore the Art District, people watch in Plaza Mijares, or shop in boutique stores and independent galleries. If you want to go further afield, hike in the mountains, enjoy farm-to-table dining, or day trip to Cabo San Lucas and see the iconic El Arco.

What to do in San José del Cabo at night?

Enjoy live entertainment in Plaza Mijares, try authentic Mexican cuisine at a local restaurant like Jazmin’s, attend a festival and watch fireworks, or join the Thursday evening Art Walk.

What are the things to do in San José del Cabo with kids?

Whale watching is fun for all the family, allowing you to carefully get up close to gentle giants. Swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Sea of Cortez is a great family-friendly activity for those who like to be outdoors. Taking a cooking class is a great way to introduce little ones to Mexican cuisine in a hands-on and engaging environment.

Is San José del Cabo worth visiting?

Yes, San José del Cabo is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a totally different vibe to the busier Cabo San Lucas and offers a more authentic experience. Its colourful colonial buildings and historic streets are perfect for exploring in the centre while the sprawling Hotel Zone offers relaxing resorts and miles of quiet sandy beaches.

Does San José del Cabo have a downtown?

Yes, San José del Cabo has a charming downtown area. Also known as the ‘Historic District’ or ‘Centro Histórico’, the downtown area is home to some of the best things to do in San José del Cabo, including Plaza Mijares, the Mission of San José del Cabo, and the Art District.

How walkable is San José del Cabo?

San José del Cabo is easily navigated on foot, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The historic centre is cobblestoned and pedestrian-friendly while the beachfront malecón is great for a leisurely stroll. Downtown to the beachfront takes about 10-15 minutes to walk but taxis are available if you’d rather get there quicker.

Is it safe to walk around in San José del Cabo?

San José del Cabo is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates compared to other major Mexican and American cities. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to take common-sense precautions like being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables out of sight, and avoiding walking alone in dimly lit areas.

Is San José del Cabo swimmable?

San José del Cabo’s beaches can be subject to strong currents, rip tides, and rough waves. Two swimmable beaches are Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach), which has calm waters with a gentle slope and soft sand, and Playa Estero (Estuary Beach), which has shallow waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Stay away from the estuary mouth, check current conditions and flags, and avoid swimming alone or at dusk.

What day is the Art Walk in San José del Cabo?

The Art Walk in San José del Cabo takes place every Thursday evening.

What time does the Art Walk start in San José del Cabo?

The Art Walk in San José del Cabo starts at 5:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM.

Is it better to stay in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo?

Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo offer unique experiences, catering to different preferences and interests. We compare the two cities in our Los Cabos Travel Guide. Overall, Cabo San Lucas is better for luxury resorts and partying while San José del Cabo is best for authentic Mexican culture.

Read next:

The 16 Best Restaurants in San José del Cabo

A Guide to the San José del Cabo Festival

The 18 Best Beachfront Hotels in Cabo

The 15 Best Day Trips from Cabo

An Ethical Guide to Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo

How to Get Around Cabo: 10 Modes of Transport

Los Cabos Travel Guide: Cabo San Lucas Vs San José del Cabo

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