Top Day Trips from San Jose del Cabo
Day Trips from San Jose del Cabo
We love a good day relaxing poolside at a resort, but find myself restless and ready to explore after a day or so. Baja California has so much to offer - and while the area around Los Cabos is great, visitors are missing out on some really amazing destinations by not exploring further. Luckily, Baja California Sur is fairly compact so you can reach so many incredible destinations in just about 2-hours or less.
Many of Cabo’s beaches are unswimmable, so you may want to consider a day-trip to a calm beach or maybe you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like swimming with whale sharks.
We’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to explore beyond San José and Cabo San Lucas on our trips to Baja and would highly recommend adding in some days for day trips to other areas.
Visit Cabo San Lucas
The rowdy younger sibling to San José, Cabo San Lucas is a great place to spend a day - to at the very least see the iconic ‘El Arco’ arch that the Los Cabos region is known for. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from for every kind of traveler.
See the world-famous ‘El Arco’
If you have seen a photo of Cabo San Lucas, you have almost certainly seen the The Arch. ‘El Arco’ is located in the ‘Lands End’ area of Cabo San Lucas - a rocky outcropping making the southernmost point of the Baja Peninsula. The area is only accessible by boat - here are some of the best options for visiting:
👉 Check out my list of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas here
Tour or DIY?
You don’t need a tour to explore Cabo San Lucas - it is easy to get to this area via rental car, taxi or Uber and is super walkable. The marina and most shops and restaurants are within at 15 minute walk of each other.
🚗 Driving Time:
The 20 mile drive from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas typically takes about 40 minutes. Keep in mind that rush hour is a thing in Los Cabos too — so plan accordingly if you are heading there for an evening dinner reservation. Many visitors to Los Cabos stay in the “Tourist Zone,” located between the two towns - this may reduce your driving time and distance as well depending on where you are located.
💃 Best For:
This Cabo day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for an easy day trip with great restaurants and shopping.
Todos Santos
Todos Santos, located on the west coast of the Baja peninsula, has retained it’s small-town laid back vibes. Despite its growing popularity, it has escaped large-scale tourism (for now). This quaint pueblo attracts artists, creatives and surfers. If you want great content for Instagram and care about aesthetics, you will be in HEAVEN in Todos Santos.
While it is small, it is packed with beautiful boutique hotels, cafes, farm to table restaurants and boho boutiques around every corner. And, who can forget the epic surfing, sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and incredible hiking. A one-day itinerary may leave some travelers with a bit of FOMO, wishing they had planned for more time in this magical town.
Be sure to stop by the infamous ‘Hotel California’ for a photo op!
Tour or DIY?
In my opinion, DIY is the best way to go.
Pros: you are on your own timeline so you can spend time exploring the places that interest you most.
Cons: DIY requires a rental car and willingness to drive. That said, a single-day rental for a car will likely be cheaper than the cost for a tour, espeically if you aren’t trasolo. And, from our experience, driving in Baja really wasn’t all that different than driving in the states.
If you prefer not to drive, there are great tours to Todos Santos and ensure you see the highlights along the way.
🚗 Driving Time
The 65 mile drive to Todos Santos takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from San José del Cabo. The drive is primarily on a highway that feels like driving on any interstate in the US and the views are absolutely stunning as you hug the west coast of the Baja Peninsula.
👉 Click here for a full day trip guide on a Todos Santos.
💃 Best For:
This Cabo day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for an easy day trip.
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo is located along the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula. The waters here are part of a 70 square kilometer national marine park and home to some of the most pristine reefs in North America. Jacques Cousteau nicknamed Cabo Pulmo “the aquarium of the world” thanks to the abundance of marine life that can be seen here.
That’s all to say, this is the BEST place for snorkeling and scuba diving in Cabo. You have a good chance of seeing turtles, rays, sharks, massive schools of fish and whales.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Cabo Pulmo transformed from overfished to teaming with wildlife, this NatGeo documentary is a must watch!
Tour or DIY?
The Marine Park in Cabo Pulmo requires visitors to be with a tour operator in order to enter the water by boat. Whether you meet the tour in Cabo Pulmo or depart with your tour from San José is up to you! Due to the length of the drive and spending an active day in the water, we would recommend a tour for this excursion.
For those that have a rental car and would like to drive, there are two routes to Cabo Pulmo - one bumpy, scenic route and one, less bumpy route. Either way you go, there will be a portion of the drive on unpaved roads.
🚗 Driving Time
As previously mentioned, there are two routes to Cabo Pulmo from San Jose - one primarily inland route along Hwy 1 and an arguably more scenic route along the coast line on the Camino Cabo Este (also known as the East Cape Road). Both options take approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes from San José del Cabo, however the coastal route is primarily off-road - expect potholes and a bumpy ride if you opt for this route. Due to the condition of the roads, a higher clearance vehicle with 4 wheel drive is recommended for the East Cape Road.
💃 Best For:
This Cabo day trip is best for: Groups, families, couples, and individuals looking for an adventurous, full-day trip featuring scuba diving or snorkeling.
About San José Del Cabo
The Location:
San José del Cabo, Mexico is situated at the bottom of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It is divided into two main areas:
The Art District - the charming, historic ‘downtown’ located just inland
The Zona Hotelera - the beachfront Hotel Zone
San José del Cabo is located approximately 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and approximately 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
The Weather:
San José del Cabo is characterized by it’s tropical desert climate featuring a “hot” and a “cool” season.
Hot Season (June-October): Daytime highs average in the 90s with evenings in the mid-70s. This is also the most humid time of year, despite the desert climate.
Cool Season (December-March): Daytime highs in the low 80s with evenings cooling off to as low as 60.
The Vibe:
The cobblestone streets of San José del Cabo are lined with papel picado flags the flap in the coastal breezes. Street art adorns the walls of the historic, colonial buildings and around every corner, you’ll find galleries, boutiques and and souvenir stalls. The central plaza, Plaza Mijares, is lined with street food carts and a vibrant atmosphere that makes this quieter more sophisticated city undeniably charming.
I’m Confused by all these “Cabos” can you break down like I’m 5?
The naming conventions for all of the destinations in Baja California are confusing enough to make your head spin. Here’s a breakdown to help you get your bearings:
Los Cabos: Also known as “Cabo,” is the overarching region
Cabo San Lucas: Also known as just “Cabo,” the more popular tourist destination known for the ‘El Arco’ arch, bars, clubs and restaurants lining a picturesque marina.
San José del Cabo: Also referred to as “San José,” the historic, artsy town.
Tourist Corridor: The stretch along the coast and Hwy 1 between Cabo San Lucas and San José. This area is lined with resorts and golf courses.
Tips for Visiting
Flying to San José del Cabo
The nearest airport to San José del Cabo is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). There are many direct flights from cities throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Upon arrival, after you have cleared customs, proceed directly outside to meet your transportation providor and do not speak to any of the salesmen inside the airport.
Airport Transfers
🚐 Shuttle: If you do not plan to rent a car, a shuttle is the most affordable and efficient option for airport transfers. We always utilize Cabo Airport Shuttle for our transfers to and from SJD. They offer private or shared shuttle service. For private shuttles, there is also an option to add a 30 minute grocery store stop on the way. Book this ins advance!
🚕 Uber / Taxi: Uber is frankly a bit convoluted at the SJD airport as they are not permitted to pick up riders from the arrivals area. While technically an option, you will have to while a while out of the terminal to meet your driver. In this case, a taxi is the better option. It will be more expensive than a shuttle. If you do opt to utilize a taxi, coordinate and agree to a price for your trip at an official desk before departing.
🚗 Rental Car: If you are renting a car, your rental agency will pick you up via a shuttle service to take you to their off-site lot. From there you can drive yourself to San José del Cabo
Getting Around
Whether or not you need a rental car in San José del Cabo really just depends on the type of vacation you plan to have.
If you are more of a flop-and-drop traveler who only plans to leave the resort for a few meals and maybe a day of shopping, you can definitely get by without one. In this case, Uber is the best way to get to & from your resort.
Keep in mind that rush hour traffic is a thing in Mexico too and plan accordingly and plan ahead for traffic so you don’t miss any reservations!
If you plan to do a broader Baja road trip or some day trips to places like Todos Santos or Cabo Pulmo, I would highly recommend renting a car.
Best Times To Visit
The best time to visit Los Cabos is December to April. During this time, you’ll find pleasant temps in the mid-70’s to low 80’s and also happens to fall during the peak season for seeing whales.
Where to Stay in San José del Cabo
Where to Eat in San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo offers a wide range of options for every budget. Visitors can enjoy tamales, churros and elote from street vendors or a fine dining farm to table experience - or both! Life is all about balance, right?
Doña Nina
This street cart can be found on the Main Square in San José del Cabo serving savory and sweet tamales. My favorites are the Pollo Verde (chicken with green sauce) and Piña (pineapple). You can also find fresh churros, elote and walking tacos at other carts in this area.
Address: Plaza Antonio Mijarez, San José del Cabo 23400 Mexico
Los Guacamayas
Like many restaurants in Los Cabos, Los Guacamayas has locations in both San José and Cabo San Lucas. We’ve tried both and prefer the location in San José. Try the al Pastor tacos.
Address: C. P.º de los Marinos s/n, Mauricio Castro, 23401 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal
If you’re looking for traditional tacos, this is not where I would send you - but if you’re looking for a unique spin and fusion flavors, La Lupitas is delicious. Reservations are recommended for Thursday evenings during the art walk. Try the Cheese Crust Pastor, Pibil Suckling Pig, or El Takeshi tacos.
Address: José Maria Morelos s/n, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Los Tres Gallos
This instagram-worthy spot is great for margaritas (try the hibiscus!) and has locations in both San José and Cabo San Lucas.
Address: Alvaro Obregon 15, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Flora Farms
Flora Farms has a boho, laid back vibe. Plan your visit to coincide with one of their daily farm tours to learn about their farm to table philosophy. While the menu rotates based on seasonal items, the pork chops are always on and live up to the hype.
Address: Carretera Transpeninsular San José del Cabo Km. 30 Las Ánimas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Acre
Acre is a chic farm to table restaurant - you may recognize it from a dinner scene on the Real Housewives of the OC cast trip. Their commitment to sustainably and sourcing locally, including from their own 60-acre farm earned them a Michelin Green Star in 2024.
Address: C. Rincón de las Animas S/N, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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