San José del Cabo Travel Guide: Art Walk, Beaches, and Baja Eats
Related Post: Day Trip to Todos Santos
What most people imagine when they hear ‘Cabo’ is the loud party scene of Cabo San Lucas, but ‘Cabo’ is much more than just that. ‘Los Cabos’ actually refers to two towns - Cabo San Lucas and the more quaint, artsy San José del Cabo. If you are looking for a slower pace, with a more traditional Mexico vibe, San José is the place to be.
If you’re visiting San José del Cabo for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know about the more sophisticated side of Los Cabos. This travel guide covers what to do, where to eat, where to stay and helpful transport info.
Top Things To Do in San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo offers a laid-back atmosphere blending historic charm with artistic flair. Wandering the streets of ‘el centro’ (the city center), you’ll find yourself surrounded by art galleries, boutiques, cafes and history.
Explore the Art Walk
Every Thursday evening, San José del Cabo’s Plaza Mijares comes alive. My favorite way to experience Art Walk is to grab a hibiscus margarita to-go from Los Tres Gallos, located about a block and half off the main square, and wander the rows and rows of vendors show casing their locally made crafts and wide variety of fine art - ranging from photography to impressive sculptures. Cap off the evening with a bite from the street food vendors - my favorites are the tamales from Doña Nina and fresh churros.
Boutique Shopping
The Art Walk isn’t the only opportunity to see and find beautiful art in San Jose. Whether you’re looking for a piece to take home or just window shopping, take a stroll through the Art District to discover a variety of galleries and boutiques. Some of my favorites include:
TWH Art Gallery, featuring incredible glass work
Shima Shima is a boho vibe boutique featuring goods all made in Mexico
Be sure to explore into the walled gardens as well - tucked away you can find hidden gems such as a cigar shop offering freshly hand-rolled options at Maestro Torcdor and a sculpture garden at Sotomayor Metal Sculpture Gallery.
Visit Mission San José del Cabo
Mission San José del Cabo is the heart of San José’s historic colonial center. Founded by the Jesuits in 1730, this mission is the southern-most mission on the west coast. You don’t have to attend mass (though you are welcome to!) to visit this landmark that represents the blending of Spanish colonialism with indigenous culture.
Relax (or not) at Local Beaches
A short drive from the city center, there are well-known beaches including:
Palmilla Beach - this beach offer calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling
Costa Azul - a popular beach known for its surf break
In season, typically December-April, you may also catch a glimpse of humpback and grey whales breaching off-shore.
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
The Best Hotels Near San José del Cabo
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, 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.
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