11 Best Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo (+ Day Trips)

San Jose del Cabo is a city in Baja California Sur, in the beautiful area of Los Cabos. It's known for its beaches, but there's much more to do here than seaside relaxation.

Its colorful historic center is full of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. You can explore the Art District, try local tacos, and head out to nearby farms for dinner or a cooking class.

When Los Cabos Tourism invited me to learn more about sustainable tourism in Los Cabos, I had never heard of San Jose del Cabo, where my hotel was located. I had only heard of Cabo San Lucas! But I was so glad I had the chance to stay in San Jose del Cabo instead, as it was much more my thing.

Below, you'll find my picks for 11 of the best things to do in San Jose del Cabo and nearby areas. I've put the longer trips in a separate section, followed by a three-day itinerary to help you plan your time.

An Intro to San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is one of the two main towns in Los Cabos. It's surrounded by cactus-covered desert, hills, and a coastline dotted with beaches and resorts.

The historic center is where you'll find Plaza Mijares, the church, and the Art District. The coastal Hotel Zone is a separate area. Puerto Los Cabos, where I stayed at El Ganzo, is on the other side of the estuary.

The San Jose del Cabo mission was founded in 1730, but the church you see today is a later building. The town's history is a good reason to explore beyond your hotel, especially with a local guide.

You'll fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Your transfer time will depend on whether you're staying downtown, in the Hotel Zone, or farther along the coast.

Winter generally brings warm, dry weather, which is also ideal for whale watching. I wouldn't recommend visiting in the summertime, though, as days can be very hot and muggy. Check the forecast before beach visits and boat trips, especially during the late-summer and fall storm season.

San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas

San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are two different towns. Los Cabos is the name of the municipality and the wider destination. The beaches and resorts between the towns sit along the Tourist Corridor.

Despite being close to each other, the two towns have different atmospheres. San Jose del Cabo is generally more laid-back, with an emphasis on art, food, and its historic center.

Cabo San Lucas is known for its marina, nightlife, and boat trips to the Arch. It's also home to busy Medano Beach. You can visit both towns during your trip, but check the departure point before booking a tour. A Los Cabos hotel pickup does not necessarily mean the activity takes place in San Jose.

11 Best Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo

1. Explore the Art District of San Jose del Cabo

The Art District of San Jose del Cabo is one of the town's most beautiful areas. Colorful flags hang above the streets, and galleries fill the low-rise buildings. It's an easy place to spend an afternoon browsing art, stopping for coffee, and taking photos.

Start around Plaza Mijares, the main square in the historic center. The church overlooks the plaza, and the gallery streets are just behind it. The square is also a good place for an evening stroll before dinner or a drink nearby.

The Art District is lined with boutiques, galleries, and small shops. A few places to look out for are:

• The Cabo Mi Amor wall, where I stopped for the photo below.
• Corsica, Ivan Guaderrama, and Patricia Mendoza, for browsing art in the district.
• El Armario, which combines a gallery with a coffee shop.
• Baja Brewing Company, for local craft beer at its original San Jose location.

The San Jose del Cabo Art Walk takes place on Thursday evenings from November through June. Galleries stay open late, and you can meet artists and explore exhibitions. It's a good evening to visit if you want to see the district at its liveliest.

You can still visit the galleries outside Art Walk season. Check individual opening hours if there's a particular gallery you want to see. The gallery event is separate from the stalls and performances you may find around the main square.

If you want more context, a guided tour is a good option. I personally took the Historical and Cultural Walking Tour and loved learning more about the area. The other option below combines the Art District with beer and chocolate tastings.

2. Enjoy the Blue Flag Beaches of Los Cabos

Los Cabos has plenty of beautiful beaches, and several hold Blue Flag certification. The award considers water quality, environmental management, education, and safety services. It does not tell you whether the sea is safe to swim in on the day you visit.

Below are some beaches worth knowing about when you're staying in San Jose del Cabo. Palmilla and Acapulquito are nearby. Santa Maria and Chileno sit along the Tourist Corridor, while Medano is in Cabo San Lucas.

▶ Santa Maria Beach sits in a sheltered bay between rocky headlands. Its clear water makes it a popular snorkeling stop when conditions are calm. It's along the Tourist Corridor, so you'll need transport from San Jose. Bring what you need for the day rather than relying on beach-chair or umbrella rentals.

▶ Palmilla Beach is a good option closer to San Jose. Its sheltered cove attracts swimmers and snorkelers, and the sandy shore is lovely for a walk. Facilities are limited, so bring water, snacks, and shade. Check the beach flags before entering the water.

▶ Chileno Bay Beach has a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful turquoise water. We went snorkeling here and saw so many fish. I definitely didn't expect that much variety!

There are showers, portable toilets, public parking, and a lifeguard stand. You can spread out your towel on the sand, or go swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. Like Santa Maria, it's in the Tourist Corridor rather than downtown San Jose.

▶ Playa Acapulquito is the place to consider if you want to surf near San Jose del Cabo. The Old Man's break is beside Cabo Surf Hotel, and Cabo Surf School offers lessons and board rentals, including for visitors who aren't staying at the hotel.

It's also a pretty spot to watch the surfers. Treat it as a surf beach, and ask an instructor about conditions before getting in the water.

▶ Medano Beach is in Cabo San Lucas. It's a busy option with restaurants and water activities nearby, and it fits well into a trip to that town. Swimming conditions still vary, and boat traffic means you should use designated swimming areas.

3. Farm-to-Table Dining & Cooking Experiences in San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo has some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants. Head out to the farms around Animas Bajas for a meal surrounded by greenery, or join a cooking class to learn how to prepare Mexican dishes.

▶ Flora Farms is a working organic farm with a restaurant, shops, and classes. Its produce supplies Flora's Field Kitchen, where the menu changes with the season.

The restaurant is super popular, so reserve a table ahead of time. We had dinner here and tried a few dishes and cocktails. Everything tasted so fresh! Try their lavender martini if it's on the menu. So good.

There is more to do here than eat. Flora Farms also offers cooking and painting classes, a spa, and shops. Check its current events calendar for seasonal celebrations and other activities.

The Flora Farms cooking classes include a guided farm tour, a signature cocktail, a family-style lunch, and a recipe booklet. Classes start at 10:30 AM from October through April and at 9:30 AM from May through September. They last 3.5 hours.

▶ Tamarindos is another fantastic organic farm in Animas Bajas. Its restaurant overlooks the fields, and its hands-on cooking classes take you from harvesting ingredients to enjoying the meal you have prepared.

We truly enjoyed our cooking class at Tamarindos. The time flew between a mezcal margarita and having too much fun while cooking. And the final result was delicious!

4. Go Whale Watching in San Jose del Cabo

Seeing whales in the wild is one of the most memorable seasonal activities in Los Cabos. Humpback whales migrate to the waters around the peninsula in winter. You may see their tails, breaches, or mothers swimming with their calves.

Plan for December through April, and check the authorized dates for your travel season before booking. Tours from San Jose depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina, so you do not need to travel to Cabo San Lucas.

Choose an authorized operator that follows the observation rules and gives whales space. A knowledgeable guide can explain their behavior and migration. Sightings are never guaranteed.

I highly recommend whale watching as long as you choose a responsible operator.

Unfortunately, we visited Los Cabos at a different time of year. I would love to come back one day and see this! For more options around the region, check my guide to whale watching in Cabo San Lucas. Check each tour's departure marina.

5. Take Part in a Turtle Release in Los Cabos

Watching baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean is an emotional experience. Conservation programs in Los Cabos protect nests and teach visitors about the threats sea turtles face.

Hatching activity usually peaks from August through October, though availability varies by beach and season. Check with the operator for your dates. A release depends on the turtles, so it is not an activity to assume is available every day.

We were lucky enough to experience this firsthand with CalypsoTrip on the eco-focused trip organized for me by the tourism board. We loved every moment of it. It was so emotional to see the baby turtles making it into the ocean.

You can attend a guided release and learn about the conservation work behind it. Some tours include a symbolic adoption certificate. Leave handling to the camp staff, stay behind the hatchlings, and avoid flash photography.

6. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas

One of the most romantic things to do in San Jose del Cabo is to go on a sunset cruise. But wait, it does not have to be with a romantic partner for it to be enjoyable!

From Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose, you can cruise along the Sea of Cortez as the sky changes color and the sun drops behind the mountains. If you want a cruise past the famous Arch, choose a departure from Cabo San Lucas instead.

I joined an incredible dinner cruise with Animalón by the Sea in Cabo San Lucas, and I LOVED the experience! It was probably the highlight of my trip to Los Cabos. The food was great, the boat was so luxurious, and the views... wow.

The photos above are from that trip. For a cruise you can book now, the two options below offer different experiences. The San Jose tour is a private coastal cruise. The dinner yacht leaves from Cabo San Lucas, so allow extra time to get there.

For more departures from Cabo San Lucas, see my guide to sunset cruises in Cabo San Lucas.

7. Eat at the Best Restaurants in San Jose del Cabo

Good food is a big part of a visit to San Jose del Cabo. You can choose between a special dinner downtown, tacos in the Art District, or a meal with sea views along the coast. These are a few places to put on your list.

▶ Don Sanchez is a beautiful restaurant that specializes in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Its menu focuses on regional seafood, locally raised meats, and organic vegetables. There is also a fine wine selection, tequila, mezcal, and creative cocktails.

We loved our dinner at Don Sanchez. We truly think it is one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo, if not the very best. It opens daily from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reserve ahead, especially if your dinner coincides with Art Walk.

▶ La Lupita Taco & Mezcal has a branch in San Jose's Gallery District. It is a good choice for creative tacos and mezcal after exploring the galleries. Make sure you select the San Jose del Cabo location when reserving, as the group also has restaurants elsewhere.

▶ Talavera is at Hilton Los Cabos, along the Tourist Corridor rather than downtown. It offers breakfast with Mexican and international dishes. Dinner focuses on regional Mexican cooking, with tacos, grilled meats, and seafood. Plan transport if you are coming from town.

▶ Jardin Secreto is a garden-style restaurant in the Art District. Its menu combines Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, and cocktails are part of the appeal. Contact the restaurant directly for reservations and current hours.

8. Go Snorkeling in San Jose del Cabo

You have probably figured out already that Los Cabos is a wonderful place for watersports. Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the underwater scenery, as long as conditions are suitable and you are comfortable in the water.

Chileno and Santa Maria are popular snorkeling beaches in the Tourist Corridor between the two towns. We went snorkeling at Chileno and really enjoyed it.

You can also take a boat trip to Pelican Rock in Cabo San Lucas, or devote a full day to Cabo Pulmo National Park. More about that in the trips section!

Check the beach flags and ask a guide about the conditions. Visibility and currents vary. Stay clear of boats, do not touch coral, and keep your distance from marine life.

9. Go Kayaking in Cabo

The coves and rocky coastline of Los Cabos make a beautiful setting for a kayaking trip. Paddle along the Sea of Cortez, take in the views from the water, and combine your outing with a snorkeling stop. I loved it!

For an outing near San Jose, Santa Maria and Chileno are useful options in the Tourist Corridor. Tours around the Arch start in Cabo San Lucas. These are different routes, so choose based on the scenery you want and the time you have.

For more routes, read my guide to kayaking in Cabo San Lucas.

10. It's Adventure Time: Zipline or ATV Tour in Cabo

Los Cabos has plenty of adventures beyond the beach. You can zip across a canyon near San Jose del Cabo, or head farther afield for an off-road ride through the desert. Expect dusty trails, rocky landscapes, and plenty of adrenaline.

A UTV is a side-by-side vehicle with seats and a steering wheel. An ATV is a quad bike with handlebars. Check which one you are booking, along with the driving age and any extra fees.

For more options, check out my guides to zipline tours in Los Cabos and the top Cabo ATV tours.

11. Join a Food Tour (or Go on a DIY Taco Tour!)

Eating your way through town should be mandatory in San Jose del Cabo. And lucky for you, it is not only possible but incredibly easy to do!

You can plan your own taco tour, visiting traditional taquerias around town. Make sure to try other specialties too. I recommend Taqueria Mexico for a stop on your DIY taco tour. Taqueria La Otra - Don Pedrito, Taqueria Rossy, and Taquerias Guamuchil are options to consider when planning your route.

Alternatively, join a food tour and let a local guide lead the way. You will learn about Mexican food, visit several eateries, and try enough dishes to make a meal. Come hungry. This is not the time for a big breakfast!

Best Day Trips from San Jose del Cabo

The places below are outside San Jose del Cabo. They make good additions if you have extra time, but the longer trips need a full day. Choose one excursion at a time, and check transport before booking.

Check Out the Arch of Cabo San Lucas

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, known as El Arco, is a stunning rock formation at Land's End. It is one of the best-known landmarks in Los Cabos, but it is in Cabo San Lucas, not San Jose.

Plan roughly 40–60 minutes to reach Cabo San Lucas by road from San Jose, depending on your starting point and traffic. You can then take a boat from the marina to see the Arch and the surrounding rock formations.

Do not plan on walking through the Arch. Sand can appear around it under certain conditions, but there is no reliable four-year schedule. Boat trips also depend on the sea conditions. Swimming stops are not guaranteed, and Divorce Beach is not a swimming beach.

If you want to focus on the drinks, my guide to tequila tasting in Cabo San Lucas has more options.

Take a Day Trip to Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo National Park is on the East Cape, north of San Jose del Cabo. Its reef, quiet beaches, and desert scenery make it a wonderful place to spend a day away from the resorts.

The park is part of the UNESCO-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. It is a protected marine area, so follow the local rules and visit snorkeling sites with an authorized guide.

I HIGHLY recommend visiting this destination. The landscapes are beautiful, and we hardly saw other people in some of the places we visited. We went snorkeling and saw two turtles. It was one of my favorite days in Los Cabos.

Allow a full day. The drive can take around two hours each way, depending on the route and road conditions. Check access before setting out, especially after heavy rain. A guided trip is useful if you do not want to handle the driving.

For more ways to visit, see my guide to Cabo Pulmo tours from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Take a Day Trip to Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a small town on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur. Its galleries, colorful streets, and craft shops make it a good choice if you want another artsy town to explore.

The town is a hub for artists, with galleries showing local and international work. You can also browse textile, craft, and souvenir shops, then stop for lunch or coffee.

Todos Santos is a Pueblo Mágico, a designation given to Mexican towns for their history and cultural value. It is not the only one on the peninsula. The nearby Pacific beaches attract surfers, but do not assume they are safe for swimming.

Allow around 1.5–2 hours each way by road from San Jose, depending on traffic and your route. The town is small enough to explore on a day trip. Add beach stops only if you have time and suitable conditions.

Explore Espiritu Santo Island for the Day

Espiritu Santo is an island off La Paz in the Sea of Cortez. Its landscape is truly unique, with dry, rocky hills meeting turquoise coves and beautiful beaches. This is a much longer excursion from San Jose than a trip to the corridor beaches.

To visit, you first travel to La Paz, then continue by boat. Use an authorized operator, follow the protected-area rules, and check the wind forecast. Boat routes and beach access can change with the weather.

Focus your visit on the coastal scenery, remote coves, and beach time. Allow a full day, and keep the evening free for a relaxed dinner back in San Jose. A sunset cruise is too much to add after this trip.

San Jose del Cabo Itinerary for 3 Days

Three days give you time for San Jose itself, the nearby coast, and one excursion. Use this as a flexible plan. If you want the official Art Walk, arrange your downtown evening for a Thursday during the November–June season.

Day 1: Farms, Cooking, and the Art District

Start with the 10 AM cooking class at Tamarindos. You will explore the farm, prepare a meal, and eat what you have cooked. If cooking is not your thing, choose the Costa Azul zipline outing instead.

Spend the late afternoon exploring Plaza Mijares and the Art District. Join Art Walk if the timing works. Otherwise, enjoy a stroll and visit the galleries that are open.

Have dinner at Flora Farms or choose a restaurant downtown if you would rather avoid another transfer. Keep a turtle release as a seasonal swap for the afternoon, since its timing can overlap with the galleries.

Day 2: Beaches and Time on the Water

Go snorkeling at Chileno and Santa Maria, or choose the two-bay kayak and snorkel tour. In whale season, a morning whale-watching trip from Puerto Los Cabos is another option. These are alternatives, so you do not need to fit all three into one day.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or a suitable beach. Check the warning flags before swimming. Finish with a sunset cruise from Puerto Los Cabos, or dinner at Don Sanchez.

Day 3: Choose One Trip from San Jose del Cabo

For your last day, I highly recommend Cabo Pulmo. It combines beautiful scenery with a guided snorkeling outing. Alternatively, choose Todos Santos for galleries and a stroll around another charming town.

You can also choose Cabo San Lucas for the Arch, with a dinner cruise there if you want a longer evening. Espiritu Santo is the longest option. Give it the full day and keep your evening free after returning.

How to Get to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the main airport for San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Transfer time depends on your hotel. Downtown San Jose, the coastal Hotel Zone, and Puerto Los Cabos are different areas.

▶ Private transfer: This is the most comfortable option after a flight. Book ahead, confirm the correct hotel, and check the arrival instructions. Your driver can then take you directly to your accommodation.

We used TransCabo for our transfers in Los Cabos, and the experience was exceptional. The cars were clean, and the drivers were always nice and friendly. The company still offers private and shared airport transport. Ask about vehicle capacity and accessibility if those matter for your group.

▶ Shared shuttle: This can cost less than a private transfer, but you may have to wait for other passengers and make several hotel stops. Confirm that your hotel is served, how much luggage is allowed, and whether the quoted price covers one way or a round trip.

▶ Rental car: A car is useful if you want to visit farms, corridor beaches, or several towns independently. Check the full price, insurance terms, and parking at your hotel. For an East Cape trip, confirm road conditions and that your rental agreement allows the route.

Do not assume a rideshare can collect you at the airport terminal. Check the current airport pickup rules or arrange an airport transfer ahead of time.

Getting Around San Jose del Cabo

The historic center is easy to explore on foot. You will usually need transport between downtown, the Hotel Zone, Puerto Los Cabos, and the farms. Taxis, booked transfers, and a rental car are practical options.

If you are using taxis or rideshares, arrange the return from the farms and more remote beaches before leaving. Always check which marina a tour uses. Puerto Los Cabos is in San Jose. The Cabo San Lucas marina is in the other town.

Where to Stay in San Jose del Cabo

Choose your area before choosing your hotel:

• Downtown is useful for galleries and restaurants.
• The Hotel Zone suits a resort stay near town.
• Puerto Los Cabos is convenient for the marina, but you will need transport to the center.
• The Tourist Corridor has resorts between the two towns.

Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo FAQs

Is San Jose del Cabo worth visiting?

Yes! The Art District, historic center, restaurants, and nearby farms give you plenty to do beyond the beach. I enjoyed staying here and exploring the wider Los Cabos area.

Is San Jose del Cabo the same as Cabo San Lucas?

No. They are separate towns in the Los Cabos region, connected by the Tourist Corridor. San Jose has the historic center and Art District. Cabo San Lucas has the Arch and its own marina. Check the town and departure marina when booking a tour.

Can you swim at the beaches in San Jose del Cabo?

Only where current conditions and local guidance allow it. Much of the coastline has strong waves and currents. Palmilla, Chileno, and Santa Maria are popular swimming choices, but warning flags and lifeguard advice still apply. Do not assume a resort beach is safe because it looks inviting.

How many days do you need in San Jose del Cabo?

Three days work well for the town, nearby beaches, and one excursion. Add more time if you want to explore both Cabo towns, visit Cabo Pulmo, and take a long trip to Espiritu Santo.