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City in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Photo: Alexander O'Neill from Charlottetown, Canada, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
San Jose del Cabo is a city of 136,000 people (2020) in Los Cabos. Like its sister city, Cabo San Lucas, it is a major tourist destination, especially for Americans and Canadians during the high season from October to May. It is less commercial than Cabo San Lucas, and has retained its charming historic center.
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Plaza Central
The main public plaza in downtown San Jose del Cabo in the heart of the Gallery District. Events such as music and dancing take place during the week, especially on Saturday and Sunday nights. Numerous boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants face the plaza.
From November to June, the Gallery District is host to a weekly Art Walk where local artists fill Plaza Mijares to exhibit and sell their art. There are a variety of food/snack stands and live performance art on the main stage. This is an open air event and free to attend.
Misión Estero de las Palmas de San José del Cabo Añuití
The main church in San Jose del Cabo, it was established in 1730, but reconstructed several times, moved once, and had its roof blown off by a tropical storm in 1958. The current church is a neoclassical design that retains its colonial look despite its relative youth. It was built in 1940. The facade is marked with a tile mural depicting the martyrdom of founder Nicolás Tamaral, killed by the local Pericu people.
Historic 19th century stucco building that serves as a forum for local arts organizations. Beautiful architecture with graceful arches, wood ceilings, and thick tiles.
San Jose Estuary
A beautiful marsh with walking trails, along a sheltered lagoon, located just east of downtown. The estuary is known for having a wide variety of aquatic bird species and is the best place in Cabo for Birdwatching.
Mariscos El Toro Güero
Packed by locals for afternoon "comida", serves a variety of seafood dishes such as "ceviche", "tacos", "molcajetes", "filetes" at fair prices. "Aguas frescas" are outstanding, but service can be slow during weekday afternoon rush hour. Limited off-street parking is available. Casual and informal with thatched palapa roof. Restaurant has two locations, the most convenient for tourists is the location near downtown.
Taqueria Las Guacamayas
A bit far away from downtown, but well-worth the trouble. Serves a large variety of mainly beef, pork and chicken "tacos", "quesadillas" and "sopes". "Aguas frescas" are very good. Crowded with locals and tourist alike for evening dinner, offering live music most days. Street parking only.
Oceanfront Restaurant and Beach Club at La Playa in San José del Cabo – one of Los Cabos few swimmable beaches. Settle in and enjoy the baja life with a cocktail from our innovative drink list, some of your favorite classic seafood dishes and an extended selection of natural wines.
Upscale nouveau Mexican restaurant with influences from Baja Med cuisine and international favorites using locally sourced ingredients with creativity and flair. Many unusual dishes and a full bar with an extensive wine list including several excellent Baja wines. Classy outdoor patio area that allows well-behaved dogs.
Rustic elegance with manicured gardens and outdoor dining, farm-to-table with locally sourced ingredients, international menu includes quiche, focaccia and fresh seafood dishes.
Upscale Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and sauces. Brilliant tiramisu. Pizza specials on Friday.
All-inclusive beachfront resort 5 minutes from San Jose del Cabo downtown, with night shows, mini water park and a kids' club, on the sea of Cortez.
Basic rooms, though more of a party atmosphere than Yuca Inn.
All inclusive resort with 350 rooms, all featuring a private balcony with ocean view. 5 restaurants and 3 bars.
Timeshare property that also has hotel rooms listed on travel sites. Has an all-inclusive package, but also has room-only rates. All-inclusive is not that good: bland food and watery drinks (like most all-inclusives). Recreational facilities are okay but some of the rooms have dated decor.
Trendy modern hotel with friendly service and comfortable beds but badly designed showers that give guests no privacy and spray water all over the room. Loud noise from nearby bar.
Upscale boutique hotel that caters to cultured travelers who want to integrate the arts into their hotel stay. Extensive artwork is displayed throughout the hotel, including sculptures near the outdoor pool. Live music, arts workshops, and a location with water on three sides. Wellness spa on premises.
Mercado
Large covered market with fruit and seafood stalls, food vendors, souvenirs and other things for sale.
By car
San Jose del Cabo can be reached by the Transpeninsular Hwy (Highway 1), which connects San Jose del Cabo with Cabo San Lucas in the west and La Paz (Mexico) in the north.
By bus
All major car rental agencies have offices at the airport and in San Jose del Cabo. However, use extreme caution and check reviews carefully before booking with an international brand.
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San José del Cabo · International · SJD
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