Unlike the bustling energy of its sister city Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo offers a slower, more culturally rich rhythm on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. This charming colonial town is the quieter half of the Los Cabos corridor, known for its vibrant art scene, farm-to-table dining, and family-friendly atmosphere.
While Cabo San Lucas is famous for its nightlife and iconic arch, San Jose del Cabo captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a genuine sense of Mexican heritage. It is a destination designed for wandering, discovering hidden courtyards, and enjoying the pristine coastline without the constant roar of party boats.
Travelers often use San Jose del Cabo as a home base to explore the wider region, but the town itself holds enough charm to fill an entire itinerary. From Thursday night art walks to quiet mornings at the estuary, the experiences here feel curated rather than commercialized.
The local community has worked hard to preserve the town’s historic center, known as the Gallery District, while embracing a new wave of boutique hotels and organic restaurants. This blend of old and new creates a sophisticated yet relaxed environment that appeals to couples, artists, and families alike.
Because the town is compact, most attractions are within walking distance of the main square, Plaza Mijares. You can spend your days exploring on foot, then retreat to the nearby beaches for sunset or a swim in the Sea of Cortez.
Whether you are planning a day trip from Cabo San Lucas or settling in for a week-long stay, this guide covers the essential experiences that define the magic of San Jose del Cabo.
Art Walk San Jose Del Cabo
| Address | Alvaro Obregon 20, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: Closed Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 624 189 1144 |
A beautiful night, many vendors with some nice artwork. Clean and safe foe the family to enjoy a memorable evening in Cabo. Restaurant were good and the people were friendly.
The bad, was that it really carers to the American tourists and they overcharge like crazy. We were hoping to find something fun to take back with us, we really wanted to support a local vendor, but unfortunately the quality for price couldn't be justified. It was fun to watch and walk the streets, but nogo for small business support.. To bad..
The art exhibition occurs every Thursday 5-9 pm.
A fantastic Art Walk experience! The event was vibrant, well-organized, and full of creative energy. The variety of artwork—from local artists to unique installations—made the walk engaging and inspiring. Live music, vendors, and the lively atmosphere really brought the community together. It’s a great way to support artists while enjoying a relaxed, cultural evening. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience local art and community spirit.
Every Thursday from 5pm-9pm, downtown San Jose Del Cabo transforms into a lively pedestrian street with amazing arts, street food and music. A must-do while in San Jose Del Cabo. Come before 5pm and park along Avenida Centenario for free - a short walk into the Art District via Morelos Street. Don't bother with dinner reservations for overpriced restaurants. Come hungry and try the delicious street food to soak in the vibe of the art walk!
Beautiful artwork on display and available for purchase, live music and entertainment, a welcoming atmosphere, and lots of delicious food options. A must do if you are in the area on a Thursday evening.
Fantastic place to go on a Thursday night. Much more chill than Cabos San Lucas. Went to Jazmin’s for dinner. Excellent spot up behind the church. Also had a drink at Santoro’s. Another great spot
Plaza Mijares
| Address | Blvd. Antonio Mijares, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The Thursday Night Art Walk in San José del Cabo is an absolute must-do! The historic town square comes alive with beautiful local art, vibrant galleries, talented artists, live music, and unique vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to stylish hats and one-of-a-kind treasures.
The atmosphere is lively, colorful, and full of energy—perfect for strolling, shopping, and soaking in the local culture. We were also pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find parking.
Whether you’re looking for incredible art, delicious food, or simply a wonderful evening out, the Thursday Night Art Walk is an experience you won’t want to miss while visiting San José del Cabo!
This plaza is situated in the centre is San José surrounded by colonial architecture. Much quieter here compared to Cabo San Lucas. Lots of options for dining and shopping for local crafts and jewelry. A great place to explore and experience the local culture.
Love the Thursday Art Walk 🫶
Great atmosphere, great pieces of art by local artists! We supported few and have some great prints and paintings for our home!
There’s also some local street food available.
Nice, clean, family friendly plaza. It is very large with shops and restaurants lining the edges and vendors selling toys and food in the square. Safe and fun. There is a San Jose sign to take photos at and a church that takes up one full side. Sometimes there are performers too.
The Thursday night art walk was so much fun. BEAUTIFUL ARTS and delicious food vendors line the street. It's a much when visiting San Jose Del Cabo!
Flora Farms
| Address | Carretera Transpeninsular San José del Cabo Km. 30 Las Ánimas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 624 142 1000 |
We have been coming here since it opened in 2010 and it’s one of the top experience restaurants in the world. It has expanded vastly and seats more than 300 guests.
There are several public spaces to walk around like the little veggie stand, new kids play area, shops (many have gone out of business and this is a concern), ice cream stand and bakery.
Service is excellent as all waiters are dressed with ties and very professional. Food is very good especially the pizzas and salads.
My only concern is that prices have increased substantially recently. The house red wine went from $60 to $120 and a pizza is now more than $35. Even the OK chicken breast is $45 and a side of broccolini will set you back $22. Ouch.
Overall, still busy and still features live music. It’s an amazing experience but now you certainly pay for it.
Stopped here based on a friend's recommendation while on vacation. Location is a bit out of the way but well worth the trip. The sprawling market/farm/restaurant is very impressive and offered an lovely dining atmosphere. We had a group of 7 people and ordered various apps, pastas, and entrees. Every one was very good with two standouts being the pesto pasta and pork chop. Service was very attentive and helpful. As we finished ordering dessert, I voiced a regret to myself for not ordering the chocolate cake and the server just so happened to bring one out, on the house! Maybe a coincidence or maybe shows the quality of the service and their willingness to go the extra mile for their guests
It’s a nice place for the family to hang out for a couple hours and have lunch. There is a nice playground and a pond with fishes and turtles.
The food is very very pricy. 2 pizzas + a sea bass + 2 drinks costed $3500. The sea bass was nicely flavored with just the right amount of salt. The pizzas are below average, very little cheese and sauce and very burnt. My kids didn’t finish even one piece.
We walked around the gardens after lunch. I was amazed how many varieties of plants are there, growing in the sand.
Literally the best food we have had in San Jose Del Cabo area! Service impeccable and food exquisite. Farm and garden are adorable. And an amazing culture of people who live what they do and proud of their work.
Highly recommend!
One of the best dining experiences we have had, and it is more than just a meal. The farm grounds and shops make it a full evening, and the shops are open before and after dinner, so you never feel rushed.
We ate family-style. The pizza is among the best I have had, the pork chop was a standout, and the handmade pasta was excellent. We arrived in daylight and stayed into the evening, and the transition to nighttime with live music is worth planning around.
It is also very family friendly, which was a big plus for us.
One heads up: the last five to eight minutes of the drive is a winding dirt road with plenty of potholes, and it feels like you are headed to nowhere. We drove ourselves and it was no problem, just know it is coming.
Yes, it is pricey, but so is everything in Cabo, and this is worth it. A must-do. I would not take a trip to Cabo without coming back.
Estero San José
| Address | Blvd. Antonio Mijares s/n, Campo de Golf Fonatur, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
I was so glad that I decided to take the time and visit this gorgeous natural estuary. Not only was the scenery amazing, but the number and diversity of birds was great. The walk from centro out to the estuary was about 30 minutes along a main road. You could also take an uber. Once you get there, you will need to walk for a bit along the beach to get to the main part of the estuary. This isn’t an “activity” where you buy tickets etc, it’s just a part of the natural beach landscape that you can walk to anytime for free. I would recommend bringing binoculars to see the birds up close!
We did not know if we were in exactly the right place, but we made it to the estuary and only saw a small portion of it but spent hours there in awe of the beautiful scenery and the birds!!! I’ve never seen so many different birds all in one place - fantastic, just wish we had had the time to explore more!
Very clean. I parked at the end of the street near the bike trail. Some of the left side was flooded with too much water but the right trail was fine. Walk straight ahead after you park and you will see the trail and a boardwalk. A friendly man from the horse rides showed me were to start. Lots of beautiful waterfowl and Seahawks. I saw a road runner, two turkey vultures as well a few tiny lizards. Very quiet except for with ducks. I wished I had a bird identification book with me.
A beautiful oasis in the resort zone of San Jose. Lots of bird watching and vibrant green colors. This is a public access are so completely free! You can enter through the city streets, or access by walking the beach. At some point you will be walking on sand, so plan footwear accordingly.
As other reviewers have mentioned the estuary is somewhat rundown due to neglect, not the attraction it once was. With a little exploring one can still various birds
Cañón de la Zorra
| Address | Domicilio Conocido, 23500 Santiago, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Awesome place, the lady at the front is super kind and helpful.
This was my second time going and both my experiences have lived up to my expectations.
Looking forward to going much more often.
Also - Directions there are very easy to follow.
Thank you!
This place was an oasis in the middle of the desert! The cool, refreshing water was perfect after the hot trek down. We stayed for about hrs.
Pricey ($400 pesos) to get in, but what a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert! Best months October - February to see running water.
Caro entrar ($400 pesos) pero un oasis en medio del desierto!
Beautiful waterfall. Cold water with many fish. The Rancho you enter through has a restaurant and bungalos. Santa Rita hot springs are a short drive away and worth visiting.
Ten minutes hike from Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo. There is a restaurant that is not bad at all at the ranch
Cabo Dolphins San José del Cabo
| Address | P.º Malecon San Jose #512, Zona Hotelera, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 624 173 9528 |
Clean, well appointed to receive adventurers. Our trainer and guide, Andrea, was completely focused on the 3 of us having the experience of a lifetime. Her instructions were clearly communicated with that enthusiastic, charming smile. She exuded confidence with her knowledge of dolphins. Andrea made everything comfortable as we slid into the chilly water to begin the physical contact phase of our experience with our assigned dolphin, Yagalla. Despite being gently nudged by her as a sign of welcome, all tension or trepidation instantly washed away. The relationship of trust had begun. Dolphin kisses and hugs and massages were subtly captured with cameras assuring several lifetime memories. Andrea's thoughtful treatment of the 3 of us throughout our visit was nothing short of superlative. Clean showers and private changing rooms capped off our stay. Authentic smiles from every employee as we exited demonstrated to us the 100% commitment to client service and spoke volumes about the management of the operation. Was our experience worth our time and money? YES, in every imagineable way.
What an unforgettable experience! This was hands down one of the highlights of our family vacation in Cabo. Getting to interact with these incredible dolphins was something we’ll remember forever.
A huge thank you to our amazing team—Ali (the dolphin) & Jose Luis. Jose was knowledgeable, patient, fun, and made all of us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived. You could truly see the love and care they have for the dolphins, and that made the experience even more special.
Watching our son smile from ear to ear, getting dolphin kisses, hugs, and making memories together as a family was absolutely priceless. The photographers also captured beautiful moments that we’ll treasure for years to come.
If you’re visiting Cabo, don’t even hesitate—this experience is worth every penny. Thank you for giving our family memories we’ll never forget. We can’t wait to come back! 🐬💙🌴
Swimming with the dolphins is my favorite experience of the year. We interacted with our dolphin, Liz, the entire time of the experience. We had the best time 💙
Edson and Liz were the most gracious of hosts. 🧜♂️🐬 They were encouraging with my children when they appeared apprehensive to interact one on one with Liz. Thankfully, my children participated and created unforgettable memories. Many thanks to Edson 🙏🏼🧡💙
One caveat -- expect to spend money on photo packages. Cell phones and cameras are not allowed to be used during the experience. But your session will come with an experienced photographer.
Great experience! We bought the dolphin swim for my two teenage daughters and they loved every second of it. Cesar was the trainer and Nahui was the dolphin. I like that it is humane certified. The trainers were really nice and very knowledgeable and really seemed to love talking to people about the dolphins. They do let you take pictures from the viewing area, as my husband and I both watched the girls. But I did buy the pictures anyway because they were amazing quality and I felt a reasonable price. They load the pictures right onto your phone there (as many phones as you want) so you don't have to worry about being able to download them later. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.
This was a fantastic time, we took our 3 year old daughter with us, she had a blast! Definitely recommend this for a simple family event! Kinda pricey for the event plus the photos. But it’s a vacation, just have fun and don’t worry about the prices. Our trainer was Jordi he was great with explaining the process, and awesome with kids! Our dolphin was Tenoch a 5 year old boy with lots of energy. It’s pretty impressive! Definitely should go!
Gallery District, San José de Cabo
| Address | Alvaro Obregon 12, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 624 189 1144 |
San Jose de Cabo its a charming little town to enjoy. Awesome restaurants, the gallery district, and if you like seafood dont skip El Toro Guero!
I love everything about this place 💕
Thursday artwalk is fun. Just make it what you want; tour high end galleries, Mexican ware shops, or the plaza tables and tents with art and craft selections, taco bars, tamales, corn and candy from the numerous plaza vendors to 5 star restaurants, street music to rock or violin, watch a magician or a clown, try yummy IPA's at baja brew, margaritas everywhere or tequila tasting. One thing there's just nit enough time to see it all on one Thursday and you never know what might be in one the Sanchez jewelery stores (my favorite) tonight or next week.
Only one issue is public restrooms but most restaurants don't mind.
Only on Thursday nights for the art walk 5-10PM.
My absolute favorite thing to do when going to Cabo. You have to visit the man that does finger painting right when you walk in the open area right at the front of the square. He sets up in the same place every time and we purchase from him every time we go. Very reasonable and affordable prices for finger paintings he paints on site. His paintings are very good and his packaging for travel on a flight is very helpful.
Nice casual streets with plenty of small souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Several art galleries worth visiting in the area. Good spot to browse and explore. Highly recommend.
A not to be missed area with lots of really nice shops (not just your tourist kind of things). Some of the best restaurants and bars are in the area. Men can park at a lively bar and women can browse in the lovely little shops. We went to the Thursday art walk, so fun. It is also beautiful at night.
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
| Address | 23453 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Took a water taxi out with my family to visit the Arch. We spent some time hanging out and Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach and exploring. It was a fun trip but right after a hurricane. Have been out here when the water was crystal clear, and the difference was night and day. Would highly suggest waiting a few days between a storm and making the trip out for a visit. Especially if you intend to snorkel or want a clear view of the tropical fish and marine life. Still, on this occasion, another beautiful visit, despite the murky water.
Seeing El Arco de Cabo San Lucas from our cruise ship balcony was even more spectacular than I imagined.
I wanted to capture the perfect view as the ship slowly turned, so I stayed on the balcony for almost 40 minutes waiting for the right moment.
It was absolutely worth the wait.
Watching the rocks, the blue ocean, and El Arco slowly change their angle from the ship was one of the most memorable views of Cabo San Lucas.
🧭 HELLO VOYAGER
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas was pretty. Cost $20 per person for the boat tour which includes snorkeling. Theres a beach with a cave next by the Arch. Theres been true stories that two people would enter the cave and three people came out. I guess we’ll see in a few months if it’s true!
Simply an amazing landmark with stunning blue water – totally worth the boat ride! It was the highlight of my Baja cruise. Be aware that booking a boat tour can be tricky; locals may try to raise the initial price, so watch the exchange rate on your phone before you agree to anything. Once on the boat, though, there were absolutely no issues.
Visited The Arch of Cabo San Lucas during our cruise stop, and it’s truly a beautiful and iconic sight.
Also known as “El Arco,” this natural rock formation sits right where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, which makes the views even more special. It’s a popular spot for sea lions, and depending on the season, you might even spot them nearby.
We went on a boat tour that took us around the area, giving us time to take photos and enjoy the views up close. The rock formations and surrounding scenery are stunning, especially from the water.
It’s definitely a must-see when you’re in Cabo—simple, scenic, and worth the visit!
Cabo Day Trips - Things to do in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo
| Address | Miguel Hidalgo 1256, Centro, 23414 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 624 130 7972 |
We took the Sunset Cruise with Cabo Day Trips on December 3, 2025, and had an absolutely wonderful experience. One of the things we loved most was the smaller group size — roughly 14 guests — which made the entire outing feel more relaxed and personal. There was plenty of comfortable seating for everyone, and the smaller crowd made it easy to move around the boat and capture amazing photos without other people in the background. The crew was exceptional as well. Jorge, Joe, and Mariana were incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the cruise. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cabo.
This was by far our best experience in Cabo. We wanted kind of a “yacht” experience, but with the visibility and stable ride offered by a catamaran. We were picked up in a really nice van with powerful AC, and taken to the marine where the boat was in a slip about 100 feet away. The boat was impeccably clean: they were insistent we take our shoes off to board. In my opinion this is always a sign of a boat owner that strives for perfection. They had 2 private and fully enclosed bathrooms, a captain and a 2nd Crew member that served us drinks, fresh ceviche and guacamoles. I wish I had more pictures in the main cabin, but we spent most of it out front. A lot of catamarans have a netted front area I find uncomfortable. This one has molded and extremely comfortable seats. There were four of us and we had way too much room. I’d say with 8-10 people it would still not feel crowded.
I had an amazing time on the La Paz City Tour with Daniel. From beginning to end he was prompt, courteous, and helpful. I was the only English speaker on the tour but I understand Spanish, so he conducted much of the tour in Spanish and then made sure that I understood what was said and repeated it in English if needed. He's also very personable and was able to make the long drive through the desert more enjoyable with fun banter and stories.
Initially, I was very disappointed that Playa Balandra was closed (boating accident), but Daniel took us to Playa El Tecote which is just as beautiful and you get a nice view of Isla Espirito Santo. The city stops in La Paz and Todos Santos were all nicely timed so that we could get a feel for the areas and do some shopping.
I booked this tour just for the beach but surprisingly, my favorite parts of the tour were driving through the desert watching the sun rise and spending time at Malecon La Paz . La Paz is a beautiful place and I liked it better than both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas - so I highly recommend this particular tour!
My friend and I went on a Catamaran boat to go snorkeling. What we got was so much more! A beautiful boat with only 8 other people, tons of room and totally comfortable. Martin, our waiter was always ready to refill our glases, cocktails, beer, or seemingly anything. My glass was only empty when I was too full for more. On the way out we were served a beautiful and individual plate of chips, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo. Great snorkeling with clean high-quality gear. (they had other water toys, but I didn't pay attention because I'm a snorkeler.). On the return we saw many whales on our journey as well, and the captain took his time to pause the boat and turn so we could get the best view possible. Captain, Jorge, was clearly a nature lover, and was very informative about the whales and the proper etiquette while watching the whales, sharing his concern for their safety with other boats going too close. Mariana was the photographer, very respectful and a helping hand and a critical part of the crew with all that they were offering us. The restrooms were clean and I could not have had a better day with a fantastic crew and a very well-planned excursion. Gracias!
Emilo was the best guide on this 4x4 off road excursion to Cabo Pulmo. He was informative, kind, and guided me to swim sea turtles!!! The snorkeling was the BEST in Los Arbolitos… The off roading was safe and FUN - such an epic day!!! Thank you Emilio !!!!
Mall Plaza Del Pescador
| Address | Paseo Malecón San José, campo de golf, Calle Rtno. Puntagorda Supermanzana Sección Manzana 7 Lote 1, entre retorno, Campo de Golf Fonatur, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 624 142 3436 |
The mall itself is fine. If walking it is a good place to go.
The parking is awful, the machine doesn’t accept certain denominations of coins or notes (does not accept 500 notes). It is excessively expensive and has a ridiculously short period of time to exit before you need to pay your ticket again. We spent just over an hour and ended up paying 180 pesos for parking frankly appalling.
Please invest in a parking machine that accepts card and more denominations of money!
We had a great evening at the 4th annual Beer Festival. Wide selection of brews and wine. All restaurants in the Plaza participated. Local artists displaying their creations. Rocking bands - great music. We had so much fun and met lots of nice people. Several years ago we were staying at a hotel across the street and enjoyed great coffee there as well.
A strip mall with clothes shops, restaurants, souvenir stores, etc. A visit to this mall is a respite from beach or pool activities.
Great place to do get some shopping done. You can also sit at one of the restaurants dotting the plaza and have a drink...or two.
Great for a night walk and is in front of the resort we are staying.
Plaza Artesanos
| Address | Blvd. Antonio Mijares, Centro, 23444 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (0411) 76235 |
This was my favorite place for shopping! The "My Pottery" joint was so cool, lots of beautiful pieces! And Los Tacos Locos served the best tacos I had here! A cool gem of a find all around!
This location offers a convenient spot for a brief visit with various retail establishments. You may find it offers a less aggressive sales approach compared to other similar venues. The merchandise available is generally what one might expect for this type of setting. It serves its purpose well as a place for a quick stop and some shopping. Overall, it provides standard goods in a straightforward environment.
We stopped by this specific shopping area as a result of arriving here with our small tour group. this area had quite a few of shops that were open and very few customers that were moving throughout the area. It felt like we were prime shoppers and had the whole mall of stores for shopping to ourselves as we moved through each doorway...systematically buying souvenir trinkets for our family members back home. The shop owners were very friendly and most of them were able to speak English since most in the group had limited Spanish capability. most of the shop owners on this date, didn't bother to jack up the prices they gave a very fair price upon entry into the store.
This was our favorite place in all of Cabo! Cheapest place to buy souvenirs, by far! In the very back, there's also a great place for healthy smoothies - the owner was very friendly and spoke excellent English. Also a great place to get a massage, with several places offering $40 for one hour (we did $25 for 30 minutes).
We went shopping one day to the Marino Mercado flea market in Cabo San Lucas and another day here. I preferred shopping here. Lots of little stalls, people here were nice and not pushy. Cute souvenirs, including shirts, Mexican clothing, and trinkets. One stall had beautiful embroidered hats, we ended up purchasing two. We visited around 10am on a Friday, there were only a few other tourists here. Worth a visit for souvenirs.
Costa Azul Beach
| Address | Carretera Transpeninsular 28.5, Tourist Corridor, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Amazing place to relax and watch the Sunrise. It was at 5:41am when I was Vacationing but so worth it.
I had a great walk on the beach. The sun was shining, and the water was clear but a little ruff. The people were friendly. For me, the beach is my most favorite place.
This is a lovely beach stretching for miles. Sand is course and it’s dangerous for swimming with a steep slant and crashing waves. Lovely to sit and watch the bay. A nice walk to town can be had.
So fun to watch all the surfers and even saw sting rays jumping out of the water. I walked from the centro here(enjoyable) and then walked all the way to palmillas along the beach(will have to walk through water at some points!
The beach is easy to access from the main road. A lot of parking space. The toilet is just a plastic cubical style. There are a few restaurants along the beach. When we were here, there were less people. We were actually at another beach closer to Cabo San Lucas earlier that day but it got busier and louder so we decided to move and at last found peace here for the rest of the afternoon. The sand is fine and less grainy than at playa Santa Maria. There are some areas of the sea near the beach that are rocky.
Insider Tips for Visiting San Jose del Cabo
To make the most of your time in this artistic seaside town, a little local knowledge goes a long way. From timing your visit to understanding local customs, these practical tips will help you navigate San Jose del Cabo like a seasoned traveler rather than a first-time tourist.
1. Time your visit for the Art Walk
The San Jose del Cabo Art Walk happens every Thursday evening from November through June, from roughly 5 PM to 9 PM. The galleries in the historic district stay open late, often serving wine and appetizers while local artists display their work. It is the best free cultural experience in town, so plan your trip around a Thursday if possible.
2. Dress for the heat and the cobblestones
Daytime temperatures can soar, especially from May through October, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. The historic center features uneven cobblestone streets, which are charming but hard on high heels or flimsy sandals. Comfortable walking shoes with good traction will save your feet and your ankles.
3. Carry pesos for small purchases
While most restaurants and shops accept US dollars and credit cards, you will get a better exchange rate and smoother transactions with Mexican pesos. Small vendors, local taco stands, and taxi drivers often prefer cash. Withdraw pesos from a reputable bank ATM rather than airport currency exchanges.
4. Respect the ocean conditions
The beaches in San Jose del Cabo are beautiful but can have strong rip currents and shore breaks, especially near the estuary mouth. Pay attention to warning flags, and never swim alone at unguarded beaches. If you want a safer swimming experience, head to one of the swimmable beaches along the corridor toward Cabo San Lucas.
5. Rent a car for flexibility
While the town center is walkable, having a car gives you easy access to nearby beaches, the East Cape, and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Parking is generally easy to find in San Jose del Cabo, and rental rates are often lower than in Cabo San Lucas. Just be aware that local roads can have unexpected potholes and topes, or speed bumps.
6. Embrace the slower pace
San Jose del Cabo runs on a relaxed rhythm. Service at restaurants may feel unhurried compared to what you are used to, and shops may close for a midday break. Rather than getting frustrated, lean into it. Sip your coffee longer, linger over dinner, and let the town’s easygoing energy reset your internal clock.
San Jose del Cabo rewards travelers who take the time to look beyond the obvious. It is a place where a simple walk down a cobblestone lane can lead to a hidden gallery, a family-run taqueria, or a quiet bench overlooking the estuary. The town’s charm lies in these small, unscripted moments.
Whether you spend your days chasing adventure or simply soaking in the local culture, this coastal gem offers a side of Los Cabos that many visitors miss. It is the kind of place that stays with you long after you have returned home, quietly calling you back to its sun-warmed streets and gentle waves.
