San José del Cabo
Culture, cuisine, and coastal charm await your family
Highlights
Stroll through San José del Cabo's charming downtown with colonial architecture, galleries, and the iconic mission church dating back to Jesuit missionaries.
Experience the dramatic rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, with opportunities to spot sea lions and tropical fish from glass-bottom boats.
Indulge in locally-caught ceviche, grilled fish, and authentic Mexican cuisine paired with premium tequila tastings at beachfront restaurants.
Enjoy snorkeling, sunset cruises, and dolphin encounters at pristine beaches like Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach.
Watch artisans create handblown glass art and shop for unique souvenirs at working studios along the Tourist Corridor.
Visit San José's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary to observe tropical birds and local ecosystems in their natural habitat.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
All-inclusive luxury resort located on San Jose Hotel Road with multiple pools, family activities, and direct beach access. Features kids' clubs and fine dining venues.
Barcelo Los Cabos
All-inclusive beachfront resort with family suites, aquatic activities, and multiple on-site restaurants. Close to downtown San José del Cabo attractions.
Royal Solaris Los Cabos
All-inclusive family-oriented resort on San Jose Hotel Road featuring multiple pools, beach access, and diverse dining options with kids' activities throughout the day.
Where to Eat
9 picks
Flora Farms
Farm-to-table restaurant featuring fresh local ingredients, artisanal cocktails, and organic produce from their own gardens. Known for creative Mexican-inspired dishes.
Tequila Tasting Experience
Formal tastings at local distilleries or as part of tours, featuring premium tequilas, proper tasting techniques, and education on production methods.
Cabo Pulmo Seafood Restaurant
Casual beachfront establishment specializing in fresh-caught daily seafood, ceviche, and grilled fish with ocean views. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Beachfront Ceviche & Seafood Tasting
Many restaurants offer tasting menus featuring multiple ceviche preparations, grilled fish variations, and regional seafood specialties. Often paired with tequila tastings.
Sunset Cruises Restaurant (Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise)
Open-air dining experience on the water with appetizers, open bar, and sunset views. Combines meal service with boat tour of El Arco.
Mexican Chocolate & Candy Tasting
Included in several tour packages, featuring authentic traditional chocolate preparations and local candies. Usually at specialty shops or tour locations.
Downtown San José del Cabo Mexican Restaurant (Art Walk dinner)
Local Mexican restaurants along the Art Walk featuring traditional cuisine, seafood specialties, and regional dishes. Multiple options available for Thursday evening.
Cabo Pulmo Blue Snorkeling Cruise Lunch
Included lunch service on snorkeling boat featuring fresh seafood, open bar, and beach picnic-style dining. Fresh-prepared daily options.
Hotel Restaurant Fine Dining Experience
Most luxury resorts feature elevated on-site restaurants with set menus, wine pairings, and specialized cuisine. Hyatt, Barceló, and Royal Solaris all offer fine dining options.
What to Do
15 picks
Cabo Encounter with Optional Clear Boat Tour
7-hour small-group tour including glass factory visit, San José del Cabo historic center exploration, lunch, chocolate/tequila tasting, and optional clear boat tour to El Arco with sea lion spotting.
6-Hour Guided City and Cruise Tour of Los Cabos with Lunch
Combines 3-hour Cabo San Lucas exploration with 45-minute boat tour to Land's End, glass factory visit, tequila tasting, mission church visit, and included lunch at local restaurant.
Misión San José del Cabo (Mission Church)
Historic Jesuit mission dating to 1730, featuring colonial architecture, religious artwork, and exhibits on missionary history and indigenous culture.
Dolphin Discovery Los Cabos
Interactive marine program featuring dolphin encounters, educational presentations, and hands-on experiences with marine mammals in safe, controlled environments.
Glass Blowing Factory Demonstration and Tour
Working artisan studio where craftspeople create handblown glass art. Visitors watch demonstrations, learn techniques, and purchase unique glass pieces.
Private Bike Lane Exploration Tour
Guided tour following main bike lane attractions, visiting historic sites, viewpoints, and local neighborhoods with local guide providing cultural context.
Clear Boat Adventure and Arch Exploration
Dedicated glass-bottom boat tour showcasing El Arco, tropical fish beneath transparent hull, sea lion colonies, scenic beaches, and meeting point of two oceans.
Plaza Mijares Exploration and Shopping
Historic central plaza featuring colonial architecture, local shops, galleries, art installations, and restaurants. Heart of downtown San José del Cabo.
Art Walk and Gallery Exploration (Thursday Evening)
Weekly Thursday evening art walk through downtown San José featuring open gallery doors, local artists, live music, food vendors, and festive atmosphere.
San José's Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
Natural wetland habitat featuring tropical bird species, nature trails, and wildlife observation opportunities. Accessible by guided tour or self-exploration.
Snorkeling Experience at Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Beach
Premier snorkeling destinations featuring coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and clear water. Accessible via guided tours or independent visits.
Hidden Waterfalls Hiking Adventure
Adventure tour featuring guided hike to secluded waterfall locations, natural pools for swimming, and tropical forest exploration. Varies by group size.
Boat Ride to the Arch and Beach Camel Ride in Cabo San Lucas
Combined experience featuring boat tour to El Arco (spotting sea lions and scenic rock formations) followed by camel rides on pristine beach.
Sunset Cruise with Open Bar and Appetizers
Evening boat cruise featuring sunset viewing from the water, open bar, complimentary appetizers, and scenic passes by El Arco and coastal landmarks.
Beach Day at Costa Azul or Playa de los Amantes
Beautiful sandy beaches with calm waters, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing. Some beaches have beach clubs with food and beverage service.
Good to Know
8 picks
Book Tours and Reservations Early
Many popular activities including boat tours, dining reservations, and experiences show 'Likely To Sell Out' status. Book 24+ hours in advance online or through hotel concierge.
Leverage All-Inclusive Resort Benefits
Most resorts include multiple pools, kids' clubs, beach access, and some meals/drinks. Research amenities to maximize value and reduce daily expenses for dining outside.
Plan for Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Most guided tours include complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service. Confirm location during booking and provide accurate hotel address to ensure seamless transportation.
Thursday Art Walk is Essential
Downtown San José's Thursday evening Art Walk is the best time to explore galleries, meet local artists, enjoy street food, and experience local culture. Restaurants and galleries extend hours.
Bring Sun and Water Protection
Mexican sun is intense year-round. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve cover-ups, hats, and sunglasses. Reef-safe sunscreen protects marine environment.
Gratuities and Tipping Customs
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Standard practice: 15-20% at restaurants, $2-5 per person for tours/activities, optional for hotel staff. Many experiences exclude gratuities.
Understand Regional Restaurant Hours
Many restaurants close between 2-5pm between lunch and dinner service. Plan accordingly or seek establishments with continuous service. Hotel restaurants typically open longer.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic phrases (gracias, por favor, ¿cuánto cuesta?, dónde está) enriches interactions and supports local respect.
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