Top 22 Attractions in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico for 2025

Los Cabos is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Latin America. Mexico’s west coast is an oasis of tranquility, known for fabulous resorts, vast sandy beaches, and an azure ocean. If you’re planning a vacation in San Jose del Cabo and need ideas on what to include in your itinerary, you’ve found just the right guide!

I’ll tell you about all the best things to do in San Jose del Cabo, from playing golf to hiking. Whether your perfect vacation includes lounging on a beach or rappelling down a mountain, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay busy in Mexico.

Prioritize the activities that sound like the most fun to fully enjoy your vacation to Los Cabos. And keep in mind that some of these experiences are seasonal (whale-watching) and will be available only if you’re in Los Cabos at a specific time. Now, let’s get into all the best things to do in San Jose del Cabo!

Best of San Jose del Cabo Quick Guide

• Must See: Plaza Mijares, Art District, El Arco, Palmilla Beach, Lovers Beach, Mision San Jose del Cabo
• Where To Stay: Flora Farms, Marisol Hotel Boutique, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
• Fun To Do: Zip-line Park, ATV Rides, Surfing, Snorkeling, Horseback rides
• Day Trips: Cabo San Lucas (Lands End), Todos Santos, Espiritu Santo Island
• Must-Try Foods: Enchiladas, Tamales, Guacamole, Tacos

1. Stroll Around The Gallery District

Souvenir shops, local handicrafts, and art galleries are the staples of San Jose del Cabo’s Gallery District. Set in the alleys behind the town’s main square, the Gallery District is known for traditional Mexican charm and intriguing artwork.

On Thursday nights, the streets of Cabo’s Gallery District close for vehicles, allowing the locals and tourists to swarm them. The event, locally known as the Art Walk, was established by the local authorities who wanted all visitors in San Jose del Cabo to experience more of the town’s tradition and culture.

Visit San Jose Del Cabo’s art district to discover and support local artists from Baja California Sur and pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.

Practical Information: San José Art Walk takes place every Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM between November and June.

2. Visit Misión San José del Cabo

Every town has a main religious building that’s special to all the locals, and in this Mexican city, it’s Misión San José del Cabo. The Town’s Mission church borders the Mijares Square in the center, making it an attraction you quite literally can’t miss if you’re just walking around downtown San Jose.

The church is pretty from the outside but the interior is a bit underwhelming. There’s some art inside and the stained glass windows are noteworthy, but it’s not a place where you’ll spend more than 10 minutes if you’re not religious. Visit Mijares Square at night to see the church illuminated with bright colors.

Practical Information: Misión San José del Cabo is open every day from 9 AM to 8 PM. Entrance is free.

3. See The Iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the most famous natural landmark on the Baja peninsula. But it’s in Cabo San Lucas, and to visit it from San Jose, you’ll need to arrange a guided tour or take an Uber. Is it worth the hassle? Absolutely, if you’re fascinated by nature.

Head to the Lands End in Cabo San Lucas to see the iconic Arch. Towering rocks are in the backdrop of this entire sandy beach, creating a spectacular scene. Also, it’s called Lands End because it is the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. If you were to follow a straight line down, you wouldn’t touch land until the South Pole.

Guided tours are the best for visiting the Arch from San Jose del Cabo. Hotel pickup is included, and the best tours include rides in glass-bottom boats and snorkeling. And of course, you can’t mention a tour in Mexico without complementary tequila!

Practical Information: Expect to pay around $100-150 for an organized excursion to The Arch of Cabo San Lucas from San Jose.

4. ATV Rides on The Beach

Most of the Baja peninsula is desert terrain, best explored on ATVs. Arrange an ATV tour, and you’ll get picked up at your hotel and taken to a beach full of dunes where you can ride around on an ATV for hours.

It was the most fun I had in Los Cabos and I would absolutely do it again. Single and double ATVs are available so you can ride however you like. All participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to drive an ATV. Even children are welcome to join on double ATVs!

You’ll get all the protective gear and instructions on how to drive an ATV, in case it’s your first time. Most of these tours take you to areas of the peninsula that can only be accessed in all-terrain vehicles, making it a thrilling way of exploring Baja California Sur.

Practical Information: ATV Tours of Los Cabos start at approximately $75, without entrance fees to nature parks.

5. Hike To Cerro De Las Chivas

Cerro De Las Chivas is an observation deck atop a hill in San José del Cabo. The trailhead is just off the main road in Mauricio Castro neighborhood, and it takes only 20 minutes or so to make it up the hill.

This spot is popular for panoramic views, especially among those who are feeling a little adventurous in Los Cabos. It’s a great way to kill an hour, get in some exercise, and experience a scenic view of the city and the Pacific Ocean, all in one quick hike.

Practical Information: The Cerro De La Chivas observation deck is accessible at any time, free of charge.

6. Day Trip to Espiritu Santo Island

Espiritu Santo Island is a place of mesmerizing scenery. The island, a national park, is situated close to La Paz. It’s best to visit it on sailing tours from Los Cabos because the island can only be accessed by boat.

It boasts dramatic rock formations and many miles of sandy beaches. One thing to note is that there’s virtually no shade anywhere on the island, so make sure to bring a hat at the very least. Camping on the island is allowed, as it’s the only way to spend more than a few hours here.

Practical Information: Arrange a boat cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo with local operators since there are no commercial ferries to the island.

7. Play Golf

Resort vacations and golfing go hand in hand, so it’s not surprising that San Jose del Cabo has some excellent golf courses. If golfing is something you enjoy, Los Cabos is the perfect destination.

Puerto Los Cabos is one of the best golf resorts in town, featuring three different courses designed by pioneers of the sport. Most holes offer scenic views of the ocean, so try not to be distracted.

Practical Information: Rates for Puerto Los Cabos golf courses range from $165 to $600.

8. Lounge At Your Resort

There’s nothing wrong with taking an entire day to yourself, especially when you’re on vacation. Spend a day lounging at your resort, making the most of your booking, and discovering all the different services the resort can offer you. Maybe pretend you’re in White Lotus for a day—but without all the drama.

Staying at the resort is ideal if you enjoy swimming because most beaches in Los Cabos are not swimmable. The ones that are get crowded quickly, so chances are you won’t be able to find any shade from the sun if you’re not there first thing in the morning. Set up camp by the pool, sip cocktails all day long, and enjoy your vacation—you deserve it.

Practical Information: Resorts in San Jose del Cabo don’t offer access to swimmable beaches. Swimming in the pool is the safest option.

9. Attend a Cooking Class

Mexican food is high on my list of preferences and I love cooking, so this activity was a dream for me. A few different cooking classes are available in San Jose del Cabo, but by far the best one is with chef Francisco. The experience includes a tour of the local market, allowing you to spend the day with a very friendly and incredibly talented cook.

Chef Francisco can teach you how to make tamales, enchiladas, carnitas, and many other staple Mexican dishes. Regardless of the main course, Francisco will also show you how to properly make margaritas and guacamole. Tequila tastings are also part of the cooking class, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.

Practical Information: Book your class with Chef Francisco for approximately $130 per person. The meeting point is at the entrance to the market.

10. Ride A Horse On The Beach

Horseback rides on the beach are popular in Los Cabos and provide a cinematic experience. Bonanza Horse Riding, a local operator in San Jose del Cabo, offers horseback riding trips in the town. Even total beginners are welcome to join.

Bonanza Horse Riding is a family-run operation. All their horses are well-kept and receive excellent care. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making horse riding feel easy even for those without experience.

Practical Information: The one-hour ride takes place on Costa Azul beach. The two-hour ride also includes a visit to the San Jose Estuary.

11. Souvenir Shopping at Baja Blown Glass Factory

Baja Blown Glass Factory is a local glass-making shop in San Jose del Cabo. Here you’ll find unique items crafted by locals, including kitchenware and wall art.

What I appreciate most about this location is that they can create custom glass pieces right before your eyes. In addition to unique local souvenirs, you get to witness glass-makers at work, an experience typically reserved for museums.

As this is a shop and not a museum, there’s no entrance fee. Anyone can browse the items for sale and engage with the glass-makers to learn about their craft.

Insider Tip: If you order something custom-made, it won’t be ready to take home the same day as it requires time to cool.

Practical Information: Baja Blown Glass Factory shop is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

12. Hang Out at Plaza Mijares

Plaza Mijares is the main town square in San Jose del Cabo. It’s lined with charming buildings, including the town hall, and features a center stage for events. This is the heart of town, and on warm summer nights, it buzzes with tourists and locals alike.

The square offers easy access to art galleries, museums, restaurants, and the local Mission church. It’s a must-see spot during any proper tour of downtown San Jose del Cabo, especially if you’re seeking good local shops. During the Thursday night Art Walk, local artists display their best work on the Plaza.

Practical Information: Plaza Mijares is in downtown San Jose del Cabo and is accessible at any time for free.

13. A Day At A Beach Club

San Jose del Cabo is a destination for relaxed vacations, and it’s got the beach clubs to prove it. Spend a day at a beach club to enjoy pure relaxation. Hang out in a canopy beach bed while servers bring drinks and snacks directly to you.

El Ganzo de Playa is one of the best in town, located on a small swimmable beach in San Jose, one of the few in the area. The club doesn’t take reservations, so arriving early in the morning should allow you to secure a spot.

Practical Information: El Ganzo de Playa Beach Club has a day pass fee of 1,000 Mexican pesos (approximately 59 USD), with $800 credited for drinks and snacks.

14. Zip-line Rides & Rappelling

Costa Azul is a popular adventure sports operator in San Jose del Cabo. The business offers zip-line rides, guided rappelling, and the chance to walk on a moving suspension bridge. If any of that sounds fun, Costa Azul should be one of your first stops in San Jose del Cabo.

What I appreciate about Costa Azul is that they pick you up at your hotel and take you to their location in the nature park, which is only 10 minutes outside downtown San Jose del Cabo. Additionally, all participants get a shot of tequila after they complete their adventure, which is a nice touch!

Practical Information: Costa Azul charges $99 for access to all their activities, hotel transfers, lockers, and complimentary drinks (water and tequila). Participants are charged an additional $15 for entrance to the park.

15. Whale Watching From Cabo San Lucas

The whale watching season in Los Cabos runs from November to April. It’s one of the best activities in the area, particularly if you’re looking to fill your day with fun and exciting experiences.

Book a whale-watching tour to spend an afternoon observing these majestic mammals from a boat. It’s a fantastic experience, especially if you have a friendly guide who eagerly shares information about whales.

Insider Tip: Avoid open-bar tours, as they tend to prioritize drinking over whale watching.

Practical Information: Whale-watching tours are generally priced at $100-150 per person.

16. Dine at a Farm-To-Table Restaurant

San Jose del Cabo has several farm-to-table restaurants that offer an authentic Mexican dining experience. The most popular establishments are Flora’s Field Kitchen and Tamarindos, both located in the Ánimas Bajas neighborhood.

Flora’s Field Kitchen is part of a large estate featuring shops, a farm, private villas, and a communal area. This is the ideal spot if you want a luxury private residence in Los Cabos and fresh farm-to-table meals every day.

Tamarindos is another upscale restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine, with all dishes featuring produce grown on the restaurant’s own farm, ensuring freshness and quality.

Practical Information: Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone.

17. Swim in the Ocean at Palmilla Beach

Not all beaches in San Jose del Cabo are suitable for swimming due to strong currents and large waves. However, Palmilla Beach is a swimmable sandy beach a short bus or Uber ride from downtown San Jose.

Come here to spend a day relaxing on the beach and swimming in the calm waters, which are suitable even for stand-up paddleboarding—quite rare for this part of the Baja California peninsula. Arrive early to rent loungers and umbrellas, so you can enjoy your entire day at the beach.

Insider Tip: Food and drinks cannot be purchased at the beach, so be sure to bring your own.

Practical Information: The Ruta del Desierto bus can take you to Palmilla Beach from downtown San Jose del Cabo.

18. Head To Todos Santos For a Day

Situated just an hour outside San Jose del Cabo on the west coast of Mexico, Todos Santos is a charming town with many art galleries and a local history museum in the cultural center.

Though the beaches here are great for surfing due to the large waves, they are not ideal for swimming. However, you can relax under the sun and watch the surfers. Strolling through the charming town allows you to pop into local shops and discover unique handicrafts, while Todos Santos is also home to a Hotel California.

Practical Information: Todos Santos is approximately an hour and 10 minutes from San Jose del Cabo by taxi or Uber.

19. Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach

Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach are two sandy beaches at Lands End in Cabo San Lucas. Most operators bundle trips to these beaches with excursions to El Arco, Lands End, and even whale-watching tours in the area.

The two beaches are connected but named differently based on their accessibility. At Lovers Beach, the ocean is calm and you can swim, while Divorce Beach features more turbulent waters. Sometimes, the sand can be too hot to reach Divorce Beach completely.

Practical Information: Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach can only be accessed via boat tours from the Cabo San Lucas marina.

20. Walking Tour of Cabo San Lucas Town

I’ve included several activities that take place in Cabo San Lucas or are accessible only from that Cabo. Therefore, it’s essential to make time for a guided tour of the town, especially if you’re visiting Los Cabos for the first time.

Cabo San Lucas has a different vibe from San Jose del Cabo, with older buildings and a bustling central city, while the main attractions are near the marina, making it easy to navigate.

Avid hikers should pack walking poles and head straight to Mt. Solmar for epic views of the ocean and the cliffs at Lands End.

Practical Information: Cabo San Lucas is approximately half an hour from San Jose del Cabo, accessible by taxi, Uber, and local bus.

21. Go Snorkeling

The coral reefs of Los Cabos are home to abundant marine life, making them ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Chileno Beach and Pelican Rock are popular destinations for diving due to their abundant marine life and somewhat challenging access.

Some operators even offer open-bar snorkeling excursions, which include a trip to Lands End at Cabo San Lucas. However, the drinks only begin flowing after the diving is complete.

Practical Information: Snorkeling tours in Los Cabos can cost anywhere from $65 to over $150.

22. Try Surfing

The beaches of San Jose del Cabo might not be excellent for swimming, but they are perfect for surfing. The large waves are ideal for experienced surfers, while smaller waves are suitable for beginners looking to try for the first time.

Surfing lessons and tours are available at the beaches in central San Jose del Cabo. However, experienced surfers will want to arrange a trip to East Cape or Todos Santos, as these areas are well-known for their legendary waves.

Practical Information: Surfing lessons are available at Zipper’s on Costa Azul Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Walk Around San Jose del Cabo?

Yes, you can walk around San Jose del Cabo. Its historic center is charming and a delight to explore.

Which is better, Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?

Cabo San Lucas is preferable if you’re seeking a vibrant nightlife and tourist attractions. In contrast, San Jose del Cabo offers an authentic Mexican town experience with fewer crowds.

Does San Jose del Cabo have a downtown?

Yes, San Jose del Cabo features a downtown area, famous for its Art District filled with galleries and local handicraft shops.

Is San Jose Del Cabo Beach Swimmable?

No, San Jose del Cabo Beach is not typically swimmable. There is a small swimmable section near Hotel El Ganzo, while the closest proper swimmable beach is Palmilla Beach.

Where To Stay in San Jose del Cabo

With so many excellent resorts, deciding where to stay in San Jose del Cabo can be overwhelming. The best choice for you will depend on your budget and whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience. Here are some of the best accommodations in San Jose del Cabo for various preferences:

• Marisol Hotel Boutique is an affordable beachfront hotel with vibrant rooms.
• Flora Farms offers a great stay with 10 villas, each featuring a private pool.
• Secrets Puerto Los Cabos is a five-star resort that provides an all-inclusive option.

Tips and Information For Visiting San Jose Del Cabo

Best Time To Visit

The high season in Cabo spans from December to April. Los Cabos is a popular destination for spring break, so expect the largest crowds in late March and early April. If you wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy your time, consider planning your trip in May, June, October, or November.

Avoid traveling to Cabo in July or August due to the intense heat. Moreover, this period coincides with the hurricane season, which, while usually not significantly affecting the area, is still better approached with caution. Many activities in San Jose del Cabo occur outdoors, which could be uncomfortable when temperatures consistently exceed 90 degrees.

Getting There

San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are both serviced by Los Cabos International Airport. At the airport, shared shuttles provide transport to your resort. San Jose del Cabo is much closer to the airport than Cabo San Lucas, making the journey manageable, even if your resort is one of the last along the way.

Private shuttles and transfers can also be arranged, but they need to be booked a few days before your arrival. While you cannot take an Uber from the airport to the hotel due to restrictions, you can utilize an Uber service from the hotel to the airport, which is recommended.

Getting Around

Uber serves as the best means for navigating San Jose del Cabo, being much cheaper than local taxis and faster than public buses. Although local buses are present and the cheapest option, they tend to be slow and not the safest.

Uber is quite affordable in Mexico, offering a quick and reliable option for getting around. However, always ensure that your driver ends the trip upon your arrival at your destination to prevent overcharging, which has been reported to happen.

How Much Time Do You Need?

At least 3-4 days are needed to experience Los Cabos fully, and perhaps even more if you want time to relax by the pool. To see the top attractions and explore more of the area, four days is ideal.

For a more relaxed pace that incorporates both exploration and leisure, planning a week’s vacation allows you ample time for adventures and relaxation at your resort—making the most of complimentary services along the way.