There are so many fun things to do in San Jose Del Cabo. Whether you’re interested in culture and history, beautiful beaches, food, surfing, fishing, or golf, this city has something to offer almost every type of vacationer.
Unlike its touristy neighbor to the north, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose has a more relaxed atmosphere and is full of Spanish colonial architecture, art galleries, and fabulous restaurants.
And just to be clear, the two cities are distinctively different. For starters, it’s a good thirty minute drive between the two destinations. Secondly, if you’re looking to party, then San Jose probably isn’t the place for you.
If you haven’t decided where to base yourself for your trip to Cabo yet, I highly recommend choosing San Jose if you’re after a more chill experience. Here are some of the places and experiences you can have at your fingertips if you choose to stay in San Jose!
Best Things To Do In San Jose Del Cabo
Explore Downtown San Jose Del Cabo
The downtown San Jose Del Cabo area boasts colorful architecture and cobblestone streets that are fun to wander through. Whether you are seeking out beautiful architecture to admire, or after a good photo opportunity, this is the place to head.
This is also where you’ll find some of San Jose’s most historic buildings such as the 18th century Misión de San José del Cabo Anuiti, and the 19th century City Hall, whose courtyard features murals depicting Baja life in previous eras.
The downtown square is surrounded by several blocks lined with trendy boutique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and bars that you can wander in and out of as you please.
This area has become very trendy in recent years so you’ll see finely dressed vacationers in the evening popping in and out of cocktail bars as well as Instagrammers taking pictures of themselves with the colorful flags a lot as you wander the streets.
Around about 6pm, the actual plaza zone of the downtown area also comes alive with several food vendors, entertainers, and if you’re lucky, a couple of free performances on the main stage put on by the local community.
Try A Tamale From A Vendor In Downtown
Do you love tamales? If so, then you need to sample some of the tastiest tamales in town from a vendor based in the downtown square of San Jose. The tamales here are not only very tasty but decent sized too!
There are a few different options to choose from including pollo verde (chicken), carne roja (beef), and corn with cream cheese, but there are many more, these just happen to be my favorite.
The tamale stand can be found in the downtown square every night from about 5pm until late. Also in the area are other vendors selling cups of buttered corn, fairy floss, ice cream, and other treats!
Eat The Freshest Churros Ever!
Once you’re done eating the tastiest tamales in town, it’s time for dessert! Fortunately, right next to the tamale stand is the churros stand. How convenient right?!
These aren’t just any churros, they are absolutely supreme and after you’re done eating them you’ll more than likely go for a second serving.
One of the reasons I believe these are the best churros in town is not only due to the batter but also because they are always so fresh. You’ll get to watch the fried dough get made right in front of your eyes and then get coated in cinnamon sugar.
These churros are extremely popular with the locals so the churros turn over fairly quickly meaning fresh batches are constantly being churned out.
I’ve tried churros from a few different stands in Cabo and none of them compare to this place. Our friends introduced us to this vendor after going out for dinner in downtown one night and we have been hooked ever since.
There is nothing like a bag of these hot and fresh churros! Trust me!!
Admire Art At The Thursday Night Art Walk
San Jose Del Cabo’s downtown art walk is the perfect place to spend a Thursday evening. The art walk takes place from November to June in San Jose’s downtown square where local artists gather to showcase a variety of artwork from paintings to sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more.
The art gallery district surrounds the main square and during the art walk, the galleries here open their doors late into the evening for wandering tourists.
Some of the local galleries will feature artists that you can meet and greet and other galleries may even greet you with a complimentary glass of wine or tequila upon entry like at the Frank Arnold Gallery where we were offered a delicious shot (or three) of cherry flavored tequila.
Also at the art walk is an outdoor market with merchants selling handmade goods like chocolate, coffee, honey, mole, and other items.
The Thursday Night Art Walk can be best described as a block party. You can expect the several blocks that surround the square to be packed with tourists roaming the cobblestone streets popping in and out of restaurants, enjoying beers and margaritas to go from nearby restaurants, and watching street performers who make a weekly appearance in the area.
Learn How To Surf At Old Man’s Beach
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at surfing? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a perfect beach break in San Jose Del Cabo for beginners to learn on.
You can find these beginner friendly waves at the west end of Costa Azul Beach. There are a few different breaks here but most learners practice surfing on a break known to locals as “Old Man’s”. The waves here are fairly consistent year round so no matter what time of year you visit San Jose, you’ll have a wave waiting for you.
Of course you’ll probably need to rent a board and fortunately there is a surfboard rental shop right in front of Old Man’s! They have plenty of foam long boards which is what you should start out on.
If you would prefer to take lessons, you can arrange for them at the surf shop here on the beach or book in advance here.
Have A Michelada At Zipper’s On The Beach
If you’re looking for a laid back spot to drink a michelada or two, Zipper’s on Costa Azul Beach is the place to go!
This palapa covered restaurant is a favorite with tourists and expats for its supreme location on the waterfront. When I say waterfront, I mean this place is right on the beach and only a few short steps from the lapping waves of the ocean!
It’s the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a cold drink during the day or in the afternoon when you can watch waves rolling in and surfers catch a few of them.
Besides cold beer and micheladas, there is also a small range of cocktails to choose from. Their signature drink is the coronaita, a beer and margarita combination.
Zipper’s also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, however the food is quite hit and miss. Perhaps grab a snack or a plate of tacos and save your appetite for the restaurants in downtown San Jose would be my suggestion.
Go Horse Riding On Costa Azul Beach
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, organize to go horse riding on Costa Azul Beach. Horse riding on the beach is one of the most popular things to do in San Jose (with tourists) and also probably the most fun!
Costa Azul Beach is located on the tourist corridor and runs from Zipper’s Restaurant all the way to the San Jose Del Cabo Marina. This beach offers white sand beaches and gorgeous blue water that is best explored on a guided horse back tour.
Whether you’re on family vacation, a girls trip, or on a romantic getaway, it’s almost guaranteed your whole party will enjoy this activity. My recommendation for couples is to time your ride to coincide with sunset.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a horse before because you’ll have a guide with you the entire time. If you’re a more experienced rider, you can ask your guide if it’s okay to canter.
Rides usually last around twenty to thirty minutes and will set you back somewhere between $30 – $50.
Visit San Jose Del Cabo Estuary
Very few visitors to Cabo know about the beautiful nature reserve that is situated on the far end of Costa Azul Beach.
Known as San Jose Del Cabo Estuary, the reserve is a protected area and is home to over two hundred different species with the majority being birds. Some of the bird species that have been documented in the area include Red-Tailed Hawks, Herons, Pelicans, Turkey Vultures, and Osprey.
This is the largest body of fresh water in southern Baja and is fed by an underground river that originates in the Sierra Laguna Mountains. The freshwater has helped to create this lush 125 acre oasis which looks nothing like the rest of Cabo.
During our several visits we have seen large fish even in parts of shallow water as well as ospreys and terns.
The estuary is really only accessible from Costa Azul Beach or along a small path at the end of malecon San Jose next to Bonanza Horse Riding.
Even if you’re not into birdwatching, it is a relaxing place to go for a stroll or if you’re looking for different landscapes to photograph.
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