How to Spend 1 Day in San José del Cabo

The laid-back half of the two resort towns that make up Los Cabos—the other is Cabo San Lucas—San José del Cabo blends beautiful beaches with great food, shopping, and dining. With one day in San José del Cabo, combine saltwater exploring with a colorful introduction to  local culture. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Morning: Head for the Water

Dip your toes in the Sea of Cortez for a salty introduction to San José del Cabo’s gorgeous coastline, which goes from surf beaches to whale habitat. Options for exploring from San José del Cabo include surf lessons, whale-watching cruises, snorkeling trips, flyboarding, scuba diving, and more. If you’re hoping to spend time beneath the surface and you’re not a certified scuba diver, you can even join a beginner-friendly scuba trip that’s designed to get you in the water without days of classroom time.

Afternoon: Culture or Cuisine

Cabo San Lucas has the parties, but San José del Cabo keeps up with a vibrant art scene, diverse dining culture, and some of the best shopping around. Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s shopping options, which include upscale boutiques, elegant jewelry shops, and handmade-craft shops, while galleries feature work by both local and international artists. Alternatively, if you’re craving a delicious introduction to the superfresh cuisine of Baja California Sur—which places locally caught seafood front and center—check out a few local restaurants, take a foodie tour of downtown, or sign up for a cooking class. Classes can be a great opportunity to learn the building blocks of local foods, and you’ll finish with recipes that you can reproduce at home.

Night: Sunset Cruising

Catch sunset light as you set sail for an evening boat trip from San José del Cabo, sipping a tropical drink and watching the sun dip over Baja California. Since many sunset cruises include snacks or even a full dinner, it’s a fun start to the evening that saves you a second restaurant booking; choose between options such as laid-back sailing trips and party cruises fueled by dances and drinking.