Escape to San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo offers a laid-back atmosphere blending historic charm with artistic flair. Wandering the streets of El Centro (the city center), you’ll find yourself surrounded by art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and history.

Art Walk: Every Thursday evening, San Jose del Cabo’s Plaza Mijares comes alive. My favorite way to experience Art Walk is to grab a hibiscus margarita to go from Los Tres Gallos, located about a block and a half off the main square, and wander the rows and rows of vendors showcasing their locally made crafts and wide variety of fine art, ranging from photography to impressive sculptures. Cap off the evening with a bite from the street food vendors—my favorites are the tamales from Doña Nina and fresh churros.

Shopping: The Art Walk isn’t the only opportunity to see and find beautiful art in San Jose. Whether you’re looking for a piece to take home or just window-shopping, take a stroll down through the Art District to discover a variety of galleries and boutiques. Some of my favorites include:

• TWH Art Gallery, featuring incredible glass work.

• Shima Shima is a boho-vibe boutique featuring goods all made in Mexico.

• Be sure to explore the walled gardens—tucked away, you can find hidden gems such as a cigar shop offering freshly hand-rolled options at Maestro Torcdor and a sculpture garden at Sotomayor Metal Sculpture Gallery.

History: Mission San Jose del Cabo is the heart of San Jose’s historic center. Founded by the Jesuits in 1730, this mission is the southernmost mission on the west coast. You don’t have to attend Mass (though you are welcome to) to visit this landmark that represents the blend of Spanish colonialism and Indigenous culture.

Beaches: A short drive from the city center, there are well-known beaches, including:

• Palmilla Beach: This beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

• Costa Azul: A popular beach known for its surf break.

In season, typically from December through April, you may also catch a glimpse of humpback and gray whales breaching offshore.

San Jose del Cabo offers a wide range of options for every budget. Visitors can enjoy tamales, churros, and elote from street vendors or a fine dining farm-to-table experience—or both! Life is all about balance, right?

• Doña Nina: This street cart can be found on the Main Square in San Jose del Cabo, serving savory and sweet tamales. My favorites are the pollo verde (chicken with green sauce) and piña (pineapple). You can also find fresh churros, elote, and tacos at other carts in this area.

• Los Guacamayas: Like many restaurants in Los Cabos, Los Guacamayas has locations in both San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. We’ve tried both and prefer the location in San Jose. Try the al-pastor tacos.

• La Lupita Taco & Mezcal: If you’re looking for traditional tacos, this is not where I would send you, but if you’re looking for a unique spin and fusion flavors, La Lupitas is delicious. Reservations are recommended for Thursday evenings during the Art Walk. Try the cheese-crust pastor, pibil suckling pig, or el takeshi tacos.

• Los Tres Gallos: This Instagram-worthy spot is great for margaritas (try the hibiscus!) and has locations in both San Jose and Cabo San Lucas.

• Flora Farms: Flora Farms has a boho, laid-back vibe. Plan your visit to coincide with one of their daily farm tours to learn about their farm-to-table philosophy. While the menu rotates based on seasonal items, the pork chops are always on and live up to the hype.

• Acre: Acre is a chic farm-to-table restaurant. You may recognize it from a dinner scene on The Real Housewives of Orange County’s cast trip. Their commitment to sustainability and sourcing locally, including from their own 60-acre farm, earned them a Michelin Green Star in 2024.