The Best of San Jose Del Cabo! San José’s downtown is lovely, with adobe houses and jacaranda trees. Entrepreneurs have converted old homes into stylish restaurants and shops, and the government has enlarged the main plaza. An ambitious multiyear beautification process is underway. A 9-hole golf course and residential community are south of Centro (town center); farther south the ever-expanding Zona Hotelera (hotel zone) faces a long beach on the Sea of Cortez. Despite the development—and weekday traffic jams—San José is peaceful. If you want exciting nightlife and rowdy beaches, stay in Cabo San Lucas. San Jose Del Cabo vacations will bring you great beaches, great flavor, and peaceful surroundings. Plan your trip to San Jose del Cabo and enjoy the Baja area like none other. For San Jose del Cabo beach locations and information on each beach, click here, or visit us on Pinterest.
San Jose del Cabo Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit San Jose del Cabo is from May to June, when the wintertime crowds have gone home, and the summertime storms have yet to hit. October and November are also nice months for a vacation, but you’ll need to begin your hotel search early if you want to save money. It could be that your motivation for visiting is not the beach: If you’re into whale watching, plan to visit between mid-December and mid-April. If you like to fish, look to come in the late summer or fall. Keep in mind: Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to November. Though San Jose del Cabo typically only experiences tropical storms during the hurricane season, the city has seen hurricanes make landfall in the region, most notably Hurricane Odile in 2014.
Best San Jose del Cabo Area Beaches
Playa Pamilla
Playa PamillaHead to Playa Palmilla for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation. This beach is family-friendly, calm, and serene, with no pushy vendors to bother you. Playa Palmilla has gentle waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Perfect beach with calm waters if you plan on swimming, or if you are bringing little ones with you.
.
Playa Hotelera
Playa HoteleraPlaya Hotelera (Hotel Beach) is right along hotel alley. It is just steps away from some of the most popular hotels and resorts giving it easy access to guests. However, it is not recommended to swim here, as the waves are extremely powerful. Playa Hotelera is known as the best beach for sunset strolls, horseback riding, and beach volleyball.
.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria BeachSanta Maria Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and safe for swimming and snorkeling. Santa Maria Beach is a top destination for snorkeling and scuba tour boats, so make sure to reserve your tour in advance. Santa Maria also has very unique sand that is pink in color and shaped like grains of rice.
.
Medano Beach
Medano BeachIf you’re traveling with small kids, or just want to float in calm water, head to Medano Beach, the safest swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas (just a short drive from San Jose del Cabo). Due to the calm waters and designated swimming areas it does get crowded, so be ready for heavy crowds and pushy vendors.
.
Tequila Cove
Tequila CoveTequila Cove, or Playa Bledito, is one of the most popular beaches. This beach is situated just outside of several large tourist resorts, such as Hilton Los Cabos, Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, Marquis Los Cabos, and more. This beach is generally safe for swimming and offers water activity rentals like jet skiing and boating. There area also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars, nearby.
Best San Jose del Cabo Restaurants
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal $11 – 30
HIGHLY recommended by locals. Everything from the decor, to the knowledgeable and super cool staff, to the food is exceptional. The restaurant is bright, colorful, and fun. Their patio is definitely the place to be! Anything you order will be great. This is a cool, off the beaten path great restaurant that the locals love. Telephone: 52 624 688 3926 Web: La Lupita Taco & Mezcal.
Las Cazuelas del Don $11 – 30
This place is amazing. Personal service from Alberto and Elizabeth (owners) for everyone in the place. You can really taste the pride and care that goes into every dish. The fact it’s are authentic and the prices are very reasonable, make it a place not to be missed. Telephone: 52 624 130 7386 Web: Las Cazuelas del Don.
Habanero’s Gastro Grill $11 – 30
Habaneros blends the European style bistro with an eclectic “Mexican Fusion” menu all the while keeping things “Baja” Casual. The style of cuisine is a playful blend of local products and ideas fused with the highest quality imported products and international cooking techniques. Enjoy traditional favorites with a twist. What ever you are looking for Habaneros offers a variety of creations to please even the most discriminating palate. Telephone: 52 624 142 2626 Web: Habanero’s Gatro Grill.
El Botete Under $10
This place has amazing and VERY fresh seafood dishes. Great food at a great price. Homemade flour tortillas, chips and salsas are very good. The portions are large and they don’t skimp on the seafood. Don’t be dissuaded by its strip mall location. Telephone: 52 624 142 2870 Web: El Botete.
Flora’s Field Kitchen $11 – 30
Amazing time. Just beautiful! Way off the beaten path but so worth it ! Outdoor dining. Cute shops . The setting, the atmosphere, the breeze, the live music. The drinks menu unsurpassed for this area. Visit this unique restaurant for a fabulous experience. It is recommended to make reservations in advance and get there early, as it is so much more than just a restaurant. Telephone: 52 624 355 4564 Web: Flora’s Field Kitchen.
Best San Jose del Cabo Bars & Nightlife
The Distillery
Here visitors can enjoy drinks such as Baja Midnight vodka, chocolate moonshine, and various house blends of tequila, while they can also learn about how alcohol is fermented, distilled, and bottled. The moonshine is made from sweet white corn, and sugarcane is used to make their vodka. The Distillery also serves traditional and local wines. Telephone: 52 612 145 0213 Web: The Distillery
Tequila Sunrise Bar & Grill
Due to its proximity to many shops, Tequila’s Sunrise Bar and Grill is highly popular among locals. Patrons can sample appetizers, soups, salads, shrimp or lobster chiles rellenos. The chef uses fresh sauces and creates tasty dishes, yet no meal is complete without a margarita. This drink is the house specialty and is worth trying. Telephone: 52 612 145 0073 Web: Tequila Sunrise Bar & Grill
Fonda El Zaguan
This favorite hot spot offers a well-appointed wine list, tequilas, fresh fruit cocktails, and smoothies. If you’re hungry, the open casual setting is ideal for savoring the freshest fish, seafood, and local produce. The chef has often changed the menu to keep customers satisfied. Diners can enjoy beef, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Telephone: 52 612 145 0485 Web: Fonda El Zaguan
Santo Vino Bistro and Wine Bar
The sub-tropical oasis overlooks the Pacific Ocean, providing the ideal setting for visitors who love to watch the waves. Santo Vino Bistro and Wine Bar is the perfect location for couples and individuals who want to enjoy a classic dining experience. No meal is complete without a good wine and dessert, and even if you’re not hungry, you should come and check out their amazing wine list or sample one of their artisan cocktails. Telephone: 52 612 145 0792 Web: Santo Vino Bistro and Wine Bar
Best San Jose Del Cabo Hotels
Hey, thanks for the info on Cabo! I’ve been thinking on gifting a trip like this my parents. They are pretty excited about cabo pulmo marine park… and checking out the reefs before they’re all destroyed by us evil humans lol.
I have to say this is one of the most comprehensive travel sites I’ve seen. There is just so much to do in Mexico, this will come in handy when the time comes to get reservations.
Wilson
Yes, I agree, there is so much to do in Mexico…Baja Mexico. I have been many times and I never get bored of the place. Probably one of my favorite beach destinations. Now this is San Jose Del Cabo, not to be confused with Cabo. But this is where the airport is and the name is very similar 🙂
Simply awesome post this is. Is there anything that is not available here on this San Jose del cabo? OMG! I just don’t know what to point out as a flaw for this place. Seriously, I wish my vacation would just come up ASAP. Del Cabo, here I come soon. As in, reading through this post, I cannot just grasp my head around what I would explore the most being here. Its simply a haven of pure bliss and beauty. Wow
I have to agree! From my experience vacationing here, it is heaven. I absolutely love it and never get tired of the area. Thanks for visiting my San Jose Del Cabo Vacations post.
I really like this website, it’s very professional, informative, yet not invasive.
I live in Arizona and the months you out to visit are the same I’d recommend if you were to visit here. You DO NOT want to come here in July!
The fact that the crowds would be gone during the months you mentioned would make for a peaceful vacation for me and my wife. We went to Hawaii a few years ago and it was one of the greatest trips I’ve ever had. I love all the beautiful images of San Jose that you have and it might entice me to make another trip!
I have been to Arizona in July….I lived in St George Utah which is right over the border and I know that the temperatures were triple digit, usually around 115 up to 120 or so. I love the heat, and it is a dry heat. San Jose del Cabo is a wonderful beach destination and you’ll find it to be not as crowded as going down the road to Cabo.
Wow! I never realized how much there is to see and do in the San Jose area! The beaches all look amazingly peaceful and of course beautiful.
Snorkeling is one thing I have never had the chance to experience. Being able to see a living reef up close and personal would be a dream come true! I see there are several places that offer horseback riding. Are there also trails designated for walking and/or hiking purposes? I always love a good nature hike, especially in beautiful tropical landscapes. Thanks so much for your attention to detail in outlining all the best restaurants and attractions!
Thank you Shannon for stopping by. Yes, there really is a lot to see and do here. The beaches are amazing and it’s a toss up for me. I love Santa Maria Beach and Pamilla beach. I don’t particularly care to go to Medano beach as you get bombarded with sales pitches. I get tired of saying “no gracias” lol.
Sounds nice Leahrae,
I’ve been eyeing San Jose ever since I saw it in movies and I thought to myself that this will be on my bucket list. I’m planning to go on the humpback whale tour, lunch cruises and of course, authentic local restaurants to taste some of the best foods in the world. Might sound like a silly question but part of Ironman was shot here too, right? 😀
You are correct, some of Ironman was shot here. I can tell you that the food….and the margaritas are wonderful 🙂 Definitely has it all here. Thanks for visiting my San Jose Del Cabo Vacations guide.
The San Jose Del Cabo vacation area seems like an ideal beach destination for anyone that wants to experience a wide variety of possible activities and sites to see/experience within a limited distance once you are settled into your hotel or location.
I have not been there yet but have a friend that actually lives there and he is absolutely crazy about the place and would not consider living anywhere else. He is from Germany, and I will be seeing him towards the end of this year, so this review is very timely.
Accommodations are already settled, as I can stay with him, but the sites and restaurants and etc. are all things I can learn about on this review page. I have bookmarked the website and page so I can come back a few more times as the trip gets closer. Thanks for putting this together, it is extremely useful.
You are very welcome Dave and I know you will have a wonderful time. I have been there more times then I can count and I never get tired of it. Thanks for visiting my San Jose Del Cabo Vacations post.
I would love to see Baja California. I love travel deals. This is a nice post when getting close to planning a trip there. Nice to see reviews of hotels and other things. Love the beaches. Thanks for providing the information.
You are so welcome Robert. I love the Baja. I have always stayed in Cabo, with the exception of 1 night in San Jose Del Cabo. It is beautiful that is for sure. And the beaches, well I love them. You would have a fantastic time!
Hi there,
Thanks for the very detailed and informative post, You have covered all of the important issues and concerns on this fine article.
Judging by the images and video of this location, it looks like its a fabulous place to visit.
All of the amenities look like they are within walking distance form the beach, so I guess it would be a great destination for a young family.
Thanks again for the great review
Cheers PB
Glad you enjoyed Phil and thanks for reading. Yes, San Jose del Cabo in the Baja California is a great beach destination for families, as well as couples.
Hi Lea,
The San Jose Del Cabo destination seems to be an excellent place to spend the holidays. I love peaceful places when I go on vacation. Nightlife is something I usually avoid. I prefer to hear the sounds of the sea with a refreshing drink in my hand:) However, you’ve given all the information required to plan a great trip to San Jose, and I thank you very much for this!
Just a question, please. Does non-US citizen need a visa to get there?
Thank you again!
No, if you are staying for less than 3 months, you will not need a Visa. If you plan on staying for an extended time, then yes you will need one. I have to agree that I prefer a drink in my hand sitting along the beach watching the sunset. Much more enjoyable and peaceful for me.
Ah, wonderful to thing of San Jose! My sweetheart and I were in Cabo just last year and one of the things that we did not make the time to do was to visit San Jose. I’d have liked to, and even more so now that I’ve read your article. We looked at both the City Tour and the Flyboard (we called it the “Iron Man thingy”) as things we’d really want to investigate, along with the many fine-looking food options.
I long to get back to that area. So many wonderful memories and new things to look forward too!
Well Kevin, you and your sweetheart need to go back. What is nice about San Jose del Cabo, is that you will find it not as crowded and the prices are a little more easy on the budget. Yet, the hotels and places to frequent are just as amazing! Thank you for visiting!
Leahrae,
This fabulous detailed information. Your site also leads to some very authoritative sites and sure to go viral with Facebook engagers. Makes me want to pack a bag today and hit every destination you have covered, thoroughly by the way.
From hotel suggestions to restaurants, tourist attractions, and your pics. tell the story. I hope you are affiliated with their Chambers of Commerce or Tourist Businesses so you can monetize on all your efforts. These are excellent referrals and should not go to waste.
You have also capitalized on related posts to tie everything together for your audience. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Phildora for visiting and taking the time to look over my site! I am glad you enjoyed and should you need any more information, don’t hesitate to ask.
Honestly, after reading this I want to go there. Any place else in the immediate area that you would recommend for accommodations and restaurants?
Boy, the places I have recommended for San Jose Del Cabo restaurants, hotels, etc are really the best places you will find there. If you stick with those selections, you can’t go wrong. Thanks for visiting!
WOW, what an awesome post. Imagine how I feel sitting at my desk in front of my computer and seeing all those lovely images of the bbeach. San Jose del Cabo looks like a perfect spot for a vacation. With a valid passport, how long can Americans stay in Mexico without needing a visa? Do you know?
You can stay in Mexico with a valid U.S. Passport for up to 6 months without a visa. And yes, it is a beautiful place to visit with sooo much to see and do. Even if you just want to plop down and relax on the beach. I have been to the Baja beaches over 15 times, and I never get tired of going. It is an amazing place. Thanks for reading!