A far cry from wild Cabo San Lucas, slow down in the other Cabo with art galleries, artisanal shopping, and a stellar culinary scene.
When most mass think of Cabo , its infamous night life often springs to mind — it ’s long been a destination for American college educatee who crave bartop dancing , all - night party buses , and wet t - shirt contest . But in reality , there are two Cabos tucked on the southern end of Baja California . conjointly experience as Los Cabos , each urban center offers a completely different experience and vibe .
While Cabo San Lucas draw tourists withall - inclusive stays , an outrageous cake fit , and earth - class waving , just 20 miles north-east ( about 30 minutes by car ) is the calmer San Jose del Cabo , which boasts a thriving art community , global culinary art , and colourful town sum , plus comparable beaches with less - crowded shores . Not tread by the party crowd , San Jose del Cabo is well - worth exploring , whether you ’re just taking a disruption from the chaos of Cabo San Lucas or are be after a long sashay . Here ’s how to make the most of your sojourn to this beautiful city inMexico .
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Leave the all-inclusive resorts behind.
Get your bearings by staying in the artsy, historic town center
Overlapping with the emerging Gallery District , San Jose del Cabo ’s historical town centre is also the web site of its hebdomadal nontextual matter walk of life , with plenty of art galleries , retail shops , and eating place to search .
tuck on a unruffled street just a couple blocks away , the boutiqueDrift Hotelfeatures a minimalist and industrial design . With just 29 guestroom and suites , you ’ll feel like you ’re at home by the end of your stay . Lounge in the courtyard hammocks , borrow a yoga lustrelessness or surfboard , or do lazy lick in the pool framed by mango trees .
When hunger or thirstiness strikes , the Drift Kitchen and Bar will be on paw , dishing up classical Baja fare . Plus there ’s a mezcal taproom on situation that serves usance creations , like the Naked and Famous , made with mezcal , aperol , and yellow chartreuse .
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Join the weekly art walk
San Jose del Cabo is comparatively tranquil during the workweek , but its sett streets total alive during Thursday art walks from 5–9 pm during the meddling season between November and June .
The main street of Alvaro Obregon is closed to car traffic , and artists set up booths and easels throughout the square , show off everything from paintings to photography to handmade jewelry and more . Meanwhile , galleries , hotel , and restaurants cover their hours and propose special viewing or carrying into action .
If you require to get even more steps in , intensify your knowledge with ahistoric walking tourthat points out some of the metropolis ’s erstwhile landmarks and tells the history of the aboriginal Pericu people , with proceeds run low towards local education efforts . begin each evening at 6 pm , the 90 - minute English- or Spanish - speaking tour is approximately one mile and is wheelchair- and stroller - favorable .
Photo courtesy of Drift San Jose del Cabo
After you ’re done aah over the art , pop over to theDrift Hotel , which host a hebdomadal greaser and live music night from 8:30–11 pm .
Find out why lobster, quinoa, and tacos go so well together
TheotherCabo , Cabo San Lucas , is known for its drinking scenery — not so much for its intellectual nourishment . Luckily , San Jose del Cabo produce up for it with legion worthwhile options within a few easy block . For tacos on the go , Taqueria El Paisois a local favorite , whileEl Aguamala Cevicheriais a casual spot to try new - caught seafood .
Pezgallois a pop brunch selection , with a Dominicus - speckled patio , what ’s likely to be the best burger you ’ll eat on your slip , plenty of vegetarian and plant life - found option , and fun drinks like a Coffee Mojito and a Acacia dealbata with powdered ginger . If you need to get some employment done , LABhas fix in the town center and on the beach , each with an on - website co - functional hub , as well as a handful of tables and hot seat on the patio . The bill of fare spans coffee , tea , and a full legal community , plus pastries , breakfast , and lunch home base .
maneuver toDon Sanchezfor a modern Mexican dinner that pays court to the terra firma and sea with a seasonal , garden - to - tabular array computer menu . The rustic restaurant is string - lit and open - air with woven pendant and lantern that hang from its thatch roof — perfect for escort night , but also prominent and lively enough for family with kids . begin with the Jicama Sashimi before moving onto a ceviche of root vegetables , or choose for an oceanic journeying with a quinoa - crust lobster tail taco , though carnivorous choices like a porc belly taco and wood - displace chicken establish equally tempting . geminate your option with a ice of wine from the comprehensive leaning or one of the signature cocktail .
Photo courtesy of Drift San Jose del Cabo
Sleek and dimly fall , Lumbrehas an international menu that ranges from fatty Anguilla sucklandii with black truffle to a steamed bun “ pambaozo ” stuffed with pork barrel abdomen . The restaurant also helps you keep the company going not just with a convivial open kitchen and an extensive vino list , but also thanks toNeat , a craft cocktail waiting area that latterly open up on a higher floor .
The shore of Baja collide with those of Japan in the open court ofYooko Izakaya , which features sustainably - sourced seafood translated through an experimental lens . Tuck into dispatcher like Beef Tongue Gyozas and Japanese Pizza topped with braised short rib , before go onto a survival of the fittest of crudo , maki sushi , nigiri , charcoal - grill robata dishes , donburi and red-hot stone plates . Do try on to save elbow room for sweet , which include rice churros and Kanji Tiramisu with matcha .
Spend a day on the beach
While you wo n’t spotEl Arco , a John Rock organisation that draws seafarers to Cabo San Lucas to watch for whales , San Jose del Cabo is a convenient distance from several stunning beaches .
Palmilla Beach is your best bet for swimming , with white grit and shelter waters that also make it popular for snorkeling and dive . In the wintertime , Costa Azul offers the hazard to catch baby ocean turtles hatching and fawn out of their nests , while the summer brings jerky waves that are preferred for surfing . La Playita is a great choice for families , with caper structures and palapas ( simple social system with roof of leaf or branches ) available to rent , plus a roped - off area for swimming inside the harbor region . For more adult - orient fun , head word to nearbyNo Room , a beachside vinyl group and innate wine bar .
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Los Cabos Tourism
Photo courtesy of Don Sanchez
Lumbre
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