The lively and historic 18th century mission pueblo of San José del Cabo is a more tranquil and elegant alternative to the frenetic energy of Cabo San Lucas. Found just 10 minutes from the international airport, San José was originally settled by the Pericue Indians 550 years ago and later, built into a mission town in 1730 by Jesuit missionaries.
Still, colonial architecture, traditional cuisine and regular folkloric performances remain threads of traditional Mexican culture found in San José's main square, where the town church, Parroquia de San José, was built in 1940 on the site of the original mission.
An estuary brimming with aviary and aquatic species beckons to be explored on the southeast edge of the city. Adventure-lovers find a gateway to desert dune explorations, horseback adventures and ATV adrenaline tours departing from sleepy San José.
Eclectic dining and a wide variety of shopping – for artisan works, silver and black coral jewelry and even beach wear – converge in this quaint, colonial town, resulting in a pleasing, colorful mix of rustic village and modern small town.
By nightfall, San José bustle with activity as cafes, restaurants, lounges and bars fill up with people seeking a relaxing atmosphere of good food and good company amid live musical entertainment. Come dawn, surfers line up along Costa Azul’s “zippers” wave and beach goers are ready to hit the wave-pounded sands.
Low key San José del Cabo captures the dramatic and vibrant energy of Land’s End while retaining the timeless feel of a traditional Mexican pueblito.