15 Best Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo: A Complete Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in San Jose del Cabo? Here’s all the top San Jose del Cabo activities and sights, from the best beaches, tours, food, and more!

As a vacation spot, Los Cabos seemingly has it all – sunny weather, beautiful, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, amazing resorts, adventurous activities, delicious food, and more. 

It’s the perfect destination to get away from a few days, enjoy the sun, and hang out at the pool and/or beach. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun girls’ weekend, or anything in between.

While many people flock to Cabo San Lucas, visiting San Jose del Cabo offers visitors a different side of Cabo. Often referred to as the “older sister of Cabo,” you’ll find cultural activities, sophisticated resorts, and a much more laid-back vibe in San Jose del Cabo.

There’s so many things to do in San Jose del Cabo and nearby that will keep you busy for a while. If you’re looking to plan a perfect Cabo vacation, then keep on reading! Here’s everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

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Quick Tips for Visiting San Jose del Cabo

• Uber isn’t allowed to pick up at the airport: Uber isn’t allowed to pick up passengers *from* the airport, however, you can take it *to* the airport. We also found it the best way to get around San Jose del Cabo and to/from Cabo San Lucas, but do note that they are not allowed to pick people up directly from hotels so you’ll have to walk right outside of the property.
  
• It gets HOT in the summer: July through September are the hottest months in Cabo, which sees average highs that climb upwards of 90°F. July is the hottest month, while September is the rainiest (and has a risk of hurricanes, although they are pretty uncommon). We visited in September and it was so hot – and humid! I was covered in sweat at all hours of the day. Even cooling off in the pool wasn’t as refreshing as I would’ve liked it to be, as the water temperature was lukewarm. I still enjoyed my trip, but this is definitely something to keep in mind if visiting in the summer.
  
• Don’t drink the tap water: It is not safe to drink the tap water in Mexico. Many resorts provide filtered water for guests to consume, or you can buy bottled water.
  
• Not all the beaches are swimmable: Cabo is best known as a beach destination, but note that not all of its beaches aren’t swimmable. Many beaches see high waves and powerful currents, making it dangerous for swimming. I noticed that even the swimmable beaches had powerful currents and I decided not to go in the water. Some of the swimmable beaches in the area include Playa del Amor, Medano Beach, Chileno Beach, and Palmilla Beach. If you are in doubt, look for the blue flag, which indicates that the beach is clean and accessible, with high water quality and meets safety standards.
  
• Take out some pesos: Many places accept American dollars, but you won’t get the best conversion rate. And while many establishments accept credit cards, you’ll want to have cash on hand for taco stands, souvenir shopping, and tips. Take out some pesos from the airport ATM, you’ll find the best rates from an ATM.
  
• Leave some money for tips: Tipping is customary in this part of Mexico, and you can’t always add gratuity on a credit card. Be sure to have some cash on hand for tips! This is a must if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort.

Los Cabos vs. Cabo San Lucas vs. San Jose del Cabo – what’s the difference?

Most people just refer to the area as “Cabo,” but you’ve likely seen the terms Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo get thrown around. So, you may be wondering – what’s the difference?

Los Cabos is the term used to refer to the area as a whole, including San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and the strip in between them (known as the “Zona Hotelera,” or the hotel corridor). 

Within Los Cabos are two towns that are located about 45 minutes away from each area, each with its own vibe – enter Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Cabo San Lucas is the main tourist town of Los Cabos, known for its water/beach activities and vibrant nightlife. This is where you’ll find the main beaches, the iconic El Arco rock formation, and tons of bars and clubs.

San Jose del Cabo is the historic colonial town, located closer to the airport. It’s best known for having a more laid-back feel and for its authentic culture. 

Many people who visit Cabo think that they need to stay in Cabo San Lucas to fully experience what the area has to offer, but I disagree. 

There’s still plenty of cool things to do in San Jose del Cabo, and it’s much quieter in this part of Cabo. It’s also super easy to travel between the two, so you can easily access the activities that are in Cabo San Lucas as well (I even included some of them here).

For me personally, I spent a day in Cabo San Lucas and it was too much. It was crowded, it was loud, and I was not into the party-hardy vibe (I guess I’m getting too old, haha). It was fun to check out some of the sights on this side of Cabo, like El Arco and Playa del Amor, and head back over to chill at our resort in San Jose del Cabo.

15 Best Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo (and Around)

Explore the Arts District

Strolling through the streets of the Arts District, also referred to as El Centro, is a must-do when visiting Los Cabos. The Arts District is relatively small but irresistibly charming, with quaint cobblestone streets, colorful colonial architecture, and vibrant papel picado flags hanging overhead.

It’s the cultural and historic heart of the city. As the name implies, this area of San Jose del Cabo is home to many art galleries, boutiques selling local handicrafts, and street art. 

Plaza Mijares is the main square here, where you’ll find street performers, food vendors, and a colorful San Jose del Cabo sign. The streets around it are filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars that you can pop into.

If you happen to be in town on a Thursday, there’s an Arts Walk here. The galleries and shops stay open late, there’s live music everywhere, and it’s supposed to be one big street party. 

A lot of blogs say that the Art Walk only takes place between November-June. However, in researching this article and checking out this Art Walk Tour, which includes a walking tour, beer tasting, and chocolate demonstration, I noticed that it does also offer dates in July-October, so I think it is going on year-round!

Even if you aren’t in town for the Art Walk, it’s definitely worth it to spend at least an afternoon in the Arts District. It will give you an authentic cultural experience, and show you a different side of Cabo.

Shop for local handicrafts

I don’t usually consider myself a big shopper while traveling…but I found sooo many treasures to buy while visiting San Jose del Cabo. I highly recommend saving some room in your suitcase for all the Mexican gifts and souvenirs you’ll want to bring home!

Mexican handicrafts are so colorful and have so many beautiful textiles that they are hard to resist. The shops of San Jose del Cabo are filled with everything from colorful pom-pom garlands, traditional Mexican clothing, straw beach bags, cute stuffed animals, and more.

You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops selling handicrafts while you’re wandering through the Arts District, specifically on Boulevard Antonio Mijares. Another place where I spotted some cute finds was at the gift shop at Flora Farms.

Visit the Misión San José del Cabo

The Misión San José del Cabo is the town’s main church, located right across from Plaza Mijares. It’s a pretty small church, but the pretty yellow facade will likely catch your eye.

The church dates back to the 1700s, but has been rebuilt several times over the years. The current version was completed in 1940, and still serves as a working church.

It’s free to visit, as long as there aren’t any services taking place. Check out the tiles here, they are really pretty!

Cool down with a paleta

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a paleta on a hot and humid day. I can never resist getting myself a paleta everytime I see one in Mexico.

You’ll likely be feeling warm as you explore San Jose del Cabo, and these Mexican popsicles make the perfect refreshing treat!

You’ll find a number of paleterias and paleta carts in town, but we stopped at Neveria La Michoacana in the Arts District. They’ve got a ton of flavors – from coconut, passion fruit, mango chile, and avocado – but my favorite is the strawberries & cream one.

Be sure to bring some cash with you! 

Check out El Arco

Yes, El Arco is technically located in Cabo San Lucas. However, because it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the area (it’s even been named a natural wonder of Mexico), I had to include it here. 

El Arco is located at an area called “Land’s End” at the very tip of the peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. It is thought to be 30 million years old, and it was given its distinctive arch shape because of erosion by the wind and sea. 

At one point in time, you could actually walk through the arch. These days, the water has covered up the sand, but once every 4 years, the tide recedes enough to what it was all those years ago.

The only way to see El Arco is by boat, and there are countless tour companies that offer boat tours and cruises to the iconic rock formation. The tours also swing by several other rock formations, and you’ll get to see a variety of wildlife and marine life as well.

Do note that the waters get very choppy in the afternoon, so if you’re prone to seasickness, schedule a morning tour.

There are tons of tours available, so can find one that suits your preferences in budget, but here are a few recommended options:

I *highly* recommend booking a clear glass boat tour to El Arco. This is the exact tour we did, and it was an epic experience! The boat is completely clear and you can see EVERYTHING, which is so cool! 

Envatours is the only company that makes these unique one-of-a-kind boats, and it was such a unique experience to watch the turquoise blue waters surround the boat, and to watch the schools of fish swimming right under your feet. They make for some really cool photos too!

The highlight of the tour is going to El Arco, but we swung by a few other rock formations and iconic beaches, and saw tons of wildlife, like pelicans and seals.

Booking a spot on a group tour is pretty affordable and around $30 USD. You can even combine it with a city tour with a walking tour, glass blowing demonstration and tequila tasting.

However, if you have a big group (up to 11 people), I *highly* recommend booking a private tour! They’ll customize the tour to you and you’ll get more time for photos. 

Another option is to take a sunset cruise to El Arco. If you want to enjoy beautiful sunset views from the water, you’ll love a sunset boat ride to El Arco. This trimaran sunset cruise includes an open bar and snacks, and you can even go on a sunset dinner cruise, complete with a Mexican buffet.

If you’re on a budget: The cheapest way to get to El Arco is by hopping on a water taxi. You can do this by walking through the marina, and you’ll find plenty of people offering boat rides to El Arco or Playa del Amor. In fact, our water taxi to Playa del Amor also stopped at El Arco! Expect to pay around 200 pesos per person, although you may be able to haggle a bit. 

Admire the marine life

The crystal clear waters of Cabo are the home to many species of colorful fish, coral, and marine life.

Snorkeling is undoubtedly a popular activity in the area. The waters near Pelican Rock, as well as Playa Chileno and Playa Santa Maria.

While you can plan a DIY snorkeling day if you have your own gear, the best way to go snorkeling is via a boat excursion. This will allow you to reach better snorkeling areas offshore, and your gear rentals are included.

You’ll find plenty of snorkeling tours in Cabo, but here are a few recommended options:

• Glass Bottom Snorkeling Tour to Pelican Bay: This tour combines snorkeling with a visit to the iconic arch. You’ll board a glass-bottom boat, and explore the waters surrounding Pelican Rock, a popular snorkeling location. You’ll even get a souvenir snorkel tub and a CD full of photos to take home!

• Snorkeling Tour to Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Cove: This tour takes you to two of the top snorkeling spots in the area. This area is best known for its coral formations and tropical fish, but you may also be able to spot sea turtles, manta rays, and sea fans.

• Cabo Pulmo Snorkeling Expedition: Cabo Pulmo National Park is known as the best snorkeling area in Cabo. On this expedition, you’ll visit up to 4 snorkeling spots in Cabo Pulmo National Park, where you’ll see tropical fish, along with lobsters, starfish, and maybe even some sea turtles.  

Hang out at Playa del Amor…

Playa del Amor, or “Lover’s Beach,” is one of the most popular beaches in Cabo, known for its white sand and clear waters. 

Sheltered in the Cabo Bay, it’s one of the few swimmable beaches in the area. Even still, do know that the current is still pretty strong. I found that the waves were pretty big so I opted to just dip my feet in the water. The sand here gets pretty hot so it was nice to cool my feet off in the water for a bit.

To get to Playa del Amor, you’ll need to hire a water taxi from the marina. There’s plenty of boats offering their services, so you just need to pick one and negotiate a price with them. (we paid about $10 per person). The ride over was like a giant party, with plenty of loud music and dancing – so fun!

One thing to note is that the boat can’t pull up right on shore, so you’re going to have to wade in the water to get to the beach. The water can get pretty high and the current is strong. There are a bunch of guys waiting at the beach to help you out. However, do note that they work on tips and are pretty aggressive about it, so be sure you have some cash on hand for this purpose.

Be sure to arrange transport back to Cabo as well. We sent the driver a WhatsApp message when we were ready to come back, in about an hour.

…then check out Playa del Divorcio

On the other side of Playa del Amor is Playa del Divorcio, known for its tumultuous waters, reminiscent of a rocky relationship. 

Unlike Playa del Amor, Playa del Divorcio is NOT safe for swimming. There are VERY strong currents and powerful rip currents here, so do NOT attempt to get in the water!

While Playa del Amor is located in the Sea of Cortez, Playa del Divorcio is located in the Pacific Ocean. The contrast of the two different waters is interesting, as they are completely different even though they are located right next to each other,

Most people just walk over to Playa del Divorcio for a quick look while they’re at Playa del Amor, but we never made it there because the sand was way too hot for walking.

Enjoy a farm to table meal

San Jose del Cabo is home to a number of farms and new farm-to-table restaurants, thanks to its commitment to sustainability. By visiting one of these establishments, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal, while seeing exactly where your food came from.

Flora Farms is the most well-known of these, and visiting has become one of the most popular things to do in San Jose del Cabo in recent years. 

The 25 acre property is home to a working farm, restaurant, bar, spa, and boutique. If you can, book a farm tour before your meal. The tour lasts about 20 minutes and is free, and it’s pretty interesting to see exactly where your food comes from. Just know it gets pretty hot here, so I recommend booking a morning tour.

The grounds at Flora Farm are absolutely beautiful, decorated with eye-catching fans and colorful pom-pom garlands. There are some fantastic photo ops here!

You can then have a meal at the restaurant, or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. We had lunch here and we enjoyed the fresh salads, pizzas, and fruity cocktails, all made with ingredients directly sourced from the grounds!

Flora Farms also hosts a number of events throughout the year, from cooking workshops, movie nights, art classes, and even a Dia de los Muertos celebration. I’d love to come back for one of these!

Acre Farms is also nearby and offers a similar experience,  but with fewer crowds. Located in a jungle setting, there’s an on-site bar and restaurant, treehouse accommodations, and an animal sanctuary. You’ll even see farm animals roaming around here!

Los Tamarindos is another farm that offers more of a local experience. They also have a farm-to-table restaurant with authentic Mexican dishes, and host cooking classes, where you harvest the produce and learn a delicious Mexican meal.

Go on a taco crawl

Mmmm….tacos. And honestly, you’re in Mexico, so tacos are a must!

I was actually pleasantly surprised about how good the food was in Cabo. Since it’s very touristy, I was honestly expecting a bunch of tourist traps with mediocre food.

That couldn’t be further from the truth! We found a number of authentic local spots, with mouth-watering al pastor tacos, seafood tostadas, and other yummy Mexican food. 

Joining a food tour is a great way to visit the best authentic spots, while learning more about the city and Mexico’s culinary traditions from a knowledgeable local guide. Juan More Taco runs some highly recommended tours in San Jose del Cabo, and offers a morning taco crawl and an evening taco crawl. 

Alternatively, you can plan your own DIY taco crawl around El Centro. Two of the spots we enjoyed were Taqueria El Fogon (for their al pastor tacos), and Mariscos El Toro Guero (for their marlin tacos and seafood plates), but I suggest asking locals for what their favorite spots are. We also enjoyed Tacos Gardenias in Cabo San Lucas.

Relax in the hotel pool

While there are plenty of things to do in San Jose del Cabo to keep you busy for a long time, be sure to also set aside some time to relax in your hotel pool!

You are on vacation after all – enjoy it! Most of the resorts in San Jose del Cabo have a pool, so make use of it! We loved the pools at our resort (Cabo Azul), and definitely spent a lot of time in it, especially because it was so dang hot.

And honestly, one of the highlights of my trip was soaking in the pool, hanging out with my girlfriends, and sipping on pina coladas at the swim-up bar!

Go whale watching

If you happen to be in Cabo in the months of November-April, then lucky you – it’s whale watching season! Every year, 10,000 giant humpback whales make their way down from Alaska (where they spend the summer in Juneau), all the way down to the warm waters of Cabo.

The prime whale watching season is between January and March, when you’ll have the best chance of seeing a lot of whales. This is when you’ll also have the most chance of seeing baby whales too, as this is when female whales start calving.

Taking a whale watching cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Cabo. You’ll sail in the crystal clear blue waters off the coast of Cabo, see if you can spot the majestic creatures, and listen with a hydrophone as they communicate underwater.

Here are some top rated whale watching tours:

• 2.5 Hour Whale Watching Tour: In this tour, you’ll sail with an on-board marine biologist so you can witness and learn more about these remarkable creatures
• Whale Watching Catamaran Experience: You’ll board a luxury catamaran for an unforgettable experience! Sail through the waters surrounding Los Cabos as you try to spot whales, and sail by some of the area’s iconic landmarks.
• Whale Watching Pirate Boat: Here is a fun and unique whale watching experience, in which you’ll board a pirate boat and spot whales in the Sea of Cortes. Breakfast and drinks are included.  

Take a day trip to Todos Santos

Located just over an hour northwest of San Jose del Cabo, a visit to the  town of Todos Santos is a must. If you can spare extra time, I suggest spending at least a night here, but if not, then at least a day trip is a must!

Todos Santos is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos, designated by the Mexican government for its “cultural richness, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts, and great hospitality.” You’ll find beautiful beaches and quaint cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, chic boutiques, and more. It’s got a chill surf town vibe, perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Cabo.

You can rent a car or easily book a shuttle EcoBaja Tours, but the easiest way to plan a day trip to Todos Santos is to take a day tour. On this Todos Santos tour,  you’ll get to explore the historic center, the iconic hotel California, visit a camel ranch, and enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and tequila.

Go on an ATV adventure

Cabo’s unique beach and desert landscape make it the perfect setting for a thrilling ATV adventure. 

On this beach and desert ATV tour, you’ll get to drive through a variety of terrain, starting off in the wild desert, and ending up at beautiful, undeveloped Migrino Beach. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery and see if you can spot some wildlife.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included, making it super easy to plan an adventurous day!

Enjoy a beachfront dinner

If you’re looking for a special dining experience, why not dine at one of the beachfront restaurants in the area? There are plenty of restaurants in the area where you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing meal while taking in spectacular views of the coastline.

Here are some options:

• Hacienda Cocina y Cantina: We dined here on our Cabo San Lucas day and it was the perfect spot for a nice sunset dinner. They have an oceanfront terrace, but reservations are a must. Otherwise, you’ll be seated inside, but the dining room is beautiful and you can still enjoy ocean views! Getting here is an adventure in itself, as you’ll ride up in a golf cart to the restaurant. The menu is full of delicious Mexican fare – we loved the fresh guacamole, the chicken mole, and churros for dessert.
  
• 7 Seas Seafood Grille: Located inside the Cabo Surf Hotel, this restaurant has a beautiful patio with amazing ocean views and serves up fresh, inventive seafood dishes with ingredients right from the Baja coast.
  
• The Office on the Beach: This vibrant beachfront restaurant in Cabo San Lucas features fun decor, with seating right on the beach and a menu full of fresh seafood dishes and Mexican cuisine.
   

Where to Stay in San Jose del Cabo

While you’ll find plenty of accommodation options all over the Los Cabos area, since this guide is specifically talking about San Jose del Cabo, I will focus on the best places to stay on this side of Cabo.

Staying in San Jose del Cabo is much quieter and laid-back than staying in Cabo San Lucas. You’ll be away from the rowdy party crowd, and the area has more of a “grown-up” feel. This side of Cabo is known for its boutique hotels and upscale resorts, although you’ll find something for everyone here, including families and budget travelers.

All-inclusive or no? Cabo (similar to Puerto Vallarta) is typically known for its all-inclusive resorts, so you may be wondering if it’s worth it to stay in an all-inclusive or not. 

All-inclusive resorts are great for people who don’t want to figure out where to eat or drink in town, as all your food and drink (including alcohol) are included in your room rate. However, if you want to explore the local cuisine, then an all-inclusive wouldn’t be worth it for you, especially as they usually cost more than staying at a regular property.

For us, we really enjoy trying out as many of the local restaurants as we can, so we opted to just stay in a regular, non all-inclusive resort, and that worked out perfectly for us!

See below for a list of recommended places to stay in San Jose del Cabo:

• Cabo Azul: This is where we stayed on our girls’ trip and we loved it! The gorgeous resort has spacious rooms with comfortable beds, multiple pools, and super friendly staff. We loved hanging out at the pool here every night, and sipping pina coladas at the swim-up bar!
  
• Hotel El Ganzo: This adults-only hotel is one of the trendiest in Cabo, best known for its super Instagrammable clear rooftop pool (it reminded me of the one at Hotel Carlota in Mexico City!). Sadly, the pool was closed because of damage from a recent hurricane, but I still really enjoyed my stay. I loved the stylishly decorated common spaces, spacious rooms, and ocean views. They also have a strong focus on sustainability, if that’s important to you!
  
• Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: This is one of the best all-inclusive options in San Jose del Cabo. There’s 5 pools, including an adults only one, as well as 5 different sit-down restaurants, a buffet, grab-and-go options, and multiple bars. You’ll have a relaxing vacation at this resort!

Things to Know Before Visiting San Jose del Cabo

When to Visit San Jose del Cabo

Los Cabos experiences 360 days of sunshine every year ,making it an excellent vacation destination year-round. The weather stays warm and dry throughout the year, so the weather doesn’t vary too much.

With that said, there are definitely some months that are better for visiting than others, due to weather and crowd levels.

High Season (December-April): These months see plenty of sunshine and the most comfortable temperatures, making it the most popular time to visit Cabo. The highs average in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making it pleasant overall.

This is also the prime whale watching season, so if you visit Cabo during these months, you must include a whale watching cruise on your itinerary!

However, you’ll see the highest rates and crowds during these months, so plan accordingly! The busiest times are during the holiday season and spring break (mid March to early April), so I’d avoid those times if you can.

If you visit during the high season, be sure to reserve hotels, activities, and restaurants ASAP as they will book up quickly! 

Shoulder Season (May-June, October-November): This is an ideal time to visit Cabo, as you’ll experience ideal weather and fewer crowds than in the peak tourist season.

May and June are after the spring break crowds go home, but before the rainy season starts. October and November are when the temperatures finally cool down, but right before the holiday rush.

Low/Rainy Season (July-September):The summer months are when Los Cabos sees the highest temperatures and the most precipitation making it the least busy time.

Do note that it gets HOT during these months! We visited in September, and it was well over 90 degrees every day, with very high humidity. We definitely found ourselves spending a lot of time in the pool to cool off.

Honestly, I would avoid these months on a return trip to Cabo. While I still had a great time, the weather was definitely challenging. If you’re not a big fan of heat and humidity, I would avoid these months if possible.

A note about hurricane season: Do also note that hurricanes are possible in Cabo, although very rare. The hurricane season lasts from mid-May through November, so make note of it if you’re planning to visit during this time.

A hurricane actually did hit Cabo a few weeks before we visited in September. We weren’t really sure if our trip would go on as planned, but thankfully, all was good by the time our trip rolled around, and there was plenty of sunshine!

While hurricanes are rare, tropical storms are pretty common (and are kinda important for all the vegetation here). If you visit during the rainy season, keep an eye on the forecast.

Traveling to Los Cabos

Getting to Cabo couldn’t be easier from the United States (especially from my home state, California). The main international airport here is San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD), which offers connections to many cities in the US, Canada, and beyond.

From the airport, getting to San Jose del Cabo is a breeze. It’s only about 20 minutes from the airport, which is much closer than Cabo San Lucas (45 minutes).

Do note that Uber pickup is not allowed from the airport, although you can take Uber to get dropped off at the airport on your way home. 

Luckily, there are still plenty of options for getting from the airport to your accommodations in San Jose del Cabo. I *highly* recommend booking your transportation ahead of time. There are plenty of people offering their services in the arrival hall when you get to Cabo, but they can be kinda pushy and it is honestly a bit overwhelming. By booking your shuttle or transport ahead of time, you can just breeze through the arrivals hall and ignore them all.

• Shared shuttle: This is an easy and affordable way to get to and from the airport. The shuttle usually makes no more than 3 stops, and will drop you off right at your accommodations. You might have to wait a bit for the shuttle to fill up, although no one showed up for mine and I basically ended up getting a private shuttle. You can book a one-way shuttle from the airport, or round-trip transport.

• Private transport: If you have a big group, you may want to consider booking a private shuttle as this may cost the same as or even be cheaper than booking a shared shuttle. You can book  a private one-way shuttle here.

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport, however, they are very expensive. Honestly, pre-booking a shuttle is a better option.

• Public bus: The Ruta de Desierto bus runs from Terminal 1 at the airport into San Jose del Cabo. There is usually someone at the airport selling tickets, which cost 80 pesos. Keep in mind that this is a public bus so it’s not a good option if you have luggage.

• Rental Car: While renting a car is very helpful if you want to explore Baja California, I don’t advise one for when you are in Cabo. If you do rent a car, I recommend booking one on rentalcars.com, which offers a price match guarantee and offers the best rates. 

Getting Around in Los Cabos

• Uber: While you can’t call Uber from the airport, you can use it to get around once you get to your hotel. We ended up using Uber to get everywhere, and found it very easy and affordable. It cost about $20-25 USD to travel between San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas, and around $6 to get around town. Do note that you cannot get picked up directly at your hotel or resort. You will have to walk off the property onto the street in order to get picked up.

• Taxi: You’ll find taxis all around Los Cabos, but they are pretty pricey. It costs about $50-60 to travel between San Jose del Cabo to Los Cabos. Honestly, I found it much easier to just use Uber, since it’s cheaper and you avoid the language barrier,

• Public transport: This is the cheapest way to travel around Los Cabos. The purple and yellow Ruta del Desierto bus travels up and down the corridor. If you’re feeling adventurous or on a budget, you can take the bus, but honestly, Uber is so easy and relatively affordable that we didn’t bother.

• Driving: While having a rental car can be very helpful for traveling to and from other destinations in Baja California, it is not necessary while in Cabo itself. Parking can be challenging, so it might end up being annoying to have a car. If you do want to rent a car to travel around Baja California, I recommend renting one on your way out of Cabo.

What to Pack for Cabo

• Light, breathable clothing: Clothing made from light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal for the hot weather in Cabo
• Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun is strong here, so be sure to slather on that SPF! Choosing a mineral based sunscreen will also help protect the marine life in the area. 
• Hat: Great for sun protection, and also cute in photos. Grab a straw hat, which is also perfect for the beach. 
• Bathing suit: For hanging out at the pool and for water activities, so be sure to pack your bathing suit!
• Sunglasses: The sun is very bright here, so pack a pair of shades. Goodr makes my favorite affordable polarized sunglasses.
• Water bottle: It gets hot, so be sure to stay hydrated! I like to carry around a reusable water bottle at all times. Since you can’t drink the water in Cabo, I recommend buying a big jug of water and then filling up as needed.
• Power bank: Keep your devices charged as you explore the island.
• Bug spray: Mosquitoes are plentiful, especially during the rainy season, so bring some bug spray!
• GoPro and Underwater phone case: Especially if you plan to do a lot of water activities.   
• Kindle: For poolside reading

Have you been to Los Cabos? What are some of your favorite things to do in San Jose del Cabo?

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