This colonial Mexican town has art galleries and 18th-century Spanish architecture along its cobblestone streets, plus weekly art walks and prime whale watching from December to March.
San José del Cabo sits at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Walk through streets lined with more than 30 art galleries, watch gray whales breach from Palmilla Beach, or photograph frigate birds soaring above the palm-filled San José Estuary. In the evening, join locals at Plaza Mijares, where the white-walled mission church has stood since the 1700s.
Airport Access and Local Transportation
Los Cabos International Airport connects the region with 40 destinations across North America through 550 weekly flights. The airport sits just 7.5 miles from downtown San José del Cabo, making it an easy 15-minute drive. Local buses run between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, though actual arrival times can vary by 15-20 minutes.
Art District and Thursday Night Walks
Each Thursday evening from November to June, more than 30 galleries welcome visitors from 5 PM to 9 PM during the Art Walk. Browse Mexican folk art, contemporary paintings, and sculptures displayed in restored 19th-century buildings along Obregón Street and Morelos Street. Many galleries serve wine and host talks with local artists, while surrounding restaurants extend their hours for art walk visitors.
Swimming and Surfing Beaches
Surfers catch waves at Costa Azul beach, especially during summer swells. At Palmilla Beach, 3 miles from downtown, a natural rock formation creates calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. From December to March, you can watch gray whales migrate through these waters from the shore. Between August and September, sea turtles nest on local beaches, and you might spot their hatchlings making their way to the sea.
San José Estuary Wildlife
The San José Estuary (Estero San José) contains the largest freshwater body in Baja California Sur. A 2.5-mile trail network winds through palm groves where pelicans, herons, and frigate birds gather. The estuary's ecosystem supports the critically endangered rice rat, found nowhere else in the world. Visit between 7 AM and 10 AM for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Climate and Best Times to Visit
The city experiences a desert climate with clear skies year-round. Summer temperatures reach into the 90s°F (32-37°C), while winters stay mild at around 75°F (24°C). The sea temperature ranges from 72°F (22°C) in winter to 84°F (29°C) in summer. Expect occasional rain showers in late summer and early fall, with September being the wettest month.
Colonial Past and Architecture
The Pericúes people first inhabited this area, living as fishermen and gatherers around the estuary. Spanish missionaries established the Misión San José del Cabo Añuití in 1730, and the town later became a stop for trading ships from Asia. The mission church still stands on Zaragoza street, facing Plaza Mijares, where the 19th-century City Hall displays murals depicting local history.
