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The Los Cabos region in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur has been a strong tourist magnet ever since the Mexican government declared the area a coastal tourist destination in the 70s – and for good reason. It’s located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula with the beautiful turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez lapping on its shores. But, unlike its fellow “cabo” – Cabo San Lucas – and the 20-mile stretch that is the Tourist Corridor which links the two together, San Jose del Cabo promises a richer cultural experience and a more subdued vibe.
Find out more about the many things that make the city of San Jose del Cabo a great place para tu casa nueva (for your new home).
OCEANFRONT LIVING IN SAN JOSE DEL CABO
There’s nothing like living right beside the water which has long been known for its therapeutic qualities. In San Jose del Cabo, you have every opportunity to do so and, in the process, also benefit from this city’s eclectic charm. Its vibrant downtown area features impeccably preserved historic buildings like the Parroquia San Jose del Cabo – the centerpiece of the town square. Colonial architecture is a common sight, especially in the periphery of Plaza Mijares, the town square.
There are also many opportunities for fun and leisure here. Some of the most popular things to do in San Jose del Cabo include exploring its renowned Art District, swimming in any of the beautiful beaches, and participating in several of the area’s most-anticipated annual events.
What’s even more exciting is the real estate options in San Jose del Cabo. Whether you desire to live by the oceanfront, near the commercial district, around world-renowned golf courses, or at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, this city has just the right living arrangements for you.
With all these things going for San Jose del Cabo, it’s not a surprise that both tourists and home seekers troop to this city on the Baja California Peninsula. Home seekers include a growing number of expats, many of whom are Americans and Canadians. It is estimated that the expat population in the entire Los Cabos municipality consists of 5% to 10% of its over 351,000-strong population.
A city of sunshine
Despite its seaside setting, not many know that San Jose del Cabo is still part of the far-reaching Sonoran Desert. That said, the city basks in a dry tropical desert climate where temperatures could soar to highs reaching 86°F, especially during summers. Winters here are milder with January being its coldest month, registering comfortable temps of around 70°F.
San Jose del Cabo and Cabo de San Lucas may only be approximately 20 miles away from each other but you’ll find temps in the former to be higher by a few degrees than the latter. That’s because Cabo de San Lucas faces the Pacific Ocean which has cooler breezes than San Jose del Cabo’s Sea of Cortez.
Nevertheless, the sweltering heat in San Jose del Cabo can easily be mitigated with a quick dip at the beach. Plus, with clear skies for most of the year, there’s almost no end to the variety of fun and exciting things to do in San Jose del Cabo, whether indoors or outdoors.
Resort-style quality of life
The Economic Research Institute found that the cost of living in San Jose del Cabo has become 3% higher than the national average, largely due to the millions of tourists visiting each year and the growing number of expats moving to the Los Cabos municipality.
However, for the high cost of living here, residents are rewarded with an excellent quality of life. Imagine living in a coastal city with all the conveniences and high-end amenities of a resort but still more reasonably priced compared to major U.S. cities like Miami and San Diego – this is the kind of life you’ll lead in San Jose del Cabo.
Endless things to do in San Jose del Cabo
From historic landmarks to entertainment hubs to magnificent views of nature, here are some popular attractions you will find in and around San Jose del Cabo.
EXPLORE THE ART DISTRICT
One of the city’s main attractions, the Art District is the cultural epicenter of San Jose del Cabo. Also referred to as the Gallery District for the large concentration of art galleries here, it’s found behind the popular Plaza Mijares and the Parroquia.
Along with the art galleries that feature masterpieces in various media by both local and international artists, you’ll also find shops selling art pieces by talented artists from Los Cabos and other areas of Mexico.
Every Thursday is also a special day in the district as it holds the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk, where appreciating art in its many forms is complemented with great food and wine, thanks to the many dining establishments in the area. The main street of Obregon is closed to traffic during this time to give way to visitors and art connoisseurs.
Make sure to visit even the side streets of the Art District for special street art like the Instagram-worthy Cabo Mi Amor wall mural on Ignacio Comonfort Street. Also near the Art District is Mision San Jose del Cabo, a former Jesuit mission site that has been transformed into a museum and chapel.
GO FOR A SWIM IN THE CITY’S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Los Cabos is home to over 25 Blue Flag-certified beaches that have been given special recognition for meeting stringent environmental and sustainability standards. Among those found in San Jose del Cabo include Palmilla Beach, a relaxing getaway known for its serene waters and soft sand.
Another sandy beauty is Chileno Beach, found around 15 kilometers away from San Jose del Cabo along the Tourist Corridor. It is frequented for its laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous turquoise waters, and various water activities.
While it’s much closer to Cabo de San Lucas, Santa Maria Beach in the Tourist Corridor is only around 21 kilometers away from San Jose del Cabo. Also relatively secluded, this cove has marvelous rock formations and crystal-clear waters that offer unforgettable snorkeling opportunities.
GO SIGHT-SEEING ON A CRUISE
See the best of what San Jose del Cabo can offer via one of the city’s many sightseeing tours, some of which offer shopping, food while on cruise, and even tequila tasting. Hop aboard a shared or private boat and marvel at magnificent views of the Gulf of California and, from a distance, the majestic Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
VISIT CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Located 40 miles north of San Jose del Cabo, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park features the only coral reef system in the Gulf of California. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008, making it a must-visit for marine and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some popular activities to enjoy here include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. It is also a great place to view ocean animals as the park is home to over 800 marine species, such as humpback whales, sea turtles, and sea lions.
UNWIND AT RUKHSANA’S WELLNESS HEAVENLY RETREAT
You will find things to do in San Jose del Cabo that go beyond sightseeing or appreciating art. If finding your zen is what you want to do, Rukhsana’s Wellness Heavenly Retreat is just the place for you. Nestled between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, this wellness facility offers a holistic experience for your mind, body, and soul. Join rejuvenating yoga and meditation sessions, have a relaxing massage at the spa, or explore its lush gardens.
GO ON A SAN JOSE DEL CABO FOOD CRAWL
From fresh seafood to culinary fusions, here are some must-visit restaurants to add to your San Jose del Cabo food crawl:
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Vela at the Hilton Los Cabos offers an exquisite dining experience by the waterfront, with menu items inspired by traditional Italian cuisine with a modern Mediterranean flair. Some heavenly highlights include Aubergine alla Parmigiana, with its layers of slow-cooked tomato and aubergine cooked to perfection; and Lobster and Clams Risotto, served only with the freshest ingredients.
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Cafe Des Artistes Los Cabos inside the JW Marriott Puerto Los Cabos provides a creative menu of Mexican fine cuisine with French influences. Signature dishes like Roasted Totoaba with Ginger and Capers Meuniere and Grouper with Beurre Blanc with Chipotle are served with fresh catch. Meanwhile, Rossini Beef Fillet and Suckling Lamb offer savory experiences worth returning to.
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Jardin Secreto on Morelos Street is a gorgeous and popular garden restaurant in San Jose del Cabo’s famous Art District. Combining Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, they serve scrumptious dishes such as White Snapper with Cream Sauce and butter-soft Octopus Carpaccio.
GET SOME SHOPPING DONE
Whether you are looking for nice-to-have trinkets or fresh produce, there are plenty of shops in San Jose del Cabo that will catch your eye. Some of these shops are inside expansive farms and popular art galleries, including:
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Plaza Artesanos – San Jose del Cabo’s local artisans’ market, you’ll find everything from handmade clothes to unique ceramics at Plaza Artesanos. This open-air plaza is also a great place to hang out, with food stalls and benches at every corner.
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La Sacristia Art & History – Located in the Art District, this gallery features authentic Mexican pieces like Huichol beaded masks and colorful yarn paintings. You can also buy the artworks and souvenirs on display here.
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The Shops at Flora Farms – From fresh local produce to stylish fashion finds, there is a lot to discover at The Farms. While many visitors would usually head to its grocery store, also worth checking out is HIVE Fragrance Studio which has over 70 natural fragrances to choose from and mix to create a signature scent, El Wine Shop and its selection of local and imported wines, and James Perse for that Southern California boho fashion vibe.
High-quality education
San Jose del Cabo and neighboring Cabo San Lucas offer a good mix of private and public schools to choose from. Many of these schools offer bilingual and multicultural education, fostering an inclusive and global mindset among their students.
Some of the best elementary schools here include:
- Colegio Alebrije (San Jose del Cabo)
- Montessori Regina (San Jose del Cabo)
- Colegio Peninsula (Cabo San Lucas)
- Colegio Amaranto International School (Cabo San Lucas)
For high school, a few of the highest-rated are:
- Centro Escolar Picacho / Colegio McGregor (San Jose del Cabo)
- Colegio Ugarte de Los Cabos (San Jose del Cabo)
- Colegio El Camino (Cabo San Lucas)
- Colegio LICEO / Colegio Papalotl (Cabo San Lucas)
There are also competitive colleges and universities in the area. In San Jose del Cabos, this includes the Technological Institute of Higher Studies of Los Cabos, which offers degrees in fields such as business administration, architecture, and engineering. Meanwhile, Cabo San Lucas has the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, which offers degrees in various natural sciences, technological fields, and legal sciences.
Multiple ways to get around
From local buses to private vehicles, there are several ways to get to and from San Jose del Cabos. So, whether you are coming from the airport or want to explore every corner of the city, you will not have trouble getting around.
By bus, you can take the purple and orange buses of Ruta del Desierto. The main stop in San Jose del Cabo is in front of the La Comer grocery store on Highway #1, which is close to the route going to the Los Cabos International Airport. These buses can take you along the Tourist Corridor going to Cabo San Lucas, making them a great option if you want to explore more of Los Cabos.
If you prefer to hail a cab, be on the lookout for red and yellow taxis in San Jose del Cabo. While generally safe, keep in mind that most taxis here do not use meters, so ask for the cost immediately and feel free to negotiate if you want to. They also do not use credit cards, so keep cash in hand (either US Dollars or Mexican Pesos are accepted).
Another convenient way to get in and around San Jose del Cabo is by Uber. While not as common as taxis, they usually cost less and you won’t have to haggle.
THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN SAN JOSE DEL CABO
San Jose del Cabo is home to a mix of high-end neighborhoods that offer the best of luxury and comfort. Many of these neighborhoods are located close to the water, with premier real estate options and high-end amenities that make them highly desirable among both home buyers and investors.
Querencia
Expansive green spaces and oceanfront real estate are among the main selling points of this exclusive resort-style community. Real estate properties here include oceanfront condos, golf villas, and large single-family homes with private pools and picturesque views of the sea.
Querencia residents get to enjoy the best of the outdoors, having convenient access to activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming via its Q Beach Club. It also has a gorgeous 20-acre green park where residents can indulge in family-friendly activities or engage in outdoor sports.
The piece de resistance of Querencia is its 18-hole par-72 golf course designed by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio which allows both seasoned and newbie golfers to play their game while enjoying views of the mountains, the sea, and Downtown San Jose del Cabo. Other amenities of this exclusive enclave include a fitness center, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a spa.
Club Campestre
Peace and luxury await in Club Campestre, one of the more recent additions to the roster of affluent communities in San Jose del Cabo. This community is built around a world-class 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, offering exquisite green landscapes with the ocean as a striking backdrop. Other top-notch amenities here include a beach clubhouse, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Club Campestre is also conveniently located near shopping and dining establishments, healthcare facilities, and competitive schools.
If you are looking to live in San Jose del Cabo, do not miss out on Club Campestre’s amazing housing options. Some of the prime real estate you will come across here include expansive Mediterranean-style houses, luxurious condos by the water, and exclusive abodes with high-end finishes and elegant marble floors.
La Jolla
This gated community puts you at the front and center of Costa Azul Beach, known for its clear blue waters, spotless white sand, and picture-perfect sunsets. Most La Jolla residents wake up to these magnificent views from multi-story residences surrounded by tall palm trees and colorful plants. In the common areas, you can find sapphire pools, jogging lanes, and lounge areas.
Apart from condos, some of the most desirable homes in La Jolla include private villas and custom-built houses. These spacious properties typically come with three to four bedrooms, upscale kitchens, and high-end finishes to deliver the premier beachside living experience. Some of these properties also offer private port access for yachts, making them ideal homes for those who frequent the waters.
BUY YOUR BEACHFRONT HOME IN SAN JOSE DEL CABO WITH FINN
Whether you are looking to buy a private villa in Querencia or a waterfront condo in La Jolla, there is no better team to work with than FINN Real Estate Group. Our team was founded by an elite set of real estate professionals with over decades’ worth of collective experience fulfilling the unique needs of clients.
We have helped several satisfied clients get the home of their dreams in desirable San Jose del Cabo communities like Querencia, Palmilla, Campestre, Cerro Colorado, and La Jolla. In other parts of Los Cabos, we also serve East Cape and Pescadero.
Are you ready to live the perfect life by the water? Call FINN today at 624-124-3533 or send us an email . You may also fill out our contact form here.