San Jose del Cabo Activities

When the pro surfers come down to Cabo, they surf Zippers. Situated minutes from downtown San José del Cabo, this legendary break is great if you’re an experienced surfer and even better if you’re more interested in watching the action with a cold one in hand, from the safety of the aptly named beachside taco-and-burger spot, Zipper’s Bar and Grill. Another solid break, La Roca, is within paddle distance. Rent gear or set up a lesson at Costa Azul surf shop. Enter from the parking lot off Highway 1.

These guys will set up everything from professional coaching sessions, to beginner lessons, to guided stand-up paddle board tours, to gear rentals if you’re going at it alone, but their real claim to fame are the week-long Scorpion Bay surf camps. Designed to accommodate groups of advanced surfers, these trips include lodgings, some meals, and super knowledgeable guides.

Along with Zippers and The Rock, this mellow break—particularly well suited for longboarders and beginners—sits on the beautiful Costa Azul. Conveniently, the paddle-out point is on the beach in front of Cabo Surf Hotel where you can rent gear and sign up for lessons at the Mike Doyle Surf School.

Most horseback riding experiences in Cabo take you along the beach, which, while beautiful, makes for incredibly short rides. Cuadra San Francisco (which offers English-style riding) takes visitors along the beaches and also into the desert for a longer, more visually interesting ride. It’s also a full-fledged professional training center, so there are plenty of beautiful horses and skilled riders to watch.

Estero San José is located in the wetlands where the San José River and the ocean meet, creating a brackish environment that attracts hundreds of species of birds and fish. The protected area offers plenty of hiking trails for observing the wildlife, but you can also do it on horseback or rent a kayak, which gives a different perspective of the herons, egrets, pelicans, and cormorants that make the quiet preserve home. Ask your concierge to arrange.

A two hour drive from Cabo, La Paz is a slightly scruffier city that makes up for it with incredible sea life and a generally chilled out pace of life. Start your day with a big Mexican brunch at Maria California: Chiles rellenos, huevos a la Mexicana, enchiladas, the menu at this café is extensive, and the food delicious. You’ll need the sustenance in order to head out on the water with Baja Outdoor Activities: They organize packed itineraries (that are great for all ages) on the water, from kayaking out to see the nearby mangroves, to snorkeling and swimming with sea lions and whale sharks (if they happen to be in the neighborhood). Otherwise, head further up the coast to Balandra beach, a great little cove with beautiful rock formations, clear, shallow water, and not too many tourists. Back in town, the best restaurant for fish tacos is the Birmarckcito (Alvaro Obregon, between Constitucion and Hidalgo), a no-frills local favorite right on the boardwalk. And, if you’re not driving afterward, head to La Miserable for a deep dive into artisanal mezcals from around the country.…

Nestled behind the historic main square and church, San José’s arts district is definitely the best place to shop for souvenirs and authentic Mexican artwork. While there’s an enormous selection of local art, you’ll also find pieces from nationally known artists and even some international contemporary artists. If you’re in town between November and June, stop by on a Thursday night, when they close the street for a weekly art walk.