San Jose del Cabo

Where to stay

Budget beds cluster in the historic centro, within walking distance of the Art Walk and the cathedral, where the streets are shaded and the pace is slower. The corridor toward Cabo San Lucas, known as the Corredor Turístico, is dominated by all-inclusive resorts and is expensive and isolated for independent travelers. Staying in San Jose del Cabo keeps you near the bus terminal and local markets, avoiding the resort zone's inflated prices.

Getting around

• Use the colectivos that run constantly along the highway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. They cost a fraction of a taxi and drop you right at the Medano Beach strip or the marina, making it easy to split your time between the two towns.
• San Jose del Cabo is the administrative and commercial hub, so it has the best access to supermarkets, pharmacies, and the main bus terminal for long-distance travel. Cabo San Lucas is more focused on nightlife and boat tours, so base yourself here if you prefer logistics over partying.
• Walk the Art Walk on the last Friday of the month when the downtown streets close to traffic and galleries open their doors. It is free to walk, and the atmosphere is lively without the cover charges of the beach clubs further south.

When to go

Rates are lowest from May through October, when the heat and humidity are high and the hurricane risk keeps visitor numbers down. Prices spike from December through April, the dry-season peak, when North American travelers escape the winter cold and the weather is perfect for beach activities.