Have you ever wondered which coastal destination is next on your vacation list? Sometimes deciding can feel overwhelming when two destinations are fairly close to each other. Baja California Sur is home to a number of Mexico’s well-known, lovely beach destinations, two of them being Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—these locations are separated by an estimate of 30 minutes, and they offer travelers completely distinct atmospheres. Cabo San Lucas is prominent for its energetic atmosphere, active nightlife, and luxury resorts. On the contrary, San José del Cabo offers a serene atmosphere, cultural richness, and local artistry. This blog post will provide informative details gathered through personal experience where I compare these coastal towns in hopes that an interested traveler finds it convenient.
Atmospheres, Aesthetics, and Tourist Popularity
San José del Cabo’s center offers colorful cobblestone streets made up of numerous restaurants, boutique shops, drinking bars, and cafés, all within walking distance. You will spot small numbers of tourists walking these streets during the day and only increase slightly towards the night. The town presents an Instagram-worthy aesthetic with its marvelous and vibrant wall art. As someone who loves to capture moments, I was constantly mesmerized by all of the story-telling art I encountered in this town.
Having said that, sky-high luxury hotel buildings cram the town of Cabo San Lucas. The powerful beach waves send an ocean breeze scent that fills the air. Music-filled streets add to the lively atmosphere. Both high-end restaurants and food stalls fill their cobblestone streets. This town is perfect for the socializers out there because it is often busy with a diverse mix of visitors. Peak seasons might feel overwhelming when trying to book reservations of any type.
Things to do
San Jose del Cabo offers a variety of activities, from beach clubs to art galleries; here are just some personal recommendations:
- For art lovers out there, here are some art galleries recommended by other travelers.
- Veleros Beach Club is located at La Playa, and it is one of the very few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Its low tourist population contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
- San Jose Del Cabo Art Walk is an open air even that’s free to attend every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, from November to June. Indulge in art galleries, food, and live music.
Cabo San Lucas offers an assortment of activities, from outdoor water ventures to laying beachside; here are some recommendations:
- The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or “El Arco,” is a captivating natural wonder carved by wind, waves, and erosion millions of years ago. I suggest walking through the harbor if you prefer booking a boat tour in person.
- Corazón Beach Club is located at Medano Beach, and it offers delicious food and drinks, but I will say the multitude of tourists can become overwhelming if your intention is to relax or catch an unobstructed view of the ocean.
- Book a whale watching tour from January to March (abundant in early March) for a spectacular experience.
Check out this seasonal calendar that may influence your decision on the timing of your visit!
Restaurants and Nightlife
Cabo has a mix of affordable and pricey restaurants; it simply depends on your cuisine interests. As previously mentioned, you will have fun anywhere you decide to go, as Cabo’s energetic and active nightlife is alluring. But please take precautionary actions if you’re planning a night out.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
- The Office is an unforgettable beachside restaurant that offers scrumptious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend making a reservation around sunset to enjoy a beautiful view.
- Edith is an astonishing restaurant with savory dishes. Their prices are considerably high, but their service is impeccable.
- La Vaquita—if you’re a fan of old school R&B, reggaeton, and Latin music, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your time here.
- El Squid Roe is party-central. Enjoy your time here as you order a rib eye with a side of bottle service.
Just as Cabo, San José offers a variety of cuisines for a multitude of palate interests. Prices range from high to low. I suggest searching through Yelp, as many restaurants include their prices on their online menus. Opposite of Cabo, San José’s nightlife is mellow and typically involves going out for some drinks and ending the night right after.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
- Visit Jazmin’s Restaurant for some delicious authentic Mexican food. Though it is on the pricier side, I loved my breakfast chilaquiles and thought the restaurant interior was beautiful.
- Osteria 107—Visit this Italian kitchen for some flavorful pasta, fresh seafood, a glass of wine, and a picture-perfect interior.
- Nomada Bar De Origen—this bar offers a mellow atmosphere where you can grab a drink during the nighttime. Imagine catching up with someone else on a warm night and house music playing lightly in the background. I don’t know…it seems pleasant to me!
Top 5 Accommodation Options:
Now, I think this will be the section that will conclude your decision-making. Price rates vary by season; expect higher prices during high season. Below you will find rates for 1 room, 1 night.
Located in San José del Cabo:
- Marquis Los Cabos— all-inclusive and adults-only hotel; from $593
- Hotel El Ganzo— adults-only hotel; from $489
- Villa del Faro— secluded hotel; from $395
- Drift San José del Cabo— boutique hideaway; from $271
- Casa Natalia— boutique hotel; from $133
Located in Cabo San Lucas:
- Hard Rock Hotel— all-inclusive; from $660
- Riu Palace—all-inclusive resort; from $334
- Corazón Resort and Spa— luxury resort; from $419
- Villa del Palmar— optional all-inclusive; from $147
- Fairfield Inn Marriott Los Cabos— modern hotel; from $89
Essential Safety Tips:
- Avoid back alleyways late at night or in general.
- Only take car rides from licensed taxi drivers or Ubers (I used Uber during my entire stay and had no issue with the service).
- Watch for pickpockets in the nightlife areas.
- It is crucially important to not beach walk at the water’s edge on the Pacific side, as huge waves may come ashore with little to no notice!
In short, both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo welcome multitudes of diverse travelers every day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a couple, or as a family, I hope this has helped you finalize a decision by now. If you are still undecided, do not worry, as their accessible distance makes it simple for everyone to get a glimpse of both. Lastly, I invite you to visit these coastal towns and create your own memories.
Feel free to contact me for any further questions.
VC Social 
3 replies on “Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo? A travelers guide to Baja California Sur”
Thank you for bringing this little gem to my attention. I hate crowds and party style place, so I have never wanted to go to Cabo San Lucas pero San Jose Del Cabo DEFINITELY! I prefer small, quiet and out of the way places. They are filled with authentic people, and you can usually find the better food the authentic food. Anything that is not designed for tourists. The cobblestone streets always remind me of my trips to Mexico as a child to visit mis tias. Have you ever gone after the rains have stopped? I bet the scenery is so lush.
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Hello Itzel! I really enjoy reading your article about a place I have never been to. I have been to Cabo San Lucas, is very nice place to be at during summer, enjoying the sound of the waves and tanning too. But San Jose Del Cabo I haven’t, I never knew this place existed to be honest lol. But reading this you gave really great information that i’m thinking this could be my next trip for my birthday. I would love to see the art gallery there, favorite thing to do is to look at new pieces of art!!!
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Hello Itzel,
I really enjoyed reading your article. I love traveling. Those places look cool. I would love to check out the restaurants. I would like to travel to those places someday.
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