Thanks to its big-time fishing tournaments and boisterous nightlife, Cabo San Lucas is now the more famous of the two cape cities that largely populate the Los Cabos municipality. But this was not always so. Until the advent of the tourist age some 50 years ago, San José del Cabo was far better known.

Before 1960, there was little in Cabo San Lucas save a cannery and about 300 residents. San José del Cabo, by contrast, has been an important regional community for almost 300 years, since the Jesuits first built a mission there in 1730. Not only is it the current seat of local government, but it boasts the sort of historic architecture unknown in Cabo San Lucas, from a beautiful old Catholic church to a stately City Hall topped with a nearly century-old old clock tower, and a courtyard filled with murals that trace the history of both the region and the country at large.

Outside City Hall, outlined by an enormous flag and the broad central plaza, lies the Jardín de los Cabeños Ilustres. This is the place of honor reserved for busts and plaques detailing the accomplishments of the area’s most famous residents, including Lt. José Antonio Mijares, whose elevated monument was built on the place he died defending his homeland during the Mexican–American War.

San José del Cabo – Artwalk

Nowhere, however, is this colonial style city’s beauty shown to greater advantage than in its picturesque and cobblestone studded Distrito del Arte, where each Thursday evening during tourist season galleries throw open their doors to celebrate the seasonal Art Walk.

Like Todos Santos, San José del Cabo has long been noted for its thriving arts community. Aficionados will find works both contemporary and classic, including high-quality painting, sculpture, pottery, glassware and jewelry.  An eye for art is hardly a prerequisite to enjoy the weekly event, however, since the Distrito del Arte is also home to a flourishing drinking and dining scene. The state’s first microbrewery, Baja Brewing Company, is located in the heart of the Art District, as is one of the region’s finest taquerias, La Lupita Tacos & Mezcal.

The region’s burgeoning farm-to-table movement is also centered in San José del Cabo. Beyond the city streets and the sculpture lined marina at Puerto Los Cabos, acclaimed restaurants like Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre and Huerta Los Tamarindos are returning Mexican cuisine to its roots. Literally. The chefs at these bucolic eateries source their organic fruits and vegetables from adjoining fields, their seafood fresh from local waters.

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Also visit all of our other Day Trips throughout Los Cabos!

Saludos,

Chris Sands and Michael L. Mattos

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