The lively and historic 18th century mission pueblo of San José del Cabo is a relaxed and upscale portion of Los Cabos that is just 10 minutes from the international airport but has been worlds apart from Cabo San Lucas since it originally was settled by the Pericue
Indians 550 years ago. In 1730, Jesuit missionaries arrived to build the Misión Estero de las Palmas de San José del Cabo Añuití, which now is present-day San José del Cabo, and the indigenous population eventually dwindled as a result.
Nevertheless, a rich Mexican culture still thrives and can be observed in the colonial architecture, traditional cuisine and regular folkloric performances in San José's main square, where the town church, Parroquia de San José, was built in 1940 on the site of the original mission.
Interesting shopping and great dining options intermingle with traditional stores in this quaint, colonial town, resulting in a pleasing, colorful mix of rustic village and modern small town.
During the day, the village comes alive as visitors browse the numerous boutiques that offer up artisan creations, silver and black coral jewelry, pewter and beach wear. Evenings see San José bustle with activity as the cafes, restaurants, lounges and bars fill up with people seeking a relaxing atmosphere of good food and good company amid live musical entertainment.
Fine dining abounds in San José and the sounds of salsa, rock-n-roll and jazz rise from bars such as Tropicana, Shooter’s and Havana when the sun goes down. And, at first light during the spring and summer, surfers line up along the Costa Azul region of San José waiting to catch the first long-ride waves of the day.
A more tranquil and elegant destination, San José del Cabo captures the dramatic and vibrant energy of Land’s End while retaining the feel of a traditional Mexican pueblo.
