San José del Cabo real estate offers a unique charm compared to its modern twin, Cabo San Lucas, located to the west. Where Cabo San Lucas is modern, San José del Cabo is traditional, with romantic courtyards, well-preserved Colonial architecture, a historic plaza, and a church dating back to the 18th century. Down by the coast, the beaches gleam golden under the late afternoon sun, creating a picture-perfect setting for a real estate market worthy of attention.
Source: Cabo4sale.com
THE SPOTLIGHT ON SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
San José del Cabo is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas; the two resort cities are separated by the Tourist Corridor. The Los Cabos International Airport is located in the northern part of the city. The city has approximately 136,000 residents as of 2020. Together with Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year.
Older and more historic, San José del Cabo serves as the seat of the municipal government of Los Cabos.The Jesuit mission founded in 1730 deeply intertwines with the city’s foundation. The Jesuits chose the location for its proximity to the Rio San José, which once provided freshwater to sustain the Spanish galleons sailing from Acapulco and the Philippines.
During the colonial era, San José del Cabo’s strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and sailors from around the world.
What to love
San José del Cabo offers a more traditional Baja California Peninsula experience with its Colonial architecture, thriving arts scene, colorful streets, and slower pace of life.
Locals and visitors alike often congregate at Plaza Mijares, the preferred stage for many community events. It is anchored by the Mission of San José del Cabo Añuití, the Jesuits’ southernmost mission. At the Gallery District, you can purchase a variety of artwork and crafts from Los Cabos’ preeminent folk artists. And in downtown San José del Cabo, a line-up of fine dining restaurants awaits.
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO REAL ESTATE
Since San José del Cabo is nestled along a shallow bay, the waters here are calmer and swimmable. One of the renowned beaches in the area is Playa Palmilla, which is both a relaxing retreat and athletic stomping grounds as the annual Ironman event rolls in.
Today, San José del Cabo remains to be one of the top destinations in Mexico. The city’s laid-back lifestyle and coastal location has not just made it a great place to visit, but a sought-after area for owning property as well.
Communities
San José del Cabo has developed into a luxurious Los Cabos address for discerning real estate buyers. A diverse selection of real estate properties are available, from sprawling beachfront estates to luxury condos overlooking the sea. For those looking to build their dream coastal home, San José del Cabo has a number of prime beachfront lots and parcels of land that offer stunning ocean views.
These developments include:
- Puerto Los Cabos, a 2,000-acre master-planned community located by East Cape Road, fronting the Sea of Cortez. Its crown jewels include a championship golf course designed by legendary golf figures Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, as well as a 200-slip marina that can accommodate megayachts. Residential options in Puerto Los Cabos include The Enclaves, a Ritz-Carlton Estate branded development of luxury single-family homes and condos.
- Villas del MarLocated along Palmilla Beach, Villas del Mar is a 75-acre residential resort community that provides its residents with a luxurious coastal lifestyle. There are over 200 homes, 32 home sites, and around 4 condominium complexes in the community, with each property featuring impeccable craftsmanship and timeless architectural design. Investors have three locations to choose from: by the golf course, on the hillside, or along the coast for beach access.
- Club Campestre San JoséFor those seeking an elevated golf community lifestyle in Los Cabos, Club Campestre is a top choice. The acclaimed 550-acre luxury development is located at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and is home to an 18-hole championship golf course. The Jack Nickaus-designed course is known for being fast, with dramatic elevation changes and undulating greens. There are nine distinct residential neighborhoods in Club Campestre, consisting of contemporary-style homes, luxury villas, and properties along the golf course.
For an in-depth look at the San José del Cabo real estate market, get in touch with Cabo4Sale.
LIFE IN SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
Getting around
One of the best things about living in San José del Cabo is its walkability. A true pedestrian’s paradise, San José del Cabo has a well-planned layout that makes it easy to navigate on foot. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are spread across the city, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for those who want to explore the area by walking.
As for public transportation, San José del Cabo has several public buses that go from the city to its neighboring city Cabo San Lucas. Other bus routes include to and from the airport, to other Baja California Sur cities like Todos Santos and La Paz. San José del Cabo also has plenty of taxis, which are typically red and yellow.
Shopping and dining
San José del Cabo’s shopping and dining scene is filled with local gems, authentic Mexican flavors, and artisanal treasures. Its dining scene, in particular, takes pride in celebrating the flavors of Baja California.
The San José del Cabo Organic Market, the largest in Los Cabos, is a hub for local flavors and authentic products. This vibrant marketplace offers an array of fresh, locally-sourced produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items.
Location
Located in San José del Cabo’s hotel zone, Plaza del Pescador is more than just a shopping and dining destination. The mall’s prime location and proximity to the city’s historical downtown area has made it a well-known gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. At Plaza del Pescador, you’ll find a curated selection of boutiques, jewelry stores, and casual wear outfits. Shoppers also have a wide array of dining options, with cuisines like Italian, Spanish, Mexican, and Japanese on offer.
Over at the Koral Center is the 3,500-square-meter El Merkado food hall. The building’s design takes inspiration from European architecture and incorporates Mexico’s vibrant culture at the same time. El Merkado has two floors, giving you plenty of different options when it comes to trying and buying food.
Restaurants
Out of the many restaurants San José del Cabo, these are the ones that stand out:
- Tamarindos. Located in San José del Cabo’s picturesque countryside, Huerta Los Tamarindos offers a farm-to-table experience for all diners. The restaurant’s menu features fresh organic produce and locally-caught seafood, using recipes that were handed down through generations. The result is a Mexican-Mediterranean culinary experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
- Flora’s Field Kitchen. Another standout for farm-to-table dining is Flora’s Field Kitchen at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Flora’s menu is seasonal, which features a mix of timeless dishes and innovative creations.
- La Lupita Taco & Mezcal. A culinary gem in the heart of San José del Cabo’s downtown area, La Lupita is a restaurant that many find themselves coming back to. The star of the show are the restaurant’s tacos, which are unique, delicious, and reasonably priced.
San José del Cabo’s nightlife scene is as laid-back as its daytime atmosphere. Although the city offers plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues, its overall nightlife is more subdued compared to its sister city. San José del Cabo is home to casual bars and breweries like Baja Brewing Company in the city’s art district, Dalton Gin Bar, and Nomada Bar de Origen.
Attractions in and around the area
If you’re looking for something to see and do in and around San José del Cabo, you’re spoilt for choice. The city is teeming with cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.
San José del Cabo’s most popular attraction is the Misión de San José del Cabo Añuití, a historic landmark in Plaza Mijares. Located in the heart of the historic downtown, the church symbolizes the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. It’s hard not to be amazed by Misión de San José del Cabo’s simple yet elegant façade. The church has a series of arched doorways and windows, along with two striking bell towers at the top.
Plaza Mijares is an attraction in its own right. This picturesque central square, named after a local war hero, surrounds an array of local shops, cafes, and historic buildings. By day, Plaza Mijares is a great spot for taking a stroll or relaxing on one of the plaza’s shaded benches. And by night, the area transforms into a lively venue for music, art, and entertainment.
Another attraction in the city is the San José del Cabo Estuary. Known for its ecological importance, it is a vital habitat for more than 200 species of animals and acts as a natural filter. In 1994, authorities declared the San José del Cabo Estuary a Natural Protected Area and a State Ecological Reserve. Birdwatching is the most popular activity in the estuary, where visitors commonly spot white herons, sparrow hawks, and red-tailed hawks.
Arts and culture
With its vibrant arts scene and rich cultural heritage, San José del Cabo offers experiences beyond the beautiful beaches.
The heart of San José del Cabo’s arts and culture scene is the renowned Art Walk. Held every Thursday evening from November to June, this weekly event takes visitors through various art galleries in the city’s Art Gallery District. Many galleries host events and artist meet-and-greets. The Art Walk doesn’t stop there—participants can also visit must-try eateries to savor local specialties and delicious drinks. Obregon, which is the main street that the Art Walk is held in, is closed to cars.
The Gallery District, which is where the Art Walk takes place, is home to San José del Cabo’s local arts scene. The arts district has a dozen galleries showing a variety of works, including local and regional contemporary paintings, traditional Mexican folk art, and works by international artists.
The San José Jazz Weekend, which is now in its 10th year, promises a fun and unforgettable weekend in San José del Cabo. Held every May in Plaza del Pescador, the San José Jazz Weekend features a lineup of renowned and up-and-coming jazz artists. Aside from the music, the two-day event also has art exhibitions, workshops, and various food vendors.
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO AWAITS
Owning real estate in San José del Cabo offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of this historic city. You can look forward to its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving culinary scene.
When buying San José del Cabo real estate, Cabo4Sale Real Estate is the team to trust. Led by Michael and Susan Nicol, we specialize in a wide range of properties, from beachfront villas to upscale condos. We have extensive expertise in Los Cabos’ real estate market, having helped buyers, sellers, and investors since 1997.
Experience a smooth and stress-free home-buying experience with us at Cabo4Sale Real Estate. You can reach us by calling any of the following numbers:
- Local Mexico number: 624.172.0069
- Toll-free from US and Canada: 1.888.738.8882
You can also send an email here to learn more about your San José del Cabo real estate options.