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We just got back from San Jose Del Cabo (sister city to Cabo San Lucas) and loved it! So many different types of Cacti, taco stands, and cute artsy areas, there/s so much to see.
If you are Foodies like us and love a sense of adventure be sure to check out our top 10 things to do while on your stay in sunny Baja California.
We visited San Jose del Cabo, which is about 15 mins from the airport to resort. We chose this because our little one was flying for the first time and didn't want a long bus ride. We booked through WestJet Vacations and got a direct flight with great seats.
Exploring San Jose del Cabo
Even though everything is provided in one of the many all-inclusive resorts, we still like to venture outside for a day or two and check out the city or town to get a more authentic feel or just try something new. If you like to check out the town and not just stay poolside, keep reading for our suggestions on what to do.
1. Day Trip to Cabo San Lucas (or Los Cabos)
Since Los Cabos is soo close and its so popular why not do a day trip into town? You can check out the Gorgeous El Arco via boat ride or sunset cruise, walk around and explore the Marina's shops and taco restaurants, or go shopping at Puerto Paraiso Mall. With stores such as Tommy Bahamas, Guess, Forever21, and many more.
San Jose del Cabo is still very close to the well-known Los Cabos town, about 45min via public transport or 30 mins via taxi.
We explored the marina and checked out the local flea market and souvenier shops as the hubby loves his souvieners and tequila. Then when it got too hot, we scheduled a boat ride that took us around the Marina to see Pelican cove, the Sea lions, and El Arco. We loved the fresh cool sea breeze and it was the perfect way to work up an appetite.
2. Enjoy the Food at your Resort
We stayed at the Barcelo Gran Faro and loved the selection of buffet and a'la carte restaurants. The All-Inclusive resort has 5 gourmet restaurants including 3 à la carte options (La Góndola - Italian, Las Jícamas - Mexican, Las Olas - Seafood – prior reservation is required), 2 international buffets - Albatros and Las Olas, a Sushi Bar located in the Sky bar and a snack bar by the pool.
We had some delicious Tacos, Empanadas, Burritos, and other Mexican dishes along with a variety of continental dishes. The sushi night at the Albatros (buffet was amazing and you couldnt just stop at one dessert!
3. Try the restaurants outside the Resort
There's so many neat little restaurants in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas., so make sure to venture out one day. We tried Flora Farms Market (a MUST if you go) they have a Farm to Table menu and have imported fruits and veggies from various cities in Mexico. The farm is great to explore too and there are also little shops, so plan to spend a little extra time there.
We also tried some fresh tacos (Barbacao, Steak, Octopus, and Chorizo) for happy hour at Tacos + Beer while we were at the Marina in Los Cabos.
We also heard that Acre Baja was a really nice place to try and its on our list when we come back later this year! It's a boutique hotel with mini tree houses you can stay in. The resturant looks really classy and fuses Baja with contemporary cuisine. Others that are on our list for next time are La Lupita (backyard bar with incredible tacos made of handmade tortillas filled with fresh, local ingredients) La Panaderia (a sweet little bakery) , and Jazmin's dinner shows ( Showcasing Mexican music and dancing and delicious dishes like advantage in shrimp tacos, sea bass Veracruzana ,etc)
4. Try a Cooking class
Since we are foodies, we love to experience cuisine where were travel. We have found that taking a cooking class (half day or full day) is a really nice activity to do together while taking in some local flavour.
We tried the Tamarindos 4-course meal cooking class which was a great because we enjoyed the colors and feel of a Mexican farm while they helped us pick, chop and prepare a fabulous meal. WE made fresh tomato salad, Corn soup, and Fish Veracruz and each dish was delicious!
5. Art Walk
San Jose del Cabo Art Walk is a popular weekly event held every Thursday evening from 5-9pm between the months of November and June.
This event was established, promoted and organized by the Gallery District Association in the hopes of drawing art lovers and tourists away from the Main Square and into the color-filled back streets located behind the church.
We also just roamed around San Jose del Cabo and explored the markets. There are so many neat souvenirs and Mexican crafts to take home for your loved ones. Our favorite was this corridor with bright colored tile and unique lampshades.
***This photo was featured in WestJet Magazine (April 2019 Issue p72)***
6. Visit the El Arco
The arch of Cabo San Lucas, is a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, which is itself the extreme southern end of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. The arch is locally known as El Arco. It is here that the Pacific Ocean becomes the Gulf of California.
We took a glass bottom boat out to see the Arch for $15 USD/pp and it was soo worth it! Loved seeing Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach, Pelican cove, and of course, the El Arco.
7. Cabo Adventures
Although we didn't have a chance to go on the Camel Outback safari, it is on our bucketlist. You get to ride along the Cabo desert and beside the Pacific Ocean to enjoy the sights, the refreshing sea breeze and the crashing waves on this unique eco-tour. Take a quick stop to meet the sweet “kissing camel” and pose for a fun photo with a soft smooch! We are def doing this the next time were are here!
8. Cabo Dolphin Discovery
We also didn't get a chance to do this Cabo Dolphins San José del Cabo dolphin experience, but we did do it in Mayan Riveria two years ago and it was pretty awesome! If you haven't done some sort of swim with the Dolphins you are in for a treat. Its a bit scary at first but they are super friendly and smooth (yess, not slimy as you would be thought to believe).
9. Check out the OMNIA Tunnel and stay for brunch
One of the most instagrammable resorts in Los Cabos, the OMNIA Dayclub is for every party-goer its had headliners such as Tiesto, Kaskade, and many more and definitely the place for some awesome music. The OMNIA Los Cabos is located in the Vidanta Resourt. Check this resort's lobby if you want a photo just for the 'gram or head to their restaurant for a nice brunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
10. Stay and Enjoy your resort Beach
Overall, we loved our stay at the Barcelo Gran Faro. IT had a lovely pool with poolside bar, adults only hot tub and infinity pool, and gorgeous grounds.
Be sure to just sit and relax a coupe of days while on your trip, its your vacation after all.
There's lots to do in San Jose del Cabo but you don't have to do it all.
We took some me-time and read a book by the pool, played in the sand with our little one and just watched the ocean waves while sipping a delicious cocktail.
Cheers to an awesome time in Cabo!
Here's some other tips for travel:
Immigration Note Hold onto the bottom portion of your immigration card after you go through customs: The Mexican government won't let you leave the country without it and will require you to pay a cash fine at the time of departure if you lose it.
Zika is something to consider.
Public Transportation
The public bus is quite clean and good to use. We took the bus from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas for $4 USD (one way) all in and it took us about half hour to travel. Just a tip, try to beat the rush hour around 5pm or go home later because public buses get very crowded around that time.
Hope you enjoyed our Top 10 list!
Hungry Couple YYC Travels
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