Deciding between Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo for your next vacation? Most tourists don’t realize that these two areas offer something completely unique from one another.. So which one should you visit? Keep reading to learn all about travel to San Jose del Cabo vs Cano San Lucas below!
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I’ve been traveling Mexico for a long time now, and I have a great appreciation for the vastly different states and landscapes that stretch across the country.
One of my favorite areas of all time though is the cactus-studded peninsula of Baja California!
While Baja is an easy trip from Southern California, that’s not why I love it. I love the lively culture; the desert landscape; the friendly people, and the unbelievably blue Sea of Cortes.
Both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are picturesque – beautiful, warm, and sunny beach locales with a desert vibe. But that’s about where the similarities end.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make an educated decision between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo!
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What Is “Los Cabos?”
It is understandably confusing to hear names like “Los Cabos,” “Cabo San Lucas” and “San Jose del Cabo” thrown around. They all sound fairly similar, and if you’ve never visited before, you may not know the difference!
The term “Los Cabos” is an umbrella term that describes the Los Cabos municipality. This umbrella covers several different towns, like the two most well known ones – Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo – but also lesser known towns like Cabo Pulmo and Santiago.
Though little more than 30 minutes apart, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo couldn’t feel more different!
When deciding whether to stay at San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas, there are a few key factors to consider.
Where Is Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is found at the southern tip of the state of Baja California Sur, which is one of two states on the Baja Peninsula. This 1,200-kilometre peninsula divides the Pacific Ocean to the west from the Sea of Cortez to the east.
Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, exactly where the two bodies of water come together.
San Jose del Cabo, on the other hand, is about 30 minutes northeast, up the side of the peninsula.
What’s the Difference Between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo?
If I had to sum it up nicely, I would say that Cabo San Lucas is generally regarded as the party town, and San Jose del Cabo is generally quieter and calmer.
Cabo San Lucas is a popular spring break destination lined with raucous bars and luxury accommodations. It is easily the more popular of the two towns and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
While San Jose del Cabo is the quieter of the two, that doesn’t mean you should write it off! This town offers a more “authentic” experience.
Tourists visiting Los Cabos generally choose one over the other based on what type of holiday they are looking for.
In this post, I will break down some common reasons you might choose Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo, or vice versa, to help you decide which town is right for you. We will cover where to find the better beaches, nightlife, activities, and more.
Let’s dive in!
A Quick Overview of San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas
This table will lay out the basic differences between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. And below, I’ll dive in even further on the “why” of each item.
| Item: | San Jose del Cabo | Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Tourists & crowds: | Not many. | Lots of tourists! |
| How close to the ocean: | A 40-minute walk. | Right on the water. |
| Who you’ll meet: | Mostly locals. | Mostly tourists |
| Parties: | Not many. | Lots of parties! |
| Art and culture: | Absolutely! | Not so much. |
| Luxury shopping | No. | Yes! |
| Hassles & harassment: | Very little. | Likely more. |
| Luxury resorts: | Not really. | Yes, definitely. |
| Local eateries: | All around! | Not so many. |
| Typical age of visitors: | Older crowd. | Visitors of all ages. |
| Rental car needs: | Potentially high. | Low, very walkable. |
| Tours and excursions: | Some but limited. | Many available! |
Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Beaches
There is no denying it – most tourists visit Los Cabos looking to relax at the beaches, take boat tours, and swim in the blue sea. If you are a mermaid at heart, this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo!
While the beaches on both sides are beautiful, here is what you should consider and be aware of before choosing.
Note that sometimes, beaches in this area are rough, with strong riptides and currents. Often there are no lifeguards on site. So always double check if the beach is safe for swimming and what the tide report is each day, in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
However, there are plenty of beaches and coves that are perfect for a swim.
Cabo San Lucas Beaches
Cabo San Lucas has the famous Lovers Beach (Playa de los Amantes) which features stunning rocky outcrops. And, on the opposite side, Divorce Beach! These can be accessed by tours, a long walk, or the water taxi.
In San Jose del Cabo, on the other hand, the closest swimming beach is Playa Palmilla, which is technically between the two towns. Playa Santa Maria and Playa El Chileno are also great beaches with long stretches of sand and tall cliffs.
If you want amenities like beach loungers, umbrellas, souvenirs and cold beers, then I recommend Cabo San Lucas for you. Beach touts will be available to sell you anything you need and loud music will likely be playing from nearby clubs.
Playa Medano is the epitome of everything mentioned above. It is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas, and it is blanketed with tourists in peak season.
San Jose del Cabo
If you want a quiet, secluded beach to relax the day away, then San Jose del Cabo is for you. Long stretches of tan sand await, primarily visited by locals. There are no beach vendors and oftentimes no amenities – so pack your lunch and snacks! Keep in mind, you will likely need a car or taxi unless your accommodation is close enough to walk.
If it is your first time visiting, then I actually recommend visiting both areas’ beaches to get a mix. Experience the lively crowd and also relax in quiet solitude.
Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Activities
The Los Cabos area has so many options for guided tours and excursions, and both towns have plenty to see and do. But, again, they both offer something completely different.
San Jose del Cabo
Since San Jose del Cabo is quieter and more local-filled, you won’t find the same buzz of tour activity. You may need to book excursions ahead of time as you won’t see many vendors around. Read the fine print to make sure that the tour operator picks you up from San Jose del Cabo!
But, this area hosts a weekly art walk, with interesting and affordable (and more authentic!) souvenirs. This occurs every Thursday night. I noticed several golf courses in the area as well, so if you like to golf, this is your place.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas easily has better access to guided tours and excursions. If you walk around town, you will come across several tour operators selling excursions of all kinds. From party boats to sunset cruises to ATV rides, it is all here.
Cabo San Lucas is colorful and lively. It’s filled with souvenir shops on every street, as well as bright restaurants, loud bars, and famous dance clubs. If you are looking for a party, this is the place to be.
If you plan to explore the Baja Peninsula on lots of tours and excursions, you likely should choose Cabo San Lucas for your stay.
Top Tours to Take in Los Cabos:
Here are a few of the top tours to take in Los Cabos, each of which I highly recommend:
1. Snorkel at the famous Arch
Visiting El Arco is one of the most popular things to do here, for good reason. The crystal clear water of the Sea of Cortez is perfect for snorkeling!
The underwater world here is full of colorful ocean life. Try out the power sea scooters to get deeper underwater, faster. A fresh lunch and an open bar are also included.
⭐ Book the Half-day Cabo snorkeling tour. ⭐
2. Take a road trip to the Sierra de la Laguna
After driving through the vast Cabo desert, you’ll get a refreshing soak in natural springs and the opportunity to swim through waterfalls. Visitors should be reasonably fit as a bit of hiking is required.
The Santa Rita Hot Springs are hidden away in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, so check if your guide will tack this on as well. These pools are my current favorite sot in Baja California Sur.
⭐ Book a tour to the Sierra de la Laguna. ⭐
3. Ride an ATV at Migriño Beach
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush in Cabo, you should consider an ATV ride at Migriño Beach!
Drive a quad through the desert and across the sand dunes, in front of stunning views of the Pacific. You’ll also get to learn about Cabo’s unique flora and fauna, too, directly from your guide.
⭐ Book a Los Cabos beach and desert ATV adventure. ⭐
4. Go tequila tasting
On this private tour, you will enjoy a traditional Mexican tequila tasting experience. You’ll get a sampling of six handmade tequilas and three types of mezcal, two of the country’s top specialty spirits. Enjoy tasty local snacks, as well, like dark chocolate, agave, and grasshoppers for the brave.
This tour will prove to you exactly why Mexico is famous for both tequila and mezcal!
⭐ Book your tequila tasting excursion. ⭐
Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Mexican Culture
If you’re seeking a more “authentic” cultural experience, San Jose del Cabo is easily the place for you.
San Jose del Cabo is not necessarily tourist-focused, which means that you will be mixing among more locals and seeing more historic architecture and culture.
The center of town is filled with cute art galleries, and this is where the weekly Art Walk (mentioned above) takes place. Every Thursday evening from October through June, the street is closed off so vendors can set up tables full of authentic crafts and goods. The galleries stay open until 9 pm, so visitors can explore to their heart’s content.
The historic Art District is charming, to say the least. The cobblestone streets and colonial buildings are simply stunning, and Plaza Mijares features local food stalls each night. Personally, this is my type of Cabo!
Pro Tip: Take a Cultural Walking Tour if you want to learn firsthand about this historic town from a local. This evening walking tour visits the heart of San Jose del Cabo and shares little-known stories and native legends. Book your tour here!
Cabo San Lucas, on the other hand, features more of a “spring break” culture. Tequila shots are plentiful, and nightclubs blast loud music late into the night. While downtown Cabo San Lucas does have some cute authentic spots, overall you come here for the party. Not the culture.
Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Shopping
When comparing Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo’s shopping scene, both have ample opportunity to purchase some goods. But again, they offer different things.
For art and souvenir shopping, visit San Jose del Cabo. The Art Walk mentioned above is hands down the place to shop. It is full of locally made items, from pottery to paintings to jewelry, the items you find here are one-of-a-kind. Some are a bargain and other boutique shops can get pricey.
The quality of what you can buy in San Jose del Cabo is much nicer than what you typically see in Cabo San Lucas. Los Cabos has the factory made goods like hats and sunglasses, but you won’t commonly see local arts and crafts.
However, Cabo San Lucas does have luxury shops, so if that is your thing, you can find it here!
Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Food Scene
I have had delicious eats in both towns. So the good news is, you will not be missing out no matter which you choose. But, you just need to know where to look.
Directly in the tourist center of Cabo San Lucas, most of what you find will be – ahem – less than stellar. It is typically overpriced and under-flavored. Not at all the authentic and spicy Mexican food of your dreams.
But, if you walk several blocks away from the main areas, you will find many tasty restaurants packed with all the best flavors. I find this to be true in most countries – the better and cheaper food is just a ways off of the tourist track.
Pro tip: Take a top rated food tour to sample all the local flavors! This three hour walking tour hits local foodie hotspots and tastes traditional dishes around Cabo San Lucas. Try the classic tacos and quesadillas as well as lesser-known flavors. Book your food tour here!
Since San Jose del Cabo is not tourist-centric, you can more easily find authentic food. And, it doesn’t have to be expensive.
The main square sets up local food vendors every night to sell individual tacos, elote, tamales, and churros, among other things. They are nothing short of flavorful and very easy on the wallet!
You can also find Mexican fine dining in San Jose del Cabo, too. So there is something for everyone, if you take the time to look.
How To Get To Los Cabos
No matter which destination you decide on, both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are serviced by the Los Cabos International Airport (SJU). This airport has many connecting flights both within Mexico and abroad. Those who live in the USA or Canada will have a lot of options.
Once you land, you have several options on how to get from the airport to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo.
- Book a private transfer. If you want a hassle-free vacay and find it easier to have someone else do the legwork, a private transfer is a great option. BOOK YOUR TRANSFER HERE!
- Rent a car. If you feel comfortable driving in Mexico, this is the best way to enjoy the ultimate freedom. See what you want, when you want. BOOK YOUR CAR RENTAL HERE!
- Hire a taxi or Uber. If you just need transportation into town and are either walking or taking tours for the duration of your trip, this is an easy option!
- Take the Ruta del Desierto bus. This is a great option for anyone on a shoestring budget. Check the link above for current timetables and contact.
Where to stay in Los Cabos
I have stayed in countless accommodations in both areas. Suffice it to say, you have a lot of options!
In Los Cabos, you can book everything from a cheap dorm room to an all-inclusive luxury villa. Here are some of my top choices for both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas Accommodation
- Mayan Monkey Hostel – $
- Hotel Tesoro Los Cabos – $$
- Grand Solmar Resort and Spa – $$$
San Jose del Cabo Accommodation
- Surf Hostel Cabo – $
- Hampton Inn & Suites – $$
- JW Marriott Los Cabos – $$$
FAQ
Is San Jose del Cabo the same as Cabo San Lucas?
San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are not the same. These two areas sit roughly 20 minutes apart by car, and are two municipalities under the umbrella of “Los Cabos.”
Which part of Cabo is better?
It completely depends on what you are looking for! Here you can find everything from fancy beachfront resorts to secluded guesthouses, not to mention typical chain hotels. If you stay closer to El Arco, it will be easier to book tours and excursions.
Is it worth visiting San Jose del Cabo?
Absolutely yes. Even if you decide to stay in Cabo San Lucas, I highly recommend taking a day trip into San Jose del Cabo to check out the Art Walk or the local food scene.
Can you drink alcohol in Cabo?
Not only can you drink alcohol in Cabo, it will be readily available almost anywhere you go. My top recommendation is to take a tequila tasting tour, where you will learn all about this Mexican specialty!
Can I wear jeans in Cabo?
The dress code in Cabo is very casual. In the colder months, jeans are completely acceptable attire. In the summer, you will likely choose to wear shorts or skirts instead.
Which is better for partying, Cabo or Cancun?
You can find an equally vibrant nightlife in both Cano and Cancun. Check out this article comparing Cabo vs Cancun for full details.
Why can’t I drink the water in Cabo?
Drinking water from the tap is not encouraged in Cabo. While the water in Los Cabos is treated, many tourists report stomach issues after drinking it. Be careful, because the water pipes could be contaminated or your stomach may not be used to the bacteria here.
Is it safe to leave the resort in Cabo?
Yes! And you absolutely should leave the resort so that you can get a taste of what the area has to offer.
If you are visiting Mexico solo, you could always consider booking group tours or taking day trips if you feel nervous about going it alone. But in my experience as a solo female, I have had no serous issues here.
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The Bottom Line: Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo Travel
Though only 30 minutes apart, both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas offer something uniquely different from one another.
Cabo San Lucas
A few decades ago, Cabo San Lucas was a small fishing village. Quiet, sleepy, and full of locals. Nowadays, Cabo San Lucas is loud and lively.
It’s the trendier of the two areas, filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, music-filled bars, and famous dance clubs and loud night life. Swanky resorts line the oceanfront.
The vibe of Cabo San Lucas is very “Spring Break.” This area is young and festive. During actual Spring Break weeks, Cabo San Lucas is typically packed with college students walking the streets in all levels of sobriety (or lack thereof). In one word, it’s wild!
One of the best aspects of Cabo San Lucas is the walkability. If you are someone who likes a lively scene, easy walkable access to tours, shops, and restaurants, then Cabo San Lucas might be for you. It’s hard to have a bad time here.
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San Jose del Cabo
San Jose del Cabo is the quieter of the two towns, and is much less traveled by tourists. It is a quaint and more authentically “Mexico”, in terms of architecture and population. Less locals speak English and the area is not meant to cater to foreigners.
And that’s the beauty of it!
There are still plenty of great restaurants, shops and bars to be found in San Jose del Cabo. But, they are more likely to be local mom-and-pop style on this end of town.
Additionally, San Jose del Cabo is not quite as walkable. The local beaches, for example, are a bit more spread out and may require a rental car or taxi ride.
I personally prefer having a car when I visit San Jose del Cabo so that I can explore the area to my heart’s content. The town offers gorgeous and open-to-the-public beaches, with easy turnoffs and free parking all along the freeway.
San Jose del Cabo is less densely packed with tourists and overall more quiet and calm. Its the perfect spot if you are looking to relax.
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So Which is Better?
When choosing between Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo, it really depends what you’re looking for. Every traveler is different and prioritizes different experiences and environments.
Here is a helpful chart that highlights the bottom line.
| Cabo San Lucas | San Jose del Cabo |
|---|---|
| The town of Cabo San Lucas is right on the waterfront, and most attractions are easily accessible by foot. | San Jose del Cabo’s city center is a ways back from the beach. It can be around 40 minutes to walk there, depending on your accommodation. |
| Los Cabos International Airport is further away from Cabo San Lucas. It will take roughly 45 minutes by car. | San Jose del Cabo is closer to the airport. It is roughly 20 minutes by car. |
| Cabo San Lucas is crowded and loud. There are a lot of tourists here, particularly the college aged crowd, and the party never stops. | San Jose del Cabo is beautiful but less popular. You will find visitors and locals of all ages. |
| Local vendors and beach touts are practically guaranteed. Restaurateurs invite you in. Beach touts sell you sunglasses. Vendors sell tours. Someone is always hassling you in Cabo San Lucas. | San Jose del Cabo has very little of this. The beaches are largely free from vendors, and you can walk the town freely without constantly being hounded to buy something. On the flipside, you have to make more of an effort to book tours or get to the beach. |
***
I hope that this article helps you choose which area is right for you! When choosing Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo, it al comes down to personal preference. But they are both absolutely lovely to explore, and have so many unmissable things to do!
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Which area would you prefer? Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo?
Couldn’t agree more. We’ve been going down for 25+ years. Prefer San Jose, but always spend some time in Cabo as well. They are both great. Just different. San Jose is like a Mexican version of a Colorado mountain town. Cabo is Vegas with an ocean.
Ha! I love that comparison! “Vegas with an ocean”.
I appreciate the input, especially from someone who has been going for so long! First time for me was maybe 10 years ago, so you’ve got 15 years of visits over me. Glad to hear you’re still enjoying it.
I used to live in Cabo 2006-2012….and found myself drawn to the culture and AMAZING (world wide famous) restaurants in San Jose…..(there are so many that it’s impossible to try all in 30 days).
We ended up building a house (on a golf course) and have become close friends with many locals and expats: It seems over the past couple years we have to force ourselves to “go home” to the US to check on things only to want to return to San Jose Del Cabo….a week later! Good news are family & friends love visiting us in Mexico.
I’ve enjoyed reading your articles about Mexico—-I find them so accurate about Los Cabos that I’m now interested in visiting Cancun, based on your recommendations. Keep them coming!
Saludos,
Stacy
Thanks so much Stacy – that means a lot to me coming from someone who lived there!
Mexico is one of my all-time favorite places and I can’t help but return over and over again. Do you still have your house in Cabo? I’d love to buy some property there one day. Baja is the BEST!
It’s crazy how different east and west Mexico are from each other – and then Central Mexico has it’s own vibe, too.
Wishing you all the best on your next travels! If you head to the Caribbean side, let me know how it compares for you!
xoxo,
Monica