Vacationing or living in Los Cabos offers an inexhaustible number of activities. Although the main attraction is the beach and activities related to the sea such as fishing, visiting the arch or simply enjoying the view, we can find others such as playing golf, enjoying the spas, and shopping. However, to get acquainted with the culture and the history of Mexico and particularly of San Jose del Cabo, visiting the historic center is a must. This is one of my favorite activities and a must-see for its architectural beauty and the artistic, commercial, and gastronomic offerings.
The most important part of the historic center is the main square, known in San Jose del Cabo as Plaza Teniente Antonio Mijares. The square is surrounded by commercial spaces and government offices and located in front of the San Jose del Cabo Mission.
This mix of activities attracts both locals and visitors who meet and congregate in the public space. At sunset on weekends, you can see families having an ice cream while the children run and play in the square. You can enjoy Mexican sweets and snacks, such as the famous Tamales Doña Nina, every day after five o’clock. If you have yet to try them, they are a seasoned steamed corn dough, filled with traditional Mexican mixtures such as chicken with mole or green sauce with pork. Additional specialties include vegetarian options and even sweets, such as tamales stuffed with pineapple.
Right in front of the church, you will find the name of San Jose del Cabo in the three-dimensional letters that have become a tradition in all the cities of our country. In this case, they are painted by the local artist Ivan Guadarrama. In addition to posing for a photo, you can download the artist’s application on your cell phone and see how the letters come to life and illustrate part of the charm and tradition of our city.
On business days, you can have a coffee under an umbrella in one of the restaurants around the square or a beverage on one of the terraces. They are perfect locations for watching the daily life in a traditional city in Mexico. You can see students going in and out of schools, adults doing business in banks or government offices, merchants selling drinks or ice cream to cool off before the imposing midday sun and, if you are lucky, you could enjoy a school festival in the amphitheater or activities for older adults such as dance classes and craft workshops.
Sunsets are one of the moments that I enjoy the most in downtown San Jose. Bidding the sun farewell as it sinks behind the Mission while the sky changes colors and I sip a beverage on the terrace of El Retro or Shooters is like watching a different show every day of the week. No sunsets are the same in San Jose!
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are the best days to explore the cultural arts in the town center. The roads are closed to motorized vehicles, so you have the entire street to casually walk to the next delicious offering by one of the restaurants. Exhibits at the many art galleries feature urban artists that will make your stroll a very pleasant adventure.
While the streets are filled with life, music and color, the square becomes an impressive artistic workshop where local artists meet to exhibit their skills and demonstrate how they create their work. If curious, you can approach them and inquire about their source of inspiration and even get a few pointers if you want to paint something at home.
There is no valid excuse for not visiting the historic center of San Jose del Cabo on your next visit. I am sure you will find more than one activity that you will love.
