Famed for its champion golf courses, uncommon aquatic life and a dizzying array of ocean activities, it’s no wonder San Jose del Cabo has become the destination of choice for the jet set. But this promontory of postcard-worthy coastlines makes for a welcome respite for winter weary Canadians too.

Beautiful Chileno Beach

Where to Stay

We stepped back into the glamour of old Mexico at The One&Only Palmilla (rooms $450-$1,175/night) ranked #1 as the best resort in Mexico by Condé Nast Traveler for several years. Each room faces either the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Cortez from a private patio or balcony.

For more of a funky, boutique feel, try The Cabo Surf Hotel ($265/night).  Reminiscent of a laid-back California beach house, it’s located on one of the top surfing beaches with board rentals available through their surf school.

Looking out to sea

Cabo Surf Hotel (Photo credit: Cab Surf Hotel)

Take a surfing lesson in Cabo

Where to Eat

At 7 Seas Seafood Grille, we sat underneath under the romantic thatched palm palpas and feasted upon seared tuna, smoky chipolte salsa and blue-crab tostado’s with a cilantro-avacado drizzle in addition to the ocean views.

Mango Margarita

The best beach bar can be found at Zipper’s, in front of the surf break of the same name. Kicking back with icy-cold Pacificos and fish tacos we made a sport of spotting surfers amongst the waves.

Craving more traditional tastes, we made sure to stop by Habanero’s for savoury chilli relenos and carne asada.

Where to Shop

San Jose’s historic art district is full of Spanish Colonial character, not to mention quaint shops and galleries featuring the works of Mexico’s leading artists. Expats live for the weekly art tours on Thursday nights. And with pricing 20% lower here on works by Mexico’s most famous artists than in the US or Canada who wouldn’t? For contemporary paintings and sculpture, headto Corsica Gallery for the works of Diego Rivera’s god son, Augustin Castro Lopez and Manuel Feiguerez, Mexico’s most famous abstract painter.

Naturally, we couldn’t miss local’s favourite Artesano’s, located between San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. Here, we found low prices on glassware, pewter and other unique souvenir items.

Vividly coloured pottery shop in San Jose

San Jose art demos for kids

What to Do

Christened, “the world’s aquarium,” by Jacques Cousteau, there’s no shortage of marine life at this tip of the Baja region. View the graceful migration of grey whales from January to April. Or, help hatchlings make their way to sea when two of the world’s eight turtle species nest from June to February.

Checking out the brightly coloured fish

Hanging out on Chileno Beach