About & History of San José del Cabo, Mexico

📍 Location

San José del Cabo lies at the southeastern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, just 20 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Together, the two form "Los Cabos," but San José offers a more tranquil, refined contrast to Cabo’s vibrant energy.

🏛️ A Colonial Heart

San José del Cabo’s history begins long before its Spanish colonial charm took shape. The area was originally inhabited by the Pericú, a hunter-gatherer tribe who lived off the land and sea for thousands of years. They were among the most resilient indigenous peoples of the Baja Peninsula.

Spanish galleons began stopping in the area in the 1530s for fresh water from the Río San José estuary, which still nourishes the land today. In 1730, Jesuit missionaries founded Mission San José del Cabo Añuití, giving birth to the modern town. This mission still stands at the heart of the city center.

🧭 A Cultural Crossroads

San José del Cabo was historically a waypoint for ships navigating between the Philippines and Mexico as part of the Manila Galleon trade route. Over time, the town developed around its mission, plaza, and estuary, becoming a modest agricultural and fishing community.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the town remained relatively isolated—its economy driven by farming, fishing, and ranching—until the tourism boom of the 1980s transformed Los Cabos into a global destination.

🎨 San José Today

Modern San José del Cabo is known for its preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and thriving arts scene. The Art District, centered around Alvaro Obregón Street, comes alive every Thursday evening for the Art Walk, when galleries and shops open their doors to visitors and locals alike.

The town also boasts a growing culinary scene, high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and access to the San José Estuary, a peaceful nature reserve teeming with birdlife.

🌟 Why Visit

• Explore the historic Misión San José del Cabo

• Stroll the Art District and attend the Thursday Art Walk

• Visit the tranquil Estero San José nature preserve

• Dine at upscale restaurants and local farm-to-table eateries

• Enjoy boutique shopping and local artisan markets

San José del Cabo beautifully blends history, culture, and coastal charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both authenticity and comfort in Baja California Sur.