Things to do in San José Del Cabo
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Taquería El Fogón
Taquería El Fogón serves outstanding tacos al pastor (rotisserie pork tacos) and several other variations on the tortilla-packed-with-goodies concept. Vegetarians can dig into quesadillas or stuffed potatoes.
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Copal
Copal On the east side of Plaza Mijares, Copal has an interesting assortment of crafts, jewelry, rugs and masks.
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Estero San José
Although the Puerto Los Cabos development is taking a devastating toll upon the San José estuary - especially near the ocean - it's still one of the town's most delightfully peaceful spots and a good place to squeeze in a little bird watching. It is, at least in name, a protected wildlife sanctuary and home to many bird species, including frigate birds, sparrow hawks, white herons and red-tailed hawks.
This protected wildlife sanctuary (at least by name) is home to many bird species, including frigate birds, sparrow hawks, white herons and red-tailed hawks. Near the corner of Benito Juárez, a palm-lined pedestrian trail, known as the Paseo del Estero, parallels Blvd Mija…
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Reserva de la Biosféra Sierra de la Laguna
The lush forests of the 1128-sq-km (434-sq-mi) Sierra de la Laguna are rugged, remote and largely uninhabited, although they teem with animals and plants, many of them unique to the area. Adventurous and experienced hikers will have a field day here, but trails are often poorly marked. Consider hiring a guide or joining an organized group hike.
This is a Unesco biosphere reserve, wherein swathes of naturally significant land are fully protected within zonas núcleo (core areas) but locals are allowed to work certain surrounding areas using sustainable methods.
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El Mesón del Ahorcado
It's hard to beat a name like El Mesón del Ahorcado, which means 'the hanged man's restaurant' or, as its called locally in English, the Hangman. And, indeed, the easiest way to spot the place is by the cowboy effigy dangling by its neck from the gallows out front. Even harder to beat than the name is the Hangman's food. This is the one restaurant in San José you shouldn't miss. The best part: it's cheap. Choices include quesadillas made with huitlacoche (a black fungus that grows on corn).
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El Comal
Boasting some of the best patio seating in town, El Comal serves classic mainland Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist. Plates include beef medallions in mole (a rich sauce seasoned with chocolate and spices), cochinita pibil (a traditional pork dish from the Yucatán; around US$16) and arrachera en su jugo (flanksteak served in its juice). Prices are reasonable by San José standards, and locals say it's good.
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Fruitlandia
Bring home some fresh traditional sweets such as ground, sweetened semilla de calabaza (squash seeds), tamarindo con chile (tamarind paste with chile), pepitorias (brittle sesame and peanut bars), candied limes, jamoncillo (milk fudge) and chilacayote (candied squash). Be sure to try the bright green biznaga (candied cactus), a local specialty.
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Paseo del Estero
From near the corner of Benito Juárez, this palm-lined pedestrian trail parallels Mijares all the way to the zona hotelera. This is a peaceful alternative to the boulevard, but it may not always be passable because of high water levels, especially after rains. In colonial times, pirates took ocassional refuge in the estuary between raids on Spanish galleons.
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Plaza Mijares
San José del Cabo has managed to keep its historic colonial atmosphere, laidback friendliness and natural tranquillity. Nowhere are these qualities more on show than in and around the distinctly uncluttered Plaza Mijares, a breezy square shaded by ancient trees, flanked by the mission church, town hall, small stores and restaurants.
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D' Pancake House
This is the place for breakfast in San José. Huge portions, reasonable prices and over fifty items to choose from (including waffles, egg dishes, fruit, granola and, of course, pancakes) make it a sure shot. At press time, the owner was firing up a new dinner feature: a buffet featuring sushi, salads and Mexican food.
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Playa del Nuevo Sol
For a leisurely taste of white sand and salt water, head down Blvd Mijares to the tan-friendly Playa del Nuevo Sol. Be warned, though, that a strong current and shore break make swimming risky. A short stroll along the sand and it's welcome to the Playa de California, the eastern extension of del Nuevo Sol and a gem of a place.
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Tropicana Bar & Grill
Part of the Tropicana Inn, the Bar & Grill is a huge space, with garden views and a generous menu of Mexican and American faves. Popular with travelers and locals alike, it's renowned for its super-fresh seafood and signature dishes such as baby-back ribs. There's also live music and dancing as the evening wears on.
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Tequila
The big draws for this classy favorite are the beautiful patio and the 90 varieties of Tequila's namesake swill. The food has morphed from Mexican and Mediterranean-inspired over the years to more strictly Californian, prices have skyrocketed and quality has remained about the same (great, but astoundingly overpriced).
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Taquería México
Open-air Taquería México has plastic tables and fabric tablecloths and serves up delicious tacos, stuffed potatoes and reasonably priced seafood to a mostly local clientele. The fish filets are particularly good. On Thursday and Sunday, try the pozole (pork and hominy stew). Full bar.
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La Panga Antigua
With dishes like yellow fin tuna in a merlot reduction, pan fried jumbo shrimp over fettuccini with organic vegetables, and rack of lamb in annatto rub and pineapple salsa, La Panga Antigua sits squarely within the mold of San José haute cuisine. It's beautifully decorated and highly regarded.
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Mi Cocina
Set inside the beautiful Casa Natalia hotel, Mi Cocina is as classy a spot to dine as San José gets. The decor is artful, the entrees sublime, and desserts (such as vanilla flan or the basil ice cream!) are creative, mouthwatering ways to finish off a great meal.
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Morgan's Encore
Set in a beautifully remodeled heritage building, Morgan's specializes in gourmet Mexican and international food. Follow the staircase to the open-air terrace upstairs for a fabulous setting. For those of you who really want to splash out, try the US$42 rib-eye.
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Corsica
San José is a veritable museum of contemporary painters, and browsing its galleries - whether you intend to buy or not - is a highlight. Corsica features works by some of Mexico's top artists. This is one to pop into even if you're not buying.
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Baan Thai
For a change of pace, try the flavorful and spicy concoctions at this upscale Thai restaurant. Dishes like tom kha ghai soup, fish wrapped in banana leaf, and the catch of the day prepared in lemon black-bean sauce are all assiduously prepared.
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Pan del Triunfo
Pan del Triunfo is an excellent bakery with delicious pastries, baguettes and whole-grain loaves of bread. For a sugar fix, nothing beats it. All its lip-smacking breads, cookies, pastries and doughnuts are made right on the premises.
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Playa Santa María
Playa Santa María at Km 13 is one of the nicest beaches in Los Cabos. It is a good place for snorkeling with plenty of wildlife to gaze at underwater. Even if you're not into snorkeling, there's plenty to see above water.
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Jazmín's
Jazmín's serves Mexican, seafood and vegetarian meals in a peaceful setting with unobtrusive service and, incongruously, a paperback book exchange. Breakfasts are excellent. Unfortunately, prices have recently climbed.
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Iglesia San José
Iglesia San José, the imposing church that stands over Plaza Mijares, is a replica of the original 1730 mission church. Note the mosaic positioned above the front portal depicting a 1734 local Indian uprising.
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Lasanta
Lasanta is an upscale wine bar with tastings (not free) on Wednesday and Thursday. Located in an antique house, Lasanta, which means holy place in Spanish, is a beautiful place to drink good wine and relax.
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French Riviera
A delightful French-inspired spot with tasty breads and pastries, glace (ice cream) that hits the spot on a hot day, and excellent dinners. The continental decor is tasteful and romantic.
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