How to Visit Los Cabos Like a Local

There is nothing like visiting a new city when you have a local friend in the area to take you to the authentic favorite spots in town. 

Even if you don’t have a local friend in Los Cabos, now you do! We are excited to share with you the inside scoop from a local (“choyera” – a local from this area) we had the chance to interview recently. Her name is Diana Gutierrez, otherwise known on Instagram as @soychoyera, and she was born and raised in San José del Cabo.

A perfect day off: My ideal day starts early in downtown San José at Doña Angela’s home, where I pick up freshly made empanadas and coffee – the perfect accompaniments for a later picnic at the water pools. From there, I venture towards the Sierra de la Laguna, stopping for a hearty breakfast to-go at Cafetería El Viejón in San Anita, where the birria quesadillas are not to be missed as necessary fuel-up on the Transpeninsular highway. The real adventure kicks in as we veer off onto dirt roads that wind their way into the mountains. Here, the landscape transforms, becoming lush and vibrant with life. We explore these hidden paths, leading us to serene water pools and challenging hikes to spectacular waterfalls, where I enjoy jumping on the rocks of dry rivers and swimming in the cool, clear waters. For lunch, nothing beats the taste of raw chocolate clams, seasoned simply with lemon, salt, and Salsa Huichol at a trusted local seafood restaurant. It’s essential the clams react to the lemon juice, a sure sign of their freshness. The day wraps up with dinner at Nick San, where the rich maritime heritage of Los Cabos is not only savored but also celebrated in its modern evolution. This meal does more than satisfy the palate; it connects me to the area’s deep-sea traditions and their contemporary interpretations, showcasing how the local culinary scene is seamlessly blending the old with the new.

Favorite beach: Playa Palmilla holds a special place in my heart. This is the beach I have frequented most since childhood, a place shared with friends and families, weaving collective and cherished memories. It is renowned among locals for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, not to mention its proximity to San José. Characterized by its stunning rock formations and pristine white sand, it offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, fishing, and more. On a personal note, my connection to Playa Palmilla is deeply enriched by family ties and longstanding relationships. My father was actively involved in key developments at Palmilla, including participating in the ’80s remodeling of the hotel (now known as One&Only Palmilla), building several homes within the development to noteworthy characters, and constructing Las Tiendas de Palmilla shopping mall. 

Best shopping spots: My shopping preferences vary depending on what I’m looking for. In downtown San José, I particularly enjoy visiting the Town Square and Art Gallery District, especially on Thursdays. This area transforms every week, and attracts locals, art lovers and travelers. It is a great opportunity to walk around the vibrant streets around the area, finding beautiful souvenirs. For everyday items and local crafts, I head to the Mercado Municipal Alberto Alvarado Arámburo. While it’s located in another part of downtown, it remains centrally situated, making it accessible and a hub for fresh food and produce, as well as local artisanal goods. For a more visitor-friendly shopping experience, Puerto Paraíso in San Lucas offers a large mall with various established stores, providing a diverse shopping environment. Another favorite is El Mercado Orgánico in San José del Cabo, recognized as the longest ongoing market in Mexico. Held on Saturday mornings, it not only boasts a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and fresh foods but also hosts a variety of activities that enrich the community spirit. Visitors can participate in yoga classes, Capoeira, and enjoy performances by local bands. Don’t miss the delicious organic sugar popcorn—it’s truly exceptional. This market is a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local flavor and engage with the community.

Must-try dish: You absolutely must try sopa fresca and barbacoa while visiting Los Cabos. These dishes represent a harmonious blend of local traditions and cultural influences, often served together to complement each other at local celebrations, especially weddings. Sopa fresca is more than just a side dish. It is a testament to the historical melting pot of cultures in Los Cabos. Originating from the culinary traditions introduced by Italian Jesuit missionaries, it combines pasta with a comforting broth made from chicken and enriched with tomato sauce and chilies. Barbacoa is indispensable. This main dish involves meat slow-cooked over an open fire, often using local wood, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor. The cooking process is both a ritual and an art form, typically involving burying the meat in a pit with hot coals overnight. This method ensures the meat is tender and imbued with layers of complex flavors. These dishes are best enjoyed at established local venues such as, Barbacoa El 40 in San José, where the recipes have been perfected over decades. For those seeking a more fine dining experience, La Pintada in Cabo San Lucas offers a sophisticated take on these traditional dishes. Both venues provide an authentic taste of the culinary heritage of Los Cabos, where guests can appreciate the time-honored techniques that make these dishes cultural cornerstones.

Not-to-miss excursion: Cabo Pulmo National Park is an essential destination for anyone visiting Los Cabos. This protected area is celebrated for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, offering an unforgettable experience through snorkeling or diving. Even if you’ve never dived before, participating in a discovery dive here can be a life-changing encounter with nature. As you travel to Cabo Pulmo, the drive through off-road routes, along the beautiful beaches of the East Cape, adds to the adventure, providing a taste of the freedom and unspoiled beauty that characterize this region. The route invites spontaneous stops. Should a picturesque spot catch your eye, take the opportunity to camp by the beach under the stars. The journey itself epitomizes the spirit of adventure and conservation efforts that make Los Cabos unique.

Additional insights: For those interested in local history, a visit to the Old Lighthouse of Cabo Falso is highly recommended. Not only does it offer panoramic views of the coastline, but it also serves as a significant historical landmark, having guided ships since the early 20th century. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually the southernmost point of the Peninsula, not the Arch. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is an iconic structure which holds its own unique distinction as the first location ever to be called California, symbolizing our identity, beauty, and timeless resilience.

For more things to do while visiting Los Cabos, visit https://www.visitloscabos.travel/things-to-do/

This article was created in partnership with FIPROTUR Los Cabos under the private trust. See the website disclaimer here. For more information, visit https://fiproturloscabos.com.