| RECREATION: San
Jose del Cabo is a fun place for outdoor recreation. The weather is nice almost all of the
time, and there are plenty of things to do. Even though the beautiful beaches are what
draw most visitors to this part of Baja, many of the recreational options are land based.
BIKES, The terrain around San Jose del
Cabo is relatively flat, making it perfect for bikes. A mountain bike is not required when
cruising in town or down the Los Cabos corridor, as most of the streets are paved, and
regular street bikes will do just fine. The ambitious Baja traveler planning a bike ride
east of San Jose, on the East cape coastal road, would be well advised not to venture very
far on a conventional bike.
HIKING, There are several places in
the San Jose del Cabo area that are great for hiking. For a low key hike, hiking around
the large estuary and over towards La Playita is an easy adventure. Serious hikers looking
for more demanding turf will find the mountains north west of San Jose a true challenge.
The trails in the mountain passes are relatively easy to find, but become narrower and
more difficult to follow as the trails near the higher elevations. Crossing over the
complete range to Todos Santos on the Pacific Ocean side is a significant accomplishment.
See 'Local Interest' for more information.
KAYAKING, Ironically, the ocean is not
the best place to kayak in San Jose del Cabo. These big beautiful beaches hold a bit of a
secret. Ocean waves head towards shore here completely uninterrupted from the open sea,
and large waves often make the surf line a dangerous place. During very calm conditions,
cruising the coast in a kayak can be a very pleasant experience. The best place to
consistently enjoy kayaking in San Jose is the large estuary at the south east end of
town. Launching at the very end of the road in the hotel zone is possible, as well as at
La Playita, on the other side of the estuary. The trees, birds, and water fowl are a real
treat!
OFF ROAD, The best place to explore off
road in the San Jose del Cabo area is in the local mountains, or the dirt roads north of
town. A particularly fun route is the dirt road that leaves the Baja Highway north of the
Los Cabos airport, and cuts through the hills and low mountains over to the East Cape.
This can be a nice 'circle tour' allowing the Baja traveler to loop back to town along the
coastal road to San Jose.
SURFING, If there is a south or southwest
swell, chances are good that San Jose will pick it up. West swells get blocked by the tip
at Cabo San Lucas, so it could be pumping in Todos Santos, and totally flat around San
Jose. When there is a swell, the best place to surf is up the East Cape dirt road, or in
the Costa Azul area. The surf shop just above Costa Azul beach rents boards at reasonable
rates, sells wax, and offers various supplies and advice.
COSTA AZUL, Just south of San Jose
del Cabo about 2 miles, west of the large wash and bridge. When it is working, this is a
great break for a lot of good reasons. Easy parking, consistent shape for easy paddle-out,
two different break locations (mostly rights with some lefts at the lower break), on
average days it's usually not too crowded. The restaurant up from the beach is a
convenient place to get food or drinks. Even when there is barely a swell, there's usually
somethin' happening for long boards. Watch for shallow reefs at low tides. Carlos
blew out a fin at minus tides!
OLD MAN'S, Just around the bluffs
past Costa Azul. Easy walk from Costa Azul at lower tides. Mostly rights, some lefts in a
more relaxed environment. If he's not painting or exploring the mainland, you might catch
Mickey Doyle in the water or on the beach.
PUNTA PAMILLA, North on the Baja
Highway at the Hotel Pamilla offramp. Doesn't break until the swell gets big. Then its way
overhead and look out.
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