San Jose del Cabo | Mexico 2019

In 2019, we set out for our family vacation to San José del Cabo, a charming town at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Most of our previous Mexico adventures had been along the Gulf side, so this trip felt like an exciting change of pace—both geographically and culturally.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn San José del Cabo, a beachfront property that gave us easy access to both the ocean and the town. The hotel sadly was demolished the year after our visit, but we like to think that something equally majestic has taken its place. During our stay, the kids loved spending time at the kids’ club and playground, while we soaked up the Baja sun by the pool, enjoying the slower rhythm of vacation life.

Of course, no trip to Los Cabos is complete without seeing the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco), a natural rock formation at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. We took a boat excursion out to the Arch, marveling at the rugged cliffs and the lively colony of seals lounging along the shore. It’s one of those sights that lives up to the hype—majestic, photogenic, and deeply tied to the identity of the region.

One of the more unique activities of our trip was touring a local glass-blowing factory. We watched skilled artisans transform molten glass into beautiful, intricate pieces with techniques passed down for generations. The factory also houses a stained glass cathedral, a colorful, light-filled space where the artistry of glass reaches a spiritual level. The best part of the tour was getting to try our hand at glassblowing ourselves, which gave us a new appreciation for both the difficulty and beauty of the craft.

Later, we wandered into the historic downtown of San José del Cabo, where the old-world charm really shines. The town square—Plaza Mijares—is the heart of the community, surrounded by shops, galleries, and the Misión San José del Cabo Añuití, a historic church that dates back to the 1730s when Jesuit missionaries first established their presence in the area.

We paused for an authentic Mexican lunch in town, savoring traditional flavors that tasted far richer than anything we could get back home. Between exploring the square, visiting the cathedral, and soaking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere, it was easy to see why San José del Cabo is considered the cultural soul of Los Cabos.

This trip was a wonderful reminder of Mexico’s variety. The desert-meets-ocean landscape of Baja felt entirely different from our previous Gulf-side vacations, yet just as magical in its own way. We left with sun-kissed skin, happy memories, and a love for Mexico’s west coast that we hadn’t expected.