Cabo San Lucas VS San Jose del Cabo

Trying to decide between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo in Baja California Sur Mexico? In this video, I compare and contrast Los Cabos, give you a bit of information about how this town has grown in the last 30 years, and tell you which is my favorite
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[@laura-bronner]

Read my full breakdown of the differences between San Jose del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas and find out which is the right one for your here: www.eternal-expat.com/2021/07/20/cabo-san-lucas-vs-san-jose-del-cabo/

[@kimberlybain9143]

I’m in the process of applying for my permanent residence visa. Since my lawyer is in Cabo, I made the decision to spend my first 6 month’s in San Jose del Cabo to get my bearings. Your videos have helped me validate my decision. Thank you.

[@laura-bronner]

There's so much to enjoy down here, I'm sure you'll have a great time! Let me know if you have any other questions about it (email or FB messenger are the best places to reach me)

[@kurt7617]

Have been visiting Los Cabos since 2008 - and you can definitely feel the difference between the two towns. San Jose del Cabo is, hands down, our preferred spot - more relaxed, more traditional Mexican and less “commercial.” It is VERY safe, friendly and the downtown street and sidewalk improvements have made a huge difference. Just got home after two weeks in February - and headed back for two more weeks over Thanksgiving holiday. Love it there!!! (Your reviews are great!)

[@teresita4791]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOMENDATION TO SAN JOSE DEL CABO!

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

This was exactly what I needed and was very helpful - thank you. Traveling to the area in a couple weeks!

[@BeckyInCa]

I'm so happy that you'll be staying put for a while. It looks like a beautiful town and I am so looking forward to seeing the activities you take part in there and the food that you eat.

[@laura-bronner]

It is such a beautiful spot! I'm going to be recording lots in the next few weeks of all we get up to!

[@brianpetch9534]

I own a condo in the Aloha condos, right across from the Barcelo in SJC. Good review. You've pointed out some important differences between the two places. But- and you can't comment on this, as its off because of Covid right now, is that in Cabo San Lucas, you get innundated with tourists off the cruise ships. The marina area and downtown become crazy busy on "cruise ship days" , which is often. Thank you for remembering that not all tourists are in their 20's and are looking for a big drunk on the beach. Good videos!

[@johnputt6029]

I spent time in San Jose del Cabo 30 years ago. It was grand, it's changed but a real fusion of cultures exists. U make me wanna return. Nice vid, as always!

[@raquelrodriguez8036]

Great video! Thanks for all the info!! Can't wait to visit!

[@jacolinejacobs6463]

Omw this was just the video I needed. Thanks so much 🌻🧡

[@chucksw1]

Wow, I want one of those Civichi's SJ Del Cabo here I come! Thanks for showing us the details!

[@hi_mav]

This was so helpful; thank you! I'm planning my wedding in Los Cabos and had been torn between the two cities.

[@karinabriones7313]

Thanks Laura for the video. This was the kind of video I was looking forward to, not to say I don’t enjoy your other videos. San Jose del Cabo seems more family oriented town and Cabo San Lucas more of a party place. Either way both are very nice places. Enjoy your time there and can’t wait to see more. 👍🏻😁

[@mangothe579]

Great info, keep it comin

[@standingmannequin7911]

So cool to find and follow your channel. Incredible how much you have done, I feel very welcome. Thank you.

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks for following along, glad you enjoy the videos!

[@hstubble]

Thank you for this video. It is so helpful.

[@tcwells1234]

Over four decades ago, I came to capture my first fishing jackpot here. Dad taught me well and now I need two hands to count them. I was hooked in more than one way and now it’s home full-time. You did a great job in the comparison, the only thing I might add is the weather is somewhat cooler in San Lucas, especially on the Pacific side, when the wind blows.👍

[@mariar.4701]

I would love to see a video of La Paz vs San Jose del Cabo. I'm considering a move down there and just wondering which would be better especially when it comes to outdoor activities. Thanks for the great videos.

[@susane7451]

Thank you for this video. It answered many of my questions. Can you comment further on vibe of various sections of del Cabo?

[@hideawayhomesllc5103]

My wife loves your hat! Remember a day trip to snorkel Cabo Pulmo. If I recall, there are three areas; Cabo Pulmo (where the tours seemed to disembark), Arbores (which we did and was fantastic) and then Frailes (not as good) but they had a bunch of free camping in the arroyo.

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks for the tips! Planning a trip to Cabo Pulmo very soon!

[@1PhoenixRisen]

I love what you've shown so far in San Jose L.C. and look forward to seeing adventures! I'd like to see a a video on your rental too! How's internet speed and such?

[@thetravellingrhodes6400]

Hi Jim and Renee from Vancouver, Canada. We really enjoy your videos. We own a place in San Jose del Cabo and watched this video... and it really resonates with us why we chose SJDC over Cabo. Both wonderful but SJ is more authentic & chill plus we feel more comfortable there away from the tourist vibe. Thanks for sharing your travels as it helps connect us to the people, culture and lifestyle of Mexico we so dearly miss... as we are isolating at home here in Canada until we can travel south yet return home without the restrictions and costs... Be safe, and keep the videos coming. 👍🌴☀️

[@laura-bronner]

Hi Jim and Renee! I’m glad I could show you a bit of your second home until you can get back again! Completely agree about SJC - what a beautiful place! Lots more videos to come!

[@peggylagomarsini8017]

So happy I found your site. Learning a lot which is going to help us narrow down where we want to buy a house. Haven't been down there s once 1971 when it was nothing but a fishing destination! Airport was nothing but dirt! How times change. Keep up the great reporting!

[@WonderfulWoodwardOfAZ]

I REALLY appreciate your videos!

[@thatboyfrostyyy]

I’m staying in Cabo San Lucas next month and I wish I would of seen this when I booked the trip. Thank you for all the info!

[@raykelly2854]

Very interesting information- great video. Thanks for sharing,

[@stevegarcia4239]

Love, love, love San Jose del Cabo. Was there in January and wanted to stay there longer. New Cabo is for tourists and San Jose is for peeps like us. Keep up the great work.

[@johneason6540]

Have been to both. Im with you, San Jose more authentic atmosphere and I thought the food was better. Loved it Thanks for your video.

[@mikeq5807]

Your personality is enjoyable. Very informative. Yes, I would lean more in favor of San José del Cabo

[@hotserrano69]

Yes I agree

[@mattferencevich7549]

Thanks for the video. The weather looks so nice there. In Xalapa its been raining and very cold for the locals.

[@laura-bronner]

The weather is stunning here at the moment, but not very hot - about 19C today but with a strong sun.

[@georgep1358]

Great video very informative ,so which area in your opinion is the best to live in?I love the fact that its more upmarket and not so crowded

[@overjoyedstudios]

Thank you!! Planning to visit in January!

[@santor1231]

Hi. My wife and I are considering Mexico for retirement. We have been to San Miguel de Allende (loved it), and are planning a trip to Los Cabos very soon. We have been following your travels all over Mexico and they are really helpful. Based on your comments (and our age & lifestyle), maybe we'll just skip Cabo and concentrate on San Jose del Cabo. Could you do a video on the grocery shopping experience. Maybe compare and contrast between the small mom & pop stores versus the big box merchants like Costco and Walmart which also exist there. We're also avid tennis players and were wondering what the tennis scene is like down there. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@CaparroCo]

great video and content. Bravo.

[@decomposing12]

We always stay in San Jose and take the bus or taxi into San Lucas for the day and chill in San Jose in the evening. Your spot on about the party environment between the two.

[@GregDawson]

Didn't realize how beautiful the Cabo area is. Again, thx for the video. My little family of 5 is looking for a change of pace and are considering staying in Cabo area for a bit.

[@cowboyway99]

The food looks amazing. Hope to be able to visit sometime.

[@dmarkj22]

Good video you were spot on with your comparisons and description of both towns. San Jose Del Cabo definitely has more culture and character and charm then Cabo San Lucas. If you are a foodie like myself then definitely check out downtown San Jose Del Cabo. When we are in San Jose Del Cabo I really feel like I am in Mexico. Unfortunately, when in Cabo San Lucas I really don’t get the same feeling.

[@luciadiane6682]

Just found your video and subscribed. You compare the cities very well and very respectfully, I have a better sense now what city would be a better fit whenever we decide to take a vacation sometime and maybe plant some roots. When you say “it’s hot out here”, could you please give the Fahrenheit degrees, is it 88 degrees or 110 degrees? It would mean a lot to me. Also, as a retirement town, could you possibly compare Merida to San Jose del Cabo at some point during your travels. Loving your content so far, thanks.

[@ednacota7190]

Hello Laura, I love your vídeo... thank You !!! it is amazing , I was born here , My parents too, so , I just wanted to Say that the climate is different in both , You can feel the diferencie in the middle of the corridor , San José has more humidity and is more hot too and San Lucas there more wind almost all year , but in February and March is too much wind ...that is it!! Thank You ...

[@dabig25]

Thank you for this GREAT video. My wife and I were trying to figure which to visit. Looks like San Jose is it. We're older and not big on partying or nightlife

[@AngelSantos-nm2yd]

very very intersting video Laura, keep going, I enjoy too much your videos.

[@Vancouver_Dan]

I really appreciate this. So many of our friends and neighbours here in BC have visited Los Cabos. I thought it was a big corporate USA style resort (and it looks like Cabo San Lucas is just that). But San Jose looks really nice. And craft beer ... I'm in!

[@laura-bronner]

San Jose is very different to Cabo - kind of like Merida in a lot of ways but better weather (for me at least), plus mountains and ocean very nearby. Big fan 👍

[@Ivan_0078]

I live in San José and I like the way you see our City and your opinión. Thank you

[@NosyNeighborRealEstate]

Looking forward to a house tour! Hope it’s coming soon? 🥰

[@MrJx4000]

I was in SJC in Jan. of '98 and loved the small town feel, and fresh air. But then I spent a day in Cabo and could not believe how polluted the air was. And that church, BTW, in SJC was a real source of pride for all the locals.

[@ursulaprinz1775]

Our family has been in both places but stayed in Cabo but it was in 1996 and I'm sure a lot has changed a lot we loved it we stayed in a small place behind the Las Gloria's Hotel.it was great they had a little courtyard too but no pool but we went down to the Beach everyday and took the Betty boat

[@bfourney]

Yeah I didn’t want to leave San Jose Del Cabo either. I considered living there and just flying back to LA occasionally for business. Only thing is it’s pretty pricey and much harder to find a good accommodation deal compared to the riviera maya.

[@mundoquime2047]

Excelente me gustó mucho y me ayuda a decidirme in my next visit. Thks!

[@cachecow]

Thanks Other than people that work there, I didn't think people "lived" there San Jose looks really nice

[@lauraarteaga1451]

Definitely want to go next winter....Jan/Feb 2022. Tks for the good comparisons. I am also loving San Jose del Cabo from your pics. I want to check out lodging. Perhaps stay a week in Cabo San Lucas and a little longer in San Jose.??? Tks so much.

[@ronnie-lynn]

Ugh this video makes me miss the baja. I stayed a few months in todos santos on a mango ranch in 2016. We had a rental car so got to experience la Paz along with los Cabo and San Jose del Cabo 🙌🏻

[@cd6615]

Which place was your favorite

[@blancacruz1188]

Thats one thing I notice about cabo's food (I like it but it wasnt great ) so definitely I will come back and explore San Jose del Cabo

[@mike73boston]

Very interesting!! I like fishing...and i look to go at San Jose Del Cabo next time ...after the covid!!! i like and subcribe!!! Hello from Québec, Canada!!!

[@Enjoythevue]

We are going back for the 3rd time to Cabo next July. This time around we will definitely head to San Jose Del Cabo and spend a few days there.

[@MsLanny9]

Would greatly appreciate a comparison video between La Paz and San Jose del Cabo video..

[@conoceconwil]

I've been working in the tourism industry for years and want to try new things. Thanks for the information I want to relocate from Puerto Vallarta to Los Cabos to change my lifestyle.

[@MalikNfkt]

Your Spanish pronunciation has improved so much - you sound like a native speaker now! Do you attribute that to your work on Baselang?

[@jerrygarcia4390]

She’s not bilingual? Wow 😯

[@luisvazquez6832]

I was born and raised in Los Cabos, but blessed to have the opportunity to work in Canada for years, San Jose del Cabo is more of a place to live a nice lay back life, but is seeing significant growth in population and new things to do. Cabo San Lucas is more of a party enviroment and higher end places to live, they do have the marina and the arch right away. If you are a fishing fan Cabos San Lucas would be more of a place to live, but it can also get loud at night time on highg season by the club area, anyway Ive been spending the last couple years on Cabo during winter time (Im a snowbird) and wouldnt change it for anything. The beaches in Los Cabos are so well preserved and will continue to be taht way as the we are highly tourist oriented

[@CoachAdamRuns]

San Lucas is great for a weekend you can’t remember and San José you will never forget.

[@scottsdaletravelchick]

Wow we have a video w the same title that we did a couple of months before yours. Great job on getting all of those views on your video. Would love for you to give us any advice.

[@MsLanny9]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@lisahughes8760]

hi eternal expat, I am planning a trip to Mexico any suggestions on what state to stay and visit. This will be my husband and I first trip to Mexico.

[@alfredbattenberg2626]

Awesome video.... Los Cabos used to be humiliatingly expesive for Mexicans. At least It used to be when I visited it. We stayed at HACIENDAS DEL MAR Sheraton. Have fun. The kids are waiting for your visit anxiously. Hahaha. I sent you an email. Hugs for you and Luke.

[@gayejohnson4551]

I absolutely love San Jose del Cabo. I have stayed there on 3 separate occasions and have always wanted to go back. I will and possibly go back to live!

[@sherevolutions1671]

I love your videos! I am planning a trip to that area next month to hike mountain bike see the manta rays and enjoy sunrise and sunset from the beach. Which town would be best for that kind of trip? Thank you so much for any advice you can share!

[@laura-bronner]

You can access it from both areas, but there is a cool mountain bike park in San Jose del Cabo that is well worth checking out! Here is the location on google: goo.gl/maps/QAq7bdgvX8BNZ7DN6

[@dons8764]

You are the best!!

[@deplorablepatriot9763]

I have fished a lot out of San Jose. Really loved it.

[@1body1year]

On the west coast, where would you recommend for a very nice beach, but fairly quiet... Just maybe some nice restaurants, and a bit of shopping.

[@AmyGChicago]

We have been to both and they are both lovely. Cabo is definitely a vacation no matter what your age. Go to The Office in Cabo for breakfast and you’ll see the older crowd. All aged enjoy Cabo, even me and I don’t drink or party at the bars. But if I bought a condo, I think I would pick San Jose. I live in Chicago and we would never live in a tourist hot spot. But that being said, there are gorgeous condos and homes available in Cabo away from the crazy night life. I have many recommendations for you including visiting Flora Farms in San José. Sign up online for the farm tour before lunch or dinner. I enjoy going for lunch but now I hear they have breakfast.

[@SamanthaJaneJames]

I am headed to Mexico in November. Going to tour the United States first and then arrive in San Jose del Cabo in early December. I am looking to buy something there, instead of Cabo San Lucas because me and my husband have a ten year old son so we want more of the family feeling and not as much party, party. I have a beautiful place on a white sand beach in another country right now but it is only nice six months of the year so I'm going for permanent nice weather for the rest of my lift. So, I am going to begin my journey on the California Baja peninsula. and see what community I decide upon. Thanks for your informative videos. At least gives me some ideas where to start and where I might not want to spend too much time on.

[@bobpenner4015]

This is the first year in 10 that we have not been to San Jose (covid) you bring us there with your channel There is a good restaurant between la Palmas and Walmart on a side street tent top very good and were the Mexicans eat. Wish I could be more specific (don't know street names. We just know and walk there.

[@EnderGate]

Thanks Laura! We enjoy San Jose del Cabo best, I would say more genuine, refined, casual, calm, and personally friendly. A walk from the Resort area. We have custom jewelry and art from San Jose. I recommend the Art Walk in San Jose, find your way to the original Ivan Guaderrama gallery! We do pay in Pesos too. We found the bus a safe and friendly way to travel to San Lucas from San Jose and water taxi to the Arch reasonable. We have rented a car and drove to La Paz (bit of a drive for a day trip, but what a beach) and Toto Santos (easy to do in a day, like an oasis) God bless.

[@MsLanny9]

What is the name of the lagoon with the beautiful green palms where you spanned the camera that shot was just breathtaking!!!

[@RG-od8ri]

Estuary. But it’s NOT an estuary. An oasis.

[@visulino]

I visited those towns a long time ago. I remember that almost every product sold was from the U.S., it was like being in another country, not in Mexico. Passengers on flights from Baja California Sur arrived at the international gate because they needed to go through customs. Those towns were much smaller. Now the whole area looks like a mall to me. It looks very different. There are videos from the 1940s-80s of that area on youtube. Probably you would notice the difference.

[@Kurio71]

San Jose has changed a lot in 20 years, like most places

[@normramirez7354]

Great video Laura !! Wife and got get down there soon. When you and your man gunna try fishing? Home mage fish tacos😬🐟👀👈🏼🤷🏽‍♂️

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks, Norm! The water's been a bit choppy and I don't have great sea legs (or stomach) 🤣🤣

[@normramirez7354]

@@laura-bronner Laura !!! The beautiful beach’s are perfect for halibut and perch among a whole lotta other great fish to eat! 🤷🏽‍♂️ 😂👈🏼🐟🐟🐟👀🤷🏽‍♂️

[@charlesstanfa3969]

Great video

[@rae3632]

Welcome to San Jose del Cabo. You need to check out the organic Market on Saturdays! We love living here. Our favourite place are Retro Bar and Grill and Abbey’s/ aka Chinos (tucked back off of the Main Street into centro by the bus depot). When we moved here we were told that San Jose is for the over 30’s and San Lucas was for the under 30’s. Both are great, but we love SJD!

[@fadlotayah1429]

What recommendations you have on searching for house/condo rentals accommodations in san jose del cabo?

[@davidsummers6870]

What do you film with and edit??

[@varteaga26]

Great information Laura! Thank you. We're coming first week of August but i'm worried were in the early hurricane season there. Is that a concern for early August? I've had different opinions. Looking forward to more videos. : )

[@laura-bronner]

It's hard to say. They had some pretty bad storms last year and the year before around this time. There's no way to know if it will start in August or September unfortunately. What I can tell you is that it will be HOT!

[@varteaga26]

@@laura-bronner much appreciated. Keep up the great work! Godspeed...

[@BucketListTravellers]

Sounds like San Jose would be more our scene 😀

[@j.fo.v5260]

If you can afford it.

[@BucketListTravellers]

@@j.fo.v5260 good point! We were in Nicaragua for a year and a half and it's a nice budget-friendly alternative to Mexico.

[@tonyatacker4893]

I’ve been thinking of doing the same? Where did u end up renting and cost?

[@javierorozco9274]

You need to see the Residential or Pacific side of Cabo no noise . That you mention is only the Marina area which is tiny .

[@gislanefigueiredo8003]

Hey I love your videos and I’m planning to go to Cabo San Lucas in August but I would like to know about the COVID situation because I know they shutdown Puerto Vallarta for a month please let me know

[@aaronmonty6504]

You need to try Sardina Cantina, Chicken saltimbocca, they may not show it in their specials but they will make, or their coconut prawns.

[@caitlinlindseysfamilyvideo7706]

So, you stayed at a hotel on near the beach and a home more towards center of town. What is a good place to stay to be close to beach and walk to town? I see beachfront but want close to town as well. Planning a birthday weekend for my daughters and they definitely like the authentic with modern touches. We don't do your run of the mill tours, we look for those offered by locals, walking /hiking tours and such.Any suggestions with or without the need to book.

[@pamelalueschen1062]

Fun video and I agree that San Jose is better than Cabo. Although it's been almost 30 years since visiting them I recognized a few of the landmarks from both towns. Have you noticed any vegetarian or vegan places? I know they might be scarce due to it being famous for seafood but I'm curious if we would have a hard time scouting out food. Have you been to the Tropic of Cancer? Enjoy all your videos, thanks for all the good information.☮️

[@jamestreanor182]

Wonderful

[@kymligon1830]

We arrive on 2/11 and can’t wait to get back to El Toro Guerro in San Jose. If you haven’t been there please try it

[@laura-bronner]

Yea it's a great spot! They have a few locations around Baja California Sur - I first discovered it in La Paz!

[@jimjohnson278]

Can you ride a bike to the beach from the central square area?

[@angelasims7377]

Thanks for this! Just one question...does San Jose have rock formations on the beach like Cabo San Lucas? Thanks for answering...

[@DeeDeevanGogh]

"Thanks for answering" as everyone ignores the stupid question lol

[@rebecahernandez6669]

We are coming to San Jose Del Cabo for the first time. Can you recommend a city tour?

[@ryanmccarthy9088]

6:00 Where's that ceviche from?

[@joshuabrande2417]

I remember the area was still a bit sleepy during the mid-1990s when the growth of golf courses, timeshares, hotels, apartments, and all that was getting started.

[@Kurio71]

San Lucas gets the big cruise ships and this really changes the vibe of the town

[@hambonebrown726]

When would be a good time to come down when it's not so hot but just 75 to 80 in less touristy. We were going to St Lucas but I believe you have convinced us to go to San Jose.

[@laura-bronner]

Right about now would be good - fewer tourists bc Easter has past and spring break is over and the weather is great!

[@erMako231]

San Jose is my kind of town. Hay mucho que ver por todo Baja. I love pulpo too.

[@gislanefigueiredo8003]

I like your videos Where are you living right now? I’m thinking to staying in Mexico for a while I really like Puerto Vallarta im going in August and I would love to meet you

[@anavidal6220]

Hi! If I´m working in Cabo and live in San Jose witt no car, is there an easy transportation or better be looking for something in Cabo? After watching your video I feel i want to live in San Jose! Will be arriving there soon

[@debraemilligan]

This is the area (San Jose) where I'm wanting to go check out. Thanks for this video! Just found your channel and IG yesterday. I'm wanting to relocate somewhere soon....do they have rooms for rent there while I look around? I'm thinking of driving down from WA state even. I bought a road trip van too.....the thing is: I'm alone. I'm 65......????!!!! I feel like I'm 45 though :)

[@susandalcamo2687]

Debra check out the FB Group Loco La Paz Ex-Pats. You can post your plans and get feedback at several levels there also on considerations for driving down US vehicle and safety precautions. No problem at the US-MX border but once you go from Baja Norte to Sur, the agreements and visa needs for you (and your vehicle) change. Check all Covid-19 restrictions etc. Your host can answer your lodging questions. Consider picking up travel insurance! Check your medical plan for coverage within your first 90 days of travel out of services are in WA. Good Luck!

[@rae3632]

You don’t need an import visa to bring your car into Baja state. You will need to get a tourist visa at the border. We live in San Jose 6-7 months of the year and have gotten our residency cards for ease of travel. There will be several military stops and a produce check stop as you travel south. A word of caution. Keep your gas tank full, don’t drive after dark, and make reservations for hotel stays along the way. If possible, find someone else who is driving south and convoy with them. It is possible to buy an American car down here so there is that option as well.

[@debraemilligan]

@@susandalcamo2687 thank you Susan!

[@debraemilligan]

@@rae3632 thanks Rae!