San Jose del Cabo is Cabo San Lucas‘ slightly quieter, more relaxed sister city. While San Jose del Cabo doesn’t evoke visions of rollicking spring break parties, this coastal ciudad boasts tons of activities for all types of travelers. From cooking classes and taco tours to unique boat charters, here are the top 5 things to do in San Jose del Cabo.

Farm-to-Table Cooking Class

Do your culinary skills need work? This interactive cooking class in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo can take your kitchen prowess to new heights. You’ll learn to whip up delights like tamales, ricotta gnocchi, or Tatemada (regional salsa) while sipping on craft cocktails in a sun-dappled courtyard. The class also includes a tour of the 25-acre working farm and a tasty lunch — made with the dishes you prepared, of course!

Know Before You Go:

• Have dietary restrictions? Let the tour operator know at least 48 hours in advance.
• You’ll be walking and standing for the majority of this experience, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Traveling in a large group? You can book a private class with a minimum of 10 guests.

Surfing Lesson

If you’ve ever thought about surfing but didn’t know where to begin, the mellow breaks around San Jose del Cabo are the perfect place to get started. This SJDC surf lesson is headed by professional instructors who are experts at coaching beginners. Unlike other surf lessons, you’ll also learn about surfing etiquette, how to assess conditions, and safety in and out of the water. You’ll be ripping in no time!

Know Before You Go:

• Lessons start with 15 minutes of instruction on the beach, so you can get your pop-up technique down before you hit the water.
• Your lesson also includes water, snacks, and a beach umbrella.
• Surf lessons run between 1.5 to two hours. Trust us — that’s plenty of time for a beginning surfer.

San Jose del Cabo City Tour

Take your exploration of San Jose del Cabo further with an immersive tour. You’ll wander through Cabo’s colorful, papel picado-lined streets, explore the town’s many art galleries, and learn about the historic Mission San Jose del Cabo church—which dates back to 1730. The experience culminates with a fantastic meal at a local restaurant.

Know Before You Go:

• This tour runs daily, so you can easily fit it into your vacation schedule.
• Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to snap photos left and right.

Private Luxury Dhow Boat Tour

Skip the crowded tour boats and opt for a one-of-a-kind adventure aboard a dhow — a handcrafted wooden vessel with ancient Middle Eastern origins. This unique boat tour offers luxe private charters for up to six guests. You’ll explore Los Cabo’s pristine coastline while snorkeling, whale watching, and soaking in the sights.

Know Before You Go:

• Private charters usually run for three hours, but you can book additional hours for a fee.
• You’ll be provided with all the goods: Chips and salsa, non-alcoholic beverages, and snorkeling equipment.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a towel, and a bathing suit.

Food Tasting Tour

If there’s one thing Mexico is known for, it’s food. Take a deep dive into the nuanced flavors and culinary traditions of San Jose del Cabo on this guided food tour. You’ll learn the lore behind some of the best taco carts and restaurants, dig into the local specialties, and enjoy bites from small family-owned eateries. You can choose between a morning or an evening tour, which guides you through local produce markets and eateries in the arts district — respectively.

Know Before You Go:

• This is a small group tour. Share your love of food with new friends, or opt for a private, customized tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing plenty of walking on SJDC’s cobbled streets. If you select a morning tour, sun protection is a must, too!
• Attention foodies: Bring your camera. You’ll want to document all the amazing dishes you try.