When in Cabo, go beyond the bar scene for a touch of history, art and local color
Cabo San Lucas may be party central, but there’s more to the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula than tequila shooters and all night parties. Some 20 miles to the north of Land’s End, the town of San Jose Del Cabo offers a historic side, and a dose of arts and culture. Head for Plaza Mijares, which lies in the heart of old town, where cobblestone streets run though a neighborhood that dates back to the 1700s.
As in many Mexican towns, the plaza is a hub of local social activity, which can include live music, private celebrations and public fiestas. Just across Hidalgo Street, the Iglesia San José is worth a visit. The original mission built on this site dated from the 1500s, but was destroyed in a powerful hurricane in the early 20th Century. The current church was reconstructed in the 1930s, and remains the focal point for a number of religious and cultural ceremonies.
From Hidalgo, stroll down Obregon street, where a number of historic buildings have been transformed into cafes and galleries. From November to June, locals and visitors converge on this area each Thursday evening for the Art Walk. This event has become a major social gathering, with dozens of artists and artisans exhibiting their wares in a festival-like atmosphere that spills into the streets.
