San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is the calmer, more historic Old Town that balances out the unleashed hedonism of its sister resort a little down the coast. Now largely eclipsed – at least on the Spring Break and package holidaying front – by tequila-doused Cabo San Lucas, the place retains a buzzing atmosphere and a more artsy vibe, not to mention great infrastructure thanks to its hosting of the regional airport. The streets are palm-peppered and lined with whitewashed pueblo homes, while the elegant Misión de San José del Cabo Anuiti is a picture of classic colonial architecture. There's more thoughtful shopping here than just fashion boutiques and novelty beachwear shops too, coming in the form of the quirky craft emporiums of the Plaza Artesanos. And San Jose del Cabo tour guides don't just flaunt golden beaches with Pacific spray (although they do exist) but also scuba diving excursions to the azure bays of the Cabo Pulmo National Park, or jaunts to the striking geological archways of Land's End just to the south. At night, refined fine-dining and experimental microbrews take over, giving San Jose a dash of its own nocturnal charm.