The best way to see the sights of Los Cabos is on foot. Downtown San José and Cabo San Lucas are compact, with the plaza, church, shops, and restaurants within a few blocks of one another. Bus service runs between the towns, with stops along the Corridor, the name given to the wild cliffs area between San José and Cabo San Lucas. If you plan to dine at the Corridor hotels or travel frequently between the two towns, it's a good idea to rent a car for a few days. As for the beaches, remember that red flags warn of unsafe swimming conditions, yellow flags indicate that you should use caution, and green flags show safe swimming areas. There are no lifeguards on area beaches.

San José del Cabo is the municipal headquarters for Los Cabos. The hotel zone, including several new all-inclusive properties, faces a long stretch of waterfront on the Mar de Cortés. The downtown area with its adobe houses and jacaranda trees is the loveliest part of Los Cabos. Entrepreneurs have converted old homes into stylish restaurants and shops, and the government has enlarged and beautified the main plaza. A 9-hole golf course and private residential community are south of the town center. Unfortunately, bumper-to-bumper traffic often clogs the streets during weekday business hours. Despite the development, San José remains the more peaceful of the two towns. If you are in search of an exciting nightlife and a rowdy beach scene, you may be better off staying in Cabo San Lucas.