San José del Cabo divides neatly into the town and the water. The colonial centro histórico — centred on the main plaza and the Parroquia San José church — is a calm place to spend a morning: the Thursday evening art walk through the galleries on Calle Álvaro Obregón is the best introduction to the local scene. The estuary bird sanctuary is a short walk or bike ride from the plaza.
Out on the water, the options are extensive: surfing at Costa Azul, snorkelling at Playa Palmilla, sport fishing from La Playita, kayaking the estuary, and diving at Cabo Pulmo. The 30-kilometre corridor between San José and Cabo San Lucas has most of the major water sports operators, and day trips to Los Islotes sea lion colony and Cabo Pulmo's coral reef are easily arranged.