San José el Alto sits on a hill north of the city and houses a museum dedicated to underwater archaeology and the history of naval navigation in the Gulf of Mexico. Less visited than San Miguel to the south, it is in some ways the more interesting fort — half-hidden in the landscape, with a quieter atmosphere and an unusual collection that spans shipwreck salvage, navigational instruments, and the history of the Manila Galleon trade.
The fort itself is well-preserved, with original cannon still in position on the battlements. The panoramic views north along the coast are excellent. The combination of the dramatic setting, the unusual museum content, and the relative lack of crowds makes this a worthwhile detour from the more conventional tourist circuit.