las olas guest guide

San José del Cabo: A Las Olas Guest Guide (Walkable Eats, Surf, Art Walk, Whales + Family Itineraries)

From sunrise surf checks to golden-hour strolls through San José’s galleries, Las Olas is your oceanfront base with everything close by. Most essentials—including the airport—are a short hop away (SJD is about 20 minutes by car).

Quick Map of What’s Nearby

  • Surf right out front: Old Man’s · Middles · Zippers

  • Walkable food (0–15 min): see the list below for easy beach-casual spots.

  • Short drive (10–15 min): San José Art District, The Shoppes at Palmilla, and countless dinner options.

  • Grocery runs (5–30 min): multiple big markets—details below.

Tip: With kids, a rental car makes quick hops much easier. Here’s why we like it → Why Rent a Car in Baja

Walkable Restaurants from Las Olas (0–15 minutes)

  • Zippers (beachfront): classic surf-side spot for post-session bites and sunset drinks.

  • Pescadito Break: laid-back tacos & mariscos—great after dawn patrol.

  • Retro: casual hang with comfort faves; good for groups.

  • 7 Seas (at low tide): scenic beachfront dining; check tides for the easiest beach approach.

For a deeper, always-growing list, see Where to Eat: Dinner Guide

and Brunch & Breakfast Picks

Downtown SJD Picks for Art Walk (Thursdays in season)

Make it an early dinner + gallery stroll combo. A few guest-favorite options to consider:

  • La Lupita Taco & Mezcal (tacos + lively mezcal list)

  • Jazmín’s (colorful courtyard, regional dishes)

  • Don Sánchez or La Revolución (elevated Mexican, great for a date night)

Then wander the galleries and music-filled plazas before a short ride back to Las Olas.

Groceries (easy first stop after the airport)

You’ve got plenty of choices—stock the condo and relax:

  • La Comer (big selection, bakery, produce)

  • Chedraui (solid all-around supermarket)

  • Walmart (broad selection + basics)

  • California Market (closer convenience/essentials)

  • Costco (bulk buys, wine/spirits, rotisserie—great for families & groups)

Pro tip: do a single big shop on arrival, then top up at California Market mid-week.

Surf Lessons & Rentals (All Levels)

Las Olas fronts three breaks, so you can match boards to conditions without leaving home base.

  • Surf in Cabo (next door): convenient for lessons and quick rentals.

  • Costa Azul Surf Shop (across the street): longtime local shop for gear, lessons, and beach intel.

  • Read first: Surfing in San José del Cabo at Las Olas

Whale Watching (Dec–Apr, Peak Jan–Mar)

You can often spot spouts from your balcony, but boat days are magic—especially with a naturalist guide.

  • LDM Picks: Abigail Sportfishing (boutique, flexible) · Cabo Adventures (stable boats, family-friendly).

    Exclusive: Ask us to loop in Karen for a Let’s Do Mexico 15% discount at Cabo Adventures.

  • Get the full playbook: Whale Watching from Las Olas

The Shoppes at Palmilla (Short Drive)

Air-conditioned boutiques, resort-casual apparel, beachy gifts, and a nice coffee stop. Good on a windy afternoon or as a cooldown after the beach.

Flora Farms or Acre (Dinner Worth the Drive)

Both deliver farm-to-table menus in gorgeous settings (20–30 min by car). Reserve ahead, go early with kids, and let them roam the gardens before dessert.

Bookable Adventures (Zip, Snorkel, Sail…)

If the family wants something structured one day, Cabo Adventures has reliable, well-run options (zipline, snorkel, sailing). Ask us to connect you with Karen for the LDM 15% perk.

Family Itinerary (3 Days + East Cape Add-On)Day 1 — Oceanfront Reset

  • Sunrise: Balcony coffee + surf check. Quick paddle if it’s lining up.

  • Late Morning: Swimmable Beaches

    pick for calm water (great for kids).

  • Lunch: Walkable tacos/ceviche at Pescadito Break or Zippers.

  • Nap/Quiet Time: Back to condo (shade + sea breeze).

  • Golden Hour: Tide-pool explore or surf watch from the balcony.

  • Dinner: Downtown dinner picks

    (perfect on Art Walk nights).

CTA: Ready to lock your dates? 👉 Book Direct & Save

Day 2 — Whales + Art Walk

  • Morning (best seas): Whale-watching tour (we’ll connect you to Abigail Sportfishing or Cabo Adventures with 15% LDM via Karen).

  • Afternoon: Pool + hot tubs at Las Olas; nap window for littles.

  • Evening (Thu in season): San José Art Walk + dinner at La Lupita or Don Sánchez; dessert on the plaza.

CTA: Make it a “Whales + Waves” week → 1BR

• 2BR

• 3BR

Day 3 — Surf Day (Lessons for the Kids)

  • Dawn: Lesson with Surf in Cabo (next door) or Costa Azul Surf Shop (across the street).

  • Late Breakfast: Brunch & Coffee

    in San José.

  • Midday: The Shoppes at Palmilla (AC + browsing) or a calm beach repeat.

  • Sunset: Balcony whale watch; flip through photos.

  • Dinner: Keep it casual walkable (Retro, 7 Seas at low tide) or plan Flora Farms/Acre.

CTA: Keep the momentum—add a night → Extend Your Stay

Bonus Day Trip — East Cape (Empty Beaches + Surfable Waves)

The East Cape is all about empty beaches, surfable waves, and exploring Baja’s off-the-beaten-path.

  • Early Start: Coffee + packed cooler; top off fuel.

  • Drive: Dusty tracks to tide pools + snorkel coves (2WD often fine; 4×4 opens more).

  • Lunch: Zai Sushi (roadside sushi fave along the route) or a simple mariscos shack (cash friendly).

  • Back by Sunset: Balcony spout-spotting and feet-up.

  • Stewardship: Pack it in/out, never drive on dunes, leave beaches cleaner than you found them.

See more tips: East Cape Day Trips

Packing & Parent Tips

  • Sun gear: Wide-brim hats, mineral reef-safe sunscreen, long-sleeve rash guards.

  • Footwear: Reefs can be pebbly; consider booties for sensitive feet.

  • Flexible schedule: Surf dawn/mid-morning, plan naps 1–3 pm, explore late afternoon.

Handy Links (Everything Ladders to Your Stay)