Just need to get away? Travelers based in the western United States can reach Los Cabos by air in a matter of hours. If you choose a home base in sophisticated San José del Cabo, you’ll have white-sand beaches, water sports, restaurants, shops, and galleries all within easy reach of your hotel.

Day 1

Arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD); transfer to a hotel in downtown San José or a resort along the Corridor. Consider the Yuca Inn for a budget room, El Encanto Suites for modest accommodations, or Casa Natalia for an upscale experience. If it’s Thursday, browse open galleries on the weekly evening Art Walk in downtown San José. Order a homemade tamale from Tamales Doña Nina on the plaza. Savor the tastes of alta cocina mexicana at one of San José’s stylish restaurants, such as La Panga Antigua, Tequila Restaurant, or Don Emiliano.

Day 2

Grab a pastry for breakfast at the French Riviera or drive to The Container at the Puerto Los Cabos Marina for brunch. Later, snorkel the rock reefs at Playa Chileno or Playa Santa María, looking for green moray eels, spotted eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish; or catch some waves at Playa Costa Azul. Book a sunset horseback-riding tour along Playa California, the beach that fronts the hotel zone in San José del Cabo. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at an oceanview restaurant along the Corridor, such as Puerta Vieja or Sunset da Mona Lisa. Finish the night with music at Morgan’s Restaurant and Cellar or a pint of Baja Blond at the Baja Brew Pub near the plaza in San José.

Day 3

Head out for a day of fishing from La Playita or surfing at Playa Costa Azul. Alternatively, you could travel to Cabo San Lucas to go diving. Or browse the many interior design shops in San José, dreaming of ways to decorate your own vacation home. Better yet, sign up for a massage at one of the luxurious spas at the Westin Los Cabos, Marquis Los Cabos, or Esperanza Resort.

 Head to El Chilar for contemporary Mexican food centered around the chile or Pier 19 Seafood Bar for raw oysters. Afterward, head to the Tropicana Bar and Grill on Boulevard Mijares for regional Mexican music or Shooters rooftop bar for a livelier scene.

Excursion: To see a more remote side of Baja, drive to Pueblo La Playa (15 min.) and head north along the Camino Costero Rural (Rural Coastal Road). Stop for lunch or dinner at Buzzard’s Bar and Grill in Laguna Hills.

Day 4

Last chance to work on a tan by the pool. Stroll Boulevard Mijares one last time to pick up gifts and souvenirs at Sol Dorado or Antigua Los Cabos. Pack your bags and leave in time for lunch at Mariscos Mazatlán II on your way to the airport.