- Shopping in Mexico is a delight: the colors, shapes and textures that define Mexico are translated into keepsakes that will always remind you of this vibrant country.

Things To Do In Cabo

Shopping in Los Cabos

So you’ve spent your days lounging by the pool, surfing, exploring miles of beaches, maybe even enjoying a round of golf, a round of drinks and a drive around the peninsula. But you’re looking for something else, a little trinket to remember your trip. Something that will last longer than a suntan, something that captures the magic of this beautiful place. While you won’t find many of the standard American or European chain stores here, you will find an enchanting range of treasures for sale that could only come from Los Cabos.

The largest shopping hub in Los Cabos is Puerto Paraiso, a large mall in San Lucas (right next to the marina). Here you’ll find clothing, shoes, handicrafts, handmade soaps, jewelry and art from Los Cabos and mainland Mexico. You’ll also find athletic gear, surf boards, swim suits galore and tech supplies for your computer or cell phone. If you forgot something from home, or need a few new outfits for your nights out on the town, this is the place to stop. Puerto Paraiso also boasts a number of bars, restaurants and a movie theater, offering entertainment after sundown. Clean and air conditioned, Puerto Paraiso can also be a welcome relief from the sunshine, especially in the summer months.

San Jose and San Lucas have a number of other shopping options beyond the mall. Both cities have a mercado municipal, a very Mexican sort of open-air market. Here you’ll find food and produce for sale, as well as a large variety of Mexican handicrafts (called artesanias) from Los Cabos and mainland Mexico. The rustic ambiance can scare off some visitors, but others delight in this more authentic slice of Mexico. It’s worth taking a look, as this is a great place to find curios and souvenirs to delight friends and family back home. Don’t be afraid to bargain! It’s a great chance to brush up on some of your Spanish (though most vendors will speak at least a little English) and get a better deal, and this is standard practice in Mexico.

San Jose and San Lucas are also great places to find Mexico’s famous silver jewelry. Some pieces are handmade in Baja California, while others come from mainland Mexico and are inlaid with semi-precious stones. Turquoise, coral, Mexican fire opals and more dazzle in shop windows, so go ahead and take a peek inside! Gold jewelry can also be found, but usually in smaller quantities than silver. Prices range from inexpensive to steep, but you’re likely to find better prices here than anywhere in the United States, Canada or Europe, especially considering the supreme workmanship in the jewelry. It’s a luxurious indulgence, but you’re worth it, right?

Along the main streets in both San Jose and San Lucas, you’ll notice a number of shops and vendors selling souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as clothing and hats. Take a leisurely stroll through these locales if you’re interested in getting some inexpensive, kitschy mementos to bring back home. These are great places to find t-shirts, purses, Mexican-style dresses and Baja hoodies (thick, woven sweaters typical of the region).

In San Jose, the art industry is alive and well. The San Jose art district is just behind the plaza, and you’ll find a number of galleries and boutiques selling distinctive art, mostly from Baja California. Photographs, paintings and sculptures are all for sale, with some of the most stunning and innovative pieces you’ll find anywhere. You’ll also find examples of Mexico’s finest folk art. Intricately beaded huichol art from central and southern Mexico, and Oaxaca’s famous alebrijes (fantastically painted wooden animals) can all be found here. You’ll start to see the distinctive face of Frida Kahlo (the famously uni-browed Mexican artist) everywhere, emblazoned on bags, t-shirts and delicate little handicrafts. Explore the boutiques and shops that line the streets of San Jose, and you’re sure to find something that steals your heart.

On weekends, it’s worthwhile to stop in at the organic market (either in San Jose or San Lucas, but there’s also a small one at the Shoppes at Palmilla). Amid the tasty snacks and fresh produce, you’ll find a wealth of handmade products that will delight your senses. Handmade and vintage clothing re-imagined for the Baja sunshine, delicately scented soaps made from natural ingredients, even infused oils and spices for cooking. You never know exactly what you’ll find at the organic market, but you’re sure to discover something good for your body and good for the Earth.

For the basic necessities, Los Cabos is home to few large super stores and grocery stores. You’ll find many American and European products alongside Mexican goods, and any basic necessities you might need during your stay.

Shopping in Mexico is a delight: the colors, shapes and textures that define Mexico are translated into keepsakes that will always remind you of this vibrant country. In Los Cabos, you’re sure to find whatever you might need, and probably a few treasures you never didn’t expect find. Prices are reasonable, and the “wow” factor is undeniable. Beyond the standard sombreros and kitschy key chains, there’s a little indulgence that’s waiting just for you.