5 hour layover in SJD (los Cabos). Anything to do?
 

AM changed my SAN-SJD-MEX flight (DL award ticket) without my permission (from the 1 hour layover to the 5 hour layover)....I called and they said sorry, but earlier flight sold out. Whatever, I get it.

SO, now I might have 5 hours in SJD if I can't standby for the earlier flight. So, what can I do in 3.5 hours in SJD....any nearby beaches? Lunch spots? Something close?

thanks

I think it's a bit of a drive to go all the way into town, but I think there are a few spots (resorts, restaurants) just off the road from the airport that are still on the water. Maybe others know better than me.

We just returned from SJD. The nearest swimmable beach is over 30 miles away. The nearest resort is the Intercontinental Presidente all inclusive (25 miles away). It's doubtful you could simply (or would want to) buy lunch there.

I'd say it's about a 45 -60 minute drive into Cabo by taxi. Trip advisor has a couple of shuttle services that are bit cheaper than the taxi. Head into town and hit up the usual spots, Cabo Wabo, The Office (on the beach and a good spot for lunch).

If you are stuck at the airport the plus side is they have done some remodeling to the terminal and there is now a full fledged bar/restaurant. No more sitting at the 3 or 4 bar stools at the Pizza Hut. The shops have been cleaned up and expanded a bit but you will still be through them in 15-20 minutes.

It is upstairs, I think it is called the Wing. I was there a few weeks ago and the stairs to the Wing are the constuction, rolling type but the staff are they to help you carry your bags upstairs.

60-90 is more accurate. Taxi fares from the airport are obscene.

The previous posters are wrong......here are 2 resorts that are less than 15 miles from the airport and located on the coastline.
Pull it up on google maps and see for yourself. I will share that cabs are costly, so be prepared for that. Maybe they offer day passes?

Cabo Azul Resort
Cabo Azul Resort is nestled on more than 12 oceanfront acres on an azure bay in the heart of Los Cabos corridor and only 12 miles from the San Jose del Cabo Airport. Our resort and spa stands out from the numerous hotel choices in the San Jose del Cabo area with world-class amenities and a multitude of entertainment choices.

The Grand Mayan Los Cabos / A Wyndham Resort
Along the Sea of Cortez at the Southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in a glorious destination called San Jose del Cabo you'll find a luxurious retreat - The Grand Mayan Los Cabos. You're invited to relax, recharge and enjoy an invigorating resort vacation in the lush surroundings impressively designed to showcase and integrate flawlessly with the area's natural beauty.
SJD - Los Cabos Distance : 15 miles

You could certainly go sightseeing/shopping for a couple of hours in downtown San Jose del Cabo. The main plaza has numerous interesting shops. You could also go to a beach just outside of San Jose - I would recommend Palmilla Beach as the nearest safe, swimmable beach - It's roughly a half hour drive to/from the airport. Fortunately, it's one of the very finest beaches in the area. I would not attempt to go into Cabo San Lucas - it's an additional 45 minutes or so each way. In any case, San Jose is the more interesting, FAR more authentic town.

The two resorts mentioned above are in the San Jose area as well, but the beaches that they are on, while scenic, are NOT safe swimming beaches - Most of the corridor has a constant undertow and a big, dangerous shore break. Palmilla beach is a few miles further away, but it's in a protected cove, unlike the beaches mentioned above.

Disclaimer - I own a condo in San Jose del Cabo, so I am partial to this town vs. Cabo San Lucas, but I am also very familiar with the shopping and beaches in the area.

I was able to book the 1 hour layover light so no need for long layover. thanks for advice.

FYI. No beach in mexico is "private". All people have access to al beaches despite what homeowners and resorts make you believe. It is ok to walk onto a resort just to use their PUBLIC beach.

You are fortunate indeed with the revised itinerary. SJD is positively the worst airport I have ever utilized (this just 4 months ago). Maybe it will be better when renovations are completed, but I doubt it.

Boraxo,
I don't know if you noticed in my other post but the upstairs bar called Wings is now open at SJD. The food and margaritas are very good and no more fighting for the 3 bar stools at pizza hut!