Hola! Bon jour! Orana! Yes, that one is real, pronounced yo-rah-nah in French Polynesia (think Tahiti and Bora Bora).
Welcome to my blog, the part time expat. Why only part time? I’ll explain as I go.
I’m a midwestern gal from the small town of Cloverdale, Indiana, about one hour west of Indianapolis. I love where I came from, so much that I built a home and raised my own children on the very farm where I grew up. But I have learned through my 57 years on this planet (Did I call myself a”gal”? OK, old lady) that loving where you are and possessing wanderlust can and do co-exist.
My husband and I spend half of our time in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico and half in our hometown in the US. Some of our closest friends are in SJD. These friends tell us “welcome home” when we arrive in Cabo. I have to admit, it is an amazing thing to hear. But likewise, it is amazing to come “home” to the states and spend time with my family on our farm in Indiana. We can enjoy beautiful, crisp midwestern fall weather, snow (STILL not my favorite!) and celebrate the holidays with our three children, two grandchildren, all the significant others, and our parents, all of whom, blessedly, are alive and well and live nearby.
We have received some criticism for not being “all in” on the living abroad thing. But to dispel this, we have become permanent residents of Mexico (not renouncing our US citizenship), we volunteer with several local charities and organizations in the Cabo area, and we own a home and vehicle in Mexico, meaning, just like in the US, we pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. But the best part is getting to know the Mexican people, learning the language (not easy at our age!) and enjoying the amazing culture of the Baja.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight travel experiences that I have been blessed to enjoy, in Mexico and in other parts of the world. I also hope to include travel experiences from others. But mostly, I want to demonstrate that when it comes to travel vs.non-travel, you really can have it all!
Greetings from the part-time expat! It’s been a bit since I posted, but part of that is because I have been back in the States for some minor surgery. Since I’m not south of the border en este momento (at this moment), I thought I would use this blog to write about one of my favorite vacation spots in the US. When I first started this blog, it was my intention to write about a variety of travels, and even host others’ experiences. While I have been overwhelmed by all of the great things to write about in Mexico, I still have that vision…so here goes!
Being in San Jose del Cabo brings me peace and joy. I love the laid-back lifestyle and feel so blessed to spend half of my time there. But rewind a few years, or I guess I should say decades, and I was searching for a different kind of peace. The peace that comes from a family vacation!
I know, sometimes we have all felt like the Griswalds packing up the station wagon to go to Wally World. And I would be lying if I didn’t confess to some stressful moments along the way. But there is nothing like the excitement that comes from packing up the family and hitting the open road. At that time, my husband and I had two (later three) kids and two stressful jobs. We would wrap up school for all of us (he and I were educators) and couldn’t wait to pack up the minivan with sand toys, boogie boards (remember those?), coolers of drinks and goodies, and we were off!
We have pre-recorded Nickelodeon cartoons and played them on a tv with a built-in VCR plugged in to a power adapter. We have packed enough Game Boy batteries to power a small nuclear plant. By the time we upgraded to the van with a built in DVD player with individual headphones, we thought we were in heaven.
If getting there was fun, the destination was amazing! Hilton Head Island is connected to the mainland of South Carolina by a traffic bridge. It combines all the fun of a tourist/family vacation with old southern charm. Some of my best memories with my kids were made there, spending long lazy days on the beach, mini golfing, playing tennis, bike riding, and sometimes just watching movies in our three-bedroom condo.
Kids have a way of growing up and starting their own lives. The last two summers that we spent Fourth of July week on Hilton Head Island, it was my husband and I, our youngest daughter, and her bestie. The boys were off doing other things. We haven’t returned in years, partly because we have somewhere else we enjoy now, but also because I want to keep those family memories close, and I’m not sure if it is a vacation meant for two, at least for us. But it will always hold a special place in my heart, and we have rented our Fourth of July timeshare week to other families looking to make memories. This year we haven’t filled our week yet, and I would love to see that happen. If interested, click the link below for more info. Even if you don’t stay at our place, check out Hilton Head and all it has to offer.
I was scrolling through Facebook memories this week and was reminded that it has been one year since our Baja Road trip. This year we decided to stay a little closer to home in San Jose del Cabo and took a few small road trips.
Todos Santos
The first was a day trip to Todo Santos. I have been there many times and have written about a few of our favorite stops. We did our usual and walked around the historic town square, shopped, and visited friends. Some favorite sites continue to be Parroguia de Nuestra Señora (Our Lady of the Pillar Parish), a church established in 1733 that is still open to the public today, as well as Teatro General Manuel Márquez de León, a theater build in 1944 that is still operational and hosts the annual Todos Santos Film Festival, in addition to other community events.
Next, we visited two of our favorite places, Las Tinajas Vineyard and The Green Room Restaurant for lunch. The tasting room at Las Tinajas offers generous wine tastings and flights and at The Green Room, you will usually get a whale show while you dine on the beach! This time of year is obviously the best time to visit, as the whales will be leaving Cabo soon.
Los Barriles
We decided to do an overnight stay in Los Barriles, just to take a little break from the construction noise next door to our home in SJD. The Hotel Palmas de Cortez is a comfortable, clean hotel that has served Los Barriles for decades. It has a retro vibe while still providing reasonably priced, updated rooms, multiple pools and hot tubs, fire pits, and two onsite restaurants. We especially enjoyed our oceanfront patio.
Los Barriles is famous for kite surfing, and is home to Exotikite Kiteboarding School. We were able to sit and enjoy lunch and a cocktail at La Playa Restaurant, right next to the school, and enjoy the efforts of all types of kite surfers! We also saw a “show” from our hotel later that afternoon.
My curiosity was piqued about kite surfing, but my courage was not! Therefore, while I did not brave the waves to try it out for myself, I did do a little digging on the subject.
Kite surfing, or kiteboarding, varies by different types of rides and equipment. We viewed riders using surfboards, twin tips (some of which are electric) and hydrofoils. The kites may be inflatable tube style, which gives an appearance similar to parasailing, or bow style, which the surfer holds in their hands to control the direction by “catching the wind’.
A new hobby on the horizon? Maybe. For now, I am content to sit back and enjoy the show!
If your impression of Mexico comes mostly from national headlines, it’s understandable to feel uneasy. Stories about cartel activity and violence often paint the entire country with a single, frightening brush.
But Mexico is vast, diverse, and geographically complex — and San José del Cabo and the wider Los Cabos region sit in a very different reality than the places usually mentioned in those headlines.
This post breaks down where Cabo actually is, why it’s isolated from mainland trouble spots, and why millions of Americans, Canadians, and other international travelers safely visit and live here every year.
Amazing views on whale watching tourView from Viva 7 – San Jose Del Cabo The Arc – Cabo San Lucas
Where Cabo Really Is (And Why It Matters)
San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas sit at the southern tip of the Baja California Sur, on the Baja Peninsula.
Think of Baja as a long, narrow finger of land extending south from California, surrounded by:
The Pacific Ocean on one side
The Sea of Cortez on the other
There is no direct land border between Cabo and the mainland states where most cartel-related violence occurs. To reach those areas, you must cross the Sea of Cortez by boat or plane.
In practical terms:
Cabo is geographically isolated in a way that naturally limits spillover from mainland criminal activity.
Headlines vs. Reality
When news outlets say “violence in Mexico,” they are usually referring to specific inland cities or border regions hundreds — sometimes over a thousand — miles away from Los Cabos.
To put it in North American terms:
Hearing about violence in parts of Mexico and assuming Cabo is unsafe is similar to hearing about crime in Chicago and assuming Vancouver or San Diego is unsafe.
Same continent. Same country. Totally different places.
Los Cabos’ economy depends heavily on tourism and international residents, which creates strong local incentives to maintain security and stability.
Why Cabo Has Remained Safe
Several key factors help explain Cabo’s reputation for safety:
1. Tourism Is the Lifeblood
Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and airlines all rely on visitors feeling comfortable. Local authorities prioritize keeping tourist areas well-policed and orderly.
2. Geographic Isolation
Being at the end of a peninsula, far from major trafficking corridors, reduces strategic value for large criminal organizations.
3. Strong International Presence
Millions of Americans and Canadians visit every year, and tens of thousands live here part- or full-time. That international footprint encourages higher standards of safety and infrastructure.
4. Concentrated, Walkable Areas
San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas have defined downtowns, resort corridors, and residential communities that are easy to patrol and monitor.
What Daily Life Looks Like for Expats
For many Americans and Canadians living in Los Cabos, daily life feels remarkably normal:
Morning walks on the beach
Coffee in town plazas
Grocery runs, yoga classes, pickleball, and golf
Dinner downtown or at the marina
Families raise children here. Retirees settle in long-term. Remote workers log in from beachfront condos. Most describe the area as relaxed, friendly, and community-oriented.
Safety concerns tend to revolve around the same common-sense issues you’d consider anywhere: petty theft prevention, locking doors, and not leaving valuables unattended.
Travel Advisories: How to Read Them
Government advisories often cover entire states with a single label, even though conditions vary widely within those states.
Baja California Sur — where Los Cabos is located — has historically ranked among the calmer regions in Mexico for tourists. Advisories typically recommend:
Stick to well-traveled areas
Use reputable transportation
Avoid illegal activities
These are the same precautions travelers follow in major cities worldwide.
The Bottom Line
Cabo is not near Mexico’s primary cartel conflict zones.
Cabo is not experiencing the chaos shown in sensational headlines.
Cabo is a geographically isolated, tourism-driven region with a long track record of welcoming international visitors safely.
Millions of Americans and Canadians return year after year because their real-world experience doesn’t match the scary narrative.
If you’ve been curious about Cabo but hesitant because of what you’ve seen on the news, consider this your invitation to look at a map, talk to people who live here, and judge the destination by its own reality — not by headlines written hundreds of miles away.
Greetings from the part-time expat in Cabo! We escaped the Indiana winter for a few weeks of sun and sand in San Jose del Cabo. So far, the weather has been perfect every day, but I’m really not writing to brag to my midwestern or east coast (or anywhere else that might be freezing right now) friends. This post is to once again talk about food and fun!
When we visit SJD, we have a goal of trying to see all our local and fellow expat friends, if possible. We also try to visit one new restaurant each trip, but sometimes visit more than one. This trip, we found a super fun restaurant in downtown San Jose del Cabo. Eddie’s Tequila Tacos and Beer, located right behind the fire station on Calle Licenciado Benito Juárez Adriana, is a great place for food and fun.
We were greeted by Eddie himself, who welcomed us with an Eddie’s logo sticker for our vehicle. He took the time to find the Indiana/Purdue game on the big screen, and we enjoyed it while eating a delicious burger and fries, because you know, once a Hoosier (or Boilermaker), always a Hoosier! They have a full bar and a huge menu, with basics like burgers and hot dogs, but also traditional Mexican fare.
While we delighted in the low-key vibe of a Friday night at Eddie’s, there are other opportunities for fun and festivities. Saturday afternoon is the time for Gringo Bingo, where Americans and Canadians gather for bingo and good times. I believe there are even some tequila shots being poured straight from the bottle into mouths of bingo players, if you choose to participate. The Sunday morning of the USA vs. Canada Olympic hockey game, Eddie opened at 6:00 am for a viewing party and served breakfast.
Lots of occasions for a good time at Eddie’s, for travelers and for expats alike. Stop by and visit them and check out their merch; I’m sporting two new t-shirts this week!
Greetings from the Part-time Expat! The focus of today’s blog is helping others. A few blogs ago I wrote about Feeding Los Cabos Kids, an outstanding organization in Cabo that places kitchens in areas of high need to serve meals to local residents. I have had the privilege of volunteering for this organization in their kitchens prepping meals. My favorite task is serving the sandia (watermelon), as it is always a big hit!
The organization I want to feature today is Heart4Cabo, a faith-based establishment founded in 2014 in reaction to the devastation caused by hurricane Odile. Heart4Cabo continues to raise donations to help Cabo residents with food, water, clothing, medical attention, and education. They have also provided assistance to locals with home construction, business start-ups, and counseling services.
On our last visit to Cabo, we were able to combine fun and philanthropy once again! I have written before about my husband’s love of fishing, and he is not alone in our condo complex. By this point in the season, he and many of our friends have participated in tournaments and spent numerous days out on the water, which results in more fish than any of us can possibly eat. So we reached out to fishing friends in our complex and among all of us compiled a large donation of fish to share with Heart4Cabo to use in their outreach kitchens.
We also asked leaders to identify additional needs for their organization. Currently, there appears to be a need for dishes, Tupperware style to go containers, and clothing. If you live locally and would like to help with this, please contact Hear4Cabo and they will arrange pick up. If you are not local and would like to donate or sponsor a family, please follow the links to the website to see how to best help.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
Winter in Cabo…time for whale watching! I have posted before that Cabo Adventures, present in both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, offers an excellent whale watching experience aboard a catamaran. This includes a view of the famous Cabo San Lucas arch, a light dinner, champagne toast as you set sail, and a beautiful sunset, in addition to whales.
But there is also a simple beauty in just grabbing your binoculars, sunscreen, a beach chair, and just, well, watching for whales!
The whales came early to Cabo this season, showing up in early November. It is said that this is due to colder than usual currents in the Pacific Ocean. This could be due to climate change, as there were a few whale sightings in October 2025. By January 2026, they are fully active and putting on shows daily. These shows require focus and patience on the part of the viewers. These majestic animals will breach (come up out of the water slightly) and jump full force out of the water, giving visitors a full shot of their grandeur.
The best way to watch for whales is to look for sprays along the horizon. Sometimes that is all you will see of the whale, but often after spraying they will breach or jump. Again, it takes patience and focus to see the whales being lively. So which is better, a chartered tour or a solo watch? I would answer both! If you are in Cabo for a short time, and want a guarantee to see whales, check out a charter such as Cabo Adventures. If you have a day to rest and relax on the beach, grab your binoculars and enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with a day on the beach trying to spot whales.
When the calendar turns and the world collectively counts down to midnight, there are few places as enchanting as San José del Cabo. This charming town at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula blends tradition, elegance, and seaside celebration, making New Year’s Eve here feel both festive and soulful.
A Festive Town with Old-World Charm
Unlike its lively neighbor Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo offers a more relaxed and refined atmosphere—perfect for welcoming the New Year with intention. As December 31st arrives, the cobblestone streets of the historic Art District glow under twinkling lights, and the town’s colonial architecture provides a romantic backdrop for the night’s celebrations.
Locals and visitors gather in the main square, Plaza Mijares, where music, laughter, and community spirit fill the air. Street performers, live bands, and impromptu dancing create a warm, inclusive energy that invites everyone to join in.
Dining Under the Stars
New Year’s Eve in San José del Cabo is also a culinary celebration. Farm-to-table restaurants and oceanfront bistros curate special tasting menus featuring fresh seafood, Baja wines, and traditional Mexican flavors. Many venues offer candlelit dinners paired with live music, allowing guests to savor the moment as the year comes to a close.
As midnight approaches, glasses of champagne—or local sparkling wine—are raised in unison, and the sound of celebration echoes across terraces and beaches.
Midnight Traditions and Fireworks
Mexican New Year traditions add meaning to the festivities. It’s common to see people wearing red for love, yellow for prosperity, or carrying suitcases around the block to invite travel in the year ahead. At midnight, locals eat twelve grapes—one for each chime of the clock—making a wish for every month of the coming year.
Fireworks light up the sky over the Sea of Cortez, reflecting off the water and illuminating the palm-lined shoreline. Whether you’re on the beach or watching from a rooftop bar, the moment feels intimate and unforgettable.
A Peaceful New Year’s Day
The celebration doesn’t end at midnight. New Year’s Day in San José del Cabo is calm and restorative. Many visitors start the morning with a beach walk, a sunrise yoga session, or a leisurely brunch overlooking the ocean. It’s a gentle reminder that this destination isn’t just about celebration—it’s about balance.
Why San José del Cabo for New Year’s?
San José del Cabo offers a unique way to welcome the New Year: festive without being overwhelming, luxurious without losing authenticity, and deeply connected to culture and nature. Whether you’re celebrating with family, a partner, or on a solo journey, the town provides space to reflect, connect, and step into the new year with clarity and joy.
If you’re looking for a New Year’s celebration that feels meaningful, beautiful, and refreshingly unhurried, San José del Cabo just might be the perfect place to begin again.
If you’re thinking about a trip to San José del Cabo, spring is one of the most rewarding—and surprisingly underrated—seasons to visit. With warm weather, lower crowds, and exceptional outdoor activities, spring brings together everything travelers love about Los Cabos without the peak-season rush.
Spring weather in San José del Cabo is comfortably warm—ideal for beaches, pools, and dining outdoors. Unlike summer, when humidity and heat peak, spring days stay pleasantly sunny with refreshing ocean breezes.
Why spring weather is ideal:
warm but not too hot
low humidity
breezy evenings
great beach and pool conditions
This “just right” climate makes outdoor adventures incredibly enjoyable—from morning golf to sunset walks on the beach.
🌴 Smaller Crowds & A More Relaxed Vibe
Spring falls between winter high season and summer travel, making it a fantastic time for visitors who prefer a relaxed pace.
You’ll enjoy:
quieter beaches
easier restaurant reservations
more availability for tours
less competition for activities
If you want a Cabo trip that feels laid-back and personal, spring is perfect.
🎣 Fishing in Spring (Prime Season!)
Spring is one of the most active fishing windows in Baja California Sur. Depending on timing, you may see dorado, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, and snapper—making spring unforgettable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Los Cabos offers world-class golfing, and spring delivers the best playing conditions:
cool mornings
ocean breezes
bright, sunny afternoons
From championship courses to oceanfront greens, this region is a golfer’s dream. Book early morning tee times for ideal light and temperature.
🚙 Outdoor Adventures: ATV, Hiking & More
Thanks to comfortable weather, spring is the best season for outdoor exploring around San José del Cabo.
Top outdoor activities:
ATV desert tours
guided nature walks
hiking coastal viewpoints
estuary & wildlife tours
sunset beach walks
Want to discover more outdoor adventures? We’ve collected ideas in our Activities section.
🎨 San José Art Walk (November–June)
One of the most charming cultural experiences in the region, the San José del Cabo Art Walk transforms the historic district every Thursday evening through spring.
Stroll the galleries, listen to live music, and discover local artists. It’s a perfect night out before dinner in the historic center.
🌅 Baja Sunsets & Slow Evenings
Spring sunsets here are gorgeous—soft skies, warm evenings, and ocean breeze. It’s the perfect atmosphere for beachfront dining or cocktails by the pool.
For more inspiration, enjoy this local perspective:
🌊 Final Thoughts: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit San José del Cabo
If you love sunshine, ocean views, and relaxed days outdoors, spring in San José del Cabo might be the perfect match. With smaller crowds and perfect weather, this season lets you experience Los Cabos at its most peaceful.
This is a common greeting used in restaurants in Mexico. Think “Bon Appetit”! Wait staff often will say this when they deliver your meal, and it is also customary for diners entering or exiting the restaurant to say it to you as they pass by your table.
So it seems a fitting title for today’s blog about one of my favorite things…food! The food on the Baja is outstanding, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a good old taco stand. I would like to feature one of my favorites in today’s blog, Burritos La Palma.
Nestled at the foothills of a curvy mountain road between San Jose del Cabo and Las Barillas, Burritos La Palma is an experience in local Mexican fare. Chilaquiles (maybe best description is breakfast nachos), tamales, burritos, empanadas, all homemade and authentic. There is a woodfire for brewing coffee, simmering pazole and menuedo (Mexican soups) in huge pots, and cooking fresh tortillas.
While the food is the star at Burritos La Palma, the service and atmosphere are a close second! We look forward to visiting on Sunday mornings to enjoy an excellent breakfast that lasts us all day, usually taking leftovers home. But we also enjoy the company. Despite often being the only gringos in the place, we are welcomed and enjoy conversation with the waitstaff and other diners. This has become a fun place to practice “Spanglish”, as some of them are practicing English and I am always looking for an opportunity to practice Español. And of course, it is always a bonus when the staff knows your order, by now asking “Same?” every Sunday. We often enjoy a second cup of coffee, (orange Fanta for Todd) just visiting and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you find yourself in the area, please do check out this local gem. You will be glad you did, and let me wish you “provecho” (enjoy your meal) in advance!
Love the staff here!Beautiful cactus behind the restaurant.Best tortillas made fresh!
El Dia de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, was celebrated in San Jose del Cabo this weekend. Beginning with tours of the cemetery on November 1 through the parade of the Katrinas on the evening of November 2, this holiday is rooted in strong tradition and respect for those who have passed from this world. So much work is done in the cemetery as the families utilize this day to clean, decorate, and often play music at the alters of their loved ones who have passed. The second day has a more festive air, with parades and celebrations in the city center.
There are colorful altars throughout the town, displaying the ofrendas adorned with photos and memories of loved ones. It is a true celebration of life and has its roots in the traditions of Aztec and Spanish Catholic cultures. Adding to the splendor of this celebration are calaveras (decorative skulls) and marigold flowers, which are believed to guide the spirits with their fragrance and bright color.
While El Dia de Muertos is not widely celebrated in the United States, as we become a more global society, the blending of traditions of various cultures is inevitable. We now recognize holidays that we did not in the past and demonstrate respect to those who have always celebrated them. As a former school administrator, I personally have observed public school art teachers who were teaching about El Dia de Muertos, and the beauty that lies within this colorful holiday. Students were excited to learn more!
So while Coco remains one of my favorite Disney movies, there is still nothing like experiencing El Dia de Muertos in person in Mexico!
