San Jose del Cabo to the East Cape Real Estate

Exploring San José del Cabo to Playa Tortuga: Communities, Lifestyle, and Real Estate Opportunities

The East Cape of Los Cabos has always carried a sense of adventure and discovery. Today, we’re taking a drive from downtown San José del Cabo out to Playa Tortuga, stopping along the way to highlight the communities, developments, and opportunities that make this corridor so unique. From luxury golf estates to off-grid enclaves, this stretch of coastline offers a little something for everyone.

Starting in Downtown San José del Cabo - Our journey begins in historic San José del Cabo, just past the Estero—a protected natural estuary that forms the eastern edge of town. Downtown San José is known for its weekly Art Walk, charming colonial architecture, and an authentic Mexican feel that sets it apart from the energy of Cabo San Lucas. The area is also home to some of the region’s best restaurants and boutique shops, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Flora Farms and Sendero: The Las Ánimas Corridor - Heading out along the paved road toward the East Cape, the first major landmark is Flora Farms—world-famous for its farm-to-table dining, artisanal shops, and lifestyle community. Just nearby is Sendero, a boutique condo development designed by award-winning Mexican architect Francisco Pardo. The surrounding area, known as Las Ánimas, is emerging as a growth corridor, with single-family homes and small-scale projects beginning to take shape.

Puerto Los Cabos: Luxury Living by the Marina - Next on the route is Puerto Los Cabos, one of San José’s most prestigious master-planned communities. Anchored by a world-class marina and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Zadún, this development offers a private beach club, high-end amenities, and 27 holes of championship golf designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. An additional nine holes are planned as part of the community’s expansion.

Real estate here commands a premium, with the average transaction topping $4 million USD over the past year, including both homes and condos.

El Encanto de la Laguna & Laguna Hills - Just past Puerto Los Cabos sits El Encanto de la Laguna, an established beachfront community with a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe. Condos start around $1 million USD, while beachfront homes range from $7–8 million USD. Owners also enjoy access to a beach club and restaurant.

Adjacent to El Encanto is Laguna Hills, a hillside community known for dirt roads, spectacular ocean views, and custom-built homes. Buyers here often purchase lots to build personal residences or spec homes. While CFE electricity is partially available, municipal water connections remain limited—something to verify before purchasing land.

Zacatitos: Baja’s Off-Grid Frontier - Further east lies Zacatitos, a community that embodies the Baja frontier spirit. Originally settled by adventurous pioneers seeking off-grid living, it has grown into an eclectic expat hub. Residents rely on solar power and water collection systems, and the neighborhood is known for its quirky beach bars and strong sense of community.

As development moves closer, Zacatitos is expected to evolve into a more mainstream expat enclave—though many residents embrace its rugged, off-grid identity.

The New Vidanta Resort - One of the most transformative developments in the area is the Vidanta Resort, a massive project expected to deliver 800–1,000 rooms, along with a new golf course. Still in soft opening, Vidanta has already extended major utilities into the region, signaling the start of more infrastructure and growth. While some locals are cautious about the changes, the resort is undeniably reshaping the eastern edge of San José.

Playa Tortuga: Where the Pavement Ends - Our final stop is Playa Tortuga, where the paved road ends and the true East Cape begins. From here, dirt roads lead to surf breaks and remote beaches like La Fortuna, Nine Palms, and Shipwrecks. Playa Tortuga itself is becoming a hotspot for custom builds thanks to its guaranteed ocean views and proximity to town. We’re currently managing a project here for a client, highlighting the kind of bespoke opportunities buyers are beginning to pursue.

Final Thoughts - The drive from San José del Cabo to Playa Tortuga captures the diverse spectrum of real estate in Los Cabos. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury and security of Puerto Los Cabos, the beachfront charm of El Encanto, the adventurous spirit of Zacatitos, or the raw potential of Playa Tortuga, this corridor has something for every type of buyer.

With infrastructure improving and demand growing, now is the time to explore the opportunities this unique stretch of coastline has to offer.

Fletcher Wheaton – fletcher@remexico.com