Upmarket resort hotels, white sand beaches, superb shopping, golf and watersports await at this popular tourist zone.

The Zona Hotelera is a busy holiday destination overlooking the perfect turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. It is a gateway to the golf and water-based activities that make San José del Cabo among Mexico’s most-loved coastal resorts. Visit Zona Hotelera and book accommodation here to be near sweeping beaches, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and a protected reserve.

Playa Hotelera is a 1-mile (1.6-kilometre) long beach that runs in front of the area’s hotels. This is an ideal spot to work on your tan, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the seashore and ride on horseback. Due to strong undertows, swimming isn’t advisable but you can explore the water via rented Jet Ski. Look for an enclosure where sea turtles come to nest.

To the south of the main beach is Costa Azul Beach, which is the hub for the Los Cabos surf scene. Surf lessons and equipment rental are available here.

At the northern end is Playa del Estero, a beach that marks the ocean boundary of San Jose’s Estuary and Bird Sanctuary. Hundreds of species of wildlife, such as hawks, herons and turtles, inhabit the sanctuary.

Play the long fairways and pristine greens at the picturesque Club Campestre San José. The 18 holes were created under the guidance of the design team of legendary American golfer Jack Nicklaus.

For a change of scenery, sit beneath the shade of a palm tree at Parque las Palmas. Here, children will have fun playing on the swings and slides of the large playground. Dine on international cuisine and shop at boutiques and brandname stores at the Mall Plaza del Pescador. In February the mall is the host venue for the free San Jose Jazz Weekend.

The Zona Hotelera is a 10-minute drive from Downtown San José del Cabo and 35 minutes by car from Cabo San Lucas. Many of the hotels have free guest parking. Some hotels allow non-guests to use the swimming pools and other facilities with the purchase of a day pass.