Cabo San Lucas is nightlife, cruise ships, and resorts. San Jose del Cabo is smaller, older, with an art district, farm restaurants, and a quieter pace. For villa stays, most guests prefer the Corridor (between the two) or the San Jose side. (TST)

Depends on the beach. Many Cabo beaches have strong currents and aren't safe for swimming. Medano Beach and protected bays like Chileno and Santa Maria are calm and swimmable. Villas with pools and proximity to protected bays give you the best of both. (TST)

November through May is peak — dry, warm, clear water, excellent whale watching December through April. Summer (June–September) is hotter and includes hurricane potential but offers significantly lower rates. October is shoulder and often excellent. (TST)

For the right traveler, absolutely. The East Cape (north of San Jose) has wild beaches and a slower pace. Todos Santos is an artsy surf town 90 minutes north. Further afield: La Paz, Loreto, and the gray-whale lagoons in Baja Sur. Those require proper trip planning. (TST)

Sport fishing (world-class), golf (multiple signature courses), whale watching in winter, snorkeling at Chileno and Santa Maria, and desert-meets-sea atmosphere you don't find elsewhere in Mexico. Less obvious but worth it: sunset sailing and private beach dinners. (TST)