These days, the best place to stock up on food and other supplies is the Mega supermarket (tel. 624/142-4524), at the intersection of Paseo Los Cabos and Mexico 1. Choose from a full array of Mexican and American brands, decent produce, and a wide selection of cheeses and meats. There is a well-stocked pharmacy, and those traveling with youngsters will find all manner of supplies, from pacifiers to bouncy seats. In the adjoining plaza are a Telcel store, surf shop, public restrooms, and numerous fast-food options. Beware the timeshare reps who pose as grocery store clerks and offer to help you find your way around the store.

For a more authentic shopping experience, the small Mercado Municipal (no tel., dawn to dusk daily) between Calles Castro and Coronado in the west part of town, has separate stands for meat, fish, produce, and crafts. There is a tortillería that makes corn tortillas next door on Calle Castro (no tel., opens daily at 5 A.M.) and another that makes flour tortillas across the street.

A half kilometer north of town on the east side of Mexico 1, Soriana (tel. 624/142-6132) is a Walmart-style store with everything from beach towels to deli meats. If you are heading directly to the East Cape, this is a good place to stock up on supplies for the week.

On Calle Gonzalez, near the Corona supermarket and down the street from the bus terminal, Panadería 1 de Mayo (no tel.) has freshly baked breads and pastries with the usual tray-and-tong service.

If you’re in town on a Saturday, head to the Organic Market (Huerta Maria, Camino a las Animas, 9 A.M.–3 P.M. Sat.), which draws some 50 vendors, many from as far away as La Paz and Todos Santos. They gather at a site located off the road to La Playita. In addition to fresh produce, you can buy cheese, ice cream, bread, books, and leather goods. There is usually music and rotating themes such as alternative medicine and ecofriendly living. Look for a sign and dirt trail on Avenida Centenario, behind the Yuca Inn. It’s about a five-minute walk from the plaza.