We're slow travelers who would like advice on comfortable, mellow, and safe places to spend a few days relaxing in the warm sun. We're not into resorts that create a "bubble" for guests, but we're also not still in the stage of our (younger) lives where we're OK with "edgy" environments. We love warm encounters with locals and basic comforts.

Any suggestions?

La Paz?
Todos Santos?
...even Cabo but don't stay in a resort bubble?

Are you be flying in? That would be the Los Cabos airport. Where you can go on to San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas. La Paz has an airport. I'm sure there are others.

If you are driving, say from California or Texas would be different ideas.

In Cabo San Lucas:
https://thebungalowshotel.com

https://www.losmilagros.com.mx

Neither are on the beach. Los Milagros is very simple. Both are handy to town

Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is right on the beach and a smaller resort. Part of the Pueblo Bonito group. We love it there. Handy to restaurants. We never do the optional all inclusive.

On the corridor is a smaller hotel, Cabo Surf. https://www.cabosurfhotel.com Haven’t stayed but right on the water.

In San Jose downtown is the boutique hotel Casa Natalia. El Encanto is good if you get a room by the pool, not their annex down the street.

Todos Santos has options, but have never stayed there.