Beaches in Cabo San Lucas
There are many beaches in Los Cabos, There are beaches on the corridor, there are beaches in Cabo and of course San Jose del Cabo beaches. The most popular beach is Medano Beach, with many dining options, one of the few swimmable beaches, and of course many options to party at while getting a full on tan.
There are local favorites and touristy beaches. There are beaches that will be packed and beaches that you might only see 10 people at all day. Check out some beaches below and let us know if we missed any of your favorites?
Chileno Bay
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 13
Located along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, México.
It’s a Blue Flag–certified beach for cleanliness, safety, and water quality by the IMNC (a Mexican regulatory agency) and also offers superb swimming and snorkeling. Located next to Chileno Bay Resort it is a top beach in Los Cabos
Medano Beach
Medano Beach is the center of tourist activity in Cabo San Lucas. The area is home to a succession of luxe high-rise resorts. It’s the main safe swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas and the most popular.
Lover’s Beach
Playa del Amor is located on the half-mile Land’s End headland, and it is only accessible by water. Water taxis are the cheapest transportation option.
Santa Maria Beach
At Km. 13, Just east of the Hotel Twin Dolphin, this horseshoe-shaped gem tucked between two bluffs is a protected marine sanctuary. Perfect for families with very good swimming, snorkeling and dive sites offshore. Now a Blue Flag Beach.
Playa Las Viudas (Widow’s Beach)
Playa Las Viudas was formerly called Twin Dolphin Beach and is located just southwest of the now demolished old Hotel Twin Dolphin. This picturesque beach is a quiet spot to relax and have a picnic. There are no services. Access: Km. 11.5, along the Corridor. The entrance is marked
El Tule Beach
Playa El Tule, a secluded sandy stretch of beach, is a good surf spot at times. There are scattered boulders in the surf and driftwood can be found up on the beach. Access is at Km. 16.2 at the Los Tules bridge (Puente Los Tules). A four wheel drive vehicle is needed to get across the sometimes soft sand of the arroyo.
Playa Monumentos
Playa Monumentos, or Monuments Beach, is a mecca for Baja bound surfers, thanks to a challenging left-hand point break and scenic views of El Arco and the other granitic rock formations that stretch to Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas. This spot is definitely not for beginners, though, with hazards that include sea urchins and rocks near the beach.
Playa Monumentos is the only surf beach in Los Cabos with views of El Arco and the granite monuments at Land’s End.
Playa Monumentos is at Km 5 on the Carretera Transpeninsular, just off the highway that connects the cape cities. If driving from Cabo San Lucas, turn right at the sign for Misiones del Cabo.
Solmar Beach
Set on the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas, only Divorce Beach is closer to Land’s End than Playa Solmar. Solmar is definitely worth visiting for the sunset views, which are absolutely spectacular, and also for beachfront whale watching during the winter months. Under no conditions, however, should visitors even consider going in the water. The rip currents are fierce here, and occasional rogue waves are not unknown. Enjoy the sunsets, but stay away from the water.
Los Cerritos Beach
Playa Los Cerritos is located about forty-five minutes north of Los Cabos, just before the artists’ colony of Todos Santos. Head north from Cabo San Lucas on Highway 19, then look for a turnoff road to the left around the kilometer 65 mark. This is a beautiful beach, one famed for its surfing conditions.
Beaches in San Jose del Cabo
Palmilla Beach
Playa Palmilla is one of the best swimming beaches in the area, with a protected cove and generally tranquil Sea of Cortés waters. The swimming conditions are so good, in fact, that Playa Palmilla hosts the swim leg of the annual Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 half-triathlon. Snorkeling, fishing and kayaking are also good here, and the beach is likewise a congenial spot for sunning or scenic walks. For access, take the Palmilla exit at Km. 27. Palmilla is Blue Flag certified beach, with all the expected services. This Beach is located next to the famous One and Only Palmilla.
Costa Azul Beach
One of the signature beaches in the San José del Cabo area, Playa Costa Azul offers sun, sand and surf, plus plenty of great food and drink at Zipper’s Bar and Grill. Costa Azul is located near Km 29 on the Carretera Transpeninsular, and has all the standard beach services. The best surf breaks are found at Zippers and The Rock, with the beginner-friendly Middle Break frequently used for lessons.
Zippers surf break is the site of the annual WSL sponsored Los Cabos Open of Surf, and gets crowded during the summer months. Despite the fact this is a good place for snorkeling and swimming, it’s a good idea to be alert and careful. Otherwise you might be run down by a rogue longboarder. The cantina is a popular place for lunch, dinner, drinks or a little shade after some seaside sunning. There are a few vendors at Costa Azul, but they are not overly aggressive.
El Estero (Estuary Beach)
Located at the end of Hotel Row and fronting the San Jose del Cabo Estuary, this beach offers great bird watching. The freshwater lagoon has over 350 species of wildlife and lush vegetation. Fed by underground aquifers, the river and lagoon are one of the few oases in the otherwise nearly desolate lower Baja peninsula. Swimming is not an option due to the strong undertow and waves. Kayaking in the lagoon is an option, depending on the water level.
La Playita
La Playita is a great location for swimming, fishing from the shore, watching the fishermen with their catch, and family gatherings with children. It is a long stretch of sandy beach with a roped-off area just outside the entrance to the Puerto Los Cabos marina. There are well-maintained restrooms, covered palapas and fishing charters available. No food services are available on the beach, but there are several casual eateries in close proximity to the area. Follow the signs to La Playita/Puerto Los Cabos from Boulevard Mijares in downtown San Jose del Cabo.
Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach)
This beach offers great scenery, but is not recommended for swimming. Surf fishing is popular as are beach walks, especially at night, beach horseback riding, and beach volleyball. This stretch of beach is in front of the hotels lining the oceanfront of San Jose del Cabo starting at the Costa Azul Beach and continuing to the Estuary.
