Looking for The Best Beaches in Cabo? Cabo San Lucas, commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Cabo San Lucas together with San José del Cabo is known as Los Cabos. As far as beach travel destinations go, Cabo is one of my favorites! Finding which beaches in Cabo (Los Cabos) is the best is not an easy thing to do. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here, or visit us on Pinterest.
There are many great beaches here, some are more picturesque than others, some have safe swimming and awesome snorkeling, and others with good surf breaks make them best for beachcombing. Figure out which beaches you want to hang out ahead of time. If you plan on visiting several of them, you’ll need a rental car to get to them. If you plan to stay close to the heart of Cabo, you can easily walk to some of them. You can take a Cabo beach hopping tour, but that’s not ideal for seeing all of them or spending a day at a particular beach.
One thing to remember is Cabo is where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez and there are areas with a very powerful undertow and treacherous waves. Those beaches are only good for sunbathing or beachcombing, but not swimming. For instance, in front of the Solmar and the Playa Grande, they have warning signs that say “Stay Out, Stay Alive” and never swim alone. I have seen many times how powerful those waves are and know firsthand how powerful they are. Here is the list of the best beaches in Cabo:
Solmar Beach
Solmar BeachSet on the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas, only Divorce Beach is closer to Land’s End than Playa Solmar. Solmar was named for the resort group which owns most of the surrounding real estate, from Grand Solmar and Solmar Resort to Playa Grande. Like all beaches in México, it is public by law, with public access. 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. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)Lover’s and Divorce Beaches are as close as you can get to Land’s End, the peninsula’s southernmost point, without a boat. However, visitors will need to hire a water taxi or other water-based transportation to access them. Lover’s Beach is on the Sea of Cortés side, and offers safe swimming and very good snorkeling conditions. It also features spectacular views of the bay, and is the area’s most famous site for romantic picnics and wedding related photo shoots. Neighboring Divorce Beach is accessible through a break in the rocks, and is distinguished by crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Warning: do not swim on the Pacific side due to strong rip currents and occasional rogue waves. There are no vendors or services on either beach, so pack accordingly. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa El Médano
Playa El MédanoPlaya El Médano is ground zero for the Spring Break madness in March, and remains busy throughout the year. In many ways, it’s the center of social life in Cabo San Lucas. The beach is huge, about two miles long, and filled with restaurants, bars, souvenirs vendors, and water-based activities rentals. Visitors can rent jet skis, kayaks or stand up paddle boards; go flyboarding or parasailing; have a water taxi take them out to Land’s End or Lover’s Beach, or drop them off back at the marina. Or simply relax and soak up the sunshine and muy tranquilo vibes. The water is extremely calm here, and although there aren’t any lifeguards in Cabo San Lucas, areas have been roped off for swimming. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa Chileno
Playa ChilenoPlaya Chileno is one of the most beautiful in the area, and has been consistently certified as a Blue Flag beach for its water quality, safety and services. As one might imagine, Chileno Beach is quite popular, particularly on weekends. Shade is provided by palapas or rental umbrellas, and some water-based activities rentals are also available here. The snorkeling is very good, and many charter companies from Cabo San Lucas anchor offshore for tours. There is also plenty of parking, plus all basic services, including bathrooms and handicap access. New resort and residential developments have altered some of the views, but this is still a preferred spot for locals. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa Monumentos
Playa MonumentosPlaya Monumentos 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, with hazards that include sea urchins and rocks near the beach. The incredible sunset views have led to many developments here, most recently The Cape: A Thompson Hotel, a hip new luxury resort featuring retro decor and surfer chic. Guests have access to rentals at the onsite surf shop, and there are some surf-themed suites set aside for visiting wave riders. Despite the crowded setting, however, the beach is open to the public, and there is parking available. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa Palmilla
Playa PalmillaBeautiful Tourist Corridor based 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. Public parking is available, for example, and palapas are on hand for those seeking a bit of shade. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa Santa Maria
Playa Santa MariaAlthough not quite as popular as Tourist Corridor neighbor Playa Chileno, this exquisitely lovely horseshoe-shaped beach is definitely worth a visit. Protected Bahia Santa Maria includes a marine sanctuary, and there is a colorful array of sea life visible here. If you’re not snorkeling with a tour, you’ll need to bring your own equipment, as there are few rentals or services at Santa María…unless of course you’re staying at Montage Los Cabos, a recently opened 39-acre luxury resort with beachfront access. This Blue Flag certified beach still has all the public services and access, however, including a parking lot and restrooms. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
Playa Los Cerritos
Playa Los CerritosPlaya Los Cerritos is located about forty-five minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, just south of El Pescadero and the pueblo mágico of Todos Santos. Head north from Cabo San Lucas on Highway 19, then look for a turn off road to the left around the kilometer 67 mark. This is a gorgeous beach, one famed for its surfing conditions. During the winter months when the Sea of Cortés surf scene goes dormant, locals and visiting surfers head to Pacific Coast beaches like Los Cerritos, San Pedrito and La Pastora. But the surf is great here on a year-round basis, with both rentals and lessons available. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
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Playa Costa Azul
Playa Costa AzulOne 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 long boarder. 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. Visit our Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide Here.
The Best Los Cabos Hotels
What a great post! It was perfectly fitting while I sip down a margarita at my local Mexican restaurant 🙂 I have grown up on the Pacific Ocean, and lived from Washington to California, and I love this Ocean! But what I love more is their beaches and this is a great post if your are visiting Cabo!
Which beach is considered the most popular and which is a bit more secluded for travelers?
Thanks for the great post! I’ll be visiting your site again!
Medano Beach is by far the most visited and most popular. The Grande Solmar or Playa Grande are going to be very quiet. I am not sure about so secluded, but you won’t find many on this beach. Only problem is that the beach is not swimmable. Pueblo Bonito Resort also has a great secluded beach, as well as the Pamilla Beach.
Wow so detailed and great pictures! If I ever go to Cabo I will have to revisit this. It would be nice to have a top 3 most relaxing or a top 3 most secluded list in the future as well. I know thats probably hard to come by. Thanks so much and this page is very helpful. Also great to know which beaches do or don’t have bathrooms, thats a big deal especially if you have kids!
It is a VERY big deal to know which ones do or don’t…especially if you have eaten something that might not agree with you, which is always possible here. Glad you enjoyed reading!
I loved your review; I think the information about the beaches is very helpful if anybody plans to visit Los Cabos. The photographs are of good quality, and that helps to give an idea of what the beaches are like. I would like to stay at one of the hotels on Medano Beach as I have heard that the Sea of Cortez is beautiful. But How expensive are the hotels in that area?
There are four hotels right on Medano Beack; Cabo Villas Beach Resort, Bahia Hotel & Beach Club, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort, and Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort. And, yes they are all a little more expensive than others. I would recommend the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa or the Marina Sol. Both are close to Medono Beach and a little less expensive. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Where can one stay reasonably as close as possible to Widow’s Beach and Shipwreck Beach please?
These two beaches are right in Cabo, so any hotel I have listed is going to be close and within walking distance. For a couple of bargain hotels that have good reviews try the Hotel Mar de Cortez, Medano Hotel & Suites, and the Estancia Real Los Cabos. These are all going to be very reasonable. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Your website is prefect and very complete. I like beachs and sun.
Its very nice to relax near a beach with shiny sun on you.
I like to go Lover’s beach first and thanks for your post.
when is the best time to go to Lovers beach?
You know Amir, you can go to Cabo and visit Lover’s Beach any time. You will see more rainy days during July thru September and possible Hurricanes. The best time to visit is May thru June. Thanks for reading!
great article. Sounds like you’ve been to them a few times in the past. Based on your reviews, I think I’lll be giving it a shot in the near future. I’ve had some friends that have been to Hotel Beach and Blue Coast beach but I think I have my eye on a couple of others.
Thanks!
Yes, I have been there a few times 🙂 I love it in Cabo. Cabo beaches are great! Thanks for reading!
would love to get to Cabo someday! Santa Maria looks amazing! Really liked your review of the Florida beaches, as well. Made me feel like I was back in Destin. Your descriptions are spot on!
Thank you so much Kevin, I’ve been to Cabo more times than I can count….time to branch out I think 🙂
wow these beaches are just spectacular, if i had to pick one to go to i would pick the whales head beach because i love snorkeling.
great post
Wow, Leahrae! What a detailed review! I’m going to need to go through it a few more times as we’re planning our next trip. We’ve been frequenting the East Coast of Mexico for the most times and only have an experience with Puerto Vallarta for the West coast so far. Thank you for such a great selection of places to go to.I’m going to study your article again. Thank you for providing such a detailed information. Kirill.
Wow, Leahrae! What a vast review! It is going to take me a few more times to go over it as we’re planning our vacation trip and looking for new places to go. We were frequenting the East Coast of Mexico for most of the times and have the only experience with Puerto Vallarta for the West Coast so far so we’re feeling like going to the west shore. Thank you for such a great selection. Will study your article again. Kirill.
Your welcome Kirill! I believe Cabo is the best place! Not as “commercialized” and over built as, lets say, Cancun. I’ve had friends who have been to all the major beach destinations of Mexico, and hands down they pick Cabo as their favorite 🙂
Wow, so many nice beaches. I personally did not know and had not heard of any of these, so maybe mention where Cabo is? I like how thorough and yet how entertaining it is. Good reviews; they seem like firsthand accounts.
Thanks Max! Cabo is the southern most point on Baja California. Absolutely my fav place with St. Pete Beach a close second 🙂 Been here many, many times to all the beaches!
Damn, that’s so beautiful. Tell me real quick, where is Cabo excatly?
Thanks for the post Julius. Cabo is at the southern most tip of Baja California 🙂
Wow such great information, Thanks for this detailed post.
Cabo definitely looks like a great vacation spot, I will bookmark your site and come back to it often. Hopefully one day I can use your knowledge to make my vacation great.
Thanks
Thanks Chris!
Hey there it’s Alexey.
Fascinating video, really nice article and awesome beaches !
I love to go to the beach, I live near a one, and it’s nice. The sunset beach is probably my favourite from all the others. Thanks for the share 🙂
Thanks for the comments Alexey 🙂
Well, all of these beaches sound great. I have been searching for a new vacation place to try and going to the beach somewhere new has been an intriguing prospect. You have given a me a lot to think about here. I would love to go snorkeling, but I think my wife would be happy to just sunbathe all day, which of these would you recommend for that pairing?
I would go to Medano Beach which your wife will love. Then you can take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach which has great snorkeling. Win win for both 🙂
I really had no idea there were so many beautiful beaches to visit in Cabo! Wow! Thanks for the great information and the beautiful video!
Sincerely,
Tom
You’re very welcome Tom!
Thank you for the very detailed post! I would love to get out of this dreary northeast weather for a week and lay on any of these beautiful warm beaches. Do you have a favorite?
For just sunbathing with no vender interruptions, it’s Solmar Beach and for water activities, fun and food….Medano Beach for sure. Both are awesome, but then Cabo is a great place to visit.
Oh. Ehm. At first I was surprised that there were more “Cabo”s because I had only heard of Cabo san Lucas (I admit I was never there) and then I read Los Cabos here. And now I knew they are the same thing. And a very pretty ‘thing’ too! I had no idea that Mexico had so many gorgeous beaches!
I saw the video and I am in immediate need of a vacation to one of those places. I’m not a big swimmer but it looks as if there are lots of places that work for long walks along the beach. I love beach walks, walking through the water.
Thank you for this wonderful impression. You just reaffirmed my plan to return to Mexico some day. And it will probably be Cabo san Lucas. 🙂
You will love Cabo. Great beaches, food and loads of fun!