Must-Visit Beaches in Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding areas have fantastic, world-famous beaches featuring crystal clear waters with many beautiful hues of blue that vary and change by the day. Here are some of the most popular and best beaches that we recommend for your Baja trip.
Our Top Los Cabos Beach Recommendations Map
1. Médano Beach
This is the most popular and crowded beach in Cabo San Lucas, located on the bay in the heart of Cabo, and spanning a whole long row of beach-front resorts. It's known for its crystal clear waters, calm waves, and swimmability. The portion of Médano at Villa La Estancia is a Blue Flag certified beach, meaning it is internationally recognized for adhering to strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards.
Médano is also known for its plentiful vendor crowd, selling all kinds of trinkets, souvenirs, and convenience items. Because Médano is technically considered the only beach that is safe to swim in in Cabo San Lucas (there are others in the broader region of Los Cabos), Médano Beach is the Cabo San Lucas beach for activities - guided tours, boating, swimming, and water sport rentals like jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and paddle boarding. When the sun goes down the beach turns into a nightlife hub thanks to the plentiful access of restaurants and bars along its coast. Enjoy long stretches of sand filled with sunbathers, umbrellas, rock formations, and amazing views of Land’s End and Cabo’s famous arch. Interested in staying directly on Médano? Check out our luxury villa, Vida Mar at Villa La Estancia resort.
Playa El Médano, or Médano Beach
2. Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach)
Not far from Médano, Lover’s Beach is located on the southern tip of the Cabo San Lucas peninsula and is only accessible by boat. Nestled between two rock formations, Lover’s Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot with stunning views of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific Ocean. The easiest way to get to this more private spot is to take a water taxi from Médano Beach across the bay, or if you prefer, you can take a relaxing paddle board or kayak ride to the location. There are also glass-bottom boat rentals that allow you to enjoy the gorgeous aquatic life below the surface, and the area is popular snorkeling spot to see the rich varieties and quantities of fish. If you get out and walk the beach, be sure to bring some shoes as the sand can get very hot from baking in the heat of the Cabo sun!
Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach)
3. Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach)
This beach is located on the other side of the southern tip of the Cabo San Lucas peninsula (on the pacific side) and is also only accessible by boat. The name "Divorce Beach" refers to the rough surf and strong currents of the Pacific side, so it's not suitable for swimming. However, it is a great place for exploring the nearby rock formations. If you want to take a swim, walk slightly northeast to Lover’s Beach, and enjoy much calmer and safer waters.
Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach)
4. Playa Chileno
This beach is located a short drive from Cabo San Lucas and is known for its calm waters and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. It's a popular spot for families, water sports enthusiasts, and boat tours. It truly is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and has been consistently certified as a Blue Flag beach for its water quality, amenities, and level of safety. Chileno is popular and can get busy, (particularly on weekends), but it’s still a favorite spot for locals, and has the beauty and fun without the crowds of beach vendors.
5. Playa Santa Maria
This beach is located on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, approximately a 30 minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. It's a quiet and secluded spot with a long stretch of white sand and glassy clear waters. It's a great place for a peaceful beach day and a picnic without the big crowds. Although not quite as popular as neighboring Playa Chileno, this exquisite U-shaped beach is definitely worth a visit. The colorful array of sea life at Santa Maria makes it another great place to snorkel.
6. Playa Palmilla
Yet another Blue Flag Beach is Palmilla Beach. Palmilla is a tranquil, upscale beach resort with clear waters, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. Vendors are not allowed here, and the area is typically much less crowded. Enjoy a peaceful sunny atmosphere and don’t forget to pack food!
Playa Los Cerritos, or Cerritos Beach
7. Playa Los Cerritos
About a 45 minute drive from Cabo San Lucas and close to Todos Santos, Cerritos is a surfer’s dream. There are areas with waves that appeal to both beginners and experienced riders, and it’s an excellent spot to take surf lessons or rent a board if you need one.
Cerritos is also one of the only beaches on the west Pacific coast of BCS where you can swim. The Pacific has wild and dangerous waves and currents that make safe swimming impossible. In summer especially, the water at Cerritos is calm and easy. This is another Blue Flag beach, pristinely clean and accessible.
Overall, Los Cabos offers a variety of beautiful beaches to suit all interests and preferences. Be sure to check the beach wave/tide and current warnings before visiting, as conditions can change quickly. Whether you're looking for an active beach day with plenty of water sports or a quiet and serene spot to relax and soak up the sun, you'll find it in Los Cabos.
Los Cabos has so much to offer its visitors! If you’d like help planning your stay, feel free to contact us here for local Cabo expertise. You can also email us at info@edsdestinations.com. We offer concierge services and luxury vacation rentals that will make your stay enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable. Happy Travels!