Everything to know about Medano Beach (Playa Médano)
Located on the bay in the heart of Cabo, Medano Beach is the Cabo beach for guided tours, boating, swimming, and water sport rentals like jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. 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 beach vendors.
Where is Medano Beach located?
The cape’s downtown beach runs east from the harbor of Cabo San Lucas, along the Cabo San Lucas Bay, for 2 miles reaching Villa del Palmar Resort. There are several resorts that span down the beach, as well as beach restaurants and bars to explore. Being close to resorts and downtown make it perfect to walk to, as parking is limited. EDS Destinations has a rental available directly on Medano Beach at Villa La Estancia. Check it out here!
Here are a few quick things to know about Medano:
Medano is convenient with easy access to shopping malls and walks around the marina.
Medano has Fantastic views of “El Arco” and Lover’s Beach.
Enjoy all kinds of adventure tours: whale-watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and many more. Check out or travel guide for our recommendations here.
Enjoy convenient, easy access to food and drinks on the beach with plenty of bars and restaurants of all kinds.
You can check the current and average water temperatures here.
What is the beach like?
The miles of clean, white sands and sparkling waters are enticing to many. The current is usually not too strong, but can change by the season and even by the day. Be sure to be safe, always swim with a group, and keep a close watch on children. Some recommend only going waist deep to stay extra safe and avoid unexpected drop-offs, although Medano is largely regarded as safe and calm for swimming with the whole family. Looking out on the ocean, you can see lots of amazingly cool rock formations, including Cabo’s famous Arch. Look to the land and see a coast lined with resorts, bars, and high-rises. Come during the day to enjoy the sun, and when the dun goes down, enjoy a lively beach nightlife scene full of live music, fiestas, and fireworks. Of course, sunsets on the Pacific are simply incredible and truly something to see. At the right times of the year, you can see migrating whales out in the distance, and at any time you may spot a giant cruise ship passing through.
Beach vendors are plentiful on Medano - selling everything from sombreros to jewelry to souvenirs. Some people love the bartering prices and buying fun items, some prefer to enjoy the beach unbothered. If you’re one of the latter, you may want to travel farther south or north up the beach away from the hub where there is less activity. It also helps to get to the beach in the earlier morning, when there is also less hustle and bustle of the crowds that draw the vendors. Even if you do find yourself in the unpleasant position of trying to be sold to, you shouldn’t worry too much. Vendors may be a little “pushy”, but they’re not aggressive. Just learn to say “no gracias,” (not thanks). It may take once or twice, but that will be enough.
Is it crowded?
It can be. Being one of the only beaches with swimmable waters in Cabo, the beautiful views, and warmer waters make Medano a popular place for many visitors. Depending on the time of year, you may have more of the beach to yourself. March and April are obviously busy with spring-breakers, and may not be the most ideal time for families or those that want a more relaxing, quiet experience. You can also venture North down the beach farther away from the marina if you desire more privacy. There are water taxis available to transport you down the stretch, or take the stroll yourself and enjoy the views.
If you really want to avoid crowds and enjoy the beauty of this beach in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, do your research and book during the slower seasons. (May to June or October to November are good bets).
Remember that late August through September are also technically considered hurricane season, although Cabo is generally very safe weather-wise all year round. Check our Cabo weather guide to learn more.
What else should I know?
Medano Beach is a great destination to add to your Cabo adventures. It is swimmable all year round and boasts many water activities. If you’re planning a trip, we definitely recommend that you visit! If you stay with us and want some local help with planning your trip, contact us for help crafting a vacation unique to you and your group!