Los Cabos sits at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This unique geography creates a striking contrast of dramatic rock formations, golden sand, and deep blue water. While the region is famous for luxury resorts and sportfishing, its coastline also hides some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Understanding the difference between swimmable coves and scenic, wave-battered shores is essential for planning a safe visit.
The corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo offers a variety of beach experiences. Some stretches are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking in calm, protected waters. Others are ideal for long walks, horseback riding, or simply watching powerful surf crash against the rocks. The water conditions can change with the tides and seasons, so checking local flags and asking resort staff is always wise.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that not every beach in Los Cabos is safe for swimming. Strong undertows, steep drop-offs, and powerful waves affect several of the most photographed spots. That is why choosing the right beach for your activity level matters. Families with children, couples seeking romance, and adventure travelers will all find different stretches of sand that suit their needs.
The best beaches in the area combine accessibility with natural beauty. Some are located within walking distance of the marina, while others require a short drive or a bumpy dirt road. A few are tucked inside protected coves where the water is calm enough for a leisurely dip. Knowing what to expect before you arrive will help you pack the right gear and avoid disappointment.
Beyond the sand, these beaches serve as gateways to marine life, local cuisine, and water sports. From watching migrating whales in winter to releasing baby sea turtles in autumn, the shoreline offers experiences that go far beyond sunbathing. The local community works hard to protect these ecosystems, and visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife and avoid leaving trash behind.
The following list highlights twelve of the most remarkable beaches in Los Cabos. Each one has its own character, from lively social scenes to quiet, secluded escapes. Use this guide to match your travel style with the right stretch of coast, and you will discover why this destination remains a favorite for ocean lovers from around the world.
Lovers Beach
| Address | Lovers Beach, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Visited Lover's Beach during our cruise stop. It’s definitely a beautiful spot with unique views where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and the scenery alone makes it worth seeing at least once.
That said, there are a few things to be aware of. The people assisting you when getting off the boat can be quite aggressive and rude when it comes to asking for tips. We gave a few dollars, but there were several of them and they kept asking for more, which felt uncomfortable. Surprisingly, the beach vendors were more polite and less pushy.
There are no restrooms on the beach, so plan ahead. Also, make sure to bring your trash with you when leaving to help keep the area clean.
From what we experienced—and based on other reviews and videos—this place can be a bit hit or miss. Some people love it for the views and novelty, while others mention the same concerns about pushy tipping and limited facilities.
Overall, it’s a beautiful place to visit, but managing expectations will definitely help you enjoy it more.
Decent experience, it was a cool beach but there were lots of vendors nonstop asking you to buy from them. When we got off the boat people came to help us carry are stuff, when we said it’s fine they insisted and carried our stuff. When on shore the people started asking for tips. Kin of annoying but a decent experience.
Nice beach but a little annoying to get to and leave. Most of the arch boat tours will take you here too, but we had a lot of difficulty getting back on a boat after spending some time here (we talked to others that had been waiting there forever, so I think they would have left us here if we weren't so pushy). Definitely can't get in the water here on the pacific side because the water is way too dangerous.
Beautiful beach with warm water and hard to get so usually almost no one around if you go there really early. If you are staying in solmar Resort you can walk on the beach, do a little easy climbing on the rocks to access the divorce beach and then the lover's beach. I did it to watch the sunrise there and do recommend it.
A small beach that touches both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, although reportedly treacherously dangerous on the pacific side due to currents and waves. I saw this from the cruise ship level (90') down to water level (5'). If other excursions hadn't taken so much time it would have been nice to take a boat tour out to the beach.
Palmilla Beach
| Address | 276J+VQ, Tourist Corridor, 23405 Palmilla, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Great swimming cove, waves are mellow. Lots of space to spread out.
Lovely beach with soft sand and was able to swim for a bit with the yellow flag. Not crazily crowded. Also was able to see some rays jumping from afar, which was amazing.
Calm water once you get past the waves. Great for body surfing, the kids loved it. Can't believe it's not more crowded!
This is the best beach I've visited in Cabo! If you're looking to escape the resort crowds and enjoy a relaxing day swimming and snorkeling, this is the perfect spot. While there are no food or drink options available, there are restrooms and people renting chairs and umbrellas.
Just pack a lunch and some drinks, and you'll love it here!
Beautiful beach, clear water. Lovely scenery. Umbrellas available (got one for $10)
Bar nearby (US prices)
Swimmable, but I don’t recommend for kids who have not trained to swim.
Here in September and was very nice with not many people. About 90°F
Cannery Beach (Playa Empacadora)
| Address | Playa Pública Cabo San Lucas, Marina Sur, Marina, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Definitely the beach to go to if you want to walk to one without being hassled non stop! It’s an easier walk. Small little taco/drink hut right before you walk onto beach… great drinks, nice family
Beautiful beach, pretty secluded with minimal locals selling items. Clear water, soft sandy bottom. There were some bottle caps, pieces of broken bottles that we found along the shore, so be mindful of that if you aren't wearing water shoes or have little ones with you. You're able to walk through the rocky water area to access another private beach as well. Water was very chilly (February) but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Some people were snorkeling.
Such a fantastic place! Quiet, clean, good for snorkeling. We saw a stingray, puffer fish and lots of other fishes😍
It’s actually a great beach less than 10 minutes walk from the marina. Simply head out of the marina and turn left to follow the road.
The sand is soft and the water is so warm. The thatched umbrellas on the beach are free but first come first serve. You can rent umbrellas for $10/small or $15/large.
There’s a teen that works there named Anduar who’s super friendly and get give you a deal on the umbrella (aka sombria) and knows the water taxi guys.
Only toilets are portapotties tho.
Nice beach. Sand is soft, and there’s plenty of space. As others have said, not too touristy. Fun to clamber on the rocks. The current is pretty strong, and it’s a fairly small beach.
El Medano Beach
| Address | El Medano Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
This is taken in front of the Riu, public beach access. Gates state open 9 to 6 pm in front Riu but you ca access at 8 am with the vendors.
And from the Riu, it’s about 30 min walk to town. If you walk regularly, this is an easy walk. (lots of online feedback saying it’s hard to walk and fully understand if you have mobility issues as sand is challenging. Plus if weather very hot, there is no shade!).
This is most happening beach in cabo. There are many stopping and very good restaurants.. the water taxi takes from marina to this.beach for 5 to 7 dollars per person. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you needs.
Most of the water activities can be done here like jet ski, snorkeling and other..
Large sandy area, nice beach. Good water views.
The best and maybe only beach you can swim in Cabo with safeguards and so many amenities around from relaxing beach clubs like Corazon, Sur or Tamara, to more lively beach clubs like Taboo. Just walk by the beach and choose the beach club that fits your mood. Most beach clubs give you beach bed for a deposit you can use toward food and drinks. The water on calm days is suitable for swimming and the water temperature is great.
The sand is clean and the water is swimmable, which is a big plus compared to other beaches in Cabo. It can get pretty busy, especially during the day, but that also adds to the vibe if you enjoy a more energetic atmosphere.
Playa Palmilla
| Address | Playa Palmilla, Tourist Corridor, 23405 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
We were positively surprised to be able to get easy access to such a beautiful beach, nestled between the One&Only hotel and billionaires villas.
There is free parking, free showers and toilets. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from a local guy and buy drinks from the hotel kiosk (quite pricey). Swimming is safe and you can also go for a long walk on the beach. Really a good option if your hotel doesn’t have beach access.
This was a great swimmable beach.
Went last Sunday right after the triathlon. I am not sure if that had anything to do with it, but it was far from busy. It is also a very large beach, so you can find space.
There are only six palapas, but you can rent an umbrella for I believe 300 pesos. We were lucky to get a palapa, but I believe I overheard someone renting an umbrella for 300 pesos (which is the price at Chileno Bay).
Water was great. Fish by the rocks.
Overall, a very nice beach.
Playa Palmilla is one of the best beaches in Cabo if you actually want to get in the water. Unlike many other beaches in the area where swimming is unsafe due to strong waves, Palmilla has calm waters that are perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking to relax. We finally had the chance to let the kids swim here, and it was the highlight of our trip.
The beach is clean, safe, and has a mix of locals and tourists which gives it a laid-back vibe. There are shaded palapas and plenty of space to set up if you bring your own umbrella or chairs. Vendors walk by selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, but they’re not pushy.
Tips for visitors:
• Parking is free and there’s a designated lot, but it can fill up quickly on weekends—arrive early.
• No big restaurants on the sand, so bring snacks, drinks, and plenty of water.
• Restrooms are available near the parking area. Warning they are porta potties.
• Great spot to bring snorkeling gear—the water is usually clear and calm enough to explore.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach in Cabo with swimmable water, Playa Palmilla is the spot
Absolutely loved this spot! It's really nice and not too packed, so finding your own peaceful spot is easy if you just walk a bit. The water is super clear—just steer clear of the rocks. Plus, they've got all the essentials like showers, porta potties, and palapas for shade. Definitely worth the visit!
We missed bus stop at another beach we tried to go so got off palmilla to see...great beach. Washroom was better than santa maria also not packed & you can find nice and quiet place to relax.
Water is so clean and sea shells sand was some fine some place not but so clean. We absolutely loved here. Easy to get by bus once you know where to get off from downtown cabo. We went by Uber and bus.. 👍 amazing.
Chileno Bay Public Beach
| Address | Chileno Bay Public Beach, Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Amazing clean beach! Busy but not too crowded and the swimming conditions were fantastic when I was there in July.
Playa El Chileno stands as a breathtaking masterpiece of coastal preservation along the Los Cabos corridor, masterfully delivering a pristine, Blue Flag-certified sanctuary that represents the absolute pinnacle of beachside relaxation. Strikingly different from the turbulent, unswimmable waters of nearby beaches, this golden-sand paradise functions as a calm, natural cove where the crystal-clear Pacific is as tranquil as a pool—making it an absolute haven for swimming, sunbathing, and world-class snorkeling.
The marine ecosystem here is remarkably vibrant; simply step into the calm waters to find yourself surrounded by schools of tropical fish, and if you visit during the winter migration season, you can even spot humpback whales breaching right from the shoreline. Structurally, the beach operates at an elite level of cleanliness and civic organization, offering immaculately maintained restrooms, free showers, and professional lifeguard services that elevate the visitor experience.
Because the cove is naturally preserved, there is virtually no natural shade and zero food vendors—meaning bringing your own cooler of drinks and snacks is highly recommended. For comfort, high-quality beach umbrellas and chairs are readily available for rent directly on the sand. Whether you arrive early on a quiet weekday morning to claim a tranquil spot by the scenic rock formations, or join the lively afternoon crowd, Playa El Chileno stands as a beautifully kept, high-caliber coastal jewel that captures the pure, uninterrupted magic of Baja.
Spent part of my summer here, and even though the heat was no joke, it was so worth it. That beach — absolutely stunning, crystal clear water, the kind of view you just sit and stare at. Definitely not a summer destination for everyone, but I’ll take the heat any day for a view like that. Already counting down to my next trip back. I deserve it, and honestly, so do you. 🌊☀️”
Great beach. Perfect for our 2.5 year old to have fun and enjoy the water. There were opportunities to rent chairs and umbrellas. Additionally, paddle boards and snorkel gear. Snorkeling was ok, there’s fish and coral but nothing else. The fish swim around you close to the shore so that’s fun! Everyone was nice and there were occasional vendors offering food and drink. They had bathrooms and freshwater showers. Uber is a quick ride there and back.
It is a beautiful and clean beach with restrooms and showers.
We arrived on a Friday at around 9:30am and there were plenty of parking in the parking lot.
You can also rent umbrellas, snorkeling gear and floaters there.
We saw fishes in the shallow water and more colorful fishes near the reef just a short distance from the beach.
Highly recommend!
Santa Maria Beach
| Address | Santa Maria Beach, Tourist Corridor, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful beach, not for everyone the waves but really good vibes, amazing views. Love it! Highly recommend🥰
Great public beach with clean bathrooms and showers. Easy parking. Vendors offer umbrellas, chairs and more. Snorkel is also decent along the right side near the rock wall. Go early if you want to avoid the tourist boats that start arriving after 11 am. Sand is course but comfortable. The surf is good for families with some caution.
- Not real Sand but very fine pebble Beach (but super comfortable)
- toilettes at the parking (until 4pm), 5 min walk from the beach
- Umbrellas for Rent (300 pesos)
- not very crowded, even on weekend
- snorkeling is worth it
- Many whales spotted, one jumping right in front of the bay
I absolutely love this speech. I took a 10 minute drive to arrive here from my hotel. It is a bit of a walk from the public parking lot two a sitting area. There are lots of pebble sand, so water shoes are a must.
You can definitely have a good time swimming water was enjoyable not too cold. Only downside there are no restaurants, but also not as many vendors as medano beach
Lovely beach, quiet, rough rocky sand, smaller waves, ok for our 2.5 year old but likely better for older kids. There’s a bathroom and showers. You can buy an umbrella or rent a lounge/umbrella higher up from the hotels. No food options so bring snacks, water. When we were leaving there was someone renting out umbrellas for less but he wasn’t there when we arrived earlier. Oh and there’s a lovely covered pathway.
Cabo San Lucas
| Address | Cabo San Lucas, Centro, San Lucas, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 624 177 3709 |
This review is to provide first hand info for those who plan to visit Cabo San Lucas for that famous arch. If your main goal is to see the arch, you should book a hotel there and head to Cabo San Lucas directly from Cabo international airport. Many options to get to the hotel, from most expensive Texi, to public bus. You can also pick private or shared shuttle or Uber as well. If you want to take a bus, the company is called "Ruta Del Desierto", I add a picture of it. Do research about the bus station. If you have a time constraint, Uber may be your best choice. You don't need to make reservations about the tour to visit the arch, at Marina, there are many salesman approaching you for the tour offer. Depending on your need, different choices are available. We pick those had a kiosk or had a umbrella. We just want to see the arch, skip the lover beach drop off, glass bottom boat, etc. So we negotiated to 200 peso per person for a 40 minutes ride. BTW you need to pay 1 US dollar to use the restroom in a small coffee shop at south end of Marina. If you stay in San Jose Del Cabo, that's 20 miles distance. You can also use bus or Uber. Bus fair is 49 peso per person, Uber is 520+ peso. If you ask locals for directions, I found them very honesty.
One of the most beautiful and magical places in Mexico and the world. At land’s end relies a sleepy charming town surrounded by natural beauty and mystery. On one side you have the untamed force of the Pacific Ocean and in the other the marvelous Golf of California which welcomes and nurtures hundreds of maritime species. The sunrises are absolutely gorgeous and the sunsets relaxing and peaceful, they make you forget about your problems. If you haven’t been here, you are missing the most beautiful things in life! Highly recommend to come around October or November and welcome the hundreds of whales and calves along with all the other species that make Cabo San Lucas their home for a few months…. just like me!
I went on a cruise with a friend, basically to see the humpback whales...we were NOT disappointed. The month of February has a pleasant weather in Los Cabos. For a refreshing, cold splash in the ocean, there are the local and the tourist beaches. Food options around the pier are vast, ranging from inexpensive to moderately-priced (if paying in US Dollars). One can buy beautifully-sawn, warm blankets - sold by two teenage boys - for a largely discounted price (2 for $50) if you speak spanish, or if you haggle for a bit.
Had a geeat time here, weather was beautiful 🥲
Cabo San Lucas is one of my favorite places in Mexico. I have been here many times, but I still love this city. It has so many beautiful views, excellent restaurants, many activities, all-inclusive hotels, a luxury shopping center, and many more stores where I can purchase gifts and souvenirs. I have friends who come here for sport fishing every year as well. Cabo San Lucas seems to have endless fun.
East Cape Beach
| Address | 23536 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful views, but all the pullouts have lots of empty bottles... looks like where locals come to party. But if you choose the right spot it's not too bad, the views are fantastic enough to look past it... directly over the water as whales swim by.
This place is a great place to go if you wish to hike around and enjoy the sights. I hear that it’s not that good for swimming but I’m from Northern California, so I just one looks pretty nice to me.
Quiet and secluded. Too dangerous for swimming but a nice stretch of sand. Secluded area in and around rocks that can be used for the more adventurous tanner !
Cool beach to walk, and its donkey residents are pretty endearing!
Miles and miles and miles of gorgeous beaches. Must visit. Dirt roads but doable with a car.
Playa del Divorcio
| Address | Playa del Divorcio, 23453 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Playa El Divorcio is a beautiful and quiet beach that feels like a hidden escape. One of the most special things about it is that it’s a turtle nesting protection zone, which adds a sense of importance and natural wonder to the visit.
You can easily reach it by taking the trail from the hotels on the west side. The walk is simple, not demanding at all, and definitely worth it once you arrive. The scenery is stunning, peaceful, and far less crowded than other popular Cabo beaches.
If you’re looking for a place to appreciate nature, relax, and enjoy one of Cabo’s more serene spots, Playa El Divorcio is absolutely worth the visit.
Beautiful, clean, with fabulous views of extraordinary rock formations. Don't swim on this side. Instead, swim on the safer and, yes..way more crowded Lovers Beach side. Then retreat back to the tranquil, calm, and uncrowded Playa del Divorcio.
You can even do a little climbing on the rocks and hike thru the folds of rocks and hills.
Beautiful!
This beach is very very rough. Do Not Swim here!!! It is very dangerous but beautiful. The sand gets very hot so wear some type of footwear because the sand is course and it hurts when walking. No food or drinks available so come prepared.
You cannot swim here!!! This beach has the most beautiful ocean views and the rocks are awesome!! This was a great place to lounge and listen to the crashing waves, watch the crabs shuffle about, climb around the rocks, and just sit and enjoy the scenery! You have to get a water taxi to the beach unless maybe you’re in the resort that’s closest and closed access - unsure about that. The views were unbelievable and there were people about but it wasn’t packed by any means.
Amazing & wild beach. Experimented swimmers only. Big waves that make it difficult to get out of the water.
The only safe swimming area is where the boat drops you, on the other side of the beach.
Cabo Bello Beach
| Address | Tourist Corridor, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Super cool beach, gated access but they let you in if you ask for beach access
Water was extremely rough for the week. If you like to snorkel then I wouldn't intentionally book close to this location. It is a bay, but not protected. No shade, bring an umbrella & stock a cooler with drinks & snacks.
This little nook of a beach is glorious.
Private beach, no vendors harassing you. Very relaxing. Good place to snorkel.
This is a great place for snorkeling.
My favorite part about it that it isn't overcrowded.
It's quite and very beautiful.
Playa Hotelera
| Address | Playa Hotelera, San José del Cabo-Cabo San Lucas, El Medano Ejidal, Zona Hotelera, 23405 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
I love this beach, especially at sunrise. With its long stretch of sand and crashing waves, it’s nature at its best. While it’s not safe for swimming due to the strong currents, there are plenty of swimmable beaches nearby in San José, including Playa Palmilla, Chileno Beach, and Playa Acapulquito.
The Playa Hotelera is a very clean and wide beach with fine white sands, great place to walk and enjoy the views.
Lovely beach to hang out and listen to waves coming to shore. Not for swimming though.
One of the best beaches in Los Cabos. A walk from end to end is perfect to get your exercise in while looking at the amazing views.
Beautiful beach although you cannont swim in the water.
Practical Tips for Visiting Los Cabos Beaches
Before you head out with your towel and sunscreen, a little preparation goes a long way. The beaches in Los Cabos vary widely in terms of safety, amenities, and crowd levels. These practical tips will help you stay comfortable, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time on the sand.
Check the swimming conditions daily. Strong rip currents and shore breaks can appear suddenly, especially on the Pacific side. Look for colored warning flags at popular beaches, and ask a lifeguard or local if you are unsure. When in doubt, stay in shallow water or choose a protected cove like Medano Beach or Santa Maria Bay.
Pack more water than you think you need. The Baja sun is intense, and many beaches have little to no shade. Bring a reusable insulated bottle, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and reapply reef-safe sunscreen every two hours. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can ruin a beach day faster than a sunburn.
Rent gear from reputable vendors. If you want to snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak, choose operators with good reviews and visible safety equipment. Avoid renting from unlicensed individuals on the beach, as equipment quality and liability can be questionable. Many resorts and dive shops offer half-day packages that include transportation.
Respect the wildlife and the sand dunes. Los Cabos beaches are nesting grounds for sea turtles and home to fragile dune vegetation. Stay on marked paths, never disturb a turtle nest, and keep your distance from any marine animals you encounter. If you visit during turtle release season, join an organized event led by a conservation group.
Bring cash for parking and small purchases. While many beach clubs accept credit cards, smaller palapa restaurants and parking attendants often prefer pesos or small US bills. Having small denominations on hand makes it easier to tip musicians, rent an umbrella, or grab a fresh coconut without hunting for an ATM.
The beaches of Los Cabos offer something for every type of traveler, whether you want to swim in calm turquoise water, watch surfers ride massive waves, or simply sink your toes into warm sand with a cold drink in hand. The key is choosing the right beach for the day’s conditions and your comfort level. A little research and flexibility will reward you with unforgettable views and moments of pure relaxation.
As you explore the coast, remember that the ocean here demands respect. The same forces that carved the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas also shape the currents and swells along the shore. By staying aware, supporting local businesses, and protecting the natural environment, you will experience the very best of this stunning peninsula while helping preserve it for future visitors.
