If you’re heading to Cabo, you’ve already pictured yourself laid back by the beach sipping a cocktail, snorkeling with majestic whale sharks, or hanging 10 on some epic waves. But in an area known for beautiful bays and pink sand, it can be hard to pick which beach to spend your vacation at. We’ve put together our list of best beaches in Los Cabos, how to get there, and why you should go.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos, Mexico
Along the southern coastline of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, you will find beautiful beaches. Known as Los Cabos – the Capes in English – the area has been a popular vacation destination for sun-lovers looking to work on their tans, cocktail in hand for years. Here are our picks for the best beaches in Los Cabos!
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas
El Médano
El Médano, as the locals call it, is where you will find all the action. This 2-mile stretch is full of restaurants, hotels, bars, and shops are right on the sand. The family-friendly beach is swimmable and has plenty of options when it comes to souvenir shopping. The beach also offers numerous water sports and activities.
Location:
Heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas, the beach is accessible to pedestrians by the east side of the marina or via Avenia del Pescador.
Lover’s Beach
Make sure you have your boat or water taxi cruise by the arch and sea lion rock for some great photo ops on your way! With stunning rock formations and caves, you’ll see a number of places that are picture perfect. If you walk over to the other side of the rocks, facing the Pacific Ocean you’ll be at what the locals call Divorce Beach. There are a few water or beer vendors but that is about all you will find on the island.
Location:
Lover’s Beach is only accessible by boat or kayak. You can easily take a water taxi from Cabo San Lucas Marina or El Médano Beach. Located by Land’s End besides the famous arch.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: Along the Corridor
Las Viudas
Las Viudas – The Widows in English – is the most private beach on the list. Not visible from the road, what makes this beach so unique are the rock formations that create small coves and pools that make for a peaceful beach day. The beach doesn’t have any services or vendors so make sure you pack everything you might need.
Location:
Turn right at Km. 12.5 of the corridor. Follow the dirt road down to the beach. Keep your eyes peeled, there is a sign that says “Las Vuidas” but the entrance sneaks up on you.
Chileno
Chileno is a very popular beach! With plenty of shade structures to keep you out of the sun and public restrooms, this beach is great for spending a day relaxing by the beach. One the east end of the beach there are tide pools and a reef for snorkeling or SCUBA diving. If you are looking to snorkel or swim, Chileno is one of the best in the area. If you’re planning to visit on a weekend, try to arrive early! You’ll beat the crowds.
Location:
Going from Cabo San Lucas towards San José, follow the signs near Km. 14 on the main highway for Chileno Beach Club.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria offers visitors a beautiful horseshoe cove with coarse coral-colored sand. The area is a popular stop for boat excursions and private charters due to the abundant marine life in this National Marine Preserve. With restrooms and shaded areas to stay out of the sun, this secluded beach is a great family-friendly destination. For an awesome snorkeling experience, swim from the shore toward the rocks on the right side of the beach.
Location:
Traveling west from Cabo San Lucas toward San José, follow the sign for “Santa Maria.” Exit the highway at Km. 13 and follow the dirt road until you reach the parking area.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: San Jose del Cabo
Palmilla
Palmilla Beach is a family favorite with calm waters. The mile-long stretch of beach is located within the resort community of Palmilla, so you’ll find yourself surrounded by luxury mac-mansions, world famous golf courses, and hotels. There are boats and fishing charters available but you won’t find any watersports rentals. The beach is popular with locals so if you plan on visiting during the weekends, make sure you arrive early.
Location:
Take the Palmilla ramp exit at Km. 27. Follow the signs and turn into the main beach parking area before the entrance to One&OnlyHotel.
Costa Azul
Surfers look no further than Costa Azul if you are looking for a good surf spot without having to drive out of town. Grab lunch and beers at the restaurant and sign up for a surf lesson at Zipper’s. West of Zipper’s is Acapulquito beach home to Cabo Surf Hotel and Mike Doyle Surf School. The area is popular with surfers and boarders so you will find surf shops where you can rent SUPs and set up lessons. Summer is surf heavy and in winter it is a great spot for snorkeling.
Location:
Exit into the arroyo at Km. 28 via the Costa Azul Bridge.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: On the Pacific
Cerritos
Cerritos beach is a popular surf spot. The beach is also popular for those looking for a place to swim since unlike other beaches, swimming at Cerritos is relatively safe. Even though the beach is 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, it is well worth the drive along the scenic Pacific coast. Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant is a great place to grab lunch, rent lounge chairs, or get a beachside message!
Location:
Exit at Km. 66 of the Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos highway. Watch for markers and signs, drive about 1.7 miles to the beach area.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: La Paz
Balandra
Balandra is a stunning bay known to take your breath away! The water is crystal clear with turquoise swirls and pictures don’t do it justice. You can walk the bay’s shore toward the north-east side where you will find the famous “mushroom rock.” This beautiful beach doesn’t have any vendors, so make sure you pack all the necessary snacks. You can rent kayaks and snorkel gear though.
Location:
About 30 minutes from the La Paz boardwalk. Follow the main drag along the boardwalk, through Costa Baja Golf Course. The road will continue to wind around the coast and through the mountains until you see signs for the beach.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos: Loreto
Isla Coronado
Isla Coronado is a wildlife reserve where visitors are able to anchor, snorkel, SCUBA, and camp. To get to Coronado you must take a boat. Your boat ride over on a panga generally includes a cruise around the island where you can see sea lions, seals, and other marine wildlife. The only swimmable beach on the island has beautiful white sand and shallow crystal waters perfect for a day of beach relaxation or some exploration. Make sure you
Location:
About 7 miles or 30 minutes on a boat, northeast of Loreto.
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