The Best Beaches in Los Cabos: A Traveler’s Guide

Jutting out between the Sea of Cortez and the mighty Pacific Ocean, the Los Cabos area lines the bottom edge of the starkly beautiful Baja Peninsula. Here, white beaches, tawny desert cliffs, and clear, azure waters create an otherworldly palette and sun-lover’s paradise.

The sheltered bays all have their own personalities, from the fiesta vibe of Medano Beach fronting Cabo San Lucas proper to the quieter Palmilla Beach lined with upscale resorts. The spectacular Lover’s and Divorce Beaches, accessible only by sea, bring you to one of the most famous sights in the state: the Cabo San Lucas Arch at Land’s End.

Rest up from party nights under a palapa with a bottomless mimosa from the beach bar or start the day early with yoga and a stand-up paddleboard session. Most bays are swimmable, and a mask and snorkel will reveal a vibrant underwater world of colorful fish. During whale season from December through April, you might be lucky enough to hear whales singing underwater. For more action, various water activities are available, including banana boat rides, jet ski rentals, parasailing, and snorkeling tours. Here’s our pick of the five best beaches to park your towel and become spellbound by Los Cabos.

Playa del Amor is perfect for romance and relaxation

Packing a picnic lunch, bottle of wine, and a couple of beach towels for a day on the gloriously secluded sands at Land’s End is one of the most romantic ways to spend the day in Los Cabos. Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is small and often crowded with quick-stop tour groups, but it puts you directly by the Cabo San Lucas Arch, one of the most dramatic sights of Southern Baja.

The calm swimming and snorkeling on this Sea of Cortez-facing side are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. For more solitude, stroll through a gap in the rocky promontory to the much larger Divorce Beach on the Pacific Ocean side, where you can listen to the pounding waves and enjoy the beauty of the dramatically eroded cliffs. However, it’s essential to note that the Pacific side is unsafe for swimming.

Top tip: Hiring a water taxi with a scheduled pick-up is the best way to access these pristine, powdery-soft beaches.

If you came to party, Medano Beach is for you

If toasting your umpteenth margarita of the day to a fiery sunset on a white beach sounds appealing, few places on the planet can top Medano Beach. Bars, restaurants, and glamorous hotels line this perfect arc of sparkling blue sea, all featuring views of the iconic Cabo San Lucas Arch rock formation.

The beach becomes lively during Spring Break, but at most other times, expect fun visitors from around the world splashing in the clear waters, exploring the bay on rented stand-up paddleboards, or enjoying icy drinks on lounge chairs. As the sun sets behind Land’s End, you’ll be within walking distance to bar hop along the beach or hit the clubs in town.

Chileno Beach is the local choice for snorkeling

Chileno Beach is the most popular beach with locals for good reason. This laid-back stretch of white sand frames the most vibrant underwater life along the Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo corridor. Day tours frequently stop here to enjoy the abundant marine life, underwater rock formations, corals, and sea fans. With your own gear, it’s easy to dive in DIY-style from the beach.

The northern part of the bay has a boulder and sand habitat where you’ll likely see puffer and box fish. You’ll find more fish and corals towards the south beach, where schools of small fish flutter around you. Don’t have a mask? The swimming here is also top-notch, suitable for all levels and young children. Intriguing tide pools around the cliffs are another highlight. Finally, rinse off in public freshwater showers and then nap in the shade of a palapa.

Families with kids will love Palmilla Beach

One of the quietest, safest, and cleanest beaches in the area, this mile-long stretch of powdery golden bliss is backed by luxury hotels and the Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine Golf Course. The swimming pool-like bay has a gradual sandy entry, making it ideal for gentle splashing around. Local fishing boats pull up with their daily catch, allowing you to buy some for dinner if you’re self-catering.

If you tire of building sandcastles, swimming, and strolling, a tiny playground near the parking lot is perfect for younger children. Furthermore, a well-kept picnic area with sea views, coupled with spotless toilets and freshwater showers, enhances the beach experience.

Top tip: Since there are no restaurants here, be sure to pack a picnic and arrive early on weekends to secure one of the shaded palapas.

Cerritos Beach is a surfer’s paradise

Excellent surf is abundant at this southern end of the Baja Peninsula, but for consistency and enjoyment suitable for all levels, Cerritos Beach, situated between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos, stands out. The beach features a youthful, bohemian vibe, differing significantly from the more resort-like atmosphere farther south. Surfboard rental tents welcome you, leading to challenging point breaks or mellower beach breaks closer to shore.

There are several local surf schools, making it easy to learn if that’s your goal. The vibrant beach scene is enjoyable for non-surfers too, with lively bars, restaurants, and regular live music. While swimming is permitted outside of large swells, it’s essential to check the currents before venturing too far from the shore.