Los Cabos Beaches
The many sun-drenched beaches in Cabo that stretch for mile after sandy mile are the site for some of the best beach resorts in Mexico, and are known for their picturesque beauty and spectacular natural surroundings. Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is the site of the infamous “spring break” parties which draw crowds of revelers who come to watch – and be seen. But visitors who shy away from the action need not worry. Whether ideal for sunbathing, swimming or sports, no two beaches in Los Cabos are alike: some are a stone’s throw from the main road while others are only accessible by boat, poised on a thin strip of sand parting the wide open sea. No matter how you look at it, Cabo beaches boast plenty of variety to suit everyone’s fancy....
Cabo San Lucas Beach Roundup
Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach)
Location: Spans the rock formation at Land's End to provide a land corridor connecting the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean. Access: Only by water taxi ( Panga Boys ) from the marina or glass bottom boat launched from Medano beach in Cabo San Lucas.
Swimming: Good on the Sea of Cortez side but not recommended on the Pacific side.
Features: Beautiful beach with views of both the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean. Known to locals as Dona Chepa, it is another popular Cabo San Lucas beach that was voted one of the “10 best beaches in Mexico” by Conde Naste Traveler magazine. Good snorkeling. "Visit El Arco" by boat from Lover’s Beach.
Playa Medano (Dune Beach)
Location: Walking distance from the Marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas. Access: Through several of the side streets immediately East of the Marina and the Hacienda Beach Resort.
Swimming: Good swimming beach - several designated areas.
Features: Water sports: kayaking, snorkeling, scuba, jet skis, parasail and sailing. This is arguably the most popular Cabo beach due to its proximity to the action. Packed beachside restaurants playing music, open cafes and strolling mariachis keep the scene hopping and people watching plentiful.
Playa Vista del Arcos (View of Arches Beach)
Location: Across the highway from the Los Arcos trailer park.
Access: A road leading from the highway at Km. 5.
Swimming: Risky. For very strong swimmers only.
Features: Good for wading in tide pools.
Playa Cabeza de Ballena (Whale's Head Beach)
Location: Just east of the Calinda and Los Arcos Hotels.
Access: Road from the main highway leading down to the lighthouse at about Km. 8.
Swimming: Safe for swimming.
Features: Good snorkeling.
The Corridor Beach Roundup
Playa Barco Varado (Shipwreck Beach)
Location: Near Km. 9 off of the main highway (MEX Hwy. 1).
Access: Marked access road off of highway.
Swimming: Swim with caution.
Features: Good for snorkeling and diving. Tide pools plus great views.
Playa Las Viudas/Twin Dolphin Beach (Widow's Beach)
Location: Near Km. 11 off of the main highway.
Access: Well-traveled access road off of highway.
Swimming: Safe for swimming.
Features: Good snorkeling, excellent tide pools.
Playa Bahia Santa Maria (Santa Maria Bay Beach)
Location: Near Km. 11.5 off of the main highway.
Access: Parking just East of Twin Dolphin Hotel entrance.
Swimming: Excellent for swimming.
Features: Picturesque cove, great snorkeling and scuba in calm water.
Playa Bahia Chileno (Chilean Bay Beach)
Location: Near Km. 14 off of the main highway.
Access: Beach access road marked with sign that reads "Acceso Publico."
Swimming: Swim with caution, occasionally rough, especially on rocky side.
Features: Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.
Playa El Sálate
Location: Near 17.5 Km. off of the main highway.
Access: Public beach access road.
Swimming: Not recommended.
Features: Tidal areas, good photography site.
Playa Bledito (Tequila Cove)
Location: Near Km. 19.5 off of the main highway.
Access: Beach access road from highway.
Swimming: Very good conditions.
Features: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, picnics.
Playa Buenos Aires (Good Air Beach)
Location: Near Km. 22 off of the main highway.
Access: Marked access East of Hotel Cabo San Lucas on the highway.
Swimming: Not recommended.
Features: Whale watching. Good for beach combing.
Punta Palmilla (Palmilla Point)
Location: Near Km. 26 off of the main highway.
Access: Exit from highway at Hotel Palmilla entrance.
Swimming: Safe. Good swimming beach for children.
Features: Tidal pools, calm water. Good views.
San José del Cabo Beach Roundup
Playa Costa Azul (Blue Coast Beach)
Location: Near Km. 29 off of the main highway.
Access: Exit from highway at Km. 28.
Swimming: Only recommended for surfers.
Features: Excellent surfing beach. Located on a 7-mile stretch of white sand, Costa Azul and Bahia Palmilla are both found here, plus the world famous surf break called Costa Azul, also known as "Zippers."
Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach)
Location: Fronts hotel strip in San Jose del Cabo.
Access: Through hotel properties along hotel strip in San Jose del Cabo.
Swimming: Recommended for strong swimmers only.
Features: Excellent for night strolling.
Las Playitas (Little Beaches)
Location: East of San Jose on the coast near the town of La Playita.
Access: Short drive from San Jose down a well traveled sand road leading up to East Cape - nice drive.
Swimming: Not recommended.
Features: The Panga fishing fleet operates from here.