The Official Guide to Los Cabos’ Best Beaches

Medano sits at the heart of the Cabo party scene, fronting famous venues like The Office and the Mango Deck Restaurant and Beach Club. This isn’t a beach where you can avoid the crowds as the sand will be jam-packed, especially during the peak tourist season (mid-December through April). But this is also one of the most swimmable beaches in the area with a portion roped off for swimming. The moment you dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, you’ll be enveloped in awe, with beautiful views of the famous rock formations in the distance. This area is also a hub for boat tours, parasailing and a variety of watersports, with rentals available for wave runners, kayaks and more.

One of the most famously stunning beaches in all of Mexico, Lovers Beach, or Playa del Amor, can be accessed by water taxi from Medano or the marina. One side borders the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, while the other borders the powerful waves of the Pacific. The short ride to get there is all part of the fun. Watch for all sorts of marine creatures along the way from sea lions to colorful fish in the remarkably clear aquamarine waters, and capture photos of the remarkable rock formations. Once there, take advantage of the calm Sea of Cortez waters for swimming or snorkeling, in between relaxing on the sand.

Ironically, Divorce Beach backs Lovers Beach, but it’s arguably better for a romantic interlude as it’s edged by those vicious waves and riptides. The secluded location makes it ideal for stealing a few kisses but it’s far too dangerous to swim with many warnings posted here. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, sunbathing, gazing out at the spectacular beauty and taking advantage of the many outstanding photo ops. You’ll need to take a water taxi here unless you’re staying at the Grand Solmar Resort. From there, it’s possible to hike over the cliff to the beach, but only at low tide.

Tequila Cove, officially known as Playa Bledito, is one of the best swimming beaches in the hotel zone, located about 30 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Situated just west of the protected Playa Cabo Real cove, it sits in front of the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. As all beaches in Mexico are open to the public, those who don’t stay at the resort can still access the unspoiled sands via various access points. Thanks to a large man-made breakwater, visitors can safely enjoy swimming and a variety of other watersports. Wave runners and jet skis are available to rent and if you’re looking for more solitude, you can find it by walking southwest toward Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

Playa Santa Maria is one of the best places to snorkel, with access to a vibrant coral reef just offshore, inhabited by all sorts of colorful fish. It’s generally not the best place to swim as many tour companies dock their boats here for snorkeling excursions but if you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy more tranquil waters, in brilliant shades of blue. The beach itself isn’t too busy, especially on weekdays. Even better, the palapas are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the whale watching season, it’s also a great spot to watch for whales.

Playa Acapulquito, or Old Man’s Beach, is a serene stretch providing an escape from the crowds of the bustling main beaches. It’s a popular place among locals who want to learn to surf with consistent breaks minus the intensity of the waves found in many of the area’s top surfing destinations. With soft sands and gentle waves, it provides an inviting setting for visitors of all types, including sunbathers and swimmers.

If you’re willing to venture just outside the Los Cabos area, Playa Cerritos is about a 40-minute drive along the Pacific coast. You can take a bus and arrive in about an hour, but I highly recommend renting a car—this way, you can easily explore the charming town of Todos Santos nearby, known for its cobbled streets, colonial architecture and thriving arts and gastronomy scene. The beach itself offers the best surf break on the Pacific side of the peninsula, with a long, wide stretch of sand. There are areas with gentle waves calm enough for swimming, while surfers can take advantage of the south and northwest swells near the cliffs at its western end.

Another good option for those up for a day trip is Cabo Pulmo National Park. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport, but well worth the drive. Located along the Sea of Cortez, you’ll find its only living coral reef system here with more than a hundred different species of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, moray eels, bull sharks and more. You’ll find many pristine beaches throughout the 70-mile stretch, surrounded by rugged mountains and undeveloped desert. Most come for the diving as this is one of the world’s top spots for the activity, with many outfitters offering diving excursions.