At the southern tip of Baja California, before the sandy shores and the craggy rock formations of Los Arcos give way to the mighty Pacific Ocean, you’ll come across the delightful resort town of Cabo San Lucas.
While there’s enough in town to keep even the most demanding of social butterflies entertained, this region is also home to some of the best beaches the Baja peninsula has to offer. The best beaches in Cabo come with exceedingly sublime vistas, chances to spot passing whales and basking sea lions, and plenty of Mexican seaside charm to enjoy.
Here are some of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas to seek out.
Bahía Santa María
Bahía Santa María
If basking in the glorious Mexican sun—in between bouts of snorkeling and swimming—is high on your list of things to do, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bahía Santa María.
This lovely little spot, just east of Cabo San Lucas, is wedged into a horseshoe-shaped bay, protected by stony cliffs and prickly cactus growths.
The beach, along with its crystalline, oh-so-inviting water, is actually a marine sanctuary, perfect for snorkeling among the white coral. Bring your own snorkeling gear—or rent some from the small beach shop.
But don’t expect too much in the way of other services here, as this playa definitely leans toward the “secluded” side of coastal bathing destinations.
Read: Best Islands for Snorkeling
Bledito Beach
Bledito Beach
While Playa Bledito, or Bledito Beach (just to the west of Playa Cabo Real), is situated in front of a large hotel, you’ll find a public path for non-hotel guests, which should grant you easy access to the water.
Playa Bledito, which locals and seasoned visitors often refer to as Tequila Cove, rates as one of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas thanks to its sizable artificial breakwater, making this one of the safest swimming coves in the region.
You can also rent a jet ski right off the beach here if you feel the need for some aquatic speed—and a good saltwater soaking.
Cerritos Beach
Cerritos Beach
Cerritos Beach, or Playa Cerritos, faces the wild Pacific Ocean. The beach is located about 38 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.
Playa Cerritos numbers among one of the best beaches in Cabo due to its swimmable conditions—which isn’t always a given for Pacific-facing stretches of sand in this part of the world.
Cerritos Beach
This picturesque beach also has a solid reputation for its outstanding waves. Pro surfers, novices and newbies alike will find reliable breaks and swells at Cerritos, ideal for learning how to catch the perfect wave.
Surf culture truly rules supreme at Cerritos. Rent a board and head out into the water, or sign up for a few lessons at Mario Surf School to see why the ocean instills such rapture in the global surfing tribe that calls the salty waves its home.
Read: Mexican Culture & Traditions: What to Know Before You Go
Chileno Beach
Chileno Beach
For the mermaids, mermen, and aquatic-loving broods out there who simply can’t spend enough time plunging through, and beneath the ocean waves, the Blue Flag-certified Chileno Beach stands out as one of the best beaches in Cabo to explore. The Blue Flag status signifies exceptionally clean water and sand, ideal for swimming and lounging.
Playa Chileno, only a few minutes northeast of Cabo San Lucas proper, lies along the somewhat unromantically named Tourist Corridor. The beach offers wheelchair access, paddle boarding, snorkeling, clear blue water, and easy parking if you chose to drive here.
As one of the best beaches in Mexico for families, Chileno boasts plenty of amenities, like beachside showers, nearby bistros for a bite to eat, and lifeguards on duty for safety.
San Lucas Marina
You’ll also find water taxis here to ferry you back and forth between San Lucas Marina and the beach—one of the best in Cabo—which means you can come and go as you please.
Divorce Beach
Divorce Beach
Some places are for looking at, but not touching, which is sound advice if you wander over to Divorce Beach, butted up against Lover’s Beach and backed by tall cliffs. Not touching means you should stay out of the water, as powerful currents, fierce riptides and lack of lifeguards at this playa make swimming here unadvisable.
But if you’re looking for a peaceful place to catch the sun’s rays while you meander across supple sand, or you delight in simply taking in the exquisite ocean seascapes and massive granite rock formations on and near the shore, Divorce Beach is an ideal locale where you can while away your time.
Lover’s Beach
Lover’s Beach
Lover’s Beach, just west of the more formidable aforementioned Divorce Beach, sits near Land’s End, the western tip of the small peninsula resting just to the south of Cabo San Lucas.
And whereas Divorce Beach’s rough currents are famed for literally pulling paramours apart, Lover’s Beach, or Playa del Amor, is one of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas you’ll come across, with swimmable water, heavenly golden sand, plus fairly easy access via water taxi to Cabo.
Lover’s Beach
Playa del Amor, tucked between rough-looking granite rock towers, is situated on the Sea of Cortez side of Land’s End, near El Arco, the distinctive arch rock formation jutting out of the water.
Snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat tours are all wonderful ways to survey the marine habitat and vibrant underwater ecosystem that Mexico is known for.
Occasionally, you’ll find locals along the beach selling nibbles to keep hunger pangs at bay—but as vendors aren’t always on duty, it’s a good idea to pack a meal or some snacks of your own before you head off for a romantic Lover’s Beach seaside stroll.
Read: Best Places in Mexico for Couples
Las Viudas Beach
Las Viudas Beach
Just past the renowned Cabo Del Sol golf courses, if you really look for it, you’ll happen upon the secluded Las Viudas Beach, also known as Widow’s Beach. This appealing strip of sand offers intrepid beachgoers a welcome reprieve from the more bustling thrum of the urban beaches in Cabo San Lucas.
Volcanic stone, tiny coves, clear blue water and small tidal pools make this sheltered slice of sand one of the best beaches in Cabo. While Las Viudas is not officially a clothing-optional beach, it does attract the occasional free spirit, so don’t be surprised if you come across fellow beach-lovers seeking an all-over tan.
Medano Beach
Medano Beach
If you’ve come to frolic in the sand and surf, Medano Beach should rate high on your list as one of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas to visit.
It’s a large, bustling, brightly-colored swimming beach with plenty to do and see, including (but not limited to) flyboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, kite surfing, paddle boarding, parasailing, snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, volleyball, and more.
Playa el Médano is extremely popular, to say the least, with the bars, bistros, boutiques, rental shops, restaurants and trinkets stores of Cabo San Lucas practically spilling out onto the sand.
If you love hanging out where the action of the city bumps up against the vibe of the ocean, then the hubbub of Medano Beach should put a big smile on your face.
Playa Migriño
Playa Migriño
Surfers adore Playa Migriño, just under an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, for its dependable point break and pummeling waves, which make for a great ride on a board.
While it may be better for surfing than swimming, Migriño Beach, on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula, does offer some remarkably stellar ocean panoramas across long stretches of barren-looking sandy shores.
Horseback rides along the beach are on offer here for the romantic at heart. And should you prefer a little more motorized action, you can book ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tours that will have you zipping across the sands of Migriño in no time at all.
Humpback whale
Come winter, Migriño Beach also serves up plenty of whale-watching opportunities, affording you the chance to catch glimpses of humpback whales, gray whales, fin whales and more.
Monuments Beach
Monuments Beach
Playa Monumento, or Monuments Beach, is another beach that surfers flock to, thanks to the beach’s left-side point break. And while this smallish beach is just a few miles east of downtown Cabo San Lucas, due to its rougher surf, it’s another gorgeous locale that’s best left for seasoned surfers to tackle.
But if you do like the idea of watching surfers flaunt their acrobatic skills, or you’re a fan of impressive ocean sunsets, Playa Monumento—only a short jaunt by taxi from Cabo—makes for a perfect little side trip to round out your day.
Palmilla Beach
Palmilla Beach
Sit back, relax, and rejoice, as Palmilla Beach, or Playa Palmilla, serves up abundant beachside fun for couples and families alike.
Palmilla Beach, near the Jack Nicklaus Signature Cove Club Golf Course, offers calm, swimmable turquoise water and soft sand on which to relax.
Lie back under a sun umbrella or take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities and swim among the tropical fish that dart around close to the water’s edge.
Palmilla Beach
You won’t find a great deal of amenities here, so if you arrive by taxi, bring some water and snacks. You can also explore the rocky coves around the beach while enjoying plenty of elbow room, as sunny Palmilla rarely feels busy.
Playa Costa Azul
Playa Costa Azul
If you’re all about that beach life, from big rollers to fun in the sun and tasty beachside snacks, Costa Azul Beach should rank high on your list of the best beaches in Cabo to visit.
There are two “Zippers” here, both serving as a lure to the beach-going crowd. The first Zippers is a right-hand reef break that beckons seasoned surfers to take on its tumbling waves.
Shrimp tacos
But if you’re not an accomplished surfer, then Zipper’s Restaurant might end up being your main port of call. It’s a laid-back eatery where you can feast on juicy burgers and fresh shrimp tacos while soaking in the local surf culture—and of course, stunning ocean views—as you dine right next to the sea.
Shipwreck Beach
If you’re looking for a secluded oasis of your very own, Shipwreck Beach could be the destination you’ve been searching for.
Located to the northeast of Cabo San Lucas, along the East Cape coastal road, Shipwreck Beach, or Playa Barco Varado, got its name from the Japanese tuna vessel Inari Maru which sank here back in the 1960s.
Alas, for divers who enjoy exploring underwater wrecks, the Inari Maru is no longer there. Still, Shipwreck Beach is popular with surfers (thanks to its right reef breaks) and travelers who like to reconnoiter open, stark-looking lengths of coastline, tidal pools and desert-esque shores.
Swimming is possible here, but probably not the best idea for inexperienced swimmers or younger children.
Pedregal Beach
Pedregal Beach
Pedregal Beach, just west of Cabo San Lucas’ main marina, is a lovely little beach, below a ritzier part of town.
The luxury villas sitting along the rocky bluff overlooking the ocean, plus the palm trees toward the far end of the beach give this piece of seaside real estate a serene ambiance.
It’s a great location for a sunset stroll, but due to the strong ocean currents here, better for walking than dipping.
Read: Where to Shop in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
With plenty of sand, sea, tropical fish, snorkeling and an easy-going beach lifestyle on offer, browse Celebrity’s Cabo San Lucas cruises to start planning your Mexican Riviera vacation.
