Los Cabos Hotels and Vacation Packages

Los Cabos Beaches

The Los Cabos area, located where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortés meet, creates a mecca for those who are attracted to beaches and water. The 50 miles of shoreline between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo are lined with coves and long stretches of beach -- there are nearly 20 beaches in the area to enjoy.

Water sports like fishing, diving, surfing and kayaking draw many tourists to the Los Cabos area. Whale watching is also a prime activity during the winter season.

Many of the beaches in the area do not have services, so tourists should bring plenty of water, sunscreen and other beach necessities. Most of the beaches are not staffed by lifeguards, but the beach resorts do use a color-coded flag system to indicate water safety. Swimmers need to be very cautious about waves and undertows, especially on the Pacific side.

Beaches are mainly divided into those in the Cabo San Lucas Bay area, those in San José del Cabo and those on the 20-mile tourist corridor between the two towns.

Playa del Amor
Location: Cabo San Lucas Bay
Amenities: None

Playa del Amor, or "Lovers' Beach," is probably the most recognized and most photographed beach area in Los Cabos. The beach was voted one of the 10 best in Mexico by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and the views here are amazing. The beach, which lies at the tip of Cabo near the famous El Arco rock formation, can only be reached by boat. At low tide you can actually pass through the arch to the Pacific, but keep in mind that swimming is only really safe on the Sea of Cortés side. It is also a popular snorkeling area and there are good dive sites offshore.

Playa El Médano
Location: Cabo San Lucas Bay
Amenities: Palapa bars and restaurants along the beach, shopping

This is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas so it is consequently the most popular and most crowded beach as well. It is especially packed during spring break and the high tourist season. Swimming here is safe and good for kids. Water sports enthusiasts can rent equipment for kayaking, boogie boarding, snorkeling and more. There are several bars and restaurants along Playa Médano, which contribute to a party atmosphere.

Playa Solmar
Location: Cabo San Lucas
Amenities: None

If you are looking for a quiet place to sunbathe and relax, Playa Solmar is less crowded. The beach faces the Pacific, so heavy surf is common and swimming is not recommended. 

Monuments Beach
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: Nearby dining

Monuments Beach, located just a few miles outside of Cabo San Lucas, is a good surfing beach. Snorkeling and swimming are also possible if the surf conditions allow. The beach is located below the popular Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant, which offers beautiful views along with drinks and Italian cuisine.

Playa Las Viudas
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: None nearby -- there is no lifeguard and no shade.

Playa Las Viudas is a small, secluded beach that is a good place for sunbathing. The beach is very scenic with coves, tidal pools and volcanic rock formations. It's a good place for snorkeling and diving because there are reefs located just off the shore. Swimmers and snorkelers should only go in the water when it is calm. There is no lifeguard at the beach and there are no services, so tourists should bring plenty of sunscreen, water and other necessities. 

Bahía Santa María
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: There are a few beach vendors, but no real services.

Bahía Santa María is fairly secluded beach that is a protected marine sanctuary, which means it's an excellent spot for snorkeling and viewing many species of colorful fish. The beach is also known for its beautiful sand, which has a pink hue. Many charter boats and tour companies in Cabo San Lucas offer excursions to Bahía Santa María. There are no facilities at the beach except for a handful of beach vendors so be sure to bring necessities with you.

Playa Chileno
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: Restrooms, equipment rentals and a dive shop that sells cold soft drinks and bottled water

Playa Chileno is a popular beach in the Los Cabos area, known for its safe swimming. It features clear water with an abundance of marine life, which makes for good snorkeling and diving opportunities. This is also one of the few beaches in the area that has services including restrooms, shade and a dive shop. Motorized water sports are banned at Playa Chileno.

Playa Bledito
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: There are water sports rentals and a restaurant at a nearby hotel.

Playa Bledito is a good beach for swimming, walking and water sports. There is a manmade breakwater in front that creates safe swimming conditions and a protected cove for water sports. Equipment rental is available nearby and there is a restaurant at the Meliá Cabo Real hotel at the beach.

Bahía Palmilla
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: Thatch covered beach huts for shade

Bahía Palmilla is known as the "longest swimming beach," which means you can swim for longer along the shoreline than any other area beach. The beach is protected by a rocky outcropping, which makes the water conditions calm and ideal for families. It is also a good spot for snorkeling. While there are no services here and no spots to rent equipment, the beach does have some beach huts for shade.

Acapulquito
Location: Tourist corridor
Amenities: Beachfront restaurant, a small grocery store and beauty salon. Surfboard rentals are nearby across the highway.

Acapulquito Beach is known as "Old Man's Beach." It is a very popular spot with surfers and the beach holds surf competitions every July. There are surfboard rentals nearby. When the water is calm enough, swimming is possible here.

Playa Costa Azul
Location: San Jose del Cabo
Amenities: Nearby restaurants

Playa Costa Azul (Blue Coast Beach) in San Jose del Cabo is a surfer's paradise, known for its waves. There are different areas for different skill levels and there are places to just sit and watch. In the winter, the surf is calmer and guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Fishing, horseback riding and just walking along the beach are popular here as well. There are plenty of nearby restaurants.

Playa Hotelera
Location: San Jose del Cabo.
Amenities: At nearby hotels.

Playa Hotelera, located one mile from downtown San José del Cabo, is a long stretch of beach that is home to dozens of hotels. If you walk through any hotel or alley between them, you'll find the beach. While the beach is great for jogging, volleyball and other activities, it is not recommended for swimming because of the dangerous surf. Fishing is also a popular pastime at this beach and you'll see lots of anglers around sunrise every day.