Blog  |  Thursday, March 14, 2024

Los Cabos Beach Review: Which Ones are Best?

Los Cabos, the home of two bustling seaside cities, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, has dozens of beaches to explore. Whether you want to people-watch, relax on the shores with a good book, swim, or test your skills on a surfboard, there’s a beach to fit your needs.

Of course, the best way to explore beaches is with a resort or a residence as your home base. Costa Palmas, a luxury community east of Los Cabos, has elegant accommodations and residences to choose from. From this secluded destination, you can fill your days with beach views and activities.

Take a look at the best beaches in Cabo:

• Medano Beach

  Best for: Swimming and people watching

  Medano Beach is situated at the coastal Baja hub of Cabo San Lucas. In the thick of the Tourist Corridor, the two-mile stretch of beach is close to hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars, which makes it a hot spot for tourists. Get to the beach early to grab a prime spot and stay all day, sipping on cocktails and watching people go by.

  Medado’s popularity doesn’t just stem from its location. It’s also a swimmable beach with golden sand and turquoise water lapping at the shore. Many beaches in Cabo aren’t swimmable due to their rocky shorelines and rip currents, so this beach is attractive to swimmers.

  Since it’s a busy locale, you’ll encounter a lot of beach vendors. Some will set up near the parking lot, while others will wander the beach selling their wares. From jewelry to beach wear, you can find all the souvenirs you need.

  If you’re up for any kind of watersports, you’ll find it here too. You can book a fishing charter, take the family on a jet ski tour, or hop on a water taxi to see the iconic Land’s End, where you’ll see “The Arch.” This rock formation, carved from wind and water, sits at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Get your camera ready because it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Los Cabos.

• Chileno Beach

  Best for: Families

  If you’re looking for a calm, well-kept beach for the kids to splash around in, try Chileno Beach. Known as one of the best beaches in Cabo, this sun-drenched setting has everything your family needs for the ultimate beach day. A paved parking lot and a boardwalk make it easy to tow your beach necessities to the water. You’ll also find public bathrooms, showers, and a well-groomed shoreline.

  You’ll need to bring your own food since there aren’t concessions on this stretch of beach.

  Chileno is a Blue Flag Beach, meaning those who manage the beach are committed to sustainability and focus on water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety.

• Santa Maria Beach

  Best for: Snorkeling

  A horseshoe-shaped beach with rugged mountains as its backdrop, Santa Maria Beach is a beautiful beach to visit, especially if you like to explore underwater. The sea is teeming with fish and marine life, which is why many snorkeling or scuba adventures launch from this location. On a clear morning, you can see fish skim the water’s surface throughout the protected cove.

  While the beach is inviting, it’s also rugged. Its dirt parking lot and lack of public amenities mean you’ll need to carry in what you need. If you’re at the beach to hop on a charter, make sure you ask what you need to bring because you won’t be able to buy supplies.

• Los Cerritos Beach

  Best for: Surfing

  If you’re itching to ride waves, head to Los Cerritos Beach. You’ll find waves to suit all skill levels at the breakpoint. Waves break steadily, so you usually won’t have to wait, and since the waves break gently on the inside, it’s a common spot for beginners.

  A certified surf school, CRT Surf School, is one site where you can sign up for day-of lessons or book in advance.

  The beach is about a 45-minute trek from Cabo, but the trip is picture-perfect, with desert landscape flanking the road on one side and the ocean on the other. The town itself is worth exploring, too. Todos Santos is a farming town with charming galleries, restaurants, and churches. Spend your day enjoying the waves, and spend your evening touring the town.

• The Beach at Costa Palmas

  Best for: Those looking for a luxury experience

  Costa Palmas, a 1,500-acre luxury property tucked along the quiet shores of East Cape, is home to a two-mile stretch of swimmable beach. This beach, which is reserved for guests or residents, gives you unfettered access to the Sea of Cortez.

  The beach is just steps away from an elegant, oceanside room inside the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas or your own private beachside villa.

  Whether you’re a guest visiting the East Cape or a seasoned resident, the beach is yours to explore. Watch your kids swim in the sapphire waters while you lounge on the tranquil beach. Or, chat with a member of the Adventura team to book an activity like jet skiing, fishing, or snorkeling.

• Palmilla Beach

  Best for: A peaceful beach day

  Located in San Jose del Cabo, Palmilla Beach is a great spot to visit during a day trip to this quaint city. It’s a small, swimmable beach with an area roped off for swimmers. Bring your snorkel gear, too; you’ll find an entire underwater world waiting to be explored.

  While a bit smaller than others, Palmilla Beach is quiet. You’ll find locals and visitors alike wandering the shores or soaking up a little sun. You won’t find public amenities, but you’ll enjoy a peaceful day staring at the wave-filled horizon.

  Be sure to explore the city before you head back to your resort or home. Experience its many colonial buildings, wander through churches, visit art galleries, and try local cafes that feature generations-old recipes.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cabo, use this list as your guide. Many who tour the shores fall in love with the area. From its pristine landscape and perfect weather to its luxurious accommodations and its plethora of activities, it’s not uncommon for visitors to become residents. If you’re in the market for a Los Cabos home, consider your real estate options inside the prestigious Costa Palmas.