Pristine white sand. Chic clubs that stay open ‘til dawn. Endless water sports. The beaches of Cabo have it all.
Experience a tropical paradise with a big personality in Cabo San Lucas. This lively and luxurious coastal destination sits on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California state. A favorite spot for celebrities, it’s the ideal place for relaxation and revelry in the brilliant Mexican sunshine.
Uncover the allure of Cabo San Lucas
A beach locale with something for everyone
At first glance, Cabo San Lucas – with its brilliant-white beaches and sapphire-hued waters – seems like your typical coastal oasis. But there’s far more to it than simply an abundance of natural beauty. Thanks to its location on both the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Sea of Cortes, Cabo San Lucas’ beaches are magnets for those craving water-based adventures.
Surfing, snorkeling, dolphin-spotting and sunset sailing are just some of the sporting activities up for grabs in Cabo. And let’s not forget the area’s epic beach clubs – we’re talking about some of the best nightlife venues in Mexico.
The 8 best beaches in Cabo San Lucas
Out top picks
From peaceful coves perfect for R&R to lively locales with water sports and dining options galore, let’s dive into the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas.
Santa Maria Beach
Whale watching
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 20km
Playa Santa Maria is a nature lover’s dream – and not just for its pristine sand and turquoise waters. The sheltered, family-friendly cove is also a prime location to spot whales. Plus, it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling among shoals of vibrant fish.
Lover’s Beach
Secluded cove
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 10km to Medano Beach + water taxi
Known locally as Playa del Amor, this secluded cove is easily one of the most romantic Cabo San Lucas beaches. As well as golden sand and calm waters, it features a backdrop of soaring limestone rock formations. Access it by water taxi or kayak from Medano Beach.
Medano Beach
Top Cabo beach
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 10km
The three-kilometer stretch of sand that makes up El Médano is brimming with amazing amenities. It’s one of Cabo’s most popular local beaches, boasting numerous restaurants and bars, a selection of water sports vendors and lovely ocean waters ideal for swimming.
Costa Azul
Surfers’ spot
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 15km
Fringing the beautiful Sea of Cortez, Playa Costa Azul is well-known for its great surf. It’s blessed with consistent waves thanks to a break in the nearby reef. Visit in the summer for the Los Cabos Open of Surf competition – a true surf spectacle featuring live music and tasty Mexican food stalls.
Palmilla Beach
Luxury beach
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 25km
This Blue Flag beach is one of Cabo’s most luxurious places to relax, thanks in part to its collection of upscale resorts and villas. Paddle in crystalline waters or go early and watch fishermen hauling in their catches.
Chileno Beach
Perfect for snorkeling
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 15km
Playa Chileno is another breathtaking public beach that you could easily spend a full day relaxing on. It’s clear, calm water is teeming with marine life, making it a lovely location for a swim or snorkel. You’ll find a handful of amenities too – from showers to bathrooms – but you might want to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Divorce Beach
Rugged beach
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 10km to Medano Beach + water taxi
For a more rugged Cabo San Lucas beach experience, venture to Playa del Divorcio. It’s another cove that’s accessed via water taxi from Medano Beach. While you won’t be able to swim due to strong currents, it’s a great spot for some vacation photos or a stroll along the sand.
Cannery Beach
Ideal for new divers
Distance from Los Cabos Airport: 5km
This small cove is a popular spot with snorkelers or beginner divers learning the ropes thanks to its gentle incline and wonderful underwater life. It’s also located just a stone’s throw from the center of Cabo San Lucas, meaning easy access to some great restaurants.
Insider tips:
Savour the local food. Try fish tacos and fresh ceviche.
Use the local water taxis. Great for reaching father-flung beaches.
Cabo’s weather is consistently warm. It may be rainy during hurricane season (June to November).
More things to do in Cabo San Lucas
You could easily spend a week lazing around on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas. But if you’re seeking a little more out of your getaway, you won’t be disappointed.
Cabo’s crystal-clear waters host all kinds of unique experiences – from thrilling water sports to out-of-this-world whale watching. It’s also a fantastic location to spot whale sharks. If you’re researching the best time to visit Cabo and planning a trip between September and May, put an organized tour on your itinerary. Visiting outside of these months? Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve is always teeming with life – whether you explore it with a snorkel mask or on a diving expedition. Really, what we’re trying to say is that there isn’t really a wrong’
You could also turn your attention inland where you’ll find world-class golf courses and picturesque landscapes dotted with towering cacti. Head out into the desert on an organised ATV tour or pull on some comfy shoes and hike the trail to Mount Solmar for panoramic vistas of the sea and sky.
One of the area’s most famous attractions is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco). This limestone formation is located at Land’s End and perfect for some vacation snaps. Go for sunset and, if you’re lucky, you might just spot sea lions swimming offshore.
Come nightfall, you’ll be spoilt for choice with dining and drinking venues. For a more romantic setting (and plenty of seafood), venture to Marina Cabo San Lucas. Alternatively, tick off some of the legendary bars located in vibrant Downtown Cabo.
Thinking of traveling to Cabo San Lucas? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
