The Best Beaches
in Los Cabos
7 beaches where the desert crashes into the Pacific. Warning: you cannot swim at all of them. I tell you which ones are safe, which are not, and why.
Los Cabos is a different animal. Here the desert descends to meet the sea on beaches that look like another planet: golden sand against monumental rocks, cacti within feet of the surf and a Pacific Ocean that does not forgive. Half the beaches have currents that pull you out to sea, so do not get in the water without checking the flags.
I walked 7 beaches end to end — from the Arch of Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos — to tell you honestly which ones are worth it, which are tourist traps, and which ones are actually safe to swim.
The 7 Best Beaches
Verified by Mr. Playas
The iconic onePlaya del Amor (Lover's Beach)
Next to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
★★★★★The most famous beach in Los Cabos, tucked between the Arch and the rock formations at Land's End. Only reachable by boat or kayak from the marina — no road access. On the Sea of Cortez side you can swim; on the Pacific side (Divorce Beach) the currents are deadly. Get there early because after 11 AM it becomes a tourist zoo.
The party beachPlaya Médano (El Médano)
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
★★★★☆The only swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas. This is where the action is: beach clubs (Mango Deck, Billygan's, The Office), jet skis, parasailing, vendors, music. Perfect if you want a beach party; terrible if you want quiet. During spring break it is absolute chaos.
Best snorkelingPlaya Chileno (Chileno Bay)
Km 14, Tourist Corridor
★★★★★The best snorkeling beach in all of Los Cabos. Protected bay with rocky reef, crystal-clear water, and colorful fish. Has bathrooms, palapas, and easy public access. Arrive before 10 AM for the best shade spots. The water is so clear you can see the bottom at 30 feet. My favorite for families.
Natural aquariumPlaya Santa María
Km 12, Tourist Corridor
★★★★★Horseshoe-shaped bay with golden sand and a reef that forms a natural aquarium. Perfect for snorkeling alongside Chileno Bay (they are 1.2 miles apart — you can do both in one day). No vendors, no beach clubs, no noise — just you and the fish. Bring your own snorkel gear and water because there are no services.
Local surfPlaya Los Balcones (El Tule)
Km 5, toward San José del Cabo
★★★★☆A surf beach for locals that tourists do not know about. Consistent waves, relaxed atmosphere, no beach clubs or vendors. NOT for swimming — the currents are strong. But if you surf or want epic sunsets with rock formations, it is one of the best. Locals are friendly if you respect the lineup.
ElegantPlaya Palmilla
Km 27, San José del Cabo
★★★★☆The most exclusive beach in Los Cabos, in front of the legendary Hotel Palmilla (One&Only). Soft sand, relatively calm waters for the Pacific, and an atmosphere that says luxury without being pretentious. There is public access via a dirt road next to the hotel. Few people on weekdays. Perfect for a sunset walk.
Surf for everyonePlaya Los Cerritos (Todos Santos)
Todos Santos, 1h north of Cabo San Lucas
★★★★★An hour from Cabo, in the magical town of Todos Santos, this beach is the polar opposite of Médano. Gentle waves perfect for learning to surf, surf schools everywhere ($25–40 USD/lesson), wide sand and sunsets that rival any Bali postcard. If you can only visit one beach outside Cabo, make it this one.
Which beach should you pick?
For the postcard: Lover's Beach next to the Arch. Nothing more iconic in Los Cabos.
For snorkeling: Chileno Bay. Protected bay, crystal-clear water, reef teeming with marine life.
For the beach party: Médano. Beach clubs, jet skis, drinks in the sand. The party epicenter.
For surf: Los Cerritos in Todos Santos. Gentle waves for beginners, bohemian vibe, cheap lessons.
For families: Chileno Bay or Santa María. Calm waters, clear public access, no dangerous surf.
For a sunset walk: Palmilla. Soft sand, exclusive without being pretentious, incredible colors at dusk.
What nobody tells you: the currents
More than half of Los Cabos beaches have dangerous currents, especially on the Pacific side. Red flags mean DO NOT SWIM — and they mean it. Every year tourists drown for ignoring the warnings. If you see a red flag, stay on the sand. Safe beaches: Médano, Chileno Bay, Santa María, and Palmilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the photo: Lover's Beach. For snorkeling: Chileno Bay. For the party: Médano. For surf: Los Cerritos in Todos Santos. For families: Chileno Bay or Santa María.
No. Many Pacific-side beaches have dangerous currents. Safe for swimming: Médano, Chileno Bay, Santa María, and Palmilla. Always check the flags.
Only by boat or kayak from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Water taxis cost $15–20 USD per person. There are tours that include snorkeling and a visit to the Arch.
December through March. Humpback whales pass through Los Cabos on their annual migration. You can see them from the Corridor beaches or on whale watching tours ($45–85 USD).
Yes, by law. But the access points are hard to find between the resorts. Chileno Bay and Santa María have the clearest and best-signed access. GPS is your friend.