Looking for the best Cabo San Lucas beaches to match your travel style? Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, San Lucas is part of the vibrant zones of Los Cabos and offers over 200 km of stunning coastline. Whether you're craving a calm swim in turquoise waters or chasing the thrill of a surf session, there's a stretch of sand waiting for you.
From lively hotspots near downtown to secluded bays hidden by dramatic cliffs, each of Cabo's beaches has its own unique charm, making it ideal for everything from romantic getaways to group adventures. It's no wonder this corner of Mexico is a favorite for sand-and-sea lovers.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches to Swim
Medano Beach
At the heart of Cabo lies Medano Beach—a bustling, two-mile stretch lined with restaurants, bars, and beach clubs. Jump into activities like jet-skiing and paddleboarding, or join a spontaneous volleyball game. The water is swimmable, so you can wade into calm waves one moment and dive into the lively beach scene the next.
Families appreciate the easy access to restrooms; night owls love that the energy continues well after the sun goes down. Medano Beach truly offers something for everyone.
Chileno Beach
If you’re seeking serenity and crystal-clear waters, Chileno Beach is the perfect spot. As a Blue Flag-certified beach, it holds a prestigious eco-label awarded to beaches that meet strict environmental and safety standards.
With amenities like palapas, restrooms, and showers, it offers everything you need for a relaxing day by the water. The calm atmosphere of Chileno Beach truly sets it apart from other beaches in Cabo San Lucas.
Palmilla Beach
On the outskirts of San José del Cabo, Palmilla Beach offers a quiet haven away from the crowds. Another Blue Flag-certified beach, it's known for gentle waves and clean sands—perfect for swimmers seeking calm waters.
You won't find many commercial vendors here, so bring a cooler, a good book, and some shade if you can.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach curves around a crescent bay that keeps the water calm, welcoming swimmers of all levels. Part of a protected marine sanctuary, it's a favorite among snorkeling fans for its coral reefs and colorful fish.
Facilities include portable restrooms and shaded areas, covering the basics for a comfortable visit. If you're up for an early morning dip surrounded by natural beauty, Santa Maria stands out among Cabo's beaches.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches for Snorkeling
Chileno Beach
Chileno Beach deserves another mention among Cabo San Lucas beaches for its calm currents and abundant marine life.
Arrive early to maximize visibility and beat the crowds. You might spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is a snorkeler's paradise, tucked into a sheltered cove. As part of a protected marine sanctuary, it boasts stunning coral reefs and a diverse array of fish. Early mornings offer the clearest waters. Rental gear is limited, so bringing your own ensures you can dive right in.
Pelican Rock (off Lover’s Beach)
Just beyond Lover's Beach, Pelican Rock is accessible by a short boat ride from the marina. Beneath the surface, you'll discover an underwater world filled with coral and vibrant fish. Many visitors join guided tours that include gear and safety equipment. If you prefer exploring on your own, you can arrange a water taxi—but be mindful of currents and boat traffic when snorkeling.
Cabo Pulmo
A two-hour drive from central Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo's untouched coral reef—one of the oldest in North America—makes the trek worthwhile. Schooling jacks and groupers often grace the waters, and lucky snorkelers might encounter reef sharks.
October through December is prime time when the water is warm and visibility peaks. Local outfitters provide gear and guides. Remember, it's a protected marine park, so learning about ongoing conservation efforts is essential.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches to Party
Medano Beach
Medano Beach doubles as a party hub for day-to-night fun. Bars and restaurants line the shoreline, each playing its own soundtrack. Throw in parasailing, jet skiing, or dancing on the sand, and you'll see why it's legendary among Cabo San Lucas beaches for high-energy festivities.
For a beachside watering hole with a laid-back vibe, head toward the Cabo San Lucas Marina to enjoy the nightlife at Cabo San Lucas.
Lover’s Beach
Lover's Beach might feel romantic by day, but it can transform after dark into a secluded beach party. Accessible only by water taxi or kayak, it's perfect if you and your crew want a private gathering.
Small bonfires, starlit dinners, and good music echo softly against the rock walls. For a quieter night away from the downtown scene, this Cabo beach offers just enough off-the-grid appeal.
Mango Deck Beach Club
Perched on Medano Beach, Mango Deck Beach Club is the epicenter of unfiltered Cabo party culture. Drinking games, live DJs, and rowdy contests keep the energy high.
During peak seasons like Spring Break, it's buzzing with college crowds and revelers. If you're in the mood for lively daytime shenanigans that last into the early evening, Mango Deck is your spot.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches for Sunset Views
Divorce Beach
Near Land's End and its famous rock formations, Divorce Beach offers a dramatic stretch of sand that glows with brilliant pinks and oranges as the sun dips below the horizon.
Arrive 20–30 minutes early to watch the sky change colors against the rugged shoreline of this unique Cabo beach.
Sunset Beach
True to its name, Sunset Beach provides a panoramic view over the Pacific Ocean. The golden hour paints the sky with fiery tones that fade into deep purples and reds. With fewer crowds than central locations, it's an ideal spot to unwind after a busy day exploring Cabo San Lucas beaches.
Pedregal Beach
Within the exclusive Pedregal community, Pedregal Beach offers a quieter vantage point for sunset lovers. Show up an hour before the sun goes down to see the final glow reflect off the waves and surrounding hills, crafting a private, peaceful experience on one of Cabo's more secluded beaches.
Land’s End
Famous for its sea arch, Land's End is one of the most recognizable backdrops in Cabo San Lucas. Arriving about 45 minutes before sunset gives you time to appreciate the interplay of light on the towering rock formations—unforgettable even if you've seen countless sunsets before.
This iconic Cabo beach area is a must-visit and is among the most Instagram-worthy spots in Los Cabos.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches to Surf
Monuments Beach
Monuments Beach serves up a strong left-hand point break over a rocky bottom, best tackled by experienced surfers. Summer (June to August) brings the most reliable S-SW swells.
Because of the rocks, caution is a must. For confident surfers looking for a challenge among Cabo San Lucas beaches, this spot is worth checking out.
Acapulquito Beach (Old Man’s Beach)
Acapulquito, or Old Man's Beach, draws surfers of all skill levels—especially beginners and longboarders who enjoy its gentle right point breaks. The waves are smoother from March to November. It can get crowded, so early mornings are prime.
Cerritos Beach
About 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos Beach suits beginners and intermediates with its sandy bottom and predictable beach breaks. Prime surf season runs from November to April. Surf lessons and rentals are readily available, and the beach's laid-back vibe makes it inviting for families and solo travelers alike.
Zippers Beach
Zippers Beach is for those craving faster, more powerful right-hand reef breaks. The surf peaks in summer when S-SW swells roll in. It's a favorite spot for competitions and local pros. Beginners should watch from the sand or only enter the lineup with experienced instructors.
Best Secluded Cabo San Lucas Beaches
Lover’s Beach
Lover's Beach earns another mention among secluded Cabo San Lucas beaches. Nestled behind the Arch at Land's End, it's only reachable by water taxi or kayak, adding a sense of hidden adventure.
The Sea of Cortez side is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Dramatic rock formations shield you from noise and crowds, promising a restful day on the sand.
Divorce Beach
Contrasting with Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach faces powerful currents and roaring waves from the Pacific side. Swimming isn't recommended, but the rugged shoreline and relative solitude create a striking landscape among Cabo's beaches. The rocks lend a sense of awe, making it a captivating spot for soaking up nature without a crowd.
East Cape Beaches
The East Cape region is sprinkled with quiet Cabo San Lucas beaches that require a bit more driving. Once you arrive, you're rewarded with pristine sands, fewer visitors, and great spots for snorkeling or simply relaxing in the sun. The mellow environment feels worlds away from downtown Cabo.
Punta Arena Beach
Further along the East Cape, Punta Arena Beach offers dunes, tranquil waters, and minimal tourist traffic. It's ideal for clearing your head. Adventurers appreciate its off-the-grid vibe, while those seeking absolute calm can find a corner of sand to call their own among Cabo's beaches.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches for Families
Palmilla Beach
Palmilla Beach suits families who prefer a gentler, less crowded environment among Cabo San Lucas beaches.
Lifeguards often patrol during peak times, and the shallow shoreline is great if you have younger kids. Stroller-friendly pathways and restrooms equipped for families add to the convenience.
Medano Beach
Medano Beach might be lively, but families still appreciate its soft sands, friendly waters, and wide range of nearby dining options. Kids can try banana boat rides and join beach games, while parents relax on a lounge chair. Public restrooms and paved walkways make navigating with strollers manageable on this popular Cabo beach.
Chileno Beach
Chileno Beach's clear, calm waters earn it a Blue Flag rating and a reputation as a family-friendly haven among Cabo San Lucas beaches. A roped-off swimming section, regular patrols, and available shade under palapas create a safe setting. Snorkeling is also a highlight, giving kids a memorable introduction to colorful fish darting through the reef.
Cerritos Beach
Known for surfing, Cerritos Beach is equally appealing to families looking for a wide, sandy expanse where children can play without heavy crowds. Surf lessons are available for older kids, and gentler waves closer to shore can entertain younger ones. Easy parking access and ramps for strollers round out its family-friendly amenities.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches for Wildlife Watching
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo tops the list for wildlife watching among Cabo San Lucas beaches, thanks to its celebrated coral reef and national marine park status. You might see massive schools of jacks, sea turtles, and manta rays—along with humpback whales between December and April.
Follow local guidelines and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect the reef for future generations.
El Tule Beach
El Tule Beach may not draw large crowds, but that's a plus for spotting birds and marine life. The estuary behind the beach attracts species like pelicans and egrets. Dolphins sometimes swim close to shore. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chance to see a variety of creatures near Cabo's beaches.
Santa Maria Beach
With its protected bay, Santa Maria Beach provides a glimpse into the region's underwater diversity. Sea lions and dolphins are known to pass through from November to April. Snorkel in the morning for the calmest waters or gaze from the shore if you prefer to stay dry.
Solmar Beach
Overlooking the Pacific, Solmar Beach is an excellent place to watch humpback and gray whales breaching during their migration (December to April). The waves are strong, so swimming isn't advised, but strolling along the shoreline at sunrise or sunset often includes a glimpse of these majestic animals.
Best Cabo San Lucas Beaches for Adventure and Water Sports
From high-speed water sports to exciting land adventures, Cabo San Lucas boasts an array of thrill-seeker activities that cater to the adventurous spirit.
Medano Beach
Medano Beach is a hotspot for thrill-seekers among Cabo San Lucas beaches. Jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding headline its offerings.
Whether you're booking quick rentals or full-scale adventure tours in Cabo, there's plenty to choose from. Once you're done, refuel with local bites from the many beachside stands.
Lover’s Beach
Beneath its serene exterior, Lover’s Beach beckons with adventure. As a prime launch point for kayaking around Land’s End, it offers breathtaking views of dramatic rock formations and the chance to spot playful sea lions. Reach this hidden gem by water taxi from the marina, and be sure to bring a dry bag to keep your belongings safe.
Prefer to stay dry? You can still admire Lover’s Beach from the comfort of a boat on one of the many tours heading to the Arch.
Chileno Beach
Chileno Beach continues to be a top pick for underwater action among Cabo's beaches. Clear waters and a healthy reef beckon scuba divers and snorkelers. Arriving with a local tour group can streamline gear and guidance, though independent explorers are welcome too. Get there early to stake out a palapa for shade and easy rests between underwater adventures.
Cerritos Beach
While known for surfing, Cerritos Beach also hosts bodyboarding, paddleboarding, and the occasional yoga-on-the-beach class. Its quiet setting appeals to onlookers who prefer snapping photos and sampling fresh fish tacos from local vendors. Consistent waves from November to April keep surfers coming back for more.
Beyond the beaches, adventurers can explore unique destinations like Tierra Sagrada and traverse rugged landscapes on off-road ATV tours. If you're new to ATV riding, check out these ATV tips for beginners to prepare for an exhilarating ride.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas brings together every kind of beach lover under the warm Mexican sun. Social butterflies can lounge on Medano Beach, where a two-mile stretch of swimmable water meets festive bars and restaurants.
Families often gravitate to Chileno Beach for calm conditions and snorkel-friendly reefs, while surfers seek out Cerritos Beach for rolling waves and a laid-back surf culture.
Those intrigued by marine conservation often trek to Cabo Pulmo for a glimpse of its pristine reef. And if you're craving something quieter, Lover's Beach and the East Cape beaches keep you off the tourist radar.
No matter your style, Cabo San Lucas beaches welcome you with open arms. Ready to experience it all? Start planning your unforgettable adventure today, and explore a range of budget-friendly activities. Safe travels, and enjoy the sunshine.