Nestled around the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, Los Cabos is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, particularly among those living in the U.S. and Canada. It refers to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo collectively, offering a breathtaking coast with miles of beautiful beaches. Visitors can soak up the sun, take part in a wide range of watersports, enjoy beachfront dining, sip refreshing cocktails and much more.
Living in the area for nearly seven years, and visiting long before that, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the stunning scenery and wealth of outdoor activities here. In this Los Cabos beaches regional guide, we’ll explore the top spots for spending time on the sand, including swimmable options, as well as looking at the best things to do beyond the golden sands.
From taking to the skies for a view from above to watching whales, paddling, hiking and ATV rides, you’ll find many ways to enjoy your vacation in Los Cabos.
Best Beaches in Los Cabos
Medano Beach
Medano sits at the heart of the Cabo party scene, fronting famous venues like The Office and the Mango Deck Restaurant and Beach Club. This isn’t a beach where you can avoid the crowds as the sand will be jam-packed, especially during the peak tourist season (mid-December through April). But this is also one of the most swimmable beaches in the area with a portion roped off for swimming. The moment you dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, you’ll be enveloped in awe, with beautiful views of the famous rock formations in the distance. This area is also a hub for boat tours, parasailing and a variety of watersports, with rentals available for wave runners, kayaks and more.
Lovers Beach
One of the most famously stunning beaches in all of Mexico, Lovers Beach, or Playa del Amor, can be accessed by water taxi from Medano or the marina. One side borders the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, while the other borders the powerful waves of the Pacific. The short ride to get there is all part of the fun. Watch for all sorts of marine creatures along the way from sea lions to colorful fish in the remarkably clear aquamarine waters, and capture photos of the remarkable rock formations. Once there, take advantage of the calm Sea of Cortez waters for swimming or snorkeling, in between relaxing on the sand.
Divorce Beach
Ironically, Divorce Beach backs Lovers Beach, but it’s arguably better for a romantic interlude as it’s edged by those vicious waves and riptides. The secluded location makes it ideal for stealing a few kisses but it’s far too dangerous to swim with many warnings posted here. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, sunbathing, gazing out at the spectacular beauty and taking advantage of the many outstanding photo ops. You’ll need to take a water taxi here unless you’re staying at the Grand Solmar Resort. From there, it’s possible to hike over the cliff to the beach, but only at low tide.
Tequila Cove Beach
Tequila Cove, officially known as Playa Bledito, is one of the best swimming beaches in the hotel zone, located about 30 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Situated just west of the protected Playa Cabo Real cove, it sits in front of the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. As all beaches in Mexico are open to the public, those who don’t stay at the resort can still access the unspoiled sands via various access points. Thanks to a large man-made breakwater, visitors can safely enjoy swimming and a variety of other watersports. Wave runners and jet skis are available to rent and if you’re looking for more solitude, you can find it by walking southwest toward Las Ventanas al Paraiso.
Santa Maria Beach
Playa Santa Maria is one of the best places to snorkel, with access to a vibrant coral reef just offshore, inhabited by all sorts of colorful fish. It’s generally not the best place to swim as many tour companies dock their boats here for snorkeling excursions but if you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy more tranquil waters, in brilliant shades of blue. The beach itself isn’t too busy, especially on weekdays. Even better, the palapas are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the whale watching season, it’s also a great spot to watch for whales.
Acapulquito Beach
Playa Acapulquito, or Old Man’s Beach, is a serene stretch providing an escape from the crowds of the bustling main beaches. It’s a popular place among locals who want to learn to surf with consistent breaks minus the intensity of the waves found in many of the area’s top surfing destinations. With soft sands and gentle waves, it provides an inviting setting for visitors of all types, including sunbathers and swimmers.
Playa Cerritos
If you’re willing to venture just outside the Los Cabos area, Playa Cerritos is about a 40-minute drive along the Pacific coast. You can take a bus and arrive in about an hour, but I highly recommend renting a car—this way, you can easily explore the charming town of Todos Santos nearby, known for its cobbled streets, colonial architecture and thriving arts and gastronomy scene. The beach itself offers the best surf break on the Pacific side of the peninsula, with a long, wide stretch of sand. There are areas with gentle waves calm enough for swimming, while surfers can take advantage of the south and northwest swells near the cliffs at its western end.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
Another good option for those up for a day trip is Cabo Pulmo National Park. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport, but well worth the drive. Located along the Sea of Cortez, you’ll find its only living coral reef system here with more than a hundred different species of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, moray eels, bull sharks and more. You’ll find many pristine beaches throughout the 70-mile stretch, surrounded by rugged mountains and undeveloped desert. Most come for the diving as this is one of the world’s top spots for the activity, with many outfitters offering diving excursions.
Top Things to Do in Los Cabos Beyond the Beach
Take to the Skies with Cabo Sky Tours
One of the most memorable activities I’ve ever enjoyed in Cabo is a ride in a powered hang glider over the coast with Cabo Sky Tours. It’s an exciting adventure that provides a bird’s-eye view over the iconic rock formations like El Arco, The Arch and the famously beautiful beaches like Playa del Amor. If you take advantage of the opportunity in the winter, you might even see whales in the water below. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy it while your skilled pilot does all the work, including capturing photos.
Watch for Whales
While I highly recommend taking to the skies for a view from above, if you’re in Los Cabos in the winter, you should consider joining a whale-watching tour. There are countless humpback whales in the area that can often be seen right from shore, but you’ll get the best views while out on the water. Gray whales and the occasional orca can be spotted too. By joining a reputable company like Whale Watch Cabo, you’ll have a marine biologist guide at your side for learning more about the whales too.
Paddle to the Famous Beaches & Rock Formations
While you can take a boat tour for a close-up look at El Arco and the other rock formations, the more adventurous might want to paddle out in a kayak or SUP. You can observe many sea lions, pelicans and all sorts of fish along the way. There are rentals and guided tours available at the marina and Medano Beach, some with glass-bottom kayaks so you can look down at the incredible marine life while paddling. It’s a great way to burn off all the delicious food and drink you’re bound to consume here while enjoying a fun experience.
Take an ATV Tour
If a thrilling ATV ride is more your kind of adventure, plenty of excursions take you along scenic desert trails, past cactus-lined arroyos and even onto the sand. You’ll access areas unreachable by traditional vehicles, with expert guides providing instruction and all necessary safety gear. Some outfitters even include lunch and tequila tastings for a well-rounded experience.
Ride a Horse
Horseback riding is possible too, with several different tour options from Los Cabos. You can cantor along spectacular beaches while watching for whales in the winter or through the desert with its exotic flora and countless cacti.
Hike Mt. Solmar
Few people realize that you can hike Mt. Solmar, but those who do are rewarded with breathtaking views. The approximately 45-minute trek to the summit offers a stunning panorama, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Sea of Cortez to the east and El Arco and Lovers Beach to the southwest. It’s short but steep so it’s best to set out early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Those who arrive just before dawn can also witness a breathtaking sunrise while taking advantage of some of the most incredible photo ops. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Delve into the Dining & Nightlife Scene
Los Cabos is renowned for its world-class dining and nightlife. It’s a foodie dream, with many international eats, from Italian to French, along with traditional Mexican and a wealth of fresh seafood and fish. Enjoy everything from simple but mouthwatering fish tacos and ceviche with shrimp to decadent Lobster Thermidor. Or go for ranch-style Mexican cooking featuring Sonoran beef fillets.
If you love the party scene, Los Cabos’ nightlife is nothing short of legendary. From iconic bars like Cabo Wabo Cantina, founded by rocker Sammy Hagar, to the celebrity-favorite El Squid Roe, where stars like Drake and Beyoncé have been spotted. Whether you’re into high-energy dance clubs, late-night beach parties, or laid-back lounges, there’s something for all tastes.
Best Time to Visit Los Cabos
The Los Cabos tourist season is generally considered to be from mid-December through April. It’s the time when you’ll find the most idyllic weather, often right around 80 degrees, perfect for activities on the beach and in the water. This is also when the peak whale watching occurs, with January and February being the very best months. If you want to avoid the crowds and perhaps enjoy discounted accommodation and cheaper airfare, consider May, June, or November through early December. July through October is scorching hot and there is a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, especially from August through early October.
