Driving from Maranata |
MISIONES BEACH
Misiones beach is a mecca for Baja bound surfers, thanks to a challenging left-hand point break and scenic views of El Arco and the other granitic rock formations that stretch to Land's End in Cabo San Lucas. This spot is definitely not for beginners, though, with hazards that include sea urchins and rocks near the beach.
The incredible sunset views have led to many developments here, most recently The Cape: A Thompson Hotel, a hip new luxury resort featuring retro decor and surfer chic. Guests have access to rentals at the onsite surf shop, and there are some surf-themed suites set aside for visiting wave riders. Despite the crowded setting, however, the beach is open to the public, by law, and there is parking available. Summer is the preferred season for surfing in the Sea of Cortés.
Recommended for Beaches because Misiones beach is the only surf beach in Los Cabos with views of El Arco and the granite monuments at Land's End.
Misiones beach is at Km 5 on the Carretera Transpeninsular, just off the highway that connects the cape cities. If driving from Cabo San Lucas, turn right at the sign for Misiones del Cabo.
Driving from Maranata |
LOVER´S BEACH
Lover's and Divorce Beaches are as close as you can get to Land's End, the peninsula's southernmost point, without a boat. However, visitors will need to hire a water taxi or other water-based transportation to access them. Lover's Beach is on the Sea of Cortés side, and offers safe swimming and very good snorkeling conditions. It also features spectacular views of the bay, and is the area's most famous site for romantic picnics and wedding related photo shoots. Neighboring Divorce Beach is accessible through a break in the rocks, and is distinguished by crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Warning: do not swim on the Pacific side due to strong rip currents and occasional rogue waves. There are no vendors or services on either beach, so pack accordingly.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa del Amor is the most beautiful beach in Los Cabos.
Recommended for Beaches because Misiones beach is the only surf beach in Los Cabos with views of El Arco and the granite monuments at Land's End.
Swimming and snorkeling are very good from Lover's Beach, although the water can be a bit chilly during the winter months. Do not swim off Divorce Beach.
Driving from Maranata |
MEDANO BEACH
Ground zero for the Spring Break madness in March, Playa El Médano remains busy throughout the year, and is in many ways the center of social life in Cabo San Lucas. The beach is huge, about two miles long, and filled with restaurants, bars, souvenirs vendors and water-based activities rentals. You can rent wave runners, kayaks, go parasailing, have a water taxi take you out to Land's End or Lover's Beach, or drop you off back at the marina. The water is extremely calm here, and although you won't find any lifeguards in Cabo San Lucas, areas are roped off for swimming.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa El Médano is the largest and most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas.
The name of this beach is almost always mispronounced, even by locals. The accent should be on the the first syllable of Médano, as the Spanish language accent mark suggests.
Driving from Maranata |
SOLMAR BEACH
Located at the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas, only Divorce Beach is closer to Land's End than Playa Solmar. For those curious about the name, Solmar was named for the resort group which owns most of the surrounding real estate, from Grand Solmar and Solmar Resort to Playa Grande. Like all beaches in México, however, it is public by law, with public access. Solmar is definitely worth visiting for the sunset views, which are absolutely spectacular, and also for beachfront whale watching during the winter months. Under no conditions, however, should visitors even consider going in the water. The rip currents are fierce here, and occasional rogue waves are not unknown. Enjoy the sunsets, but stay away from the water.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Solmar and Divorce Beach are the two best Pacific Ocean side beaches in Cabo San Lucas.
Swimming is dangerous here due to strong rip currents. This is a lovely beach, however, and perfect for romantic sunset strolls.
Driving from Maranata |
SANTA MARIA BAY
Although not quite as popular as Tourist Corridor neighbor Playa Chileno, this exquisitely lovely horseshoe-shaped beach is definitely worth a visit. Protected Bahia Santa Maria includes a marine sanctuary, and there is a colorful array of sea life visible here. If you're not snorkeling with a tour, you'll need to bring your own equipment, as there are few rentals or services at Santa María...unless of course you're staying at Montage Los Cabos, a recently opened 39-acre luxury resort with beachfront access. This Blue Flag certified beach still has all the public services and access, however, including a parking lot and restrooms.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Santa María is perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkeling.
Recommended for Beaches because Misiones beach is the only surf beach in Los Cabos with views of El Arco and the granite monuments at Land's End.
Several top Cabo charter companies offer snorkel tours to Bahia Santa María, most notably Amigos del Mar.
Driving from Maranata |
LAS VIUDAS BEACH
Although not quite as popular as Tourist Corridor neighbor Playa Chileno, this exquisitely lovely horseshoe-shaped beach is definitely worth a visit. Protected Bahia Santa Maria includes a marine sanctuary, and there is a colorful array of sea life visible here. If you're not snorkeling with a tour, you'll need to bring your own equipment, as there are few rentals or services at Santa María...unless of course you're staying at Montage Los Cabos, a recently opened 39-acre luxury resort with beachfront access. This Blue Flag certified beach still has all the public services and access, however, including a parking lot and restrooms.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Santa María is perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkeling.
Recommended for Beaches because Misiones beach is the only surf beach in Los Cabos with views of El Arco and the granite monuments at Land's End.
Several top Cabo charter companies offer snorkel tours to Bahia Santa María, most notably Amigos del Mar.
Driving from Maranata |
CHILENO BAY
Playa Chileno is one of the most beautiful in the area, and has been consistently certified as a Blue Flag beach for its water quality, safety and services. As one might imagine, Chileno Beach is quite popular, particularly on weekends. Shade is provided by palapas or rental umbrellas, and some water-based activities rentals are also available here. The snorkeling is very good, and many charter companies from Cabo San Lucas anchor offshore for tours. There is also plenty of parking, plus all basic services, including bathrooms and handicap access. New resort and residential developments have altered some of the views, but this is still a preferred spot for locals.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Chileno is one of the most popular beaches for Los Cabos locals.
Motorized water-based rentals like wave runners are not permitted in Chileno Bay, which only enhances the charming atmosphere at this beautiful beach.
Driving from Maranata |
PALMILLA BEACH
Beautiful Tourist Corridor based Playa Palmilla is one of the best swimming beaches in the area, with a protected cove and generally tranquil Sea of Cortés waters. The swimming conditions are so good, in fact, that Playa Palmilla hosts the swim leg of the annual Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 half-triathlon. Snorkeling, fishing and kayaking are also good here, and the beach is likewise a congenial spot for sunning or scenic walks. For access, take the Palmilla exit at Km. 27. Palmilla is Blue Flag certified beach, with all the expected services. Public parking is available, for example, and palapas are on hand for those seeking a bit of shade.
Recommended for Beaches because: Playa Palmilla is the best swimming beach in Los Cabos.
The protected cove offers very safe swimming conditions, and hosts the swim portion of the annual Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 half-triathlon.
Driving from Maranata |
COSTA AZUL BEACH
One of the signature beaches in the San José del Cabo area, Playa Costa Azul offers sun, sand and surf, plus plenty of great food and drink at Zipper's Bar and Grill. Costa Azul is located near Km 29 on the Carretera Transpeninsular, and has all the standard beach services. The best surf breaks are found at Zippers and The Rock, with the beginner-friendly Middle Break frequently used for lessons. Zippers surf break is the site of the annual WSL sponsored Los Cabos Open of Surf, and gets crowded during the summer months. Despite the fact this is a good place for snorkeling and swimming, it's a good idea to be alert and careful. Otherwise you might be run down by a rogue longboarder. The cantina is a popular place for lunch, dinner, drinks or a little shade after some seaside sunning. There are a few vendors at Costa Azul, but they are not overly aggressive.
Recommended for Beaches because: One of the area's best surfing beaches during the summer months, the Los Cabos Open of Surf is held each June at Zippers point break.
Zipper's Bar and Grill offers some of the best burgers and BBQ ribs in Los Cabos.
Driving from Maranata |
CERRITOS SURF BEACH
Playa Los Cerritos is located about forty-five minutes north of Los Cabos, just before the artists' colony of Todos Santos. Head north from Cabo San Lucas on Highway 19, then look for a turn off road to the left around the kilometer 65 mark. This is a beautiful beach, one famed for its surfing conditions. During the winter months when the Sea of Cortés surf scene goes dormant, locals and visiting surfers head to Pacific Coast beaches like Los Cerritos, San Pedrito and La Pastora. But the surf is great here on a year-round basis, and both rentals and lessons are available.
Recommended for Beaches because: Los Cerritos is the best year-round surf beach in Los Cabos.