10 Best Beaches in Cabo:
Swimmable & Scenic Los Cabos Beaches

Navigating the coastline of Cabo San Lucas and the broader Los Cabos Corridor requires clear facts. Since the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez here, many of the most stunning beaches are not safe for swimming. This guide cuts through the noise to provide an honest, actionable breakdown of the eleven most essential Los Cabos beaches, detailing safety, accessibility, and available amenities.

Medano Beach (Playa El Médano)

The most crowded, highest-energy beach in Cabo San Lucas, offering safe swimming.

Medano Beach is the most famous and by far the most crowded beach in Cabo. It is located inside the protected harbor, and its calm, gentle water makes it the most accessible and easiest option for swimming for all ages. It is an excellent choice for families with young children. This beach offers full service and is the heart of the social scene. It is easily walkable from the marina, and you will find numerous beach clubs, restaurants, water sport rentals, and available public restrooms here. Medano Beach does not have any surfing.

Playa Monumentos (Monuments Beach)

Dramatic rock formations, challenging surf, and stunning sunset views.

For those seeking epic views and a wilder feel, Monuments Beach offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the region. Swimming is dangerous due to strong currents and waves. Surfing is available, but it is only suitable for surfers past the beginner level because of the presence of treacherous rocks. Public restrooms are available from the beach at the adjacent Cape, Thompson Hotel. This spot is the perfect place for sunset photo sessions for those staying in the Cabo San Lucas area.

Personally, this is my favorite beach to go unwind and watch sunset.
Monumentos beach in Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos at sunset, long exposure shot

Chileno Beach (Playa Chileno)

The best for snorkeling and a pristine Blue Flag experience.

Chileno is a Blue Flag certified beach known for its pristine conditions. The calm, clear waters are safe for swimming and make this one of the region's best snorkeling spots. It is a good choice for older children and teens who enjoy exploring marine life. Access is easy with a free public parking lot available. Amenities are basic; there are no public showers or major vendors, so be sure to bring all your essentials.

Santa Maria Bay (Bahía Santa María)

A protected, picturesque cove offering tranquility.

This natural, horseshoe-shaped cove is a marine sanctuary, meaning the water is incredibly calm and safe for swimming, making it an excellent choice for families. Snorkeling is a key feature here, especially by the right edge of the beach, close to the rocks. Access is easy and well-marked off the highway. Amenities are limited, and there are no public showers or major concessions.

Pedregal Beach (Playa Pedregal)

Exclusive access and raw Pacific power.

This beautiful stretch of sand runs along the luxury Pedregal community, facing the open Pacific Ocean. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to extremely dangerous currents and undertows. Surfing here is reserved only for experienced surfers. Access requires a car. While walk-in access is technically public, the security entrance is very far from the beach itself, making it impossible to reach on foot. Security guards typically permit public entry only until 5 PM.

Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla)

A quiet, swimmable, upscale retreat.

Palmilla is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach designated as safe for swimming and offers a tranquil, upscale experience away from the crowded downtown area. It is a good option for a quiet day with children. Snorkeling is good by the right edge of the beach where rocks are located. Public showers are available, but note that this beach's orientation means it does not provide the best view for the sunset.

Lover's Beach & Divorce Beach

The iconic Land’s End landmarks.

These iconic beaches at Land’s End are accessible only by water taxi. Lover's Beach sits on the Sea of Cortez side and is swimmable. Divorce Beach, facing the Pacific, is extremely dangerous and strictly non-swimmable. Be warned that both beaches may be very crowded during high season due to constant boat traffic. No amenities are available—you must bring all your water and supplies.

Honestly, it is a bit of a tourist trap, but then once in a lifetime it is surely worth a visit.

Cannery Beach (Playa Empacadora)

The hidden, swimmable local gem.

This quiet, local beach is often overlooked by tourists but is conveniently located near the Naval Base and marina. Its protected spot results in calm water, making it another safe and swimmable option in the Cabo San Lucas area. Access is easy, just a short walk from the marina, but amenities are very limited.

Playa Cabo Real

The perfect destination for photoshoots near San José del Cabo.

Located further down the Tourist Corridor, Playa Cabo Real is the ideal location for clients staying on the eastern side of Los Cabos. While beautiful, swimming is not generally recommended here due to potential strong currents and undertows. This beach is best for photoshoots, known for its expansive, beautiful golden sand and dramatic, photogenic rock features, and is typically very quiet. Public access is available near the resorts, but amenities are limited for the general public.

Playa El Tule

An undeveloped beach popular with surfers.

A rugged, natural beach further down the Tourist Corridor, providing a wilder experience. Swimming requires caution as it often has strong currents and is only recommended for experienced swimmers. It is a destination for surfers, offering a reliable right-hand reef break. Access is moderate (parking is often unpaved), and there are no amenities here—it is completely natural and undeveloped.

Published on 25th of December 2025

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