If you've heard anything about Cabo, it's probably that we have incredible beaches. But here's the truth: not all of them are swimmable, and not all of them are worth the hype. After living here and spending way too many hours beach-hopping (for research, obviously), I've narrowed down the best beaches in Cabo, from peaceful walks to swimmable coves and party-energy beach clubs. Here's where to go, what to expect, and what to bring.
Quick List: Best Beaches in Cabo
Cerritos Beach - Swimmable Pacific-side beach with long walks and surfing
Chileno Beach - Swimmable, great snorkeling
Santa Maria Beach - Calm, protected cove
Medano Beach - Vibrant, central, tons of restaurants
Palmilla Beach - Family-friendly, calm, swimmable
El Ganzo Beach - Relaxed "beach club" vibes in a peaceful cove
Best Beaches in Cabo: My Honest Reviews
1. Chileno Beach
One of Cabo's most popular and best swimmable beaches, with postcard-perfect water.
Why I Love It
Calm waves, incredible visibility, soft sand, and not too many vendors. It's also my favorite spot for sunrise paddle boarding.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- Can get crowded on weekends - arrive early
- Easy parking + restrooms
- Bring your own shade, rentals available
- Light vendor presence
- Clear water + excellent snorkeling
What to Bring
- Cash for rentals
- Snorkel gear
- Umbrella + towels
- Water + snacks
Good For
Families · Couples · Snorkelers · Relaxing in the water
Honest Notes
Come before 11am for the best parking and a quiet stretch of sand. This beach fills up fast, especially on weekends.
2. Santa Maria Beach
Our personal favorite, calm, stunning, and one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Cabo.
Why I Love It
It's a protected cove with beautiful blue water, great snorkeling and almost no vendors. This is where we personally go the most.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- Parking is limited, arrive early
- Restrooms available
- Soft sand + protected bay
- Amazing snorkeling
- Occasional whales offshore in season
What to Bring
- Cash for rentals
- Snorkel gear
- Umbrella + towels
- Water + snacks
Good For
Couples · Families · Snorkeling · Relaxing swimming days
Honest Notes
The waves can get big, don't swim on red flags or if you're uncomfortable. It's stunning but not my top pick for small kids on rougher days.
3. Medano Beach
The main beach in Cabo San Lucas, lively, central, accessible, and swimmable.
Why I Love It
You don't have to bring anything. Order food, drinks, chairs, umbrellas... everything is available. It's also perfect for morning beach walks or if you want to be in the action.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- Crowded + loud on weekends
- Bars and restaurants line the sand
- Best parking is at Puerto Paraiso Mall
- Lots of vendors
- Water taxis to the Arch
- Jet ski and boat rentals
What to Bring
- Cash
- Towel
- Water
Good For
People-watching · Food & drinks · Families · Couples · Water activities
Honest Notes
This beach is fun, but busy. We don't come here often as locals because of the vendors and noise, but if you want energy, margaritas, and easy amenities, this is your spot.
4. Palmilla Beach
A classic San José del Cabo favorite, safe, swimmable, and very family-friendly.
Why I Love It
It's clean, easy to access, has great parking, and is perfect for families. The beach is calm, and you can grab snacks at California Ranch Market across the street.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- Very family-friendly
- Restrooms + easy parking
- Paddle boarding + boogie boarding
- Pretty views in a high-end neighborhood
What to Bring
- Umbrella + chairs
- Towels
- Water + snacks
- Cash
Good For
Families · Couples · Calm swimming · Paddle boarding/surfing (for kids)
Honest Notes
This is a kid-centric beach, so we don't go often (yet). But it's one of the safest and easiest beaches for families in all of Cabo.
5. El Ganzo Beach
The perfect low-key "beach club" day, peaceful cove, great food, and no vendors.
Why I Love It
El Ganzo has all the amenities of a beach club without the chaos. Cabanas, chairs, umbrellas, a great restaurant, calm water, just show up in your bikini.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- First-come, first-serve cabanas
- On-site restaurant + bathrooms
- No vendors
- Beautiful, quiet atmosphere
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Cash
Good For
Solo travelers · Couples · Groups · Relaxing swim days
Honest Notes
We love this spot, especially with visitors. There's a food & beverage minimum for cabanas, but it's easy to reach with lunch + drinks.
6. Cerritos Beach
A swimmable Pacific-side beach with long walks, surfing, and a relaxed local vibe.
Why I Love It
This beach is about 40 minutes from Cabo, but worth the drive. The long, flat shoreline is perfect for beach walks. The shallow water goes out forever, making it an amazing family beach. It's also one of the top surf spots in the region, competitions are held here.
What to Expect
- Swimmable
- Big beach-never feels crowded
- Bathrooms in restaurants
- Easy parking
- Umbrella + chair rentals
- Vendors, but not intrusive
- Beach massages + coconuts
- Surf lessons + horseback riding
What to Bring
- Cash
- Towels
- Water
Good For
Long walks · Families · Surfers · Couples · All-day beach hangs
Honest Notes
It's the perfect full beach day - surfing, volleyball, casual restaurants, families, dogs, everything. Stop at Agricole before or afterward for snacks and drinks, it's so worth it.
Swimmable vs. Non-Swimmable Beaches in Cabo
Cabo's coastline stretches between the powerful Pacific Ocean and the calmer Sea of Cortez. Much of the Pacific side is not swimmable due to large waves and dangerous currents. Even some Sea of Cortez beaches can be rough.
Always check beach flags and confirm swimmable areas with your hotel.
Every beach listed in this post is safe and swimmable, just follow flag warnings.
Cabo Beach Safety Tips!
- Always check the flag system (green/yellow/red/black).
- When in doubt-don't swim.
- Bring plenty of water + SPF (the sun is strong here).
- Parking fills up by 11am on weekends-arrive early.
My Cabo Beach Essentials
If there's one thing I've learned after countless beach days in Cabo (now with a baby in tow!), it's that having the right gear makes all the difference. These are the items I reach for every single time.
- Lozi & Gabe Beach Tent - My favorite beach purchase as a mom. It gives my baby a shady, protected spot for naps, diaper changes, and playtime while we still get to enjoy the beach.
- Sand Cloud Towels - Lightweight, quick-drying, and they don't hold onto nearly as much sand as traditional towels. Plus, they're easy to pack for travel.
- Lack of Color Hats - My go-to for elevated beach style. They're classic, pack beautifully, and instantly make any beach outfit feel put together.
- Monday Swimwear Hats - Another favorite for chic sun protection that pairs perfectly with swimwear.
- Hunza G Swimsuits - If you're pregnant, postpartum, or just want a swimsuit that's unbelievably comfortable, these are worth the hype. The stretchy one-size fabric grows with your bump and continues to flatter long after baby arrives.
- Monday Swimwear - My favorite for elevated, timeless swimsuits with beautiful cuts that make me feel confident whether I'm pregnant, postpartum, or just enjoying a beach day in Cabo.
These are all products I genuinely use and love, and they've become staples for our beach days in Cabo.
Final Thoughts
Cabo has so many beautiful beaches, but these are the ones I go back to over and over again. Whether you're craving a quiet sunrise walk, a swimmable cove, or a lively beach day with margaritas, this guide to the best beaches in Cabo will help you find your perfect spot.
All things Cabo
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- Giving Birth in Mexico: What Surprised Me as an American Mom in Cabo
Things you should know
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
