Medano Beach (Playa el Médano)

The basics

Located on Cabo San Lucas Bay, Medano Beach is the starting point for many guided tours and water sport rentals such as jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. From here, you can also board a glass-bottom boat and explore the surrounding waters without getting wet. Persistent beach vendors stroll the sands selling everything from sombreros to jewelry, and when the sun goes down, the beach turns into a nightlife hub thanks to the plethora of restaurants and bars along its borders.

Things to know before you go

• Because of the drop-off, it's recommended to stay within 8 feet (2.5 meters) of the water's edge.
• Note that many beaches around Cabos San Lucas aren’t safe for swimming because of the undertows and waves.
• From the beach, you can catch picturesque views of Land’s End and El Arco framing the horizon.

How to get there

Medano Beach runs east from the harbor of Cabo San Lucas along the Cabo San Lucas Bay for 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the Villa del Palmar resort. Cabo San Lucas is about a 40-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport, where shuttle services and taxis are available.

When to get there

This beach is known to get very crowded, especially on weekends when both locals and tourists visit. Plan to arrive early in the morning to secure a chair and enjoy some quiet—and even catch the sunrise.

Chileno Beach

Another popular beach spot, Chileno Beach has calm, warm, and clear waters, but since there are very few nearby accommodations, visitors usually head here on a guided tour or via a rental car. Tours typically include snorkeling around the offshore reefs, where you’re likely to see plenty of sea life.

Ways to explore

Sheltered by the protective peninsula of Land’s End, Medano Beach is ideal if you don’t want to venture far away from town. Here, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you’re looking to lounge, spot some underwater life while snorkeling, and take in the sound of the sea during a relaxing massage on the beach. Boat tours often pass by Medano Beach on their way to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, while in the evening, sunset dinner cruises drift offshore.

Accessibility

The beach is not wheelchair accessible, but it is flatter than many of the beaches in the area, with fewer rocks.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but children should always be supervised near the water.

What to pack

Snacks, water, swimsuit, snorkeling equipment, umbrella, beach towel, sunscreen

What to wear

Clothes that protect you from the sun (sun hat, sunglasses, etc.)

Not allowed

Littering, speakers and loud music, fishing

Amenities

Lifeguards and safety flags showing current conditions, free parking, restrooms

Address

A little over 1 mile (2 kilometers) from central Cabo San Lucas, the beach is easy to reach via car, walking, or public transit.

Driving

Parking is available off of Acuario Street, as well as Calle Camino Real, and then it’s a 5-minute walk down to the waterfront.

Public transportation

From San José del Cabo, you can catch one of the Ruta del Desierto buses from the La Comer supermarket, and get off at the bus stop in front of the Walmart in Cabo San Lucas. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Best times to visit

Arrive early, as the beach tends to fill up quickly. Thanks to its convenient location and calm waters, it tends to be very popular.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always better, as locals flock to the beach on the weekends to relax alongside the tourists.

Best months to visit

May and November are the shoulder seasons, offering a dip in the number of visitors, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the lovely weather.

Special events

Avoid the end of March and the start of April, which brings the Holy Week of Semana Santa, when thousands of families travel to nearby beaches for relaxation and festivities.