Los Cabos Beaches - Magnificent and Free!
By David Mandich and Ashley Alvarado
Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #20 - Summer 2009 - Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Mexico

CABO SAN LUCAS

Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach & Solmar Beach, which are surrounded by Land’s End, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Cortés, are three sister beaches with three very different personalities. Solmar Beach, located on the Pacific side is colder, with dangerous booming waves—just the thing for romantic walks on the sand, but not for any water activities because of rogue waves and very strong undertows. Access is via Avenida Solmar, off Boulevard Marina and past the Galeon restaurant.

At Lovers’ Beach, you’ll discover calm, warm waters perfect for snorkeling in the nearby game preserve. There are underwater rock pinnacles and boulders to explore; these are home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. You’ll also enjoy viewing the constant parade of water traffic bustling about the bay. Accessible only by water taxi or glass-bottom boat.




Divorce Beach is situated across the sand from Lovers’ Beach and fronts the Pacific. Secluded, it is accessible only by water taxi or glass-bottom boat. Do not try to climb the rocks between Solmar Beach and Divorce Beach. Be careful not to lose wallets, keys, or cameras in the water when exiting the water taxi. No facilities.

Médano Beach (Playa Médano) is the most famous beach in Cabo San Lucas. Known for its nonstop, year-round spring break action, Médano has restaurants and beach clubs like Baja Cantina Beach offering fine dining on the sand or covered patio, Mango Deck Restaurant Bar & Grill with its bikini contests, The Office Restaurant, and others. You can while away the day on chaise lounges, swim, rent wave runners, go parasailing, or take a glass-bottom boat cruise from here. Parking is difficult; it’s best to use a beach club valet, taxi, or a private pay lot. Bathroom facilities are available for patrons of beachfront hotels and restaurants.

TOURIST CORRIDOR

Widows Beach (Playa Las Viudas), formerly known as Twin Dolphin Beach, is famous for its otherworldly volcanic rock formations, tidal pools, and relative seclusion. This is not the most swimmable beach, and there is no lifeguard or shade. Note: The area is undergoing development at this time. Beach access is marked and remains open, but watch for heavy construction equipment along the access road. You can access the beach at km 11.5, along the Tourist Corridor. Take the dirt road about 500 meters toward the ocean. There is a small parking lot and portable toilet facilities.

Santa María Bay (Bahía Santa María) is a marine sanctuary full of lazy, friendly tropical fish that expect you to feed them. Nestled between two headlands, this gem of a cove was once a haven for pirate ships waiting to prey on Spanish galleons. This is a swimmable beach and a great area to snorkel and scuba dive. But bring a beach umbrella; there are no shade trees. Kayaks are available for rent. No lifeguards. There are portable toilet facilities. It’s a two-block hike in from the highway if arriving by bus. Access is located at km 12, along the Tourist Corridor, next to a bus stop.

Snooze the day away under shading palms, swim, snorkel, or fish in the Chileno Bay (Bahía Chileno). This is a nice swimmable beach, but use caution; there are no lifeguards. Chileno is a popular location for snorkeling and scuba diving tours. On the weekends, the beach fills with local families along with vendors selling snacks and drinks. There are limited palapas and kayak rentals. Beach gear is often available for rent near the entrance. There's a 600-meter walk to the beach from the highway if arriving by bus. Restroom facility (bring tissue). Large parking lot. Located at km 14 with signs (Playa Pública) along the highway.

Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) This is a beautiful beach that’s great for swimming, snorkeling, or spending a pleasant day under a shady palapa with a book. The half-mile-wide cove has coral-covered rocks and reefs to snorkel about with good surf fishing off the south rocky point. Go big game fishing from here or enjoy watching the pangas (fishing boats) arrive in the late mornings with their catch of the day. Pelicans beg for scraps as the fishermen clean their fish. Purchase your fillets from the fishermen’s concession in the parking lot. No facilities, with good parking located close to the beach. Located off the arroyo, just outside the entrance to the One&Only Palmilla hotel. Take the Palmilla exit at km 27 and head south to the arroyo and turn left.

El Faro Viejo Beach
El Medano Beach
Chileno Beach

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

Playa Acapulquito Perfect beginner’s, long board, and intermediate surf breaks are located here in front of the Cabo Surf Hotel. This sweet little cove seems right out of a 1950s surf movie. Snorkel and swim when the surf is down. Sea Spa, a surf shop, surfboard and beach gear rentals, Mike Doyle’s Surf School, and the 7 Seas Restaurant are located in the hotel. Dine while watching the surf action. Park in the public lot at km 27.75 east of the Palmilla exit. Patrons can park inside the hotel gates. Reservations or surf lessons, call (624) 142-2676.

San José del Cabo Blue Coast Beach (Playa Costa Azul) Famous local surf breaks here include Zipper’s for the pros, and The Rock for intermediate-level surfers. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming (surf conditions permitting). Good snorkeling at low tide. Convenience store and surf board rentals at Zipper’s restaurant nearby. Some shade palapas. Go under the Costa Azul Bridge to the beach from both directions on the highway. Beachfront parking, and at Zipper’s for patrons (great burgers, ribs, and Mexican fare). Big Tony’s Surf Shop at Zipper’s has boards, surf wear, and lessons. For reservations or lessons, call (624) 172-6162. Located at km 28.

Playita Beach at Puerto Los Cabos This beach by the new marina entrance has many attractions including sportfishing boats, public restrooms, shade palapas, children’s play structures, a safe inner-bay swimming beach, surf fishing, surf break, paved parking lot, and a community stage. There are restaurants, boutique hotels, and mini-marts nearby. Take the East Cape road from Mijares Boulevard in central San José (opposite the Bomberos and Telmex building) and follow the signs to Puerto Los Cabos marina about two miles away. 



Los Cabos Magazine - Cabo San Lucas

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Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - June 1, 2009 - MKS