Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas | Top 100 Bikini Guide
CABO SAN LUCAS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR / MEXICO
Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas
| Top 100 Bikini Guide
Walk to the bay early, swim when the flags allow, then take the long way back through the marina.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 100 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
A town beach
at the end of Baja.
Playa El Médano runs along the Sea of Cortez side of Cabo San Lucas Bay, with a broad sweep of gold sand and Land’s End across the water.
Go early if you want more space to walk. Later, the center fills with lunch tables, umbrellas, and departures for the arch.
ON THE WORLD MAP
At the southern tip of Baja
Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
01 / GETTING THERE
Start at Los Cabos International Airport.
The bay from the water
El Médano runs along the developed town side of the bay.
Photo: Shane Smith · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropGet around Cabo San Lucas
Walk between the marina and the main Médano entrances. If you drive, use signed public parking or a paid lot and leave extra time on busy weekends.
On the beach
Look for a staffed lifeguard post and ask where the marked swim area begins. Check the flags even if the bay looks calm from the sand. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A full-service town beach, with places to eat and hire shade along the sand.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Walk down from town
Approach on foot from the marina side or through the Médano neighborhood. A taxi can leave you near a public approach. Check posted parking terms if you drive.
Local transport ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Short approaches to the sand
The town side has several entrances. Grade and surface vary. If you use wheels or a stroller, check the specific entrance and expect loose sand at the end.
03 / THE SAND
Coarse golden sand
The broad beach feels hot underfoot by midday. Watch for a drop-off at the waterline and wear sandals across the dry sand.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Food along the bay
Beach restaurants serve drinks and meals, with more options on the inland streets. Carry drinking water and small peso bills even if you plan to pay by card.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade from beach operators
Beach clubs and vendors rent chairs and umbrellas. Ask whether a minimum order is included before you sit. Bring your own shade if you want a quieter stretch.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Check at your entrance
Ask about toilets and showers before choosing a spot. Some facilities are attached to beach businesses. Locate the lifeguard post separately.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Playa El Médano.
Start on the sand
The beach opens out around the eastern end of the bay.
Photo: Alexis Doine · CC0 · Display crop01 / BEFORE THE HEAT
Walk the bay
Start on the firm sand while the beach is still cool.
02 / AT THE WATER
Check the swim area
Read the flag and stay clear of the marked boat approaches.
03 / MIDDAY
Find some shade
Pause for fish tacos or a cold drink with the bay still in view.
04 / LATE LIGHT
Walk to the marina
Follow the town side of the waterfront when the fishing boats are back.
Start with the beach before the lunch rush. If the harbor closes or rain sets in, make time for the natural history museum instead of a boat trip.
NEARBY BEACHES
Four shores beyond the bay.
The two Land’s End coves are close across the water. The Pacific-facing beaches are better for a walk and a look at the surf.
Playa del Amor
A small sandy cove sits between granite walls on the bay side of Land’s End.
- Best for
- A calm-day boat trip
- Facilities
- No dependable services on the sand
- Good to know
- Ask the captain about the landing and current restrictions.
Playa del Divorcio
On the Pacific side of the same neck of sand, the shore break is much stronger.
- Best for
- Watching waves from well back
- Facilities
- No dependable services
- Good to know
- Stay out of the water. Access can close even when conditions are calm in town.
Playa Solmar
Broad Pacific-facing sand runs below the resorts west of Land’s End.
- Best for
- A dry-sand walk
- Facilities
- Resort services vary by access
- Good to know
- Stay out of the surf and confirm the nearest public approach.
Sunset Beach
A long, exposed Pacific shore lies below the western headland and resort zone.
- Best for
- Watching the late light
- Facilities
- Resort facilities only where permitted
- Good to know
- Check access before leaving town. Strong surf makes this a shore-only stop.
Distances are straight-line from Playa El Médano. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
04 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three ways to see Cabo.
01 / LAND’S END
El Arco
See the granite arch from a licensed boat when the harbor is open. Ask about sea conditions before booking a landing.
Protected area ↗02 / CENTRO
Natural History Museum
The small museum by the town square traces the peninsula’s geology and local history. Confirm opening hours before visiting.
Museum information ↗03 / HARBOR
Cabo San Lucas Marina
Walk the marina promenade to see fishing boats come in and get a view back toward the bay.
Cabo San Lucas visitor information ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Playa El Médano and Land’s End.
The pin marks the public sand at Médano. Look southwest for the marina and southeast across the bay for Land’s End.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Around Cabo San Lucas Bay.
Follow the harbor out to the granite point, or spend an afternoon in the center of town.
El Arco
See the opening in the granite from the water.
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display crop
Parroquia San Lucas
The parish church is a landmark in the older center of Cabo San Lucas.
Photo: Dwarfroe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Cabo San Lucas Marina
The harbor walk puts you close to the working boats.
Photo: Thelmadatter · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Sea lion at Land’s End
Look for wildlife from a distance on a bay trip.
Photo: Rafael Saldaña · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop05 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
CABO CENTRO, NORTH OF THE MARINA
Cabo Inn Hotel
$ Budget · about MXN 1,200–1,500 (US$64–80) per night (checked 2026-11)
A small inn with a courtyard and simple rooms on Morelos, about 1 km inland from the sand. Check which room sizes are available.
Cabo Inn Hotel official site ↗CERRO DE LA CRUZ FOOTHILLS
Cabo Vista Hotel
$ Budget · about MXN 844–1,031 (US$45–55) per night (checked 2026-11)
The studios have kitchenettes. It’s a short taxi ride to El Médano, or roughly a 2 km walk depending on your beach entrance.
Cabo Vista Hotel official site ↗EL TEZAL
City Express Plus by Marriott Cabo San Lucas
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 1,406–1,725 (US$75–92) per night (checked 2026-11)
A practical highway base with a pool and breakfast, about 2 km from the nearest stretch of Médano.
City Express Plus by Marriott Cabo San Lucas official site ↗MARINA WATERFRONT
Tesoro Los Cabos
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 2,025–2,663 (US$108–142) per night (checked 2026-11)
Stay near the marina walk and boat departures. The closest Médano access is about 1.5 km around the harbor on foot.
Tesoro Los Cabos official site ↗EAST MÉDANO RESORT STRIP
Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa
$$$ Upscale · about MXN 2,606–5,081 (US$139–271) per night (checked 2026-11)
A beachfront resort with suites and pools. Walk directly out to the eastern stretch of El Médano and check the flag before swimming.
Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa official site ↗LAND’S END / PLAYA SOLMAR
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
$$$$ Luxury · about MXN 6,713–7,763 (US$358–414) per night (checked 2026-11)
A suite resort on the Pacific-facing shore. Take a taxi around the harbor to swim at Médano, roughly 3 km away by road.
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
November through spring brings cooler days for walking. The late summer and early fall are hotter and can bring tropical weather. Check local advisories before a boat day. Climate normals ↗
06 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Shrimp tacos al pastor
Shrimp tacos are one way to order seafood in town. These were photographed at Mi Casa.
Photo: get directly down from Chicago · CC BY 2.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Try Baja-style fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or a tostada with seafood and lime. Order a few at a time to see what came in that day.
Local habits
At a beach restaurant, ask what is included before accepting chairs or a table. Small cash payments can be easier at a taco counter.
A LITTLE SPANISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- ¿Se puede nadar aquí?
- Can you swim here?
- ¿Tiene sombra?
- Do you have shade?
- La cuenta, por favor.
- The check, please.
- ¿Dónde está la parada?
- Where is the bus stop?
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
LOMAS DEL SOL
Taquería Salsitas Pastor y Asada
$ Budget · about MXN 130–195 (US$7–10) per person (checked 2026-11)
Order al pastor or asada on corn tortillas. This is a neighborhood stop inland, so take a taxi from the beach.
Taquería Salsitas Pastor y Asada on Google Maps ↗CENTRO / LÁZARO CÁRDENAS
Taquerías El Paisa
$ Budget · about MXN 205–255 (US$11–14) per person (checked 2026-11)
Try three chicken or carne asada tacos with fresh tortillas. The Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas branch is convenient from central Cabo.
Taquerías El Paisa on Google Maps ↗MARINA GOLDEN ZONE
Jack’s Steakhouse
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 360–560 (US$19–30) per person (checked 2026-11)
Start with the house ceviche or a grilled plate near the docks. Reserve ahead if you want a waterfront table.
Jack’s Steakhouse official site ↗WEST MÉDANO BEACHFRONT
Mango Deck
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 270–620 (US$14–33) per person (checked 2026-11)
Come early for chilaquiles or enchiladas and a view across the bay. The beachfront gets livelier later in the day.
Mango Deck official site ↗PUNTA BALLENA
Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar
$$$ Upscale · about MXN 750–1,200 (US$40–64) per person (checked 2026-11)
Share a starter before a grilled or seafood main. Reserve if you want an outdoor table in the evening.
Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar official site ↗MISIONES DEL CABO
Manta
$$$$ Luxury · about MXN 1,250–2,000 (US$67–107) per person (checked 2026-11)
The menu pairs Pacific seafood with Mexican and Asian flavors. Book ahead for dinner above the surf at Monuments Beach.
Manta official site ↗BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Cabo Wabo Cantina
A live-music stop in the town center. Check the evening schedule before you head over. Cabo Wabo Cantina ↗
Baja Brewing Company
A rooftop taproom above the bay for local beer and a view of the boats. Baja Brewing Company ↗
Cabo Cantina
A relaxed sports bar for a drink and a game near the harbor streets. Cabo Cantina ↗
The marina and central streets are easiest to reach on foot from central Cabo. Arrange a licensed taxi if you’re staying up the coast or on the Pacific side.
CABO SAN LUCAS EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Cabo Tuna Jackpot
November 5–7, 2026. The fishing days and weigh-ins are November 5 and 6. The final awards are November 7. Check the organizer’s itinerary for public viewing details.
Cabo Tuna Jackpot official site ↗Baja Ha-Ha Cabo Finish
November 13–14, 2026. The sailing rally’s Cabo program ends with awards at Mango Deck on El Médano. Check the organizer for access to shore events.
Baja Ha-Ha Cabo Finish ↗Currency / Mexican peso
Prices use Mexican pesos (MXN), usually written with a $ sign. Use a bank ATM if you need cash and keep small bills for short purchases.
Banco de México ↗07 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for sun and salt.
CABO BEACH KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Cabo Stripe bikini with a loose cotton shirt and a broad-brimmed hat.
On the walk back
Wear sandals over the hot sand and carry water. A light layer is useful when the breeze picks up at the marina.
In town
A clean shirt or light dress works for dinner near the harbor.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Use Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), then take the coastal highway southwest to Cabo San Lucas.
Is it good for swimming?
The bay side is usually more sheltered than the Pacific. Swim only where the flags and lifeguards allow, away from watercraft.
Is the beach step-free?
It depends on the entrance. Confirm the route you’ll use and plan for loose sand even where the approach is gently graded.
Can I walk there from the marina?
Yes. Use the streets around the inland end of the harbor and head toward a public Médano access. The walk varies with your starting point.
Can you walk from Médano to El Arco?
Book a licensed boat if you want to see the arch up close. It is across the bay at Land’s End.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Peach stripes by the bay.
Fine peach, coral, apricot, and cream stripes run across the bandeau and high-cut bottom.
Explore the Cabo Stripe bikini ↗
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