22 Best Sights in Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula, Mexico

A calm enclave—with golf courses, residences, and Chileno Bay Resort—is roughly midway between San José and Cabo San Lucas. Consistently ranked one of the cleanest beaches in Mexico, Chileno has been awarded “Blue Flag” certification, meaning 32 criteria for safety, services, water quality, and other standards have been met. The beach skirts a small, crescent-shape cove with aquamarine waters and an outside reef that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming (there are even restrooms, showers, and handicap access). To the east are tide pools great for exploring with the kids. Getting here is easy, thanks to the well-marked access ramps on both sides of the road. Along the western edge of Bahía Chileno, some 200 yards away, are some good-size boulders that you can scramble up. In winter this part of the Sea of Cortez gets chilly—refreshing for a dip, but most snorkelers don't spend too much time in the water. On weekends get to the bay early if you want to claim shade under a palapa. Amenities: toilets; showers; parking lot. Best for: swimming; snorkeling; sunset.

This wide, sloping, horseshoe-shape beach is surrounded by cactus-covered rocky cliffs; the placid waters here are a protected fish sanctuary. The bay is part of an underwater reserve and is a great place to snorkel: brightly colored fish swarm through chunks of white coral and golden sea fans. Unfortunately, this little slice of paradise has limited palapas for shade, so arrive early or bring a beach umbrella. In high season, from November to May, there's usually someone renting snorkeling gear or selling sarongs, straw hats, and soft drinks. It's best to bring your own supplies, though, including lots of drinking water, snacks, and sunscreen. Snorkel and booze-cruise boats from Cabo San Lucas visit the bay in midmorning through about 1 pm. Arrive midafternoon if you want to get that total Robinson Crusoe feel. The parking lot is a quarter mile or so off the highway and is sometimes guarded; be sure to tip the guard. The bay is roughly 19 km (12 miles) west of San José and 13 km (8 miles) east of Cabo San Lucas. Heading east, look for the sign saying "playa santa maría." Amenities: toilets; free parking; showers; lifeguards. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; surfing; walking.

Accessible only by boat, this charming beach at the tip of the Land's End peninsula is just as lovely as its name implies. Though the towering cliffs on either side lend an air of romantic seclusion, don't expect much privacy: it's one of the area's most photographed spots. It's an excellent place to swim and snorkel, with a variety of tropical fish easily visible in the clear, shallow water. Walk through a gap in the rocks to reach the cheekily named Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio); while the water at Lover's Beach faces the Sea of Cortez and is calm and pleasant, Divorce Beach is on the turbulent and unpredictable Pacific. It's far too dangerous for swimming, but ideal for sunbathing. Picnics are also popular, but be sure to bring your own food and refreshments; there may be a vendor or two selling drinks, but not reliably. To get here, you can hire a water taxi (called a "panga") to bring you there and back from Playa El Médano or the marina. Prices vary and can be negotiable depending on the vendor, but typically the cost can be $10--$20; the final departure back to shore is usually 4 pm. You can also rent a kayak, Jet Ski, or paddleboard and make your way over independently. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

Todos Santos is an oasis, meaning fresh water naturally runs through the desert into the ocean. Greenery blooms alongside cracking stretches of hardened sand, with palm trees and cacti living as neighbors. Within the heart of the oasis sits Playa Las Palmas, one of the only swimmable beaches in Todos Santos. You need to walk through a corridor of lush plant life (and potentially an ankle-deep stream) to reach the ocean, which feels so surprisingly out of place, you'd think it was planted by a gardener. It's a quiet, beautiful place to spend some time, although beware of horse droppings and sand fleas. There are no amenities, so bring your own umbrellas and snacks. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming.

There are more than nine palms here, but who’s counting? People who brave the dirt road to this off-the-beaten-track beach are here to surf the rippable right-hand point break. It's about an hour drive northeast from San José del Cabo, along with two other great surf spots, Shipwrecks and Punta Perfecta, which are clustered around La Fortuna and Boca de la Vinorama. The best time to surf is during the summer months, when southwesterly swells provide optimal conditions. But for those seeking only sun, sand, and breathtakingly beautiful views, Nine Palms is a year-round pleasure. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

A rocky point shelters a clear, warm bay at Playa Balandra, 21 km (13 miles) north of La Paz. Several small coves and pristine beaches appear and disappear with the tides, but the water is calm and shallow enough that you can wade between them. This is Mexico's most famous beach, so the most popular way to visit is with a boat tour, whose guide typically provides beach chairs, snorkeling gear, and lunch. If you go independently, there are some restrictions, as Balandra was named an ecological conservation site by UNESCO. There is an entrance fee of about $3 per person, and you can stay for up to a maximum of four hours during either a morning (8--noon) or afternoon (1--5) time slot. A maximum of 450 people are allowed to enter during each time slot, so if you're traveling during peak season (or even on a weekend), you may want to arrive and line up early to guarantee admission. You will be made to leave once your time slot closes, regardless of when you arrived. The most iconic site at Balandra is "El Hongo," a rock formation that looks like a mushroom. It's a photo op, for sure, but climbing on it is forbidden. There's also a 30-minute hike from the parking lot up to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. When walking in the shallow waters, you're advised to shuffle your feet, kicking up sand to disturb any potentially sleeping sting rays. Sand flies can be a nuisance on the beach, particularly between July and October. Amenities: parking (fee). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This wide, lengthy, and accessible stretch of beach is one of the longest along the Cabo Corridor, but is rapidly developing with new resorts. Reef breaks for surfers can be good, but the beach is also known for its riptides, making it unswimmable. It's a great beach for long, quiet runs or walks, and it's not uncommon to find locals with horses to rent for a beachside ride. Whales can easily be spotted from the beach from January through March. The small, man-made "Tequila Cove" between Hilton and Paradisus has calm waters, excellent for swimming. Here you'll find a tiny shack renting bodyboards and other water-sports equipment. Amenities: toilets; water sports; free parking. Best for: surfers; walking.

Situated 5 km (3 miles) north of La Paz, half of Caimancito "belongs" to the locals (though anyone is welcome), with sun-shading palapas and some government signage. It's a good beach for families with young children, as the calm, shallow waters feel more like a large natural pool than ocean. The second half houses El Caimancito Restaurant & Beach Club, which is owned by the boutique hotel, Orchid House Baja. There are very cute day beds and wooden swings, plus a DJ and fan to keep cool in the heat. A $500 MXN ($25) consumption minimum is required for nonguests of the hotel. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: partiers; swimming.

Cabo's best surfing beach runs 3 km (2 miles) south from San José's hotel zone along Highway 1. The Zipper and La Roca breaks are world famous. Playa Costa Azul connects to neighboring Playa Acapulquito in front of the Cabo Surf Hotel. Surfers gather at both beaches year-round, but most come in summer, when hurricanes and tropical storms create the year's largest waves, and when the ocean is at its warmest. This condo-lined beach is popular with joggers and walkers, but swimming isn't advised. When getting in and out of the water in front of Cabo Surf Hotel (where surf lessons take place), watch out for the sea urchins that cling to the shallow rocks. Beginner surfers should ask locals to point out the mound of hidden rocks near the break closest to the cliffs; this means it's much safer to take "rights" than "lefts" at this break. Although not overly common, jellyfish can also be a problem here. The turnoff to this beach is sudden and only available to drivers coming from Cabo San Lucas (not from San José del Cabo). It's on the beach side of the highway, at Zipper's restaurant, which is on the sand by the surf breaks. If coming from San José del Cabo, you have to exit at Costa Azul Surf Shop and drive under the highway to the parking area. Food and drinks are available at Zipper's restaurant or at 7 Seas restaurant. Surfboards can be rented at Costa Azul Surf Shop or at Cabo Surf Hotel. Amenities: toilets; food and drink; free parking. Best for: surfing; walking; sunset.

Foamy plumes of water shoot from wave runners and dozens of water taxis buzz through the calm waters off Médano Beach, a 3-km (2-mile) span of grainy tan sand that's more beautiful than you might expect from such a central, touristy zone. It's always crowded, but always fun. A variety of water-sports activities and rentals are available, with swimming areas roped off to prevent accidents. The water is usually calm enough for small children, but be aware of quick shoreline drop-offs: life preservers are a good idea for the little paddlers in your group. Bars and restaurants line the Médano, their waiters delivering ice buckets filled with beer to sunbathers in lounge chairs. The busiest and buzziest spot on the beach is around Mango Deck and The Office, where beachgoers can enjoy midday revelry, but there are plenty of more relaxed oceanfront venues, too. Feel free to spread out on the sand with your own towel, drinks, and snacks, whether to save money or simply do your own thing. There's a constant stream of passing vendors offering everything from silver jewelry to T-shirts ... and under their breath, smokeable substances. (The current craze is a collection of crass bandanas, the phrasing on some foul enough to make a sailor blush.) If you're not interested, just politely decline and they will respectfully continue on. Amenities: food concession. Best for: partying; beach clubs; swimming.

On a calm, sunny day, Playa El Tecolote could pass for being in the Caribbean. It's extremely gorgeous, and extremely fun, with the total vibe of a true Mexican beach. Restaurants and bars serve all sorts of seafood, though some will try to charge you a minimum spend ($400 MXN [$20])or flat rate($100 MXN [$5]) to dine on the sand versus inside their open-air establishment. Vendors rent out beach chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks, and will give banana boat rides. To the right of the restaurants is where the locals station up, often setting up tailgates from the backs of their cars and/or under large awnings. Camping is permitted (no hookups), and you'll see vans and RVs parked right on the sand, facing the beautiful surf. To the left is a hidden, quiet beach, accessible only by hiking or by boat, called El Tecolotito. Visit during the summer (May through November) for the best conditions. From January through March, it can be windy and the waves rough. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

Halfway between Rosarito and Ensenada, this wide strand of sand is a great place to escape the masses. Palapa umbrellas line the sand making it feel more private than other beaches (local families arrive on Sunday), but you’ll still find everything from food and drinks to restrooms and parking. The dark, soft sand is perfect for long walks, but a few rocky sections mean you’ll want to bring water shoes or snorkel gear if you venture into the water. Like Rosarito, you can gallop on the beach here, and horse rides will cost you about half the price you’ll find elsewhere. Take all your personal belongings with you since car break-ins (especially closest to the bridge) are a problem. Amenities: parking; food and drink; toilets. Best for: walking; sunsets

White sand lines this quiet public beach in La Ribera, a sleepy town just north of Cabo Pulmo National Park. The beach feels almost untouched, with calm water that's great for sportfishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling. Costa Palmas is just down the beach. Amenities: toilets. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.

Just west of Santa María Bay, this small public beach is often referred to as Twin Dolphin Beach after the Twin Dolphin Hotel, a longtime landmark that was demolished in mid-2007 to make room for Chileno Bay Club. The reef makes it a great place for snorkeling (bring your own gear), but it is open to the ocean and all the inherent dangers that entails, so swimming is not recommended. Low tides reveal great tidal pools filled with anemone, starfish, and other sea creatures (please leave these creatures in the sea). Rock outcroppings create private areas and natural tabletops in the sand for beach picnics. The waters are also popular for kayaking and paddleboarding. Amenities: toilets; showers; free parking. Best for: snorkeling; walking; sunrise.

Playa Los Barriles runs the entire length of town, curving gently toward Bahía de las Palmas. Amazingly, it is almost completely free of people, except from November to March, when wind-sports companies offer rentals during the gusty season and it becomes a jumping-off point for activities including kiteboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foilboarding. Those seeking sun and sea views recline on chaise lounges at beachfront resorts, and those seeking a congenial atmosphere hang out at restaurants or beach bars set just off the main shoreline. You can drive your ATV or truck onto the beach, and many locals do. Beware of jellyfish in the water. Amenities: none. Best for: walking; swimming; fishing; wind sports.

This long, expansive beach on the Pacific Ocean, about 64 km (40 miles) north of Cabo San Lucas and on the way to the town of Todos Santos, is famous among surfers for its wonderful breaking waves in winter. Great for beginners, the waves here are consistent, accessible, and not overly powerful. Boards and lessons are available via multiple surf shops right on shore. This beach works best on northwest swells. Even if you don't ride the waves, you can watch them crash along the shore. The sandy beach is wide, flat, and ideal for wading and swimming close to shore. Swimming farther out is not recommended because of the strong currents.

There are a small but lively number of beach bars and restaurants, including Barracuda Cantina, which was featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles, plus a couple of modest beachfront hotels. Several condo and hotel developments are in progress, with locals predicting that Cerritos will be the "next Médano" (the mega-popular beach in Cabo San Lucas) in a decade or so. You can still camp or stay in RVs near the beach, although there are no organized campsites or RV parks in the area. The beach is quite dog-friendly, and you'll no doubt cross paths with a few four-legged friends (and their owners) on any given day. It's also a nice place to get an affordable massage, with a number of massage beds set up right in the sand.

Access to the beach is marked on Highway 19 (which connects Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos) by a sign for Playa Los Cerritos at Km 64 (13 km [8 miles] south of Todos Santos). The graded dirt road to the beach is 2½ km (1½ miles) from Highway 19. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers (for restaurant patrons); toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

A left-hand point break put this small beach on the map and made it a favorite of expert surfers who love dealing with the challenges it presents. However, Playa Monumentos isn't only for surfers, as snorkeling and kayaking are also practiced on its waters. The location of this beach is one of its main assets, as it's quite close to Cabo San Lucas, and even the famous El Arco can be seen from its shores. Actually, one could say that The Corridor area starts with this beach, as it's the first one to the East after the famous Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Turn right on the Misiones del Cabo entrance, as if you were going to the Sunset Monalisa and park wherever you find a spot between this restaurant and The Cape hotel. Amenities: food and drink; free parking; water sports. Best for: surfing; snorkeling; kayaking; sunset. 

Check out the impressive multimillion-dollar villas on the road to Playa Palmilla, the best swimming beach near San José. Turn off the highway as if you're going to the One&Only Palmilla and then cross over the highway on an overpass. Continue about half a mile. The entrance is from the side road through the ritzy Palmilla development; take a left before you reach the guardhouse of the One&Only hotel. There are signs, but they're not exactly large. The beach is protected by a rocky point and the water is almost always calm; Punta Palmilla, farther out, is popular with surfers during huge swells (20 feet or more). A few thatched-roof palapas on the sand provide shade; there are trash cans but no restrooms. Guards patrol the exclusive section known as Pelican Beach fronting the hotel, discouraging nonguests from entering—although the public legally has access to cross the beach in front of the resort property. Guests of One&Only have access to beachfront cabañas, surf instruction, beach equipment, toilets, and a restaurant. Amenities: toilets; showers; lifeguards; free parking. Best for: walking; swimming; snorkeling.

Playa Pichilingue is a good back-up beach for when El Tecolote and Balandra are too crowded. The water is pretty, and a local BYOB beach club, A Plein Soleil, will rent you cushioned chaise loungers for $150 MXN ($8) for the day. Points could be docked for the nearby ferry terminal, number of fishing boats, and sound of traffic, but those are rather surface-level complaints. The clear, shallow ocean water is great to sit—or even lay down—in and watch tiny fish swim by. There are a couple of restaurants to patron for lunch and drinks. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: swimming.

Huge waves crash onto the sand on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas. This wide, beautiful beach stretches from Land's End north to the cliffs of El Pedregal, where mansions perch on steep cliffs. Swimming is impossible here because of the dangerous surf and undertow; stick to sunbathing and strolling. From December to March, you can spot gray and humpback whales spouting just offshore; dolphins leap above the waves year-round. The beach is at the end of Avenida Solmar off Boulevard Marina—an easy walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Five resorts—Solmar, Grand Solmar, Terrasol, Playa Grande, and Sandos Finisterra—are all on this beach, making it easy to stop for a meal if you get hungry. Crowds are minimal, as guests tend to stick to the hotel pools. Amenities: none. Best for: walking; solitude.

The closest beach to downtown Todos Santos, Punta Lobos is where fishermen launch their boats in the early morning. It's fascinating to watch them go out, as well as return in the afternoon, boats barreling onto the sand at high speed. You may see the occasional swimmer, but it generally isn't advised due to strong currents. Strolling along the sand and enjoying the scenery, however, is highly recommended. Punta Lobos, named after the sea lions native to the area, is also the starting point of some of the town's most beloved hikes. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: sunrise; walking.