Medano Beach Cabo: The Ultimate Guide to Cabo's Best Beach

Let me paint you a picture. You're lounging on soft golden sand, cold beer in hand, watching the sun paint the sky orange over the Pacific. Behind you, beach bars pump out good music while servers bring fresh ceviche right to your beach chair. This isn't some fantasy. This is just Tuesday at Medano Beach Cabo.

We've been to Cabo more times than we can count, and Medano Beach is hands down our favorite spot. It's the beach that made us fall in love with Cabo San Lucas in the first place. And trust me, once you experience it, you'll understand why this cabo beach is considered the crown jewel of the area.

Why Medano Beach is the Best Beach in Cabo San Lucas

Look, Cabo has some gorgeous beaches. But here's the thing about most of them. They're either too rough for swimming or completely deserted with zero amenities. Medano Beach? It's the Goldilocks of Cabo beaches. Everything is just right.

The water is calm and swimmable year-round. The sand is that perfect golden color that looks amazing in photos. And you've got everything you need within walking distance. Restaurants, bars, water sports, shade. It's all there.

Plus, it's right in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. You can literally walk from your hotel, spend the day at the beach, grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant, and stumble back to your room. No taxis, no planning. Just pure vacation mode.

Getting to Medano Beach Cabo

Here's what makes this the best beach cabo san lucas has to offer. It's ridiculously easy to get to. The beach stretches for about two miles along Cabo's hotel zone, so chances are you're already close.

Most of the big resorts sit right on Medano Beach. The Hilton, Villa del Palmar, Villa del Arco. They all have direct beach access. But even if you're staying elsewhere, it's a quick walk or cheap taxi ride.

Pro tip: If you're staying at one of the luxury villas up in Pedregal or Palmilla, just have your concierge arrange a ride. It's about 10-15 minutes from most areas in Los Cabos.

Parking Situation

Driving? There are several parking lots along the beach. Expect to pay around $5-10 USD for the day. The lot near the ME Cabo hotel is usually your best bet. It's central and rarely full.

Best Medano Beach Activities

Okay so you're at the beach. Now what? The medano beach activities are pretty much endless. Here's what we always do:

Water Sports Galore

The calm waters make Medano Beach perfect for just about every water activity. Jet skiing is huge here. You'll see rental places all along the beach. Expect to pay around $60-80 for 30 minutes.

Parasailing is another favorite. There's something magical about seeing Cabo from the air. The whole bay, the famous Arch, the marina. It's about $70-90 per person and totally worth it.

Want something more chill? Rent a paddleboard or kayak. The water is usually calm enough that even beginners feel comfortable. Plus, you can paddle out and get some amazing photos of the coastline.

Beach Hopping by Water Taxi

Here's something cool most people don't know about. You can take water taxis from Medano Beach to other spots around the bay. Lover's Beach is the most popular destination. It's that postcard-perfect beach near the famous Arch.

The water taxis run regularly throughout the day. About $15-20 per person round trip. Just make sure to agree on a pickup time.

Sunset Watching

Real talk: Cabo has some of the best sunsets we've ever seen. And Medano Beach gives you front-row seats. The beach faces west, so you get unobstructed views of the sun dipping into the Pacific.

Fair warning: It gets crowded during sunset hours. But honestly? That's part of the magic. Everyone's in a good mood, drinks are flowing, and there's this collective appreciation for nature's daily show.

Where to Eat: Best Medano Beach Restaurants

This is where Medano Beach really shines. The medano beach restaurants scene is incredible. You've got everything from casual beach shacks to upscale oceanfront dining.

Beach Clubs and Casual Spots

Mango Deck is probably the most famous beach bar on Medano Beach. It's loud, it's fun, and the drinks are strong. The fish tacos are solid too. Don't expect fine dining, but expect a good time.

The Office is another classic. It's been around forever and has that authentic Cabo vibe. Great for lunch and drinks. The ceviche is fresh, and they make a mean margarita.

Billygan's Island offers a slightly more upscale beach club experience. The food is better than most beach spots, and the setting is gorgeous. It's worth the extra few dollars.

Upscale Oceanfront Dining

Want to dress up a bit? Hacienda Beach Club & Residences has an excellent restaurant right on the sand. The service is top-notch, and the sunset views are unbeatable.

ME Cabo has both casual and upscale dining options. Their beach club is perfect for day drinking, while their rooftop offers fine dining with incredible views.

Pro tip: Make reservations for sunset dining. These places fill up fast, especially during high season.

Local Favorites

Honestly? Some of the best food comes from the beach vendors. Fresh fruit, elote (Mexican street corn), and ice-cold beer. It's cheap, it's authentic, and it tastes amazing when you're sun-soaked and sandy.

The shrimp vendors are legendary. They'll grill fresh shrimp right there on the beach and serve it with lime and hot sauce. Can't get much better than that.

Best Time to Visit Medano Beach

Look, here's the honest truth. Medano Beach is great year-round. The weather in Cabo is pretty consistently perfect. But there are definitely better and worse times to visit.

Time of Day

Go early if you want space and calm. By 7 AM, you can have your pick of spots and the water is like glass. Plus, it's cooler and perfect for morning walks.

Mid-day gets busy and hot. But that's when the party atmosphere really kicks in. Beach bars are in full swing, music is playing, and everyone's having a blast.

Sunset is magical but crowded. Plan accordingly.

Time of Year

High season (November through April) means perfect weather but bigger crowds and higher prices. Everything costs more, from drinks to water sports.

Summer can be hot and humid, plus it's hurricane season. But honestly? We've been to Cabo in July and August, and it's still amazing. Just stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.

September and October are sweet spots. Weather is still good, crowds are smaller, and prices drop.

Practical Tips for Medano Beach

After all our visits to medano beach cabo, we've learned some things the hard way. Here's what we wish someone had told us on our first trip:

What to Bring

• Sunscreen. Lots of it. The Cabo sun is no joke
• A hat and sunglasses
• Cash for vendors and tips
• A waterproof phone case for photos
• Flip-flops that you don't mind getting sandy

What NOT to Bring

Don't bother with beach chairs or umbrellas. Most restaurants and bars will let you use theirs if you're buying food and drinks. And trust us, you'll want to eat and drink.

Skip the expensive beach gear from hotel shops. There are plenty of vendors on the beach selling everything you need at better prices.

Safety Tips

Medano Beach is generally very safe, but use common sense. Don't leave valuables unattended. The water is calm, but always swim near other people.

Be careful with the sun. It's stronger than you think, especially when you're drinking. We've seen too many people get crispy on day one and miss the rest of their trip.

Beyond the Beach: Nearby Activities

While you could easily spend your entire trip on Medano Beach (and many people do), there's plenty more to explore nearby.

The Cabo Marina is a short walk away. That's where you can book adventures like snorkeling trips, fishing charters, or even a private yacht for the day.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas is right there too. Great for shopping, nightlife, and more dining options. The walk takes about 10 minutes from most parts of Medano Beach.

Want to see the famous Arch up close? Water taxis leave regularly from the beach to take you there. It's one of those must-do Cabo experiences.

Where to Stay Near Medano Beach

The beauty of staying near this cabo beach is that you're in the heart of everything. Here are our top picks:

Luxury Options: The Hilton Los Cabos and Villa del Palmar are right on the beach. You can literally roll out of bed onto the sand.

Mid-Range: There are plenty of smaller hotels and resorts just a block or two back from the beach. You'll save money and still be super close.

Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and VRBO have tons of options in the area. Great if you want a kitchen and more space.

Final Thoughts on Medano Beach Cabo

Look, we've been to beaches all over Mexico and the Caribbean. But there's something special about Medano Beach. Maybe it's the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, great food, and fun atmosphere. Or maybe it's just the way Cabo makes you feel.

Whatever it is, this beach has never disappointed us. Whether you want to party all day, relax in peace, or try every water sport imaginable, medano beach cabo delivers.

Just remember to pace yourself. It's easy to go hard on day one and burn out. Trust us, you'll want to save some energy for all the amazing experiences Cabo has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medano Beach safe for swimming?

Yes! Medano Beach is one of the few beaches in Cabo where swimming is completely safe year-round. The water is calm and protected from the rough Pacific swells that hit other Cabo beaches.

How much should I budget for a day at Medano Beach?

You can do it cheaply or go all out. Budget around $50-100 per person for food, drinks, and maybe a water activity. If you want to rent jet skis and eat at upscale beach clubs, plan for $150-300 per person.

Can I walk to Medano Beach from downtown Cabo?

Absolutely! It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the main tourist area in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Very easy and safe during the day.

Are there free areas of Medano Beach?

The beach itself is public, so you can set up anywhere. However, most of the good spots with shade and amenities are controlled by restaurants and beach clubs. You're expected to buy food and drinks if you use their chairs and umbrellas.

What's the best way to get from the airport to Medano Beach?

The Los Cabos airport is about 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic. Taxis cost around $60-80, or you can book a private transfer for similar prices. Many hotels also offer shuttle services.

Ready to experience the magic of Medano Beach for yourself? Start planning your Cabo adventure today. Trust us, this is one beach that lives up to all the hype and then some.