Playa Medano: Cabo Mexico’s Most Swimmable Beach

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Looking for a beach in Mexico with soft white sand, crystal clear water and beachfront restaurants? Playa Medano has it all. Find out more

Playa Medano Cabo drone view

If you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas, make sure to include Playa Medano on your list. This stunning destination offers soft white sand and clear waters, perfect for family beach trips.

Think watersports, scuba diving, fishing and kayaking.

As the main swimming beach in the area, Medano Beach, Mexico, offers amenities for beachgoers and is conveniently located near resorts and apartments. 

Where is Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas? 

view of Playa Medano and the nearby outcrops

Playa Medano Beach is located in Cabo San Lucas, situated at the southernmost point of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Two hours south of the famous beaches of Balandra and one hour south of the beaches of Todos Santos.

It stretches for three kilometers along the Sea of Cortez, from the east side of the harbor to the popular resort, The Cape. 

The beach is conveniently positioned just 10 to 20 minutes on foot from downtown Cabo San Lucas (depending on where you are staying), allowing for easy access to shopping malls, walks around the marina area and adventure tour companies. 

About Playa Medano, Cabo San Lucas

chaise lounges and umbrellas overlooking Medano Beach

Playa El Medano is a long stretch of soft and golden sand with clear turquoise water. As you sit on the beach, take in the stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and the rocky landmarks surrounding the bay. 

While there are resorts, restaurants and bars along the beachfront, there is still a wide enough area for you to find a spot to sunbake and enjoy the sunshine. 

If you prefer to relax in comfort, be sure to hire one of the umbrellas or loungers. Or, if you want to be a little pampered for the day, rent one at a beach club.

If you want to join in some activities on the beach, rent a jet ski, paddleboard or kayak. You will be able to take in the beauty of the entire bay area from a different perspective. 

Snorkeling is also a popular activity with the likelihood of spotting tropical fish and other marine life. 

Stick around into the evening to witness the beach come alive with music and nightlife. It’s the perfect way to end a long day in the sun. 

Pro Tip: During the summer, there can be jellyfish, so it’s best to swim within the safety flags and stay close to the shore. 

Things to do at Playa Medano

hotels along Playa Medano Cabo

Stay at an All-inclusive Resort 

If you are looking for a convenient way to enjoy your vacation, look no further than an all-inclusive resort.  

A stay at one of these Medano Beach Resorts typically includes everything from meals to drinks and entertainment. As well, the larger hotels have pools, spas and fitness centers. 

Check out Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort and Spa for ultimate luxury. 

Enjoy a Meal at One of the Medano Beach Restaurants

tables with a view of Playa Medano

Nothing screams vacation more than a day at the beach, followed by a drink and meal at a beachfront restaurant. 

Offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Mexican to seafood, you can take advantage of a delicious meal while enjoying the views of the ocean. 

If you want a party atmosphere, head to Mango Deck Beach Club. 

Visit Chileno Beach

Chileno beach in Cabo

If you want to explore one of the nearby beaches in the area, consider Chileno Beach. This picturesque spot is only 15 km (9 miles) away from Playa Medano. 

Such a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with soft, white sand will make you instantly want to jump in the water. It’s a fantastic place to swim, snorkel and paddleboard. 

The atmosphere is more laid back than in Playa Medano. 

The beach is sheltered from strong currents and waves, so it’s a popular spot for families with young children. 

Visit Santa Maria Beach

View of Santa Maria beach, Cabo

Another unmissable day trip is to Santa Maria Beach, 14.5 km (9 miles) from Medano Beach in Los Cabos. 

At this spot, you can glide your toes through the golden sand and swim in the crystal-clear water. 

If you are feeling adventurous, take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the marine life from above. 

Otherwise, bring your snorkeling gear, as the beach is in a marine preserve. You’ll be able to spot schools of colorful reef fish. 

Keep in mind that there are not many facilities (other than a few local vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs) so you will need to come prepared. 

Visit Palmilla Beach

drone view of Palmilla Beach, Cabo

This tranquil beach has shady palapas (open-sided thatched roof structures) scattered along the shore.

At 27 miles away from Playa Medano, it’s a little further away but worth the visit. It’s another incredible place to swim since the cove area is protected.

The world-famous One & Only Hotel Resort is at Palmilla Beach if you want to splurge on a luxury vacation. 

Weather in Playa Medano 

couple walking along Playa Medano

Now that you know how beautiful Playa Medano is, it’s time to start planning your trip. There are two periods that are the most popular. 

December to February is when the crowds are looking to escape the winter months in Europe and America. During that time, the temperatures range from 61°F (16°C) to 77°F (25°C). So, while you may need an extra layer at night, the days will still be warm enough to enjoy the beach and water sports. 

The summer months from June to August are popular for families on summer break. The temperatures range from 80°F (27°C) to 95°F (35°C). It can be hot and humid, which is perfect for long days on the beach. Just be sure to have water on you to keep hydrated! 

If you want to lessen your chances of getting rainfall, avoid the months of July to September. It’s worth noting that you can still expect some sunshine, even during the rainy season. 

Packing List Essentials for Playa Medano 

sailboat in front of Playa Medano, Cabo, Mexico

The best thing about going on a beach vacation is that you don’t need to bring much. As long as you have your swimmers, some light clothing and a pair of sandals, you are good to go. 

Below are a few items that will help to enhance your experience:

  • Snorkeling gear: the water is so clear at Playa Medano, so it’s an excellent spot to see tropical fish and marine life. While you can hire gear along the beachfront, bringing your own is always a good option. 
  • Waterproof sunscreen: the Mexican sun can be harsh, so it’s important to always wear high SPF sunscreen that is also water-resistant and reef safe. Pack your own so you don’t waste time shopping on your first day of vacation.
  • Portable bluetooth speaker: if you want to bring atmosphere to your beach day, it’s always a nice idea to have music playing in the background. 
  • Aloe vera gel: hopefully, you won’t get burnt, but it’s always wise to bring some aloe vera gel to help soothe your skin after a long day in the sun. 
  • Waterproof beach bag: you won’t regret bringing a waterproof day bag, particularly if you plan to head out on any water excursions. 

Map of Medano Beach

The Cabo area is pretty spread out, but this map will help you make sense of it all. Don’t plan your trip to Playa Medano without checking this out first.

How to get to Playa Medano

overview of Medano beach in Cabo, Mexico

When arriving from overseas, you will want to fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). From the Airport to Cabo San Lucas, you can take a standard minivan or SUV, which will take approximately one hour. 

Once you are in the city, it’s an easy taxi ride to any of the Playa Medano hotels or resorts. 

Otherwise, there is a small airport in Cabo San Lucas known as the Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL). This is used for private planes and short commercial flights. 

From Cabo San Lucas Airport to Cabo San Lucas, it will only take 15 minutes by car. 

Final thoughts… 

people playing on Medano Beach

It’s not surprising that Playa Medano sounds picturesque on paper. But just wait until you get to experience the warm turquoise waters, golden sand and lively atmosphere for yourself. 

Is Cabo just a stop on your slow travels? Check out all the places you can travel in Mexico with Bookaway.

FAQ 

What is the closest airport to Playa Medano?

The main airport in the area is Los Cabos International Airport, 46 km (28.5 miles), an hour’s drive from Playa Medano. 

What is the closest town to Playa Medano?

This beach is located in the town of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. 

Is Playa Medano safe?

Being a popular tourist destination, Playa Medano is safe. However, as with anywhere in Mexico, avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables out of sight. Also, be cautious when withdrawing large sums of money from ATMs. 

Is Medano Beach swimmable? 

Yes! You won’t want to miss out on swimming at Playa Medano with its crystal clear water. During peak season, there will be lifeguards on the beach, as well as flags to suggest the safest areas to swim. 

Posted May 22, 2023
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Kate and Olly of KO Travellers
Kate Torpy and Oliver Neville of KO Travellers are travel bloggers and content creators from Australia. They caught the travel bug from a young age and have not looked back since. The things they love about travelling the most are meeting new people, experiencing diverse cultures and exploring lesser-known corners of the world. Whether they are on assignment or travelling for pleasure, they document their travels on Instagram and provide detailed accounts on their Blog. From picturesque landscapes to island paradises, they cover it all - even the underwater marine world.
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