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PlayaBueno
  • Baja California Sur
  • Cabo San Lucas
  • Beach

Playa Palmilla

Playa Palmilla is a stunning beach located just outside the One&Only Hotel in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 2,053 reviews.
Water
Good
Crowds
High
Location
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Open map
Playa Palmilla: Palmilla Beaches in CaboPhoto: suncabo.com · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to know

Overview

Known for its pristine white sand and calm waters, it’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beautiful Baja California scenery. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag certification, ensuring high water quality and safety. It’s a prime location for marine life viewing, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities just below the surface, and is also a popular spot for whale watching during the season. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or even rent a fishing panga. While limited services are currently available – bringing your own food and drinks is recommended – plans are underway to add public restrooms, showers, accessible facilities, and shaded areas. The beach’s proximity to luxury residences and the One&Only Hotel adds to its upscale atmosphere. Playa Palmilla is also the starting and finishing point for the swim leg of the annual Ironman Triathlon, attracting athletes from around the world. With its beautiful views and tranquil atmosphere, Playa Palmilla offers a memorable beach experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Parking is available, but arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot and shade.

Gallery

Photos

About this listing

Compiled from Google Places and verified listing. Ratings and review counts come from Google Places; beach conditions and facilities can change. Last updated September 2026. Send a correction

The details

At a glance

Practical details for Playa Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Food nearbyFair
ParkingFree
Water sportsYes, Surfing
AccessibilityNo
Nearest airportLos Cabos (SJD), about 15 km as the crow flies
Watch out forLow - Generally safe for swimming, but currents can be present. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings.

Guides · Baja California Sur

On these lists

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Before you go

Common questions

Is Playa Palmilla good for families?

Our listing data rates Playa Palmilla "good" for families. A reasonable pick with kids, but the sea changes day to day: check the flags and the lifeguard post when you arrive.

How is the water quality at Playa Palmilla?

Our listing data rates the water at Playa Palmilla as good. Visibility and conditions shift with weather, swell and sargassum, so check locally before you swim.

Is there parking available at Playa Palmilla?

Parking at Playa Palmilla is free. Free parking is available.

How crowded is Playa Palmilla?

Our listing data puts crowds at Playa Palmilla as high. A popular spot: come early for space.

Are there restaurants near Playa Palmilla?

Our listing data rates food options at Playa Palmilla as fair. Limited dining options are available - consider bringing snacks or meals.

Getting there

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

23.0112° N, 109.7171° W

Nearby

Beaches within 20 km

Pacífico · 23.02° N · 109.72° W

Playa Acapulquito

1 km awayRated 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 60 reviews.

Pacífico · 23.00° N · 109.73° W

Playa Punta Bella

2 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 29 reviews.

Pacífico · 23.03° N · 109.71° W

Costa Azul Beach

2 km awayRated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 2,114 reviews.

Pacífico · 23.04° N · 109.70° W

Playa Hotelera

4 km awayRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 66 reviews.

Pacífico · 23.05° N · 109.69° W

Las Torres Beach

5 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 101 reviews.

Hotel occupancy · Los Cabos

When it's busy

DataTur hotel occupancy for Los Cabos (Baja California Sur). DataTur reports by tourism destination: these are the figures for Los Cabos as a whole, not for Cabo San Lucas alone.

Busiest, on average
March

Occupancy averages about 80% in March. Book ahead.

Quietest, on average
August, September

Occupancy averages about 57% in September, so rooms are easier to find.

In 2024: busiest February (82.2%) · quietest September (52.3%)

January 2024 to December 2024, 0–100% occupancy scale.

Source: Official hotel occupancy statistics from DataTur (SECTUR Mexico). Aggregated across registered lodging categories.

Where to stay

Hotels near Playa Palmilla

All hotels
  • 1.4 km away · Boutique

    Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa

    San José del Cabo, Baja California SurRated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 565 reviews.
  • 3.7 km away · All-Inclusive

    Royal Decameron

    San José del Cabo, Baja California SurRated 4.3 out of 5 on Google from 3,085 reviews.
  • 3.9 km away

    Santa Maria del Cabo

    Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
  • 4.0 km away · Boutique

    Posada Real Los Cabos

    San José del Cabo, Baja California SurRated 4.2 out of 5 on Google from 4,290 reviews.
  • 4.6 km away · Luxury

    Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos

    San José del Cabo, Baja California SurRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 2,992 reviews.
  • 5.0 km away · Adults Only

    Marquis Los Cabos

    San José del Cabo, Baja California SurRated 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 2,117 reviews.