Skip to main content
PlayaBueno

Directory

Mexican Beach Directory

700+ beaches from Baja's surf towns to the Riviera Maya, each with Google rating signals, amenities and an honest description.

Beach results

Showing 1-6 of 6 beaches

Nine Palms
4.8
High crowds

Nine Palms

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Nine Palms is a secluded and tranquil beach destination located on the East Cape of Los Cabos, Mexico. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere, catering to surfers, beach campers, and nature enthusiasts. The area is known for its relatively uncrowded beaches and a nostalgic, unspoiled feel. Reaching the beach requires a bit of adventure: a scenic drive north along Highway 1 from Cabo San Lucas or utilizing private transportation. Nine Palms Beach provides excellent surfing and bodyboarding opportunities, alongside sunbathing and relaxation. Beach camping is a popular option, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the coastal beauty. During the winter months, whale watching is possible. The Nine Palms Ranch, a private retreat, offers ownership options and exclusive access to a beach club and amenities. The 9 Palms (30A Rental) provides a luxurious vacation rental experience with a private pool and golf cart.

PoorHigh
No information available regarding potential dangers in the water.
Santa Maria Beach
4.7
Moderate crowds

Santa Maria Beach

Baja California Sur

Santa Maria Beach is a tranquil, protected cove offering a serene swimming and snorkeling experience in Los Cabos. Situated just off the Tourist Corridor, it's easily accessible by car, with a parking area a quarter of a mile inland. The horseshoe-shaped bay is sheltered by two large granite rocks, protecting it from strong surf and winds, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Designated a Blue Flag beach, it boasts a diverse array of tropical fish and marine life visible while snorkeling and diving. While shade is limited, beach umbrellas and snorkeling gear are available for rent. Historically, the area was once home to the Hotel Twin Dolphin, now demolished to make way for the Chileno Beach Club. Visitors are encouraged to arrive in the morning for optimal swimming and diving conditions. With its protected location and stunning natural beauty, Santa Maria Beach offers a memorable escape for those seeking a peaceful day by the sea. The beach is known for its rocky sand, so water shoes are recommended. It's a popular spot for local families and snorkelers, but can get busy with tour boats in the afternoon.

GoodFreeModerate
No
Playa Palmilla
4.7
High crowds

Playa Palmilla

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

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

GoodFreeHigh
Low - Generally safe for swimming, but currents can be present. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings.
Playa Hotelera
4.7
Low crowds

Playa Hotelera

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Playa Hotelera, a mile-long beachfront expanse in San José del Cabo, Mexico, offers a scenic and recreational experience. Situated adjacent to the Presidente InterContinental Los Cabos Resort and extending to the Las Mananitas condo resort, it's primarily known for its natural beauty and activities, rather than direct hotel accommodations. The area features a freshwater estuary teeming with diverse wildlife and a sand berm separating it from the sea, providing a pleasant walking path to La Playa. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, surf fishing, and beach volleyball, with horse rentals and water sports readily available nearby. Important to note, swimming is generally not recommended due to a steep drop-off and high surf. The beach also plays a vital role in sea turtle conservation, with a dedicated area for egg releases. Close proximity to Mega Plaza, Plaza Garuffi & Caracol, and a variety of resorts ensures easy access to amenities and dining options. Historically, the area served as a crucial freshwater source for centuries, reflecting a rich and layered past.

PoorLow
Yes
Playa Acapulquito
4.5
Low crowds

Playa Acapulquito

Baja California Sur

Playa Acapulquito is a renowned surfer's paradise nestled along the Los Cabos coastline, offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Located approximately halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, this laid-back beach attracts both seasoned surfers and beginners with its consistent waves and soft golden sands. Visitors can rent surfboards and take lessons from local instructors, enjoying the clear waters and sandy shores for swimming and sunbathing. Several beachfront restaurants and bars provide Mexican cuisine and refreshing beverages, allowing for a relaxing day under the shade of palapas. The beach maintains an authentic, local vibe, cherished by residents and offering a genuine Baja experience, surrounded by scenic beauty and perfect temperatures. With its picturesque setting and stunning sunsets, Playa Acapulquito provides excellent opportunities for photography and nature appreciation, making it a delightful coastal escape in Los Cabos.

GoodPoorLow
No
Playa Costa Azul
4.4
High crowds

Playa Costa Azul

Tamaulipas

Playa Costa Azul is a vibrant coastal destination renowned for its consistent surf breaks and picturesque scenery. Situated between kilometers 28 and 29 on the Transpeninsular Highway, it’s easily accessible via the Costa Azul Bridge. The beach offers a variety of surf breaks catering to all skill levels, from the expert-level Zippers reef break to the beginner-friendly Acapulquito Beach. Beyond surfing, visitors can enjoy walking, surf fishing, and horseback riding. Several restaurants, including Zippers Restaurant and Dante’s Restaurant, provide dining options with stunning ocean views. The Costa Azul Surf Shop offers surfboard and snorkel gear rentals and lessons, while Mike Doyle Surf School provides lessons and rentals. The beach club under construction promises to enhance the visitor experience. With a rich surf history, including hosting the Los Cabos Open of Surf, Playa Costa Azul offers a memorable experience for surfers and beachgoers alike. The area is also close to the Cabo Surf Hotel and the former La Brisa trailer park, which is being replaced with luxury condos.

LimitedHigh
The water has reef breaks, so there is a risk of injury from rocks and waves. Strong currents can also be present.

Map view

Compare spots along the coast

Up to 50 pins from your current filters — pan and zoom to explore.

Interactive beach map

Held back until you want it, so the page loads fast on mobile data.

About Mexico's beach directory

PlayaBueno catalogues 700+ stretches of coastline spanning Baja California's surf towns, the Riviera Maya's all-inclusive hotspots, and the hidden coves of the Gulf of Mexico. Every listing carries Google rating signals, current amenities and a plain-language description, so you can shortlist beaches that match your vibe instead of reading around them.

Use the map and filters to compare crowd levels, water conditions and nearby attractions. When you're ready to plan the rest of the trip, continue to our coastal state guides, the beach city directory, or the Mexico resorts collection to connect each shoreline with nearby towns and places to stay.