Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla)
San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
Calm water, roped-off swimming areas, and soft sand make Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) one of the most family-friendly beaches in Los Cabos. Snorkelers, swimmers, and anglers will all find something to love here, but not everyone is quite so active. Score a free-standing palapa and you’ll have a shady place to lounge with picture-perfect views.
A long stretch of sand ensures there is usually plenty of room to spread out on Palmilla Beach, which is sandwiched between turquoise water and a line of resorts. Unlike popular Playa de Amor, you don’t need a boat to get here, making this a popular option for independent travelers. The top activities here take advantage of all that calm, clear water: think paddle boarding, swimming, snorkeling, and sand-castle building for visitors of all ages.
- Lifeguards are on duty at Palmilla Beach.
- Umbrellas, paddleboards, and kayaks can be rented on the beach.
- Ample parking is available on-site.
Playa Palmilla is located in the community of Palmilla, between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Follow the main road towards One&Only Palmilla hotel and look for a parking lot on the left. Playa Palmilla is 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from San José del Cabo and 16.7 miles (27 kilometers) from Cabo San Lucas.
Since this popular beach gets busy towards midday, arriving before 10am is the best way to ensure a prime sunbathing spot. (The limited fixed palapas get snatched up first thing.) If you’re looking for the best light for photography, try sunrise, as the east-facing beach catches some of the day’s first rays.
Palmilla Beach offers snorkeling right off the beach, featuring bright tropical fish, a small reef, and protected water. Angel fish, puffer fish, and eels tend to cluster near the rocks, so take care when swimming nearby, especially on windy or wavy days. Snorkels, masks, and fins can be rented on-site.
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