Cabos San Lucas in Mexico is popular for its nightlife, water-based activities, and beaches. Speaking of beaches, one of the most popular beaches is El Medano in Cabo.
As one of the swimmable beaches in Cabo, It has white soft sand and calm waves that leave the ocean looking like a giant pool. Want to visit Medano Beach?
In this article, we will explore things to do in Medano Beach, how to get there, the best time to visit, and much more.
Things To Know Before Visiting Medano Beach
First things first, let’s discuss and answer some of the important questions about Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas that you should know if you’re planning to go there.
Is Medano Beach Safe?
El Medano Beach in Los Cabos is a safe swimming area that starts from the east side of the harbor to the Villa del Palmar. The beach encompasses several miles of warm turquoise waters, and there are plenty of activities to do besides swimming.
What guests need to know is that there are more than twelve rescue posts installed by the Los Cabos City Council.
At these rescue points, there are civil protection agents, firefighters, paramedics, and even members of the Red Cross. While there is a presence of security personnel, tourists should follow the usual safety tips like staying in the tourist areas or not going out at night alone.
Further reading: the safest destinations in Mexico
Where is Medano Beach?
Medano Beach is Located in the vibrant city of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Thanks to its location, the beach is the starting point for a variety of water sports rentals and guided tours.
In fact, visitors can board a glass-bottom boat at the beach and explore the surrounding waters. Additionally, they can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis to explore the waters. Once the sun goes down, the beach turns into a nightlife hub with beautiful music, food, and drinks.
Is Medano Beach Free?
There is no entrance fee to the El Medano beach in Cabo. However, if visitors want to access cenotes on private property or use one of the beach club facilities, there is a nominal fee.
But, as long as they are using the public access to the Medano beach, it’s all free.
While enjoying my day at the beach, vendors would come along and offer umbrellas and even beach chairs. All these items are meant to make the tourists stay comfortable. However, these items come at a fee.
Is Medano Beach Swimmable?
Yes, Medano Beach is the longest swimmable beach in Los Cabos. The warm turquoise waters are inviting, and tourists can spend their day swimming among other activities. The beach is filled with restaurants, Medano beach resorts, and bars, which feel like a traditional resort area.
Additionally, there are lifeguards on duty, and many tourists are also playing in the sand or lying out on the beach. Tourists should also be aware of the Cabo Beach color-coding system. This system indicates the safety level of the beach. To learn more read why can’t you swim in Cabo.
While lifeguards are present on the beach, having first aid knowledge can keep visitors safe. Therefore, I recommend packing a few safety essentials such as band-aids, moisturizer, anti-allergy medication, and sanitizer. Additionally, It’s good to learn a few lifesaving skills.
If you’re looking for more beaches that are swimmable, check out: Lovers Beach, Cannery Beaches, Chileno Beach, Palmilla Beach, Tequila Cove Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.
Parking at Medano Beach
In the downtown area, tourists can find a multilevel parking structure at the Puerto Paraiso Plaza shopping center. It is adjacent to the southeast side of the marina and a block away from Marina Boulevard.
The structure has two entrances: one on the two-way street leading to the Marina Fiesta hotel and another on the one-way street passing two blocks behind McDonald’s. At 15 pesos with constant roving security and restrooms, this is one of the best parking spots.
Another dedicated parking structure is Plaza Alamar Parking. Located on Francisco Madero Street, the facility is close to attractions in downtown Cabo, restaurants, and the Regional History Museum.
Around El Medano Beach in Cabo, parking is scarce. However, visitors can leave their cars with a valet and spend their day under the umbrella provided by beach restaurants. Examples include the Mango Deck and Baja Cantina Beach.
There is a huge dirt soccer field between Club Cascadas de Baja and Villa de Arco. Here, visitors can find ample open parking spots close to the beaches.
Parking downtown and close to the beach is usually available for 10 pesos to 40 pesos per hour. The parking spots are open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday and 9 AM to 3 PM on weekends.
How to Get To Medano Beach in Cabo?
If flying to Medano Beach in Mexico, visitors will probably touch down at Los Cabos International Airport located 28 miles away from the city. At the airport, there are shuttle services, rental cars, and taxis, which tourists like yourself can use to reach their destinations.
When you arrive in Cabos San Lucas, the beach is conveniently located between the downtown and the marina. There are several resorts and hotels close to Medano Beach that provide shuttle services to guests. This makes it easier for visitors to access this beautiful beach.
In an air-conditioned taxi, shuttle service, or rental car, the journey from the airport to the beach is 39 minutes. If taking a two-wheeler ( motorbike), the journey will take you 46 minutes.
Taxi service will cost $90 to $100 from the airport to the hotel one way. The hotels also arrange transportation, which costs $100 to $150 plus taxes.
If you decide to rent a car then expect to pay anywhere near the following rates:
- Compact and intermediate SUVs – $6/day
- Minivan – $9/day
- Standard SUV – $19/day
- Full-size SUV – $32/day
Now, if you’re wondering which is the best option?
Personally, I would recommend that you take a taxi from the airport to the hotel as rental cars and shuttle services are quite expensive. However, if cost is not an issue, you can rent a car at the airport or request the hotel’s shuttle services.
Best Time to Visit Medano Beach
The most popular time to visit El Medano Beach is during the dry season which starts in November and ends in April. The weather is warm and sunny during this season with temperatures ranging from 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) to 29 degrees C (85 degrees F).
Peak Tourist Season
The peak tourist season runs from December to March as it coincides with winter and the holidays in the US and Canada. During this period, accommodations are expensive, and the beach gets crowded. However, the beach has a lively atmosphere during the day and a vibrant nightlife once the sun goes down.
You can also visit El Medano Beach between April and June. During this period, the weather is also warm and pleasant. However, the holiday crowd will have started to thin out, and accommodation prices will be pocket-friendly for those on a budget.
Off-Peak Tourist Season
Want to enjoy El Medano beach, the activities, and attractions without the peak season crowds? I recommend April to June. July to October is the low season as it coincides with the hurricane and rainy season around the area. While the chances of storms and rains are high, visitors can still enjoy the warm weather.
Snorkeling and Diving
For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, I recommend visiting the beach from early October to early November. The water is warmest with high visibility during this period. The waves are also smaller, and tourists have a high chance of encountering whale sharks as they flock to the area.
December through March is an excellent time to spot octopuses, guitarfish, and whales. Sea turtles and colorful reef fish are available all year round.
The best time to surf in Los Cabos is from June to August. The waves are usually consistent thanks to the Southern Hemisphere swells. Some of the best places for surfing include The Rock, Zippers, and Old Man’s.
If hunting for the best deals, I recommend traveling from May through September. The best rates are usually available in May, August, and September. From May to mid-July, tourists will experience the best weather.
While it’s summer, it is not as hot as late summer. For the best discounts even at the most luxurious resorts, August and September are the best months. However, there will be rain to consider.
Best Things to Do in Medano Beach
El Medano Beach is a playground for tourists thanks to the variety of activities.
Here are some of the top activities to do at Medano Beach in Cabo:
- Go Swimming
- Try Various Watersports
- Take Boat Tours
- Enjoy The Nightlife
- Go Shopping
1. Go Swimming
I recommend taking advantage of the warm turquoise waters to swim. El Medina Beach is one of the safest Cabo swimming beaches where tourists can take a leisurely dip or even dive and snorkel. Besides swimming, they can also take advantage of the gentle sands and relax on the shore.
2. Try Various Watersports
There are plenty of water sports to enjoy. They include jet skiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, parasailing, and much more. Tourists can rent water sports equipment from rentals at the beach for a fee.
One of the most established outfits at the beach is JT WaterSports having been at Playa Medano for two decades.
3. Take Boat Tours
In addition to swimming and water sports, tourists can also enjoy parasailing tours and boat tours. These tours provide incredible views of Land’s End whether in the air or from the sea. Cabo Sky Tours is another establishment at the Medano beach that caters for parasailing tours with flyovers above local landmarks.
4. Enjoy The Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the beach welcomes the vibrant nightlife. This is one of the reasons that tourists love El Medano Beach. One of the most famous establishments popular for its rowdy nightlife is Mango Deck.
Tourists can participate in several activities. These spots also feature buckets of iced beer, which goes well with the salsa spiced mariscos and other foods.
5. Go Shopping
There are plenty of items that you can buy from local gift shops around Medano Beach. They include jewelry, hats, t-shirts, and handicrafts. you can also find mini markets inside some resorts, such as Villa La Estancia Los Cabos where you can shop for gifts and unique souvenirs.
Where to Stay in El Medano Beach?
There are a lot of resorts and hotels to stay in when visiting Medano Beach in Cabo. However, for the best overall, I would recommend the following two options:
Marina Fiesta Resort – $224
Stay and dine at the Marina Fiesta Resort. Located along the water’s edge in the Marina Golden Zone, the resort has private suites with private balconies overlooking the sea. Guests can dine, take drinks at the poolside, or relax at the whirlpool hot tub.
Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa – $595
Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa is an oceanfront resort specializing in first-class service and gourmet cuisine. The resort has 250 hacienda-style suites, gourmet restaurants, and a world-class spa that offers guests the ultimate oceanfront experience.
Where to Eat in El Medano Beach?
Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is not only famous for its clear and warm waters. The beach is home to terrific restaurants where diners can dig their toes in the sand while enjoying great seafood and Mexican specialties.
One of the most popular dining spots I visited was Medano Beach Sports Club. Another spot I loved was Edith’s Restaurant located off Medano Beach. It primarily focuses on fresh local seafood, mesquite grill, and more.
Other restaurants I recommend visiting are Tabasco Beach Restaurant and Bar, Mango Deck Cantina, and Peacock Restaurant and Bar.
Final Thoughts
To sum things up, El Medano Beach is a great place to visit. Not only is the beach swimmable, but you can kick back and relax on the sand or a beach chair. Additionally, there are hundreds of restaurants and bars along the beach where you can enjoy their food with your feet in the sand.
Besides relaxing at the beach, there are tons of activities to do. Tourists can snorkel, parasail, take boat tours or shop downtown. In addition, there are numerous attractions downtown from museums to art galleries.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot in Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is definitely worth a visit.