Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla)
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla) is one of the safest and most beautiful swimming beaches in all of Los Cabos, and it flies under the radar compared to the more famous Medano Beach. Located along the Tourist Corridor near San José del Cabo, this Blue Flag-certified beach sits in a natural protective cove that keeps the water calm, clean, and safe for families with children of all ages.
Blue Flag certification is a big deal — it means the water quality, environmental management, safety, and services meet strict international standards. In practical terms for parents, it means you can feel confident that the water is clean and the beach is well-monitored. The cove's natural shape shelters it from the open ocean swells that make most Cabo beaches too dangerous for swimming, creating conditions similar to a calm bay.
The beach has a wide stretch of soft golden sand that's great for sandcastle building and beach games. The water slopes gradually from shore, so toddlers can splash in ankle-deep water while older kids venture out to chest depth without hitting any sudden drop-offs. Along the rocky edges of the cove, decent snorkeling reveals tropical fish and sea urchins — bring gear from town since there are no rental vendors on site.
Palmilla Beach has a luxury resort (One&Only Palmilla) adjacent to it, which might make budget-conscious families hesitate, but the beach itself is completely free and public — all beaches in Mexico are federal property. There's a designated free parking lot that fills up quickly on weekends, so arriving before 10 AM is important.
The trade-off for Palmilla's beauty and calm water is a lack of amenities. There are restrooms near the parking area but no food vendors, beach chair rentals, or restaurants on the sand. You need to bring everything — food, water, towels, shade, and supplies. This actually works in families' favor, as the beach stays clean and uncrowded compared to the vendor-heavy scene at Medano.
The beach is about a 10-minute drive from downtown San José del Cabo and 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Pair a morning at Palmilla Beach with an afternoon in San José del Cabo's historic district for a perfect family day.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Arrive before 10 AM to get parking and a good spot — the lot fills up quickly on weekends. The water is calmest in the morning. Weekdays are significantly less crowded.
Nearby Food
There are no restaurants directly on Palmilla Beach. Drive 10 minutes to San José del Cabo for La Lupita Tacos, Tequila Restaurant, or any of the Tourist Corridor resort restaurants nearby. Bring a packed lunch for the best beach day experience.
Why Kids Love It
Palmilla Beach is one of the only Blue Flag-certified beaches in Los Cabos, which means the water quality, safety, and environmental standards are independently verified — and you can see the difference. The protected cove creates calm, clear water with gentle waves that are safe for kids of all ages, including toddlers who want to splash in the shallows. Unlike Medano Beach with its crowds and vendors, Palmilla has a quieter, more relaxed feel that's perfect for families who want actual peace and quiet.
The sandy bottom slopes gradually, so kids can wade out a good distance without sudden drop-offs. Snorkeling along the rocky edges of the cove reveals tropical fish and sea urchins for older kids. The beach itself is wide and sandy, ideal for building sandcastles and running around.
Kids also love watching the occasional pelican squadron dive for fish just offshore. For families staying along the Tourist Corridor, Palmilla is the closest safe swimming beach and one of the best-kept secrets in the area.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The parking lot fills up fast on weekends — arrive before 10 AM or come on a weekday for easy access
- There are restrooms near the parking area but no other facilities — bring everything you need
- The left side of the beach (facing the water) has rocky areas with better snorkeling — the center is best for swimming with kids
- The beach is located near the One&Only Palmilla resort but is 100% public — don't be intimidated by the fancy surroundings
- Combine with a morning at the beach and afternoon in San José del Cabo's historic district (10-minute drive)
What to Bring
- Cooler with food, water, and snacks — there are no vendors on the beach
- Pop-up shade tent or beach umbrella — limited natural shade
- Sand toys for kids — the sand here is perfect for building
- Snorkel gear if kids want to explore the rocky edges
- Reef-safe sunscreen — this is a Blue Flag beach that maintains water quality standards
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 for beach access.
Free parking.
No vendors on the beach, so bring everything you need.
Budget $10-20 for water and snacks from town.
Tips to Save
- This is a completely free beach with free parking.
- Bring your own food, drinks, towels, and shade since there are no rental vendors or restaurants on the sand.
- Pair with a visit to San José del Cabo (10 minutes away) for lunch to make a free day of it.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours