As a Cabo local, I get asked all the time—”Where’s the best beach to take the kids?” And honestly, I love that question. Because while Cabo might be known for romantic resorts and wild bachelor parties, there’s another side to this place that families absolutely need to know about. The kind of side where your toddler can waddle into the sea with zero risk, your older kids can try snorkeling for the first time, and you might even sneak in five quiet minutes with your toes in the sand. (Dream big, right?)
My own kids have grown up here—covered in sunscreen, chasing crabs, collecting “magic rocks,” and eating more sandy watermelon slices than I care to admit. We’ve tested pretty much every beach in Los Cabos, and while not all of them are safe for swimming, there are a handful of truly magical, kid-friendly spots that I always recommend to visiting families—and where I take my own crew.
So, whether you’re here for a week or lucky enough to be spending a whole season, here are my top picks for family-friendly beaches in Cabo that you won’t want to miss.
1. Medano Beach: The Classic Family-Friendly Spot
If you ask any local where to take your kids for a beach day, they’ll probably point you straight to Medano Beach—and for good reason. It’s one of the safest swimmable beaches in Cabo, thanks to its calm waters and gentle waves.
The shallow waters mean they can splash around safely, and there are restaurants right on the sand—so when the inevitable “I’m huuuungry” chorus starts, you can just order some quesadillas and fresh fruit without having to pack up and leave. Win-win.
Pro tip: Arrive early if you want a good spot because this beach does get busy, especially on weekends. Also, if your little ones are easily startled by noise, be aware that Medano is also where the party boats and jet skis hang out. It’s nothing too crazy, but there’s a little more energy here compared to other spots on this list.
2. Chileno Bay: Perfect for Little Explorers
If your kids are like mine and love looking for “treasures” (a.k.a. rocks, shells, and random seaweed they insist is special), Chileno Bay is a dream come true. This beach is part of a protected marine reserve, so the water is crystal clear, and there’s tons of sea life.
We brought some cheap snorkel gear for our oldest, and he lost his mind when he spotted a school of colorful fish swimming near the rocks. Even if your kids aren’t ready to snorkel yet, they’ll love wading in the gentle waves and spotting fish in the shallows.
What I love most about Chileno is that it feels untouched. There aren’t tons of vendors walking around, so it’s way more peaceful. There are palapas (those thatched-roof shade structures) available, but they fill up fast—so bring an umbrella just in case.
3. Santa Maria Bay: The Calm Cove for Water Lovers
This beach is another hidden gem that’s perfect for families. Santa Maria Bay is shaped like a horseshoe, which naturally protects it from strong waves, making it a great spot for younger kids to wade and splash.
The sand here is a little different—it’s not super soft but more like tiny pebbles. My kids didn’t mind, but if your little ones are sensitive about textures (or if you just don’t want to hear the complaints), you might want to bring water shoes.
This is also an amazing place to introduce kids to snorkeling because the water is calm, and there are plenty of colorful fish swimming right up near the shore. We even spotted a few families floating around on inflatable rings, just soaking in the view. Honestly, I wanted to join them.
Heads up: There aren’t any restaurants or stores nearby, so pack snacks and plenty of water. Trust me, a hungry kid at the beach is a recipe for disaster.
4. Palmilla Beach: The Local Favorite
If you want a beach that’s a little quieter but still great for families, Palmilla Beach is the spot. It’s got calm waters, clean sand, and a really laid-back vibe.
One of my favorite things about this beach is how family-oriented it is. You’ll see local families here with full setups—coolers, beach chairs, and enough snacks to feed an army. It’s the kind of place where kids make instant beach buddies, and parents can actually chat for a bit without too many interruptions.
This is also a great place to bring a boogie board if your kids want to try riding the tiny waves near the shore. Our 6-year-old insisted he was ready to surf (spoiler: he was not), but he had a blast paddling around and pretending.
5. Playa Bledito (Tequila Cove): The Hidden Gem
Most people don’t talk about Playa Bledito, also known as Tequila Cove, but if you’re staying near San José del Cabo, it’s a great little spot to escape the crowds. There’s a man-made breakwater that keeps the waves super calm, so even toddlers can splash around safely.
It’s not the biggest beach, and there aren’t a ton of amenities, but that’s part of the charm. We stumbled upon it one afternoon when we were looking for a quieter place to let the kids play, and it ended up being one of our favorite discoveries.
Since it’s not as well-known as the other beaches, you won’t have to fight for space. Bring a picnic, enjoy the peaceful setting, and let the kids run wild.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart & Enjoy the Moment
Before you pack up the kids and head to the beach, here are a few quick tips to consider before your first Cabo beach trip:
- Bring shade! Even if there are palapas, they fill up fast. A pop-up tent or a good beach umbrella is a lifesaver.
- Water shoes are a good idea. Some beaches have coarser sand or rocky spots that can be rough on little feet.
- Snacks, snacks, snacks. Beachside restaurants are great, but not every beach has them. And let’s be real—kids are always hungry.
- Reapply sunscreen like your life depends on it. Because in Cabo, it kinda does.
Cabo is full of beautiful beaches, but not all of them are ideal for little ones. These five? Absolute gold. Whether you’re looking for calm waters, snorkeling spots, or just a chill place to let the kids burn off some energy, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Have you been to Los Cabos with kids? Do you have a favorite beach I didn’t mention? Let’s swap beach stories in the comments!