Palmilla Beach

Palmilla Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
For families seeking to enjoy a fun day at the ocean, this beach in San José del Cabo is a favorite spot.

Playa Palmilla (Palmilla Beach) is part of the long and lovely coastline of San José, famous for its many beautiful beaches where you can surf, sunbathe, go for long walks and ride horseback. Palmilla is one of the safest beaches in the area, making it an excellent choice for families. Its waters are usually calm, so you can swim and have fun with the youngest members of the family. Enjoy fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding too.

The beach is surrounded by mansions and a renowned luxury oceanfront resort. It has fantastic views and is very popular among tourists and locals. If you arrive early, rent chairs and umbrellas or grab a palapa, a traditional Mexican shelter that will protect you from the sun.

Relax on the sand and go swimming through the gentle waves. Rent a snorkel and mask and try to spot fish flitting over the beach’s small reef.

San José del Cabo is known for its great fishing spots with many types of fish, including yellowfin tuna, sailfish, roosterfish and marlin. Playa Palmilla is a popular area with fishermen, who usually come back to shore with their catch around midday. The beach also has a designated area to launch kayaks and other small craft.

Mexico receives the visit of numerous whales from December to March. Come to Palmilla Beach for a good vantage point to try to spot them.

Be aware that Playa Palmilla is a residential area, meaning finding places to buy food and drinks may be difficult. Pack your own lunch and enjoy it by the sea. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated on warm sunny days.

The beach is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Follow the signs and you’ll find Playa Palmilla just before the entrance to the resort. Use the car park near the beach where several parking spaces are available.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Palmilla Beach

Reviews of Palmilla Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
236
" "5 - Excellent 55.7919621749409%
4 - Good
139
" "4 - Good 32.860520094562645%
3 - Okay
42
" "3 - Okay 9.929078014184396%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7092198581560284%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.7092198581560284%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 21, 2020

Saw a humpback whale from the shore.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2020

We were expecting a bar / restaurant right on the beach accessible to ‘regular’ people. Sadly that wasn’t the case.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020

Only played golf

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 1, 2019

Decent place to stay, but within a nice walk on the beach distance to some great places to eat/shop.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2019

Can’t swim in the beach no shallow areas and it was full of whales I was there during whale season

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Palmilla Beach

Hyatt Place Los Cabos
Hyatt Place Los Cabos
3 out of 5
Paseo Malecon San Jose No. 128, Colonia Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo, BCS
Hyatt Place Los Cabos
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
5 out of 5
Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San José del Cabo, BCS
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Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos- All Inclusive
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos- All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Paseo del Malecón l-5 D, San José del Cabo, BCS
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos- All Inclusive
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Blvd San Jose S/N, Zona Hotelera Fonatur, San José del Cabo, BCS
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos - All Inclusive
Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos
Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos
4.5 out of 5
Paseo Malecon S/N, Lote 11 Fonatur, San José del Cabo, BCS
Hilton Vacation Club Cabo Azul Los Cabos
Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa
Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Transpeninsular Highway km 28, San José del Cabo, BCS
Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa
Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive
Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Blvd San Jose Lote 10, Campo de Golf, San José del Cabo, BCS
Royal Solaris Los Cabos & Spa - All Inclusive
Royal Decameron Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort
Royal Decameron Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort
3.5 out of 5
Boulevard Malecon S/N, San José del Cabo, BCS
Royal Decameron Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort
Hotel Posada Real
Hotel Posada Real
3 out of 5
Malecon San Jose S/N, Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo, BCS
Hotel Posada Real
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.