Playa Santa Maria Photos
Recommended Reviews - Playa Santa Maria
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The scenery is beautiful, with this beach being nestled in between to hills/mountains. There are vendors who will rent umbrellas for $10/ day. Very reasonable. The beach wasn't too crowded when we went. Biggest drawback is that the sand is mostly rocks like what would find at the bottom of a fish tank. They hurt to stand on and make wading in the water less than desirable, bringing new meaning to the phrase "crack rock". The water was cold in the end of July, but refreshing after sitting in the sun. Just have to give your body time to adjust. Overall, still makes for a nice day on the beach.
Full disclosure: I did not come here during the day. I came here on my last night in Los Cabos. It was close to sunset and, not wanting to miss a sunset on the beach, this was the best we could do because we were in the area. That said, imagine my surprise when we were dropped off in a clean, modern parking lot with a nice bathroom and outdoor shower area. There's a paved walkway leading down to the beach - about a 5-7 minute walk - and several palapas along with a booth that rents stuff (what stuff I don't know because we got there too late). There are buoys to indicate the safe areas to swim, a lifeguard's chair (not sure if it is staffed during the day), and there is a very nice resort to the right. Also, the sand is coarse - if you close your eyes and pick up a handful, it feels like that old 80s candy, Nerds! When we got there on Monday around 6:15 there were only two other couples on the beach. The sun was setting and the stars were coming out. Even though we were late, it was totally worth it. Took out a towel, laid back, and pondered the meaning of life as it got darker and darker. (The answer I came up with? 42.) I also loved the vibe of the resort next door and the entire beach area. It seemed so tranquil and serene. After not gaining access to a different local beach (!*+%!! exclusive resorts) our driver recommended Santa María - and this is honestly where we should have gone to begin with. I miss Cabo already - not for its rude drunk Texans who swear by Señor Frog's, screaming college kids, and entitled bridezillas and bridesmaids, but for its stunning natural beauty. There was no sound but the waves and some chill music drifting over from the resort (not loud or obnoxious). Everyone on the beach was quiet and respectful. Although I don't recommend it (especially if you don't speak enough Spanish to get by), we stayed until the sky was dark and blanketed with stars, and took the walk back to the parking lot to catch an Uber in the dark (using our phone flashlights). Along the way, we saw a group approaching with flashlights. We said, "Buenas" and "Hola" and they replied in kind - local guys with large fishing poles and headlamps who were trying their luck around 7:30 pm. Can't wait to come back again - Santa María will definitely be at the top of my list for a visit.
Playa Santa Maria is a beautifully owned must see government beach. Along highway 1 at kilometer 12. Bahía Santa María is located next to the former exclusive Hotel Twin Dolphin. Look for the beach access sign and follow the winding dirt road to the parking area. The parking area has 24 hour security cameras. Once you've settled your belongings, It's a short walk to this beautiful protected cove. There were so many locals and tourists enjoying the sunny beach. The sand is not like the sand of Hawaii's beaches. A little tougher yet walkable. The view is amazingly beautiful. This is a calmer water beachfront. Not for surfers looking to catch waves. We enjoyed dropping by and taking in the scenic view.
Great beach, beautiful water. The facilities are new or near new. The restrooms are nice and clean. There are showers outside next to the restrooms. Just so you know, the bathrooms are at the parking lot which is a 5 minute walk from the entrance to the beach. The beach has calm enough waters to swim and snorkel. The best area to do so is on the far right side of the beach. Its quite a long walk in sand that really hurt all of our feet. There are lots of fish along the rock walls. Nothing exciting but there were fish. There are only a few shade huts, so come early or bring you own. Overall, a clean and safe beach for an afternoon.
We spent 3 out of our 5 days in Cabo hanging out at this beach. It's a beautiful little cove with crystal clear water and great snorkeling. All the guidebooks said Chileno Bay (also nearby) was better but we much preferred this beach. Yes there are boats coming in and out loaded with boozy tourists, but regardless, we loved it. We took our two little kids down to the end farthest away from the parking lot and they loved the calm water and snorkeling. There are tons of fish! On our last morning we arrived just in time to see some whales go by, off in the distance. There are peddlers there who may be able to rent you a snorkel or a beach umbrella (or sell you any number of things ranging from hats and sarongs to big ceramic platters) but other than that the beach doesn't have food, restrooms, or anything else--so plan to bring your own gear and snacks and just chill. If you're driving west from San Jose del Cabo toward Cabo San Lucas, there are no signs on the highway to direct you to this beach. We missed it the first time we tried to get there and had to turn around. If you're driving from Cabo San Lucas toward San Jose del Cabo, you're in luck--there is a massive exit sign on the highway pointing you Playa Santa Maria. And then you can drive on a dirt road down to a parking lot right next to the beach. Easy!
Found this beach during our stay in Cabo. Actually went there two of our five days. Clean, safe no venders, you can rent an umbrella, water was clear and there were lots of fish to look at. Nice mix of locals and others (like us). Took a cooler with drinks and food and turned out to be a very relaxing time! Would recommend for quite escape.
Vacationing in Cabo and we landed up signing up for a snorkeling activity which brought us here. The beach was amazing! White sand and tropical fish swimming close to shore. Make sure to bring some tortillas and feed them, they'll gather around you and give you great opportunities to take pictures! -Yes the fish here love tortillas lol If you have water shoes I recommend you bring them here because the sand isn't really sand but instead little pieces of rocks that hurt your feet. Overall, Small little beach with amazing views and fish. You can't go wrong. Definitely want to come back!
My favorite in cabo.we had a car rental and it was about 30 minute drive from downtown cabo, public beach with parking, clean restrooms,free cabanas but very few so go early if you are looking to get one. We stopped at Walmart before to get snacks (the only big store in the area)This was the only beach we could swim in. There are no vendors so bring your own drinks and snacks. We took our 2 year old and he loved it. We got lucky and found a cabana at about 1:00pm. There is construction to a hotel , you walk a few steps "easy walkway", cement walkway..We went back for a second time it was so peaceful. Great for swimming and snorkeling.
Really nice beach. It's a small-ish cove about 15 minutes drive north of Cabo. There's a boardwalk to the beach. The "sand" is more like small pebbles. The water was fun and our kids had a blast. Next time, I might be interested in trying the neighboring beach called Playa El Chileno which also looks really nice. read more
The scenery is beautiful, with this beach being nestled in between to hills/mountains. There are vendors who will rent umbrellas for $10/ day. Very reasonable. The beach wasn't too crowded when we went. Biggest drawback is that the sand is mostly rocks like what would find at the bottom of a fish tank. They hurt to stand on and make wading in the water less than desirable, bringing new meaning to the phrase "crack rock". The water was cold in the end of July, but refreshing after sitting in the sun. Just have to give your body time to adjust. Overall, still makes for a nice day on the beach. read more
Full disclosure: I did not come here during the day. I came here on my last night in Los Cabos. It was close to sunset and, not wanting to miss a sunset on the beach, this was the best we could do because we were in the area. That said, imagine my surprise when we were dropped off in a clean, modern parking lot with a nice bathroom and outdoor shower area. There's a paved walkway leading down to the beach - about a 5-7 minute walk - and several palapas along with a booth that rents stuff (what stuff I don't know because we got there too late). There are buoys to indicate the safe areas to swim, a lifeguard's chair (not sure if it is staffed during the day), and there is a very nice resort to the right. Also, the sand is coarse - if you close your eyes and pick up a handful, it feels like that old 80s candy, Nerds! When we got there on Monday around 6:15 there were only two other couples on the beach. The sun was setting and the stars were coming out. Even though we were late, it was totally worth it. Took out a towel, laid back, and pondered the meaning of life as it got darker and darker. (The answer I came up with? 42.) I also loved the vibe of the resort next door and the entire beach area. It seemed so tranquil and serene. After not gaining access to a different local beach (!*+%!! exclusive resorts) our driver recommended Santa María - and this is honestly where we should have gone to begin with. I miss Cabo already - not for its rude drunk Texans who swear by Señor Frog's, screaming college kids, and entitled bridezillas and bridesmaids, but for its stunning natural beauty. There was no sound but the waves and some chill music drifting over from the resort (not loud or obnoxious). Everyone on the beach was quiet and respectful. Although I don't recommend it (especially if you don't speak enough Spanish to get by), we stayed until the sky was dark and blanketed with stars, and took the walk back to the parking lot to catch an Uber in the dark (using our phone flashlights). Along the way, we saw a group approaching with flashlights. We said, "Buenas" and "Hola" and they replied in kind - local guys with large fishing poles and headlamps who were trying their luck around 7:30 pm. Can't wait to come back again - Santa María will definitely be at the top of my list for a visit. read more
7 years ago
Playa Santa Maria is a beautifully owned must see government beach. Along highway 1 at kilometer 12. Bahía Santa María is located next to the former exclusive Hotel Twin Dolphin. Look for the beach access sign and follow the winding dirt road to the parking area. The parking area has 24 hour security cameras. Once you've settled your belongings, It's a short walk to this beautiful protected cove. There were so many locals and tourists enjoying the sunny beach. The sand is not like the sand of Hawaii's beaches. A little tougher yet walkable. The view is amazingly beautiful. This is a calmer water beachfront. Not for surfers looking to catch waves. We enjoyed dropping by and taking in the scenic view. read more
7 years ago
9 years ago
Great beach, beautiful water. The facilities are new or near new. The restrooms are nice and clean. There are showers outside next to the restrooms. Just so you know, the bathrooms are at the parking lot which is a 5 minute walk from the entrance to the beach. The beach has calm enough waters to swim and snorkel. The best area to do so is on the far right side of the beach. Its quite a long walk in sand that really hurt all of our feet. There are lots of fish along the rock walls. Nothing exciting but there were fish. There are only a few shade huts, so come early or bring you own. Overall, a clean and safe beach for an afternoon. read more
11 years ago
We spent 3 out of our 5 days in Cabo hanging out at this beach. It's a beautiful little cove with crystal clear water and great snorkeling. All the guidebooks said Chileno Bay (also nearby) was better but we much preferred this beach. Yes there are boats coming in and out loaded with boozy tourists, but regardless, we loved it. We took our two little kids down to the end farthest away from the parking lot and they loved the calm water and snorkeling. There are tons of fish! On our last morning we arrived just in time to see some whales go by, off in the distance. There are peddlers there who may be able to rent you a snorkel or a beach umbrella (or sell you any number of things ranging from hats and sarongs to big ceramic platters) but other than that the beach doesn't have food, restrooms, or anything else--so plan to bring your own gear and snacks and just chill. If you're driving west from San Jose del Cabo toward Cabo San Lucas, there are no signs on the highway to direct you to this beach. We missed it the first time we tried to get there and had to turn around. If you're driving from Cabo San Lucas toward San Jose del Cabo, you're in luck--there is a massive exit sign on the highway pointing you Playa Santa Maria. And then you can drive on a dirt road down to a parking lot right next to the beach. Easy! read more
8 years ago
9 years ago
Local beach very cool. No tourists here! This is the place to go. Definitely need a car to get here! You can take a Taxi too. $$$$ read more
9 years ago
Found this beach during our stay in Cabo. Actually went there two of our five days. Clean, safe no venders, you can rent an umbrella, water was clear and there were lots of fish to look at. Nice mix of locals and others (like us). Took a cooler with drinks and food and turned out to be a very relaxing time! Would recommend for quite escape. read more
9 years ago
Vacationing in Cabo and we landed up signing up for a snorkeling activity which brought us here. The beach was amazing! White sand and tropical fish swimming close to shore. Make sure to bring some tortillas and feed them, they'll gather around you and give you great opportunities to take pictures! -Yes the fish here love tortillas lol If you have water shoes I recommend you bring them here because the sand isn't really sand but instead little pieces of rocks that hurt your feet. Overall, Small little beach with amazing views and fish. You can't go wrong. Definitely want to come back! read more
7 years ago
10 years ago
My favorite in cabo.we had a car rental and it was about 30 minute drive from downtown cabo, public beach with parking, clean restrooms,free cabanas but very few so go early if you are looking to get one. We stopped at Walmart before to get snacks (the only big store in the area)This was the only beach we could swim in. There are no vendors so bring your own drinks and snacks. We took our 2 year old and he loved it. We got lucky and found a cabana at about 1:00pm. There is construction to a hotel , you walk a few steps "easy walkway", cement walkway..We went back for a second time it was so peaceful. Great for swimming and snorkeling. read more
10 years ago
There are very few beaches in Cabo where you can actually swim in the water and this is one of those few playas. It's a great place for snorkeling and a lot of boats stop by with loads of snorkelers. We booked a snorkeling tour with Esperanza tours with the best guide ever, Danny (Don't call him Daniel!). The drive from resort to this beach was about 15 minutes. They do have a new parking structure with bathrooms and showers a few minutes away from the beach. The snorkeling was excellent and we saw at least 30 different kinds of fish. The only downside of this tour was the heat because You're basically in the middle of a desert. Plan on going there early in the morning instead of later in the day to avoid direct sun light. read more
6 years ago
10 years ago
11 years ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
More info about Playa Santa Maria
Highway 1 Km 11
04870 Cabo San Lucas, Aguascalientes
Mexico
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
