18 Best Beachfront Hotels in Cabo with Ocean Views (that you can see whales from)
Where to stay in Cabo: the best ocean-view hotels in Cabo, where you can see whales from your hotel room, from high-end all-inclusive resorts to budget boutique hotels.
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If you’re visiting Cabo, it’s likely because you’ve seen pictures of its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, and sprawling oceanfront hotels. There’s really no better way to experience all this magical area has to offer than in a room with an ocean view. Imagine waking up to views of the iconic El Arco rock formation and seeing whales breaching in the bay right from your balcony. This could be you, staying in a beachfront hotel in Cabo.
Cabo Beachfront Hotels – Our Top Picks
More from Cabo
Where to stay in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas is built around the marina, with the town extending miles inland. Much of the accommodation in Cabo San Lucas, particularly the budget options, is set within the town centre with no views of the coast. You wouldn’t even know you’re in a seaside city. While this does provide direct access to some of the best local restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, it is very isolating, meaning you have longer walks to the beaches and downtown. Likewise, the centre of San JosĂ© del Cabo is set a few miles inland, away from the beach.
We spent most of our time in Cabo, in budget accommodations in the downtown areas of Cabo San Lucas and San JosĂ© del Cabo. So we speak from experience when we say it’s really worth splashing out on a beachfront hotel in Cabo to truly get the full experience. We spent the final part of our time in Cabo waking up to views of The Arch, watching whales swim by our balcony (we saw at least one every ten minutes), and strolling along a private, stunning beach.
If you too feel that a sea view is imperative to your stay in Cabo, we’ve got you covered. We did so much research before booking our stay and have compiled this list of the best beachfront hotels in Cabo, from independent and boutique options to luxury resorts.
What is the best area to stay in Cabo?
There are three main areas to stay in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, the Tourist Corridor, and San José del Cabo.
Cabo San Lucas
Tourist Corridor
San José del Cabo
Cabo Beachfront Hotels Map
Use the filters on the menu on the left-hand side to see the best places to stay in Cabo San Lucas, marked with red pins.
Where to stay in Cabo for couples
Cabo is perfect for a romantic getaway, offering a variety of options for couples seeking a relaxing and memorable vacation. Here are the top areas for couples to stay in Cabo:
Where to stay in Cabo for families
Cabo is an ideal destination for a family vacation, providing a range of activities, amenities, and accommodations suitable for all ages. Here are the top areas for families to stay in Cabo:
The best beachfront hotels in Cabo
We’ve selected a range of independently owned and boutique hotels with some great sustainability initiatives and well-known resorts that are perfect for a getaway in Cabo. With crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and breathtaking ocean views, these top-rated beachfront hotels are the perfect base for a blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. They’re also fantastic choices if you’re interested in whale watching in Cabo, as you’ll be able to see humpbacks breaching from your bedroom window between December and April.
Cabo Beachfront Hotel Prices
Hotel prices fluctuate due to seasonal demand, occupancy levels, current events, and other external factors. To provide a general idea of costs, we’ve categorised the average room price per night using the following price ranges in USD:
$ – less than $100
$$ – between $100 to $350
$$$ – between $350 to $550
$$$$ – between $550 to $1000
$$$$$ – over $1000
Beachfront hotels in Cabo San Lucas
Located right at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. It’s a great base for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Cabo San Lucas has a huge party scene, stunning natural landmarks, and epic whale watching in the winter months, as well as some of the best diving in Cabo.
1. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
This luxurious beachfront resort is famous for its breathtaking coastal views. Nobu Hotel‘s facilities on offer are extensive and include a 24-hour desk, multiple dining options, a private beach, 3 swimming pools, a sauna, a spa and a fitness centre. The rooms offer a blend of contemporary Japanese minimalism with locally sourced, natural Mexican materials.
2. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is an opulent hotel offering ocean views from every room, and most rooms also have private plunge pools. It offers a luxurious spa, upscale restaurants, hot tubs, multiple swimming pools, and a private beach area. The rooms have a fresh fruit service, noon snacks, and drinks provided every day.
3. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
This stunning property is located right on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa is ranked among the top 100 hotels and resorts in the world. It features a spa, tennis courts, multiple infinity pools, and a large selection of excursions. Its location, right at Land’s End, provides panoramic views of the ocean and direct access to a private white sand beach.
4. Bahia Hotel & Beach House
Just steps from Cabo San Lucas’s most popular beach, Playa Medani, Bahia Hotel & Beach House boasts an outdoor pool, swim-up bar, and on-site restaurant. This urban-style boutique hotel has an upscale, modern and chic vibe and is just minutes from the vibrant nightlife in Downtown, making it perfect for those who like a lot going on.
5. Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas
This high-end resort offers unobstructed views of Cabo’s famous El Arco from its many balconies. Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa offers a full spa, multiple swimming pools (one with a waterslide), a gym, and regular evening entertainment. It has direct access to the secluded Playa El Medano, a sprawling, sandy, crescent-shaped swimming beach in a rocky bay.
6. Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Hotel Riu Palace is an all-inclusive beachfront hotel that offers extensive room facilities and a nightclub with themed parties. This exclusive property has a spa, a 24-hour desk, multiple swimming pools, a fitness centre and a shared lounge for all guests to enjoy. It lies directly on the stunning El Medano Beach.
7. The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
This stunning property sets the bar high and is a favourite with couples celebrating a special occasion. It’s no wonder The Cape, A Thompson Hotel is a popular wedding venue with its secluded section of Monumentos Beach, decked-out suites, large infinity pool, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, spa, and stunning views of the Cabo Arch. We particularly loved watching whales swim by as we sipped cocktails on the Rooftop and listened to live music at dinner in Jazz on the Rocks.
8. Sunrock Los Cabos Hotel
Sunrock Los Cabos Hotel offers large rooms and apartments at competitive prices. The sea-view rooms are an ideal option for wildlife lovers, as you can often see whales breaching from your balcony! There is a fitness centre, pool, and on-site coffee shop. It’s a more basic option, but great for those looking for budget-friendly beachfront hotels in Cabo.
Beachfront hotels in The Tourist Corridor
Stretching from Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo, the Tourist Corridor offers a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere away from the bustling cities, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway. This scenic stretch of coastline is dotted with luxurious beachfront resorts, providing unparalleled access to the Sea of Cortez. The Tourist Corridor is a great option for those who might like to split their time between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as well as explore more of Baja on day trips from Cabo.
9. Grand Velas Los Cabos
This lavish all-inclusive resort is set right on the beach, giving all of its units a stunning view of the sea. This property prioritises sustainability and has an on-site wellness spa, hot tub, private beach, and multiple infinity pools. Grand Velas Los Cabos is home to 7 restaurants, including the only Michelin-star restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, with a multitude of cuisines on offer.
10. Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled in the centre of Chileno Bay, this impressive resort boasts one of Cabo’s most swimmable beaches right on its doorstep. A favourite wedding venue, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences offers high-end facilities including multiple dining options, many pools and jacuzzis, a spa, sports courts, a cinema and a kids club.
11. Las Ventanas al ParaĂso, A Rosewood Resort
This 5-star luxury beachfront resort is pet-friendly and offers a highly personalised service. There is a range of amenities on offer at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, including a spa and wellness centre, suites with personal butler services, yachting, snorkelling and SCUBA diving, desert excursions, and seasonal children’s activities. The hotel sits in the middle of the Tourist Corridor with direct access to the Desert Park Natural Reserve.
12. The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas
The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas boasts an idyllic location looking out over the Sea of Cortez, where guests can enjoy water sports and excursions. There are many facilities, including 4 upscale restaurants, 3 swimming pools, oversized showers, and a wellness centre. It is located behind a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for private beachside massages or leisurely strolls.
13. One&Only Palmilla
This pet-friendly paradise is ranked among the top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World and is popular with celebrity clientele. One&Only Palmilla offers two outdoor pools, international dining options, over 1,500 wines, and tequila tastings. It features authentic Mexican-designed rooms with a balcony or patio, created for maximum comfort. It is home to a world-class spa with 13 private spa villas, as well as access to a 27-hole golf course, state-of-the-art gym, and private beach.
14. Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa
This locally-owned beachfront hotel has a relaxed surfing vibe and a sustainable focus. As well as an on-site surf school, Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa boasts an infinity pool, hot tub, restaurant, spa and salon for guests to enjoy. The rooms feature light décor and wooden furniture, and ocean view rooms look out over the beautiful Playa Acapulquito.
15. Hotel Casa Costa Azul
This charming boutique hotel has a laid-back atmosphere and is just steps away from the pristine Costa Azul Beach. There is an outdoor infinity pool, a restaurant serving traditional Mexican food, and various sports equipment that is available for guests to rent. Rooms in Hotel Casa Costa Azul feature tile floors and colonial-style décor that match the charm of the nearby town of San José del Cabo.
Beachfront hotels in San José del Cabo
San JosĂ© del Cabo is a charming colonial town near Los Cabos International Airport. Its Hotel Zone is right on the Sea of Cortez, offering a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The town’s centre is a few miles from the beach and is known for its vibrant Art District, frequent festivals like the San JosĂ© del Cabo Festival, and boutique stores.
16. Marisol Hotel Boutique
An intimate boutique hotel, Marisol Hotel Boutique offers 10 elegant air-conditioned rooms with terraces, decorated with Mexican art. Just 656 feet from the beach in San José del Cabo, with distant views of the ocean, Marisol Hotel Boutique is a great option for those looking for cheap beachfront hotels in Cabo.
17. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
This all-inclusive resort has stunning coastal views from its many balconies and offers a high-end service. The facilities at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos are extensive and include 7 restaurants, a fitness centre, several pools, a spa, and a wellness centre. It is nestled in the middle of San JosĂ© del Cabo’s Hotel Zone with direct access to Playa Hotelera and Playa Las Palmas.
18. Hotel El Ganzo
This exclusive, independent adults-only hotel is located at the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. With rotating art installations, a rooftop infinity pool, multiple dining options and a spa, there are plenty of ways to relax and unwind. Hotel El Ganzo runs frequent events, including morning yoga on the roof, live music by locals, and visiting musicians by the fire pits.
Celebrity-Favourite Resorts in Cabo
Cabo’s stunning resorts have been favoured by some of the world’s most famous faces, including A-list actors and chart-topping musicians. It’s no wonder the world’s elite choose Cabo’s most coveted beachfront hotels to stay in on vacation.
Where do the celebrities stay when they go to Cabo?
There are many hotels that celebrities have been known to stay in when they visit Cabo San Lucas. We have listed a few of the most well-known examples below.
Cabo Hotel FAQs
Here are some FAQs in case you have any final questions on where to stay in Cabo.
What is the best area to stay in Cabo?
The best area to stay in Cabo depends on your preferences, interests, and travel style. Cabo San Lucas offers beachfront hotels along its southern coast near the central Medano Beach and to the west of the city in the hillside Pedregal district. Most of the Tourist Corridor has been developed with beautiful resorts offering direct access to quiet beaches. Whereas San JosĂ© del Cabo’s Hotel Zone is the place to go for ocean-view accommodation.
Is it better to stay in Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas?
Technically, Los Cabos is the general area encompassing Cabo San Lucas, the Tourist Corridor, and San JosĂ© del Cabo. The choice of where to stay depends on your preferences and priorities. Cabo San Lucas boasts a vibrant nightlife, downtown shopping and dining, and marina access, catering to partygoers and families seeking beach activities. On the other hand, Los Cabos’ Tourist Corridor offers luxury resorts, scenic views, and beachfront locations, making it ideal for couples seeking romance and relaxation or for golfers. However, it lacks nightlife options and requires transportation due to its spread-out layout.
What’s better, San JosĂ© del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas?
When deciding between San JosĂ© del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, consider your priorities and preferences. San JosĂ© del Cabo has a historic colonial charm, a cool art scene, and an authentic Mexican feel. In contrast, Cabo San Lucas is a hub of activity, featuring lively nightlife, beautiful swimming beaches, and fun water sports. While San JosĂ© del Cabo’s peaceful environment and traditional architecture may appeal to those seeking a more subdued experience, Cabo San Lucas’s energetic vibe and diverse amenities make it perfect for families, partygoers, and adventure-seekers.
Which side of Cabo to stay on?
The east side of Cabo is more protected with sprawling beaches perfect for swimming. West of Cabo San Lucas overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with rougher seas that are not suitable for swimming.
What side of Cabo can you swim in the ocean?
The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet at Cabo, creating strong currents and rough seas in some areas. There are several swimmable beaches, including Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, Palmilla Beach, and Chileno Beach.
Is Cabo nicer than Cancun?
Cabo and CancĂşn are both popular Mexican vacation destinations, but they offer different experiences. Cabo has more natural landmarks, a more vibrant nightlife scene and activities like whale watching and SCUBA diving that CancĂşn lacks. CancĂşn has stunning Caribbean waters, lush jungle surroundings and a relaxed island-life vibe that is distinct from the more arid desert landscapes in Cabo.
Read next:
32 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
22 Best Things to Do in San José del Cabo
Los Cabos Travel Guide: Cabo San Lucas vs San José del Cabo
An Ethical Guide to Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo
Where to Eat in Cabo San Lucas: 25 Best Restaurants
How to Get Around Cabo: 10 Modes of Transport
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