tourist places in baja california

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Baja California

Baja, the earth’s second-longest peninsula, offers over 1200km of the mystical, ethereal, majestic and untamed. Those lucky enough to make the full Tijuana to Los Cabos trip will find that the Carretera Transpeninsular (Hwy 1) offers stunning vistas at every turn. The middle of nowhere is more beautiful than you ever imagined, and people are friendly, relaxed and helpful – even in the border towns. Side roads pass through tiny villages and wind drunkenly along the sides of mountains. Condors carve circles into an unblemished blue sky. Some people simply sip drinks, eat fish tacos and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific. Some choose to feel the rush of adrenaline as they surf that perfect wave. Others walk through sherbet-colored canyons or stare up at the night’s canopy of scattered-diamond stars. Whichever way you choose to take it, you’ll discover some of Baja’s many joys.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cabo San Lucas

Land’s End is the most impressive attraction in Cabo. Hop on a panga (skiff), kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head to El Arco (the Arch), a jagged…

Bahía Concepción

One of the most stunningly beautiful stretches of coast in Baja for its blue-green waters, white sandy coves and lack of construction. Great for kayaking…

Laguna San Ignacio

Southern Baja

Along with Laguna Ojo de Liebre and Bahía Magdalena, Laguna San Ignacio is one of the Pacific coast’s major winter whale-watching sites. The Mexican…

Espíritu Santo

A treasure trove of shallow azure inlets and sorbet-pink cliffs, Espíritu Santo is one of La Paz’s gems. It’s part of a Unesco World Heritage site…

Parque de la Amistad

For a glimpse at what a wall between neighbors really looks like, find your way to binational Friendship Park. On the Mexico side of the wall in Playas de…

Parque Marine Nacional Bahía de Loreto

This park makes Loreto a world-class destination for all types of outdoor activities; a number of outfitters offer everything from kayaking and diving to…

Iglesia Santa Bárbara

Designed and erected for Paris’ 1889 World’s Fair, then disassembled and stored in Brussels for shipping to West Africa, Gustave Eiffel’s (yes, of Eiffel…

Riviera del Pacífico

Opened in the 1930s as Hotel Playa Ensenada, the extravagant Riviera del Pacífico, a Spanish-style former casino, is rumored to have been a haunt of Al…

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Baja California and beyond

Beautiful Places to Visit on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

Dangling beside the west coast of Mexico, Baja California extends south from the US border. With the Pacific Ocean to the right and the Sea of Cortez to the left, there’s plenty of space for wine production, natural habitats, intriguing colonial towns, and dramatic landscapes cradling prehistoric cave paintings. Here are the best places to visit on the Baja California Peninsula.

Drive north from Baja California Sur’s most famous city and celebrity favorite, Cabo San Lucas, and 60 miles (97 km) later you’ll reach Cabo Pulmo National Park: a paradise for naturalists and scuba fanatics. Overfished and overexploited in the 20th century, the area is finally enjoying a rebirth ecologically. Among its wonders is the oldest of three reefs off the coast of North America. Estimated to be around 20,000 years old, it’s a vibrant riot of flapping, flickering, and feeding flora and fauna. Among the visitors are giant rays, turtles, and whales.

Rock Paintings of Sierra de San Francisco

The most striking rock-art pictographs along the Baja California peninsula are in the San Francisco mountain range, in the municipality of Mulegé — make for the El Vizcaino bio-reserve, home to around 250 caves. The drawings date back more than a millennium; according to carbon dating, some were created more than 7,000 years ago. Attributed to the indigenous Cochimí people, the silhouetted red (and sometimes black) images of animals, tools, humans and rituals are captivating insights into a mysterious past.

Isla Espíritu Santo

Isla Espíritu Santo, which translates as Holy Spirit Island, is one of the many outcrops in the Sea of Cortez to have been named Unesco World Heritage Biosphere Reserves. Those who know them agree: the most beautiful, hands down, is this one, a biosphere surrounded by clear, fathomless waters that teem with sea lions and shoals of tropical fish. It’s possible to swim, explore by boat or kayak, or simply wander along its numerous untouched beaches, marveling at the empty wonder of the place.

Mulegé is one of those precious things in a vast expanse of arid desert: an oasis. That’s why the town, lodged in the shadow of a river valley, benefits from such an extraordinary bounty of fruit and vegetables. Its old prison is a fascinating place, constructed without bars or defenses. It dates from a time when roads were few and treacherous; when it would’ve been impossible to escape this remote town and live to tell the tale. And so inmates were allowed to access the town — even to raise families — as long as they returned to “captivity” by night.

Tell someone you’ve visited Baja California Sur and — if they have, too — they’re bound to ask if you made it to the bay of Balandra. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, it’s a phenomenon, almost circular and surrounded by dunes. As a result, the sea is even calmer here than it is in the Cortez Gulf beyond. The brilliant blue water is never really more than waist-deep, making crossing from one side to the other — some considerable distance — no effort. On the seabed lurk manta rays, which swim off harmlessly as you splash ahead, kicking up sand.

Laguna de San Ignacio

Welcome to the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, one of the only spawning areas in the world for the gray whale. It’s safe to say this is the main attraction in the Laguna de San Ignacio where, in the 19th century, the creatures were hunted almost to extinction. It was recently made a protected area, encouraging the few who live here to discard their destructive vocations in favor of preserving the biosphere. Now, in winter, you’ll see not only whales but dolphins, seals, and turtles, too.

Across the bay from La Paz, Baja California Sur’s thriving capital, lies the slender peninsula of Mogote. Knotted with mangroves, the spit is a perfect place to kayak in the tranquil hours of sunrise and sunset. The surrounding bay is a breeding ground for whale sharks — majestic, docile beasts which, in winter, are visible moving in muscular rhythms through the transparent depths. At dusk, take a constitutional along the deserted dunes. Back across the waters of Cortez are spectacular views of low mountains encircling La Paz.

Todos Santos

Todos Santos may be just a small node on the Pacific coast but it is a cultural landmark. Hence its Pueblo Mágico status, awarded officially by the government to recognize a magical town. Founded by early 18th-century missionaries, it has a burgeoning agricultural industry and, in recent years, it has begun to attract creatives who have settled, opening up craft shops and art galleries. Within easy reach of some gorgeous Pacific beaches, now-buzzy Todos Santos is fast becoming one of the most visited towns in Baja.

Kite surfers are emblematic of La Ventana, a fishing village beside a beautiful bay south of La Paz, buffeted by strong winter winds. But it’s not the only activity. Across the water is Isla Cerralvo, known officially since 2009 as Jacques Cousteau Island, in recognition of the world-famous French oceanographer. Opposition across Mexico to the renaming was perhaps understandable, although Cousteau had strong connections with the place, making regular visits in his lifetime. He dubbed the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium” for its extraordinary wealth and diversity of marine life. So, while you’re in La Ventana, don’t pass up the opportunity to kayak, snorkel, or scuba-dive.

Wine route in the Valle de Guadalupe

Baja California produces the lion’s share of wine in Mexico — in particular, the municipality of Ensenada. The Valle de Guadalupe was established, like so many places on the peninsula, by missionaries. During the conquest, Spanish colonists arrived bearing vines, which took to the local soil with unexpected success. Although, unsurprisingly, the Spanish crown soon banned production outright, fortunately, sufficient numbers of those missionaries persevered. Viniculture thrives to this day in the valley and surrounding areas, where a clutch of wineries open their doors to visitors for tasting sessions.

La Bufadora

On the southern side of the Punta Banda peninsula, just south of Ensenada, the Pacific swells enter a wedge-shaped crevice in the rocks. This narrows as it goes, funneling the immense energy of the waves into a single point. Here the water has nowhere left to go but straight up, exploding into a geyser-like plume that soars 100ft (30m) into the air. Find the terrace overlooking the rocks for a bird’s-eye view of the action but get too close and be warned: you will get soaked.

Playa del Amor

Four miles (7km) off the Punta Villela promontory, on one of the isolated Marieta Islands, the ‘love beach’ (aka ‘hidden beach’) is a magic little sandy shore in a sea cave accessed by kayaking or swimming through a long underground tunnel that links it with the Pacific Ocean. (There’s about 6ft/1.8m of headroom, so it’s not too claustrophobic.) You won’t need torches in the cave because the roof has long since collapsed — a result of military experiments conducted on these uninhabited outcrops in the first half of the 20th century. As a result, you have walls encircling you and blue skies above. It’s like being in your own petri dish of paradise.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas

In a formation that’s strikingly similar to Dorset’s Durdle Door, this wave-carved arch on the southern tip of Baja California is more than big enough for a boat to pass through — as indeed they do. Tours leave from Cabo San Lucas. Alternatively, you can wander beneath it at low tide. Adding to the arch, there’s an oversized sculpture garden of chalk-white limestone, with a cluster of jagged columns. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot sea lions lounging on the golden sand or humpback whales blowing flumes further out to sea.

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir

This mountain range, in the north of the peninsula, is very evocative of the peaks that rise up around California’s Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. This makes sense because not only do they share the same formative geography (think sculptural granite domes), but the same plant and animal life proliferates in both areas, too. Hardy cypress and aromatic pinyon-pine forests cloak the slopes. Squint and you might glimpse bobcats, California condors, and bighorn sheep.

Las Tres Vírgenes

Rising up out of the dry, cactus-spiked desert that covers the southern half of the peninsula, Tres Virgenes is a complex of three dormant stratovolcanoes. Somewhat confusingly, the youngest and most prominent of them, El Vírgen, is also known as Las Tres Vírgenes, as it’s the one you’ll be able to see from the road. It’s nowhere near the urban parts of the region but nearby there’s a cluster of rustic cabins (Eco Tour Las Tres Virgenes), where you can check in for a night or two, sitting out with a chilled beer to watch the setting sun paint the desert pink.

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• Top 10 Beautiful Spots You...

19 Beautiful Spots to Visit on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

Dangling beside the west coast of Mexico , Baja California extends south from the US border. With the Pacific Ocean to the right and the Sea of Cortez to the left, there’s plenty of space for wine production, natural habitats, intriguing colonial towns, beautiful beaches and dramatic landscapes cradling prehistoric cave paintings. Here are the best spots to visit.

1. the arch of cabo san lucas.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

In a formation that’s strikingly similar to Dorset’s Durdle Door , this wave-carved arch on the southern tip of Baja California is more than big enough for a boat to pass through — as indeed they do. Tours leave from Cabo San Lucas. Alternatively, you can wander beneath it at low tide. Adding to the arch, there’s an oversized sculpture garden of chalk-white limestone, with a cluster of jagged columns. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot sea lions lounging on the golden sand or humpback whales blowing flumes further out to sea.

2. Cabo Pulmo

Natural Feature, Park

Drive north from Baja California Sur’s most famous city and celebrity favorite, Cabo San Lucas and 60mi (97km) later you’ll reach Cabo Pulmo national park: a paradise for naturalists and scuba fanatics. Overfished and overexploited in the 20th century, the area is finally enjoying a rebirth ecologically. Among its wonders is the oldest of three reefs off the coast of North America . Estimated to be around 20,000 years old, it’s a vibrant riot of flapping, flickering and feeding flora and fauna. Among the visitors are giant rays, turtles and whales.

3. Playa del Amor

Natural Feature

Four miles (7km) off the Punta Villela promontory, on one of the isolated Marieta Islands , the ‘love beach’ (aka ‘hidden beach’) is a magic little sandy shore in a sea cave accessed by kayaking or swimming through a long underground tunnel that links it with the Pacific Ocean. (There’s about 6ft/1.8m of headroom, so it’s not too claustrophobic.) You won’t need torches in the cave because the roof has long since collapsed — a result of military experiments conducted on these uninhabited outcrops in the first half of the 20th century. As a result, you have walls encircling you and blue skies above. It’s like being in your own petridish of paradise.

4. La Bufadora

On the southern side of the Punta Banda peninsula, just south of Ensenada, the Pacific swells enter a wedge-shaped crevice in the rocks. This narrows as it goes, funnelling the immense energy of the waves into a single point. Here the water has nowhere left to go but straight up, exploding into a geyser-like plume that soars 100ft (30m) into the air. Find the terrace overlooking the rocks for a bird’s-eye view of the action but get too close and be warned: you will get soaked.

5. Rock Paintings of Sierra de San Francisco

The most striking rock-art pictographs along the Baja California peninsula are in the San Francisco mountain range, in the municipality of Mulegé — make for the El Vizcaino bioreserve , home to around 250 caves. The drawings date back more than a millennium; according to carbon-dating, some were created more than 7,000 years ago. Attributed to the indigenous Cochimí people, the silhouetted red (and sometimes black) images of animals, tools, humans and rituals are captivating insights into a mysterious past.

6. Isla Espíritu Santo

Isla Espíritu Santo, which translates as Holy Spirit Island , is one of the many outcrops in the Sea of Cortez to have been named Unesco World Heritage Biosphere Reserves. Those who know them agree: the most beautiful, hands down, is this one, a biosphere surrounded by clear, fathomless waters that teem with sea lions and shoals of tropical fish. It’s possible to swim, to explore by boat or kayak, or simply wander along its numerous untouched beaches, marvelling at the empty wonder of the place.

7. Wine route in the Valle de Guadalupe

Baja California produces the lion’s share of wine in Mexico — in particular, the municipality of Ensenada . The Valle de Guadalupe was established, like so many places on the peninsula, by missionaries. During the conquest, Spanish colonists arrived bearing vines, which took to the local soil with unexpected success. Although, unsurprisingly, the Spanish crown soon banned production outright, fortunately sufficient numbers of those missionaries persevered . Viniculture thrives to this day in the valley and surrounding areas, where a clutch of wineries open their doors to visitors for tasting sessions.

Architectural Landmark

9. Balandra

Tell someone you’ve visited Baja California Sur and — if they have, too — they’re bound to ask if you made it to the bay of Balandra . Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, it is a phenomenon, almost circular and surrounded by dunes. As a result, the sea is even calmer here than it is in the Cortez gulf beyond. The brilliant blue water is never really more than waist-deep, making crossing from one side to the other — some considerable distance — no effort. On the seabed lurk manta rays, which swim off harmlessly as you splash ahead, kicking up sand.

10. Laguna de San Ignacio

Welcome to the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino , one of the only spawning areas in the world for the gray whale. It’s safe to say this is the main attraction in the Laguna de San Ignacio where, in the 19th century, the creatures were hunted almost to extinction. It was recently made a protected area, encouraging the few who live hereabouts to discard their destructive vocations in favour of preserving the biosphere. Now, in winter, you’ll see not only whales but dolphins, seals and turtles, too.

11. El Mogote

Across the bay from La Paz , Baja California Sur’s thriving capital, lies the slender peninsula of Mogote. Knotted with mangroves, the spit is a perfect place to kayak in the tranquil hours of sunrise and sunset. The surrounding bay is a breeding ground for whale sharks — majestic, docile beasts which, in winter, are visible moving in muscular rhythms through the transparent depths. At dusk, take a constitutional along the deserted dunes. Back across the waters of Cortez are spectacular views of low mountains encircling La Paz.

12. Todos Santos

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

13. La Ventana

Kite surfers are emblematic of La Ventana, a fishing village beside a beautiful bay south of La Paz, buffeted by strong winter winds. But it’s not the only activity. Across the water is Isla Cerralvo, known officially since 2009 as Jacques Cousteau Island , in recognition of the world-famous French oceanographer. Opposition across Mexico to the renaming was perhaps understandable, although Cousteau had strong connections with the place, making regular visits in his lifetime. He dubbed the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium” for its extraordinary wealth and diversity of marine life. So, while you’re in La Ventana, don’t pass up the opportunity to kayak, snorkel or scuba-dive.

14. Sierra de San Pedro Mártir

This mountain range, in the north of the peninsula, is very evocative of the peaks that rise up around California’s Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park . Which makes sense because not only do they share the same formative geography (think sculptural granite domes), the same plant and animal life proliferates in both areas, too. Hardy cypress and aromatic pinyon-pine forests cloak the slopes. Squint and you might glimpse bobcats, California condor, and bighorn sheep.

15. Las Tres Vírgenes

Rising up out of the dry, cactus-spiked desert that covers the southern half of the peninsula, Tres Virgenes is a complex of three dormant stratovolcanoes. Somewhat confusingly, the youngest and most prominent of them, El Vírgen, is also known as Las Tres Vírgenes, as it’s the one you’ll be able to see from the road. It’s nowhere near the urban parts of the region but nearby there’s a cluster of rustic cabins (Eco Tour Las Tres Virgenes), where you can check in for a night or two, sitting out with a chilled beer to watch the setting sun paint the desert pink.

16. Puerto Nuevo

If dirt-cheap, straight-off-the-boat lobster sounds like a dream to you, Puerto Nuevo is a worthy off-the-beaten-track stop. This small fishing village, located just five kilometres (three miles) from the touristy beach town Playas Rosarito, is a row of around 70 beach shacks all serving the Puerto Nuevo special: chargrilled lobster with melted garlic butter, hot tortillas, refried beans, guacamole, Mexican rice and an ice-cold margarita. The trick here is to bargain hard (and don’t go for the first place you see): some will go as low as $15–18 all in, especially if you walk further away from the main car park, where restaurants get less traffic. Remember, bartering is all part of the fun. Recommended by Jessica Vincent .

17. Sierra de La Laguna

One of Baja California’s most beautiful yet rarely visited areas, Sierra de La Laguna might just be this region’s best-kept secret. As you climb up to Baj Sur’s highest peak, the Sierra’s rainy microclimate quickly transforms the dry, arid land that lies below into a lush, pinewood forest. Around 10 million years ago, the Sierra used to be an island off the coast of Baja, meaning that today, 33% of the 900 flora and fauna species here are endemic. With hardly any tourist traffic and few amenities, hardcore trekkers come here for a complete wilderness experience. Few leave disappointed. Recommended by Jessica Vincent.

Alex Allen contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Top Things to Do in Baja California

About the author

Brenna Harris is a digital nomad and travel writer with a deep passion for exploring the world, reading, and beach-combing. More info

Beloved for its soft shorelines, abundance of marine life, and mountain backdrop, Baja California Sur is a varied region that draws tourists seeking vastly different “vibes” for their vacation. Want to learn to Scuba dive? Check. “Find yourself” on a grueling hike? Check. Kick back, relax, and celebrate happy hour? Check, check, and check. 

Combing through lists of top attractions and hidden gems all throughout the peninsula can also be super helpful when deciding where to vacation in Baja California. Can’t choose? Take a road trip down the coast and experience it all. 

Ready to create the ultimate vacation itinerary? This roundup of the best places to visit in Baja California and what to do while you’re there is sure to give you a case of unquenchable wanderlust. 

Best Baja California Things to Do

Swim in the sea of cortez.

If you’re a total ocean lover, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most intriguing places in Baja California. Trust me when I say that swimming in these cyan shallows is an event worthy of your master bucket list. In addition to crystal clear visibility and an abundance of reef life , the high salinity in the Sea of Cortez makes floating peacefully totally effortless.

Hike the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains  

Prefer to wander off the beaten path in Baja California? Lace-up those hiking boots and hit the trails! We’ve got a huge roundup of the best hikes around Baja , for the serious backpackers, but there’s also a stellar 20-minute hike to Cañon de la Zorra in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains fit for even a total beginner. You’ll start by making your way through the desert admiring the local cactus population and be rewarded at the end of the trail with a refreshing swimming hole fed by a waterfall.

Go Whale Watching

Did you know that Baja is a hotspot for whale watching? From January to April , the peninsula’s Pacific waters serve as a calving lagoon for some incredible species, allowing you to get closer than ever before to mamas and their beautiful babies. Humpbacks, minke, orca, fin, gray and sperm whales all frequent the region, plus you can target encounters with endangered species like Bue whales at certain times of the year.

Live the life of a Baja Rancher

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Embrace your wild west fantasies at a desert ranch like Rancho Cacachilas . This holistic livestock farm, situated in an old mining town, is now an all-inclusive adventure resort. At night, you’ll settle into luxury glamping casitas or cabin-inspired ranch suites, and during the day you’ll have access to all the authentic, ranch-hand activities you can imagine. Beekeeping and cheesemaking workshops and mule riding through the mountains (plus a few extras like guided hikes and mountain biking) are all included in your stay. 

See also: Is Baja California Safe? 10+ First-Hand Tips

Cruise Along the Coast

If every single one of these top attractions catches your eye, why not plan a Baja road trip? By driving from one end of the state to the other, you can take your time navigating this scenic region and see it all. If you’re not traveling with your own vehicle, you could even rent a classic convertible or a kombi and live the #vanlife. Need a few ideas for additional destinations to add to your road trip itinerary? Pescadero, Cerrito, Santiago, and San Felipe all make frequent appearances on lists of the best places to visit Baja California. 

Wine Tasting

Did you know that this state is home to Mexico’s wine country? That’s right, the Valle de Guadalupe is famous locally and abroad for its incredible production of reds, whites, and rosé. You can easily explore the region’s best vineyards in a day with a wine tour based out of Ensenada but you could also book a hotel right in the valley for a more immersive, wine-focused vacation. 

Kayak Under El Arco in Los Cabos

Cabo is considered one of the best places in Baja California for a good time. From gorgeous stretches of shoreline to an exciting nightlife scene, Cabo has it all. One of their top attractions? El Arco . In fact, this stunning rock formation is one of the most photographed geological landmarks in Baja. On this particular tour, you’ll head out on glass-bottomed kayaks to venture under the archway and view its resident sea lion colony up close. Then, you’ll snorkel at nearby Pelican Rock on the way back and come face-to-face with a rainbow of tropical fish. 

Wader the Streets of Loreto

Sometimes you just want to spend a day walking around at your leisure and exploring local shops and cafes, soaking in the “vibe” of a new destination. When deciding where to go in Baja California for this kind of laid-back day trip, Loreto is the top choice. With stunning colonial architecture abound, you’re sure to come back with a camera full of photos and a renewed sense of appreciation for the aesthetic of Mexican cities. 

Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó

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When history buffs are deciding where to go in Baja California, the Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó is the obvious choice. Nestled into the Sierra de la Giganta mountains , this stunning stone church (and museum) is steeped in 17th-century charm and is the source of much local lore. It’s also home to a twisted 300-year-old olive tree that’s rumored to be the first one to grow in Baja. You can still attend weekend services at the church if you’re interested in a quiet moment for prayer. 

Sail Around the Islands

If you came to Baja because it’s an ocean paradise, you cannot pass up the opportunity to explore some of these seabound natural landmarks and protected marine reserves. Take a boat tour to Bahia Conception, Isla Danzante, Isla Corondoro, or Isla Espíritu Santo, all of which are considered top Baja California attractions. Can you think of a more relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon? 

Go Beach-Bummin’ at Baja’s Best Beaches

While we’re on the topic, those secluded islands are home to some remarkable, unspoiled beaches. If you’re looking for shimmering seas as far as the eye can see, travel influencer-worthy photos, and total peace and quiet, camp out in the powdered sand while you’re there. Balandra Beach, in particular, is worth a special mention! Need some recommendations for mainland shorelines sure to impress? Our guide to Baja’s best beaches is the perfect place to start your search.

See also: The Best Beaches In Baja California

San Borjitas Cave Paintings

One of the most wanderlust-worthy hidden gems in Baja California is the San Borjitas Cave Paintings. This collection of ancient art is one of the oldest (and most significant) in the Americas, with vibrant visual accounts of hunting and local rituals. These caves are difficult to find, so do not attempt without the assistance of a local guide. Want to pack in more cultural tourism? Some other cave paintings to visit include El Vallecito and Cataviña. 

Lush Oasis of Mulege

One of the best places to visit in Baja California that somehow still flies under the radar is Mulege. This historic city is surrounded by dense forest and towering palms and lies next to a winding, turquoise river. Talk about a big surprise in the middle of a desert mountain region! Here, you can take a hike to bird-eye-view overlooks, fish at the river’s edge, or visit the Mision Santa Rosalia de Mulege. 

Get Up Close to the Local Wildlife in La Paz

One of the most popular things to do in La Paz is jump into the oceanic playground and get acquainted with its array of marine life. Just a quick sampling of the water-bound adventures you could take are snorkeling with whale sharks alongside a local marine biologist, swimming with sea lions, or a SUP tour through the mangroves where you’ll discover seabirds, turtles, rays, crabs, and more. 

Hang Ten in Todos Santos

If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, you’re in luck. At the top of wave-seekers’ list of Baja California places to visit, Todos Santos is a paradise for both beginners and pros. Cerritos Beach, in particular, is known for its various surf breaks . Just a quick search around town and you’ll find dozens of surf shops and school offering lessons, board rentals, or surf guides with photography services. 

Head to One of the Region’s Best Festivals

For an experience that’s a little more unique to you, why not add one of Baja’s best festivals to your itinerary? This ever-changing selection of events is sure to add a little bit of variety to your plans. Plus, you can totally tailor your festival to your likes and interests with everything from car racing and music festivals to whale conservation conferences. 

Street Food Tour in Tijuana

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Are you a bonafide foodie? If so, you can’t skip a food tour of Tijuana. From traveling food trucks to street food vendors slinging mean tacos, this city is full of exotic flavors and culinary prowess . Don’t forget to try THE original Caesar salad, since this is where the first one was ever made.

Check Into an Eco Wellness Retreat

You deserve to truly unwind and recharge on your Baja holiday. Invest in self-care and choose one of Baja’s best wellness retreats as your hotel stay. Both Rancho Pescadero and The White Lodge are top-rated, award-winning choices that are sure to leave you feeling like a whole new you.

See also: Stay in Style: Best Hotels in Baja California for Every Traveler

Things To Do in Baja California FAQ

Is traveling through baja california safe .

Generally, Baja California is a safe state for tourists, but it’s important to remember it’s a big region! That means you’ll see some variation in safety stats and concerns from destination to destination, especially between city/rural areas. We recommend familiarizing yourself with tips for staying safe in Baja, as well as the up-to-date crime rates and advisories for any localities you plan to visit.

What do I need for a road trip through Baja?

If crossing the border by land with your own vehicle, you will need a Mexican car insurance, a passport, FMM Entry Permit, proof of vehicle registration, and a temporary Vehicle Importation Permit. You can find our guide to traveling Mexico by car here , with all our best tips, tricks, and advice for a smooth ride. 

What is the best way to get to Baja California?

If you don’t plan to cross the land border and road trip your way around Baja, you might be wondering how the heck should get there. There are three international airports you could reasonably fly into: La Paz, Loreto, and Los Cabos.

Brenna Harris is a digital nomad and travel writer with a deep passion for exploring the world, reading, and beach-combing. Her life as a digital nomad enriches her writing, blending unique global experiences with a love for the great outdoors. When not wandering the globe, she cherishes her time in Canada with her husband and puppy, eager to share her top travel tips and discoveries. Brenna's articles are a treasure trove of insights for fellow travel enthusiasts, born from a life lived on the move.

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Iconic things to do.

• Meling Ranch
• Agave Hotel y Cantina
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• Guadalupe Island
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The Best Things to Do in Baja California, Mexico

There are so many things to do in Baja California, Mexico! It’s a wonderland of mountains, deserts, beaches, and wildlife, and it’s waiting for you!

The Baja Peninsula—you know, that big dangly piece that hangs off of California? It’s a class vacation destination for surfers, whale watchers, and beach lovers! Los Cabos is world-famous for its resorts and margarita-fueled nightlife. Gray whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Hammerhead sharks, Whale sharks, and sea lions all call the waters home, for at least part of the year. The laid-back, wild beaches of the East Cape draw ex-pats and kitesurfers from every corner of the earth. It’s a glorious wonderland of mountains, deserts, beaches, and craggy shorelines, and it is calling your name! So, go buy your ticket now, and come right back to find out all the best things to do in Baja California, Mexico!

See the sights in San Diego and beyond!

Before you cross the border, let us start your vacation off on the right foot with a unique tour of San Diego ! Our app-guided scavenger hunts help you explore the world , and our hunts in California’s southernmost city are no exception. Conquer trivia and photo challenges with your crew, as you get to know the historic buildings, iconic sculptures, and green spaces of Downtown San Diego!

25 Things to Do in Baja California

If you are not familiar with the layout, let’s talk geography for a second because it is kind of confusing. The Baja Peninsula is composed of two Mexican states. The northern Baja California, and the southern Baja California Sur, and both of these sit directly south of the US state of California. So, there is a lot of Californias going on. It’s a history thing, just know, the Peninsula is all in Mexico, so bring your passport. Okay. Let’s go! 

1. Prepare for a new culture at Tijuana Cultural Center .

Just across the border from the US, the city of Tijuana has a pretty bad wrap, and it did have some major cartel issues in the early 2000s. It has gotten better, and Tijuana is home to some fabulous museums. The best of which is the Tijuana Cultural Center. The center was opened in October of 1982 by the National Council for Culture and Arts and hosts more than 2 million visitors a year. 

The centerpiece is the massive OMNIMAX Cinema, lovingly known as “la Bola” or “The Ball.” The cinema offers a daily assortment of films detailing the history and culture of the Baja Peninsula. It also hosts live performances, festivals, and educational expos. There is a large bookshop and crafts venue. Plus, the permanent exhibit at Museo de las Californias houses over 200 pieces of art, detailing the history of the region, ranging from prehistoric to contemporary. The center also has a wonderful Hispanic sculpture garden. A visit to the center is a beautiful cultural experience and a proper introduction to all the awesomeness that is to come as you travel south.

2. Tour Baja’s wine country .

Just 20 minutes from popular Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe is the go-to spot for winos in Baja California Norte. The beautiful valley is quickly becoming a lux weekend getaway for young Californians due to its fancy eco-resorts, the plethora of infinity pools, and fabulous wine tasting tours. It’s a stunning area, with amazing vista views and way lower winery prices than Napa or Sonoma. 

The region owes some of its new international fame to French-trained wine producer, Hugo d’Acosta, his four local wineries, and his non-profit winemaking school. The wine guru of Mexico started his first winery, Casa de Piedra , in 1997, and his vintages now sell for $150/bottle. In short, he’s a pretty big deal. 

Vena Cava Winery is the hippest and most visited winery in the area, and it’s great. We also really love the vibe of the eco-friendly Bruma winery. Most of the wineries can be visited without a reservation, but you want to tour the vineyards, you should probably call ahead, especially if visiting in summer. 

3. Wild camp at Bahia De Los Angeles .

Bahia De Los Angeles is the perfect chance to get off the grid a bit and meet some new friends. Check into Camp Archelon and rent a beach palapa to sleep under. The leaf beach huts are right on the water, so you will fall asleep and wake to the sound of lapping waves. The campground has great nightly firepits and daily beach volleyball. 

Los Angeles is a small community on the Sea of Cortez, otherwise known as the Gulf of California. Here, the sea is more populated than the land. The waters are teeming with wildlife, including whales. Whale watching tours and kayaking are popular in the bay and easy to find. Because of the remoteness, the area is a bit expensive and there are no ATMs, so make sure to bring cash!

4. Spot grey whales in Ojo de Liebre Lagoon .

Ojo de Liebrea Lagoon is near the border of Baja California and the second Mexican state on the peninsula, Baja California Sur. The lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular place to go whale watching, as it is a breeding area and often has a high population of migrating giants. California Grey Whales spend most of their year in the Bering Sea of Alaska, but in January and February a huge congregation, sometimes up to 2,000, grey whales make the seas around the town of Guerrero their home.

The friendly grey whales are often seen from shore and commonly pop up to say “hi” and receive a pet from excited tourists on boat tours. Because of the protected status, visitors are not allowed to swim in the bay. So, just pet from the boat. The whales are curious, and it’s quite an experience to interact with them. 

You can make your way to the marina itself, which is quite a journey (but you might score a trip on a less expensive local boat), or you can book a guided tour from Guerrero. If you make it there on your own, consider staying the night! It’s quiet, stunning, and provides some pretty incredible stargazing. There is palapa-camping here, where you can continue your whale watching from the shore if you’re lucky. 

5. Get prehistoric in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve .

This baby is huge! The reserve takes up most of the north of the peninsula and it is Mexico’s largest protected area. It is a vast land of giant cacti, deep red-rock canyons, and tiny oases. The biosphere is particularly important though because it protects a gigantic collection of prehistoric cave art. 

Nomadic tribes have inhabited the peninsula for something like 8,000 years, and the Cochimi Indians left an open-air art gallery of cave paintings throughout the area. These immaculate works let us in on the culture and history of the tribes, as they depict prehistoric shamanic rituals, hunting scenes, and important ceremonies. 

It’s best to visit the reserve with a guide. The paintings are spread out across the wilderness and difficult to find on your own, given the vastness and wildness of the area. Guided tours can be booked from the town of San Ignacio or shorter trips from the town of Mulege. 

6. Whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon .

West from the city, you will find the San Ignacio Lagoon and one of the densest populations of grey whales in the world. It is one of the top 3 places to see them, all of which are in Baja. The area is loaded with whales, and they are a particularly curious and friendly lot. They generally breach all around the little boats letting brave humans pet or even kiss them, and San Ignacio claims to be the only part of the world where the whales initiate contact like this!

The shallow waters of the bay protect grey whale calves from killer whales, as they won’t venture in. Mama whales encourage and even push their babes up to the surface to meet the funny-looking humans. It’s an experience beyond words. They are just incredible creatures. 

EcoTourism Kuyima is cooperative in the area that offers a wonderful overnight tour. They provide you with basic tents and you stay on the beach overnight. The next morning, they take you whale watching on a panga. Baja Expeditions offers this same trip but with gorgeous glamping tents. 

7. Experience the Oasis of ​​​​Mulege .

If you need a break from the perfect beaches, head for Mulege, a small town in the mountains of Baja California Sur. Mulege stands out from the rest of the arid peninsula as an oasis. Its towering palm tree groves and river are a refreshment for the eyes, and the soul. 

Take a guided hike to Cañon La Trinidad and search for 7,000-year-old rock art and petroglyphs. Take the 45-minute stroll down the riverbank to visit Mulege’s adorable lighthouse, which provides a stunning view of the area. The star of the show is the Misión Santa Rosalía, a 1705 Jesuit mission, that is perfectly preserved. The mission is beautiful on its own but also provides incredible views of the area. It’s just a short walk from town and is free to visit. If you are traveling during the busy season, you may want to go early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the day trip tours. From here, you can easily visit the pristine perfection of Bahía Concepción

8. Kayak Bahía Concepción .

Bahía Concepción is a series of secluded, white-sand beaches with sparkling turquoise waters and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure. The stunning beaches are quiet and picturesque, and there is no better place in Baja to kayak and snorkel. The bay waters are perfectly clear and very calm. You can camp for a few days at Santispac Beach and catch the most glorious sunsets.

The town of Loreto is a great place to hop in for necessities and maybe look around a bit!

9. Get up close and personal with blue whales in Loreto .

Loreto is a small town with some seriously cute vibes. Downtown has a beautiful plaza and some yummy local restaurants to grab lunch. Weirdly, the little town of Loreto has a fantastic local brewery, El Zopilote, where you can snag a cheeseburger and an IPA, which is a rarity in these parts. 

Loreto has a long history as the first permanent settlement in the Californias. It was founded in 1697 when the first Jesuit mission arrived. It was once the capital of the region until a hurricane wiped out the town, and the administration was moved to La Paz. Loreto has regained its luster though. The town is filled with craft shops, small art galleries, and silver shops, as well as a lovely seaside malecón. Make sure to take a tour of the largest marine park in Mexico, Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto just offshore. 

If you visit in February or March, you will have the chance to see the biggest animals that have ever lived, the iconic Blue Whale. Blue Whales normally patrol the deep waters from Chile to California, but during this short season, they come into the bay of Loreto to breed and calve. Their size is completely mind-blowing! 

10. Explore Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857 .

If beaches, desert, and underwater exploration aren’t doing it for you, then head for the snow! Baja really has it all. Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857 usually gets a big ole dump of snow every winter. The forest is enchanting and a vast change from the desert that inhabits more of the interior of the peninsula. The park features soaring pines and stunning lakes. It is popular for hiking of course, but also mountain biking and camping. 

Wildlife and birdwatching are also popular pastimes with frequent sightings of the gray fox, wild cats, moles, and raccoons, as well as, hawks, herons, owls, and eagles. The park feels like a world away from the rest of Baja, a paradise within a paradise.

11. Try original fish tacos in Ensenada .

Just south of Tijuana, the sparkling port of Ensanada is a great escape from its busy northern neighbor, and it’s the perfect gateway to the wine region to the east. Ensanada grew up around the 1872 gold rush of nearby Real de Castillo. Tourism came in the 1950s and now Ensanada is a booming cruise ship port. 

Ensenada is a haven for foodies. Reportedly, the fish taco was invented here, and the stalls at Mercado de Mariscos are still overflowing with the catch of the day. Visitors can partake of eel, smoked fish, and giant abalone. The stalls are not only the place to snag a good meal, they are also just fun to wander around. 

Ensenada is also home to some series waves. Surfers head for La Fonda, Stacks, and El Pico, Beaches for the big waves. Further down the shore, near Playa Hermosa, the waves become a little more gentle for the beginners. If you have time, keep driving, down to La Bufadora . It’s the second-biggest sea geyser in the world. Guided tours are abundant in Ensanada, and you can find plenty of adventure activities to fill your days. Go canyoning or rappelling in the nearby crevices, or book a day kayaking the waves!

12. Join the craze in Lobster Town !

Between Ensenada and Rosarito, the little town of Puerto Nuevo is lobster-obsessed! Puerto Nuevo-Style Grill Pacific Lobster is their specialty, and they are serious about it. The crustaceans are plentiful just offshore and differ from their Atlantic cousins. These are smaller, don’t have claws, and are more closely akin to a large shrimp, but they are super tasty!

It doesn’t matter where you stop to sample the delicacy. With a few exceptions, almost all of the thirty-plus restaurants serve it up halved, grilled, and surrounded by a pile of beans, rice, and homemade flour tortillas. If you are traveling down the Pacific Coast of the peninsula, and you love seafood, you have to stop for dinner in this lobster-loving village!

13. Relax in Puertecitos Hot Springs.

This little day trip is truly off the beaten path, but it’s so fun. Just south of Playa Hermosa, Puertocitos Hot Springs are a rarity because you get to sit in the natural hot tubs while watching the frigid Pacific Ocean waves roll in, right in front of you. 

There isn’t a whole lot to do in the little town, but it makes a good stopping spot to get out and stretch your legs as your drive up or down the east coast. We wouldn’t plan on making it a whole day or staying the night, but it’s great for a couple of hours, if you’re in the area. 

14. Swim with whale sharks in La Paz .

La Paz is the capital and largest city in Baja California Sur. If you fly into Baja, you may come into La Paz, as there are cheap flights in from many major American cities. It isn’t the prettiest city, but it is a good place to get essentials and have some modern amenities for a few days. There are well-priced Airbnbs and plenty of good food. The huge Malecón is lined with restaurants and every kind of shopping you might need. Plus, it’s a charming place to experience the local culture, meet families, and feel the ocean breeze. Its long wooden pier is also a great spot to get some photos with all the sailboats in the background. The Malecón is laced with bronze sculptures depicting influential people and important aspects of local culture. It’s really a beautiful and relaxing space.

Other attractions in La Paz include the Museo de la Ballena whale museum, with its giant whale skeleton on the facade, and The Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia, the local archaeological museum. 

As you might imagine, La Paz has pretty much every guided tour you can imagine, especially water sports tours. Sunriders Tours offers swimming with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, which are plentiful in the waters around La Paz. You can also go whale watching in Magdalena Bay where Gray Whales breed and raise their young from December to March or April. 

Two of the most popular things to do in La Paz deserve their own section: kayaking at Balandra Beach and the boat trip to Isla Espíritu Santo.

15. Gawk at the beauty of Balandra Beach.

Balandra Beach is one of the most beautiful on the whole peninsula. Take a 35-minute road trip north of La Paz, to find this serene world of swirling blues and whites. The sun glimmers off the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains provide the arid but stunning backdrop. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities at Balandra and rentals are available from the beach. Although, no one would fault you for just parking it under a palapa and enjoying the view. 

Balanda is one of the best places to spot marine life though. The waters are so clear that spotting the critters is pretty easy. Sea lions, turtles, stingrays, and dolphins all frequent the area. This beach is a must-stop spot on the Baja Peninsula.

16. Swim with sea lions on Isla Espíritu Santo .

The uninhabited island is not only a paradise, but it is a sure-fire place to find sea lions. A large colony lives in the small group of islands in the Parque Nacional Archipiélago de Espíritu Santo. Snorkeling and scuba diving here almost always guarantee an encounter with dolphins and manta rays, and during the winter, whale sharks and fin whales are also common. 

Several companies offer boat tours from Cabo or La Paz to reach the island. You can snag a 6-hour tour with all the equipment for around 80 USD.

17. Up your cool quotient in Todos Santos .

On the West Coast near the base of the peninsula, Todos Santos is Baja’s up-and-coming hipster haven. Juice bars, yoga studios, upscale coffee shops, and foodie spots line the streets creating a laid-back and fun environment. There is a huge ex-pat population here, and it’s a nice mix of cultures. Downtown Todos Santos is loaded with art galleries and cute boutique hotels. For a little culture and a day back on the grid, hop into Todos Santos!

18. Hike to Picacho de la Laguna .

The interior of the Baja Peninsula is the least-touristed part of the peninsula. It’s rarely visited at all actually, which is crazy! If you are craving a true wilderness experience, you must go trekking in the Sierra de La Laguna. It is home to Baja Sur’s highest peak and a rainy microclimate that is like nothing else in the region. Supposedly, this area was once an island off the coast of Baja, so much of the plant life is completely endemic. 

This one is a trip for the adventurous and prepared. There is little to no signage and non-existent infrastructure. If you are not a pro, then we definitely suggest a guided hike. The easiest place to score one is from the town of Todos Santos. Baja Sierra Adventures offers good day trips and killer multi-day treks! We would suggest hitting them up!

19. Do a good deed in Tortugueros Las Playitas .

While visiting Todos Santos, head for Tortugueros Las Playitas, just outside of town. The area has possibly the coolest locals in the world. These guys are well known for their volunteer work rescuing and releasing endangered sea turtles back into the ocean! They comb the beaches every morning, looking for new nests. They bring the eggs back to the sanctuary until they hatch safely, and then transport them back to the water. 

The locals usually release the little guys around sunset. They love to share their knowledge with visitors, and it is a great place to learn about sea turtles and how you can help. They may even invite you to participate in the process!

20. Learn to surf in Los Cerritos Surf Town .

Cerritos is one of the only good swimming beaches near Todos Santos. It is also a great place to learn to surf. Not only are the waves manageable, but several companies offer surfing schools! The waters here are knee-deep for 50 yards or so, making it great for learning. When you fail miserably at surfing, no problem, just go rent a boogie board and spend the rest of the day riding waves anyway. The little break here is perfect for it!

The area is very nice too with several small eco-resorts on the water. Beach massages are very reasonably priced, and there are plenty of adorable beachfront restaurants to peruse. If you are staying in Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos is only 45 mins north by car, so it makes a great day trip to explore a completely different vibe. 

This whole portion of the west coast is a surfer haven. There are solid right breaks at the nearby La Pastora Beach, and El Pescadora is a great surfing town too that also has plenty of rentals and instructors if needed. 

21. Marvel at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas .

Cabo San Lucas is the primary tourist hub of the Baja California Peninsula. It is probably the reason you know about the place. The famous nightlife scene and beautiful beaches at the end of the world certainly know how to entertain. You can spend your whole week at a swim-up bar with a margarita. No one would fault you there.

However, there is more to Cabo than tequila-fueled nights. Nature lovers book a glass-bottom boat tour to see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, lovingly known as El Arco. It’s only around $10 and an easy trip. The arch is part of a very distinctive rock formation with a beautiful little beach surrounding it. It is definitely worth the short trip to experience it. 

For a little more adventure, take the hike through Mount Solimar. It leads to Divorce and Lovers Beaches and is just next to El Arco. 

22. Have it all in San Jose Del Cabo .

The other big town on the tip of Baja California Sur is San Jose Del Cabo … confusing, we know. The area collectively is known as Los Cabos to locals or just “Cabo” to Americans. San Jose del Cabo is a resort area as well, with sweeping white sand beaches and clear blue waves. If you are a resort lover, this coastline is chalked full of mega ones. Downtown San Jose del Cabo has lively bars and every kind of restaurant imaginable. One of the best pastimes is to stroll around downtown and explore the colorful Spanish architecture.

The city was started as an 18th-century mission, but its eleven major surf breaks and craggy, gorgeous coastline quickly brought in beach lovers from all over the world. Whale watching, deep-sea and sport fishing, and surfing are all popular in Los Cabos. Unlike the rest of the peninsula, the common sighting in the Cabo area is breaching Humpback Whales! 

If you want a rest from the breaks and the booze, head for Flora Farms , a lovely 25-acre working organic farm with its own restaurant. It sits in the foothills of the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and is a wonderful experience! 

23. Snorkel Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park .

Two hours north of San José del Cabo, on the east coast of the peninsula, you will find the pristine sands and glorious hard coral reef of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. It’s the premier spot for snorkeling and scuba divers.

The east cape, in general, is wild. There are a handful of towns and small villages, but very little true development. However, lots of snowbirds love this stretch of coast, so weirdly, English is spoken a lot and the US dollar is used commonly. It’s wild, but it’s relaxing and outrageously beautiful.

We recommend snorkeling at Playa Los Frailes. It’s free, but there are no facilities. We love it because of the ridiculous amount of fish, rays, and sea turtles that will keep you company! There is a sea lion colony nearby too that can be reached by kayak or boat. Snorkeling gear and equipment are available in Cabo Pulmo. 

24. Go windsurfing in Los Barriles .

The east cape is famous for its windsurfing. “Snowbirds” flood down from California (America) to the consistent wind and waves of the Gulf of California. Winter is pretty busy here, but it’s such a laid-back scene that you probably won’t even feel it. Los Barriles is the most accessible town on this part of the east coast. It’s about an hour straight north of San José del Cabo.

Vela Baja offers tours and equipment rental for mountain biking, wing foiling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and free diving. You can pick a different activity every day! The nearby town of La Ventana is also popular with wind/water sports. It’s more up and coming, but there are some beautiful eco-style accommodations now, and the wind and waves are a little less wild than its neighbor. This part of the peninsula is really beautiful and has a very different vibe than Los Cabos. If you like your power to be solar, your internet to be sketchy, and your vibe to be chill, then the East Cape is for you!

25. Explore history in Santa Rosalía .

Local legends state that in 1868, in the hills of Santa Rosalía, José Villavicencio stumbled across a boléo, or a blob of green rock, signifying there was copper nearby. A few years later, word got out, and the Rothschild family bought up the land, opening the French Compagnie du Boléo to extract and mine copper. They dug 370 miles of tunnels, brought in a European foundry, and built a new wharf. Copper was shipped off to Washington State for refining, and they shipped back wood to build the town. 

The mines had significantly lost value by the 1950s and the land was sold to the Mexican government. After changing hands a few more times, they are back open! Since 2015, the mines are exporting Cobalt, Copper, and Zinc again and money and jobs are flowing in! The town cannot be described as pretty. There is no real beach to speak of, but it’s worth a couple of hours to explore the history and unique vibe of the place. Plus, all the old equipment and locomotives sure make for cool photos. 

Check out the Iglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalía, a prefabricated iron church that was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yep that Eiffel) and shipped over from Europe in 1897. There is also a French Bakery in town, Panadería El Boleo that everyone loves! The town has a man-made harbor and serves as the main seaport for Northern Baja. Goods from the mainland are brought in by the connecting ferry, so it’s a great place to go shopping and see how locals (that aren’t surf instructors) live. 

Santa Rosalía is also home to some pretty nasty ocean predators. The “Red Devils,” aka Humboldts squid live in the Pacific from South American to California, but for some reason, there is a huge population here in Santa Rosalía. Brave divers come to try to catch a glimpse of the monster squids, though we aren’t sure why. Not only do they have a flesh-shredding beak, but they have 6-foot tentacles with teeth. No thank you!

Closing Thoughts

Whew! What a list! Baja is nothing short of amazing. Resort bunnies love it. Hippies love it. Surfers and kiteboarders are in heaven here. With amazing landscapes, a laid-back vibe, and killer food, what’s not to love? Even the animals love it! The most elusive ones in the world choose to make this place their winter haven, and we can’t blame them. Now that you are convinced to come, let us know in the comments what activities you are planning to do! 

Mexico might be the United State’s next-door neighbor, but it is a world away when it comes to culture. Our article on cultural travel offers tips to make you more culture conscious and make the most of your trip by learning from, and fully embracing, the beauty of a new culture!

For the absolute best experience traveling, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn “ How to Avoid Different Travel Scams Around The World ” to ease your mind and help ensure a successful trip. With just a few little tweaks, you can enjoy your trip without worry!

Frequently Asked Questions

There are so many things to do in Baja California, Mexico , and if you love wildlife, you’ll find plenty! Go whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon or swim with sea lions on Isla Espíritu Santo.

The varied landscape of Baja offers plenty to do ! Try wine-tasting in Guadelupe Valley, hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, or explore cave paintings in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve.

Finding family-friendly things to do around Baja is easy! If you’re traveling from California, try a San Diego scavenger hunt ! Then, go whale watching in La Paz, and try kiteboarding in Los Barriles. 

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Graced with tantalizing desert landscapes, lush oases and rich marine life, Baja California is one of the most compelling and popular destinations in Mexico. Its human history is no less enticing, with a legacy of remote cave paintings, crumbling Spanish missions, luxury beach resorts and fabulous seafood. Yet even today, Baja maintains a palpable air of isolation from the rest of Mexico. The peninsula lies over 1300km west of Mexico City, and the sheer distances involved in traversing its length – it’s over 1700km long – are not conducive to quick exploration.

Bahía de los Ángeles

Valle de guadalupe, guerrero negro, south to la paz, the east cape, wine tasting in todos, surf and swim el pescadero, when to visit los cabos, sand falls and neptune’s finger, the corridor’s best beaches, lobster town, baja legends: halfway house and la fonda, the transpeninsular highway (hwy-1), practicalities.

One of the most magical sights in Baja is the annual grey whale migration from December to April; the best places to see the whales are the Laguna Ojo de Liebre, just off Guerrero Negro, or the lagoon near San Ignacio, where the town is an attraction in itself. The peninsula is also home to some of the most bewitching and thought-provoking cave art in the world – the Sierra de San Francisco, between Bahía de los Angeles and Loreto, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 because of its five hundred particularly vivid rock-art sites.

And all along the coast you’ll find turquoise waters and white-sand beaches; most towns in Baja California Sur offer fantastic opportunities for diving, fishing and kayaking, but Bahía Concepción, Loreto, La Paz and the remote settlements on the East Cape are the standouts among them. In complete contrast, right at the end of the peninsula, the booming resort of Los Cabos offers its own special blend of boutique hotels, beach activities, top-notch restaurants and wild nightlife.

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If you have your own transport, a worthy detour off Hwy-1 is BAHÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES (also known as L.A. Bay), a small community of fewer than one thousand on the Sea of Cortez. The town maintains an underdeveloped, frontier feeling, little changed from when Steinbeck sailed through in 1941, while the eponymous bay teems with sea life and is hemmed in by contorted mountains and lots of enticing beaches. Because of the difficulty getting supplies to the bay, lodging and food are more expensive than you’d expect, and there are no banks or ATMs, so make sure you have enough cash.

Perched on the edge of the Bahía de Todos Santos, 100km south of Tijuana, the attractive port of ENSENADA is far calmer, cheaper and smaller than its northern rival, making for an inviting pit-stop and jumping-off point for the wineries to the east. Like Tijuana, Ensenada is a relatively recent creation by Mexican standards, despite being officially “founded” (ie discovered by the Spanish) in 1542; nothing much happened until 1872, when gold was unearthed in nearby Real de Castillo. Ensenada was gradually developed as a port, the modern town effectively planned and developed by American investor George H. Sisson and the British-owned Mexican Land & Colonization Co in the 1880s. The town remained a backwater, however, with tourism and modern development only taking off in the 1950s. Note that US cruise excursions to Ensenada are booming, so be prepared for crowds on days that ships are in port (mainly during the summer months).

While you're here, don't miss the Mercado de Mariscos (aka Mercado Negro) at the northwest end of the Malecón, where you'll find numerous stalls selling the day’s catches. The diversity of what’s on display – from squirming eel and smoked fish to giant abalone – is impressive, and it’s a good place to try the town’s lauded fish tacos, which were supposedly invented in Ensenada and have been served at the market since it opened in 1958.

The vineyards of the Valle de Guadalupe, just east of Ensenada, are not quite Napa Valley standard, but the region is clearly on the right track, as illustrated by growing international acclaim and the pioneering work of French-trained winemaker Hugo d’Acosta since the 1990s. Though you can show up at the major wineries without a reservation, it is best to call vineyards before visiting, especially if you’re coming in the warmer months (July–Sept). The villages of San Antonio de las Minas in the southwest and Francisco Zarco and El Porvenir in the northeast are the centres of the valley’s production.

Baja wines: five of the best

Once derided for watery grapes and poor vintage, Baja wines have gathered a loyal following since the late 1990s thanks to small-production, high-quality boutique wines. These are five of the best:

• Vino de Piedra, Casa de Piedra Tones of black fruit lace this blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Viñas de Camou, Château Camou Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
• Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Monte Xanic Smooth, dark-red wine with a peppery aroma.
• Special Reserve Chardonnay, Château Camou One of the best white wines in the valley.
• Gabriel, Adobe Guadalupe Another exquisite red-wine blend (55 percent Merlot), produced by Hugo d’Acosta.

Continuing south on the main highway, there’s little between El Rosario and the 28th parallel, where an enormous metal monument marks the border between the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur ; you’ll have to set your watch forward an hour when you cross. GUERRERO NEGRO , just across the border, offers little in the way of respite from the heat and aridity that has gone before (winters, however, can find the town quite chilly). Flat and dust-blown, it was only established in the 1950s as a supply centre for Exportadora de Sal, the world’s largest salt manufacturer, and is surrounded by vast saltpans and drab storage warehouses. At most times of year you’ll want to do little more than grab a drink and carry straight on, especially if you don’t have a car – it’s a dispiriting place to navigate on foot. In January and February (and, peripherally, Dec & March–April), however, Guerrero Negro is home to one of Mexico’s most extraordinary natural phenomena, the congregation of scores of grey whales just off the coast.

Everyone ends up in LA PAZ eventually, the state capital and largest city of Baja California Sur. The outskirts may be an ugly sprawl, but the old town centre near the languid malecón, modernized as it is, has managed to preserve something of its sleepy provincial atmosphere. During the last week in February, La Paz livens up with its boisterous carnival, a plethora of colourful parades and cultural events that transform the town, while eating here is a real pleasure at any time. There’s not much to see in the city itself, but the surrounding beaches are lots of fun, and a boat trip to the Isla Espíritu Santo, rich in marine life, should not be missed.

South of Ensenada, most travellers follow Hwy-1 as it shifts from suburban sprawl to farmland and then into curvy, hilly passes that eventually drop into the Santo Tomás valley. From here it’s around 1375km to La Paz, a journey which can take twenty hours direct or preferably several days, taking in the entrancing landscapes and small towns along the way – you’ll see far fewer tourists on this stretch of the Transpeninsular Highway. The alternative (if you have your own transport) is to detour via Hwy-3 and Hwy-5 to San Felipe, then take the rugged route along the Sea of Cortez to rejoin Hwy-1 north of Guerrero Negro.

Bahía Concepción

There is good diving and fishing immediately around Mulegé, but the best beaches are between 10km and 50km south of town along the shore of Bahía Concepción, for once easily accessible from Hwy-1 – the drive down to Loreto along this stretch of road is truly spectacular. The bay ranges from 3km to 6.5km wide, is 48km long and is enclosed on three sides and dotted with islands. The blue-green waters, tranquil bays and white-sand beaches are spellbinding and relatively undeveloped – though you will at times find teams of RVs lining the waters – and it’s a good place to break your journey for a day or so before travelling south. As far as kayaking goes, there are few places better than Bahía Concepción.

Whale watching from Guerrero Negro

Whale-watching is the principal reason people visit Guerrero Negro, as hordes of friendly California grey whales (up to two thousand at a time), which spend most of their lives in the icy Bering Sea around Alaska, can be observed (at remarkably close quarters) from within the nearby Laguna Ojo de Liebre (aka Scammon’s Lagoon), thrity minutes south of town. It’s a magical experience – and many visitors actually get to touch the whales, which sometimes come right up to bobbing vessels after the engines are switched off.

Organized tours begin in Guerrero, but you can also drive to the lagoon and hire a cheaper panguero (boat) yourself. Take Hwy-1 south for 9km and look for the sign to the Parque Natural de la Ballena Gris. From here it’s 6km along a rough dirt road to a gate (which someone will open, but only during the whale-watching season Jan–March), and another 18km to the lagoon. You’ll probably be asked to pay the park entrance fee here.

San Ignacio

Leaving Guerrero Negro, Hwy-1 winds 142km inland for the hottest, driest stage of the journey, across the Desierto Vizcaíno. In the midst of this landscape, SAN IGNACIO’s appeal is immediate, even from a distance. Gone are the dust and concrete that define the peninsula, replaced by green palms and a cool breeze; despite being hammered by Hurricane Odile in 2014, it remains an oasis any desert traveller would hope for, and another excellent base for whale-watching and cave art tours. There are no banks in town and few places accept credit cards – it’s best to come with a supply of cash.

Tours and trips from San Ignacio

Whale watching.

Although whales are most in evidence in January and February, whale-watching tours to the nearby Laguna San Ignacio (around 50km from town, on mostly paved road) are offered from December to April. If you have your own car you can cut your expenses considerably (allow 1hr to be safe).

Cave-art tours from San Ignacio focus on the Sierra de San Francisco about 45km north of town, where 320 sites exist, dating back some eight thousand years; tour operators usually pass through the little town of San Francisco de la Sierra and head for the easily accessible Cueva del Ratón, or remoter caves such as the Cueva Pintada and Cueva de las Flechas in Cañón San Pablo, which require a minimum of two days.

The Tides of San Felipe

The upper reaches of the Sea of Cortez experience the world’s third largest tides – fluctuations of 6–7m are common. You’ll soon realize why tide calendars are so common in San Felipe; water that laps lazily against the beach in the morning can recede a kilometre into the hazy distance by mid-afternoon.

Legend has it that while walking in the hills around Santa Rosalía in 1868, rancher José Villavicencio chanced upon a boleo, a blue-green globule of rock that proved to be just a taster of a mineral vein containing more than twenty percent copper. By 1880, the wealth of the small-scale mining concessions came to the notice of the Rothschilds, who provided financing for the French Compagnie du Boléo (or “El Boleo”) to buy mining rights and to build a massive extraction and smelting operation in 1885. Six hundred kilometres of tunnels were dug, a foundry was shipped out from Europe, and a new wharf built to transport the smelted ore north to Washington State for refining. Ships returned with lumber for the construction of a new town, laid out with houses built to a standard commensurate with their occupier’s status within the company.

By 1954, falling profits from the nearly spent mines forced the French to sell the pits and smelter to the Mexican government who, though the mines were eventually left idle, continued to smelt ore from the mainland until the 1990s. Starting in 2004, Canadian-listed Baja Mining Corp worked hard to reopen the mine – despite running into financing problems in 2012 (Korean Resources Corp is now the main shareholder) and damage caused by Hurricane Odile, production of copper, cobalt and zinc finally began in 2015, with the new El Boleo expected to have a minimum life of 22 years. Minera y Metalúrgica del Boleo has promised to work with local authorities to develop housing, infrastructure and utilities, and so far has created around a thousand new jobs in the area (with 65 percent local hires).

Cave art around Mulegé

Other than as a springboard for the beaches to the south, the main reason to stop at Mulegé is to take one of the cave art tours out to the Sierra de Guadalupe. This range boasts the densest collection of rock art in Baja, as well as some of the most accessible at La Trinidad (29 km west of town), requiring as little as five hours for the round trip (including 6.5km on foot). Getting a group together to cut costs shouldn’t prove a problem in high season, but you still need to shop around as the tours differ considerably. Overnight excursions are possible too, including a night at a 260-year-old ranch and two different cave locations. Head to Las Casitas in Mulegé (615 153 0019), which also acts as an informal tourist office for information on other local attractions and tours. They can connect you with Mulegé Tours, run by Salvador Castro Drew (615 153 0232) – Salvador grew up in the area and is one of the most knowledgeable local guides.

Sea lions, whale sharks and Isla Espíritu Santo

There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, diving and boat trips from La Paz, but it would be a shame to leave without visiting the azure waters of uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo, a short boat ride north of the city. Protected within the Parque Nacional Archipiélago de Espíritu Santo (including the nearby Los Islotes, a small group of islands that hosts a colony of sea lions), snorkelling trips invariably encounter dolphins, manta rays, and depending on the time of year, fin whales and whale sharks (Nov–March) – the sea lions are a sure bet and always the most entertaining.

Another popular escape for fishing and diving enthusiasts, LORETO was the site of the earliest permanent settlement in the Californias. Founded in 1697 by Juan María Salvatierra as the first Jesuit mission to the region, Loreto served as the administrative capital of the entire California territory until a devastating hurricane struck in 1829 and La Paz took on the role. Today Loreto is booming again; much of the centre is given over to craft shops and galleries, many selling silver, while the seafront malecón and central Plaza Cívica have been spruced up in recent years.

Some 8km south of town lies the largely expat community of Nopoló (aka Villages at Loreto Bay ), one of the most ambitious residential developments in Mexico, and the posh Villa del Palmar resort. Construction has provided a massive economic boost to the entire region, but critics claim that the project threatens to overwhelm the already limited water supply and Loreto’s delicate natural assets: Mexico’s largest marine park, Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto , lies just offshore, while the weathered landscapes of the Sierra de la Giganta provide a stunning backdrop.

South of La Paz, Baja California finally runs out of land where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez come together in spectacular fashion. The ocean and sea meet at the sister towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, known collectively as Los Cabos – easily the most exclusive parcel of land in Baja California. Undeniably beautiful and home to the lion’s share of the peninsula’s lavish resorts, golf courses and oft-photographed beaches, the area is one of the fastest-developing regions in Mexico (despite being hammered by Hurricane Odile in 2014), supporting a sizeable North American expat population and hordes of time-share owners.

But Los Cabos is just a tiny part of the cape. Many of its most remarkable areas still require a great deal of time and preparation to access, and many travellers rent cars to drive the loop north of Cabo San Lucas: via the fast Hwy-19 running straight up the Pacific coast through historic Todos Santos; the older Transpeninsular Highway (Hwy-1) trailing north from San José del Cabo to La Paz; and the third, most exhausting route along the East Cape.

The East Cape region features 120km of wild coastline, littered with stunningly beautiful beaches, especially around Cabo Pulmo. There is only a handful of towns and villages, with far less development than Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, though thanks to a major influx of North American “snowbirds”, US dollars are also widely accepted here, and English is often spoken.

The best of the East Cape is protected within Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, with pristine beaches and a rare hard coral reef just offshore. The area is anchored by the off-the-grid village of CABO PULMO, which has a population of around 250, basic facilities (only solar power), no paragliders and no jet skis. The beach here is rocky with strong riptides, but just fifteen minutes’ drive south on a bumpy gravel road is Playa Los Arbolites (entry M$30), a gorgeous privately owned beach with palapas, toilets and showers, and decent snorkelling. About five minutes further south by car is Playa Los Frailes (free, no facilities), a picturesque cove with sensational snorkelling – it can be like swimming in a fish tank, with rays and turtles also gliding around. There’s also a sea lion colony about 1km further along the shore, accessed by boat, kayak or by a combination of wading and swimming (strong swimmers only). Rent snorkelling gear back in Cabo Pulmo.

The largest and most accessible resort town on the East Cape is LOS BARRILES, a sportfishing and windsurfing centre some 66km north of Los Cabos airport on Hwy-1 (beyond the turning to Cabo Pulmo). Though it gets busy in the winter, it retains a fairly laid-back scene, with low-key development along the shore.

Visit La Bodega de Todos Santos (612 152 0181) on Hidalgo, between Militar and Juárez, for Baja wine tastings (mostly Valle de Guadalupe), every Monday 5–8pm. The wine shop is otherwise open Tuesday–Saturday noon–7pm, with red wine tasting (and Doña Guillermina’s tamales) on Wednesdays 5–8pm. Also sells its own olive oil from the Valle de Ensenada.

Before heading further south consider stopping at El Pescadero, just 12km from Todos, a small dusty village close to some of the best surf breaks and beaches on the coast: Playa San Pedrito, a short walk from the village, and gorgeous Playa Los Cerritos, 1km south (look for the turn at km 65). Both beaches are good for swimming. Mario’s Surf School (612 142 6156) rents surf boards and offers lessons at Playa Los Cerritos, and there's a good choice of accommodation and eating options in the area. Most buses stop at Pescadero, on Hwy-19 (every 30min or so in both directions), but you really need a car to make the most of the area.

High season in Los Cabos, as in the rest of Baja, is November through until May, though domestic tourists also provide a mini boom July and August. January and February is the best time to see whales. Avoid Christmas and Easter (packed) and spring break (Feb/March) if you want to sleep; the fishing competition season in October and November can be fun but also busy. In the summer and early autumn off-season (May–June and Sept–Oct), the heat (up to 42 °C) makes things less appealing (though the sea is warm; many locals swim at night). Whenever you visit, you can be assured that it rarely rains – all the fresh water comes from desalination plants.

Dive trips are big business in Cabo. Experienced divers shouldn’t miss the rim of a marine canyon at a site known as Anegada, off Playa del Amor, where unusual conditions at 30m create the “Sand Falls” (famously discovered by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s), with streams of sand starting their 2000m fall to the canyon bottom. Nearby, Neptune’s Finger is a rock pile smothered in sea sponges, gorgonias and sea fans.

The distinction between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo blurs further each year as new resorts are erected along the 33km Corredor Turístico (aka Hwy-1), or just the CORRIDOR, separating the two towns. As a general rule, Sea of Cortez beaches may be swimmable and Pacific beaches never are, but before you swim or surf anywhere in Los Cabos, ask a local and read any posted signs. Obey any signs warning you off wet sand and note that beaches deemed safe one season may not be safe year round – summer especially can be hazardous.

The good news is that every beach is free and open to the public, though getting to and from them can be a hassle without your own car. With the exception of Playa El Médano in Cabo San Lucas and Palmilla in San José, you can’t comfortably reach any of the beaches on foot unless you’re staying at one of the adjacent resorts. If you’ve got your own transport you can turn off Hwy-1 at any of the beaches and park in the sand; local buses (M$17–23) run up and down the highway every twenty to thirty minutes between around 5am and 10pm daily (just flag them down). There are no toilets or lifeguards at the beaches and if you want shade, food or drink, bring your own. All distances here are measured east from Cabo San Lucas towards San José del Cabo, 33km away.

Barco Varado, km 9. The remains of a Japanese trawler that sank in 1966 lie offshore here, making diving the main focus of this beach, though it’s also a popular surfing spot. Take the marked dirt access road off the highway; mind the rocks on your way down.

Bahía Santa María, km 13. You can scuba and snorkel on rock reefs (rays and turtles hang out here) at both ends of this horseshoe cove, and go swimming at the protected beach in the middle. There’s a secure parking lot ten minutes’ walk from the beach (signposted from the highway).

Bahía Chileno, km 14.5. There are toilets here (the only beach that has them) and a dive shop that rents watersports equipment (nothing with a motor, though), making Chileno one of the easiest beaches to enjoy. Definitely the best family beach; excellent for swimming, diving and snorkelling, or just relaxing along the well-packed sand – it’s also one of the few beaches with shady palm trees. Look for the signs to “Chileno Beach Club”. It’s popular, so go early.

Playa Palmilla, km 27. Good, safe 1.5km-long beach used by San José hotel residents needing escape from the strong riptide closer to home. Point and reef breaks when surf’s up. Popular for standup paddle boarding. Access the beach by following signs to One & Only Palmilla and taking the only dirt-road cut-off to the left, about 2km from Hwy-1.

Playa Acapulquito, km 28. AKA Old Man’s, this is a top surfing beach for beginners, blurring into Costa Azul. Also home to super-cool Cabo Surf.

Costa Azul, km 28.5. The region’s best surfing beach is known for the Zippers and La Roca breaks during the summer (look out for rocks at low tide). Board rentals available at the car park. Swimming is possible during the late winter and early spring, but ask at Zippers beach restaurant (daily 11am–10.30pm; T 624 172 6162) before you dip in.

American day-trippers have been coming to TIJUANA, the definitive booze-soaked border town, in significant numbers since the 1950s. Visits crashed ninety percent between 2005 and 2009 thanks to escalating drug-related violence and subsequent US travel warnings, but things are much improved since then, and the main commercial drag, Avenida Revolución, or La Revo, has recovered some of its former colour. Indeed, police crackdowns have left central Tijuana safer than ever before, and drug violence rarely affects tourist areas.

Founded in 1889, Tijuana now has a population of almost two million, and despite its often shabby appearance, the region’s duty-free status and its legion of maquiladores (assembly plants) have helped make it one of the richest cities in Mexico. The city has developed dynamic arts and culinary scenes, with institutions like Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) emerging as a breeding ground for home-grown artistic and cultural movements. In the Zona Río, beyond the areas where most tourists venture, you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, clubs and modern concrete and glass buildings, offering the best glimpse of Tijuana’s other life – one that has more in common with San Diego than the adult-themed carnival atmosphere of La Revo. And the food is fabulous – Tijuana excels at tasty street snacks but also boasts some of the best restaurants in Mexico.

Once not much more than a dusty roadside settlement between Rosarito and Ensenada at Hwy-1 km 44, Puerto Nuevo is nowadays known the length of the peninsula for its near-fanatical devotion to the local speciality that bears its name: Puerto Nuevo-style grilled Pacific lobster. Found off the coast and throughout the rest of the Pacific Rim, these lobsters don’t grow as large as their Atlantic counterparts (actually, they’re giant langoustines more closely related to shrimps) and they don’t have claws, but they’re just as delicious.

Choosing where to sample the revered dish is made easy enough by the town’s one-way street plan, which juts to the west from Hwy-1; almost every one of the more than thirty restaurants here serves lobsters the same way, grilled and split in half with beans, rice and warm flour tortillas (M$150–300 depending on the size of the lobster). Most restaurants open 10am to 8pm on weekdays, with some open until 11pm Friday and Saturday. Cash only.

Some 25km south of Rosarito, the legendary Halfway House (“halfway” between Tijuana and Ensenada, at Hwy-1 km 53; 661 614 0372), opened as a cantina in 1922 on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Today the old-fashioned dining room may have changed little since the 1920s, but the menu certainly has: think quality seafood and the infamous “golden cadillac” margaritas.

A little further south, at km 59.5 in La Misión, La Fonda Hotel (646 155 0308) was established in 1962 by Eve Stocker. The ageing, rustic Mexican inn comes with ocean views, great Sunday brunches and easy access to the beach (one of the best surf breaks in Baja). Eclectic decor, handmade furniture, a breezy deck and decent Bloody Marys at the bar (all-you-can drink on Sun) enhance the experience.

The Transpeninsular Highway is one of North America’s great road trips. Part of the thrill comes from the long spaces separating major towns, the narrow segments of highway that snake along precarious cliffs and the animals and washouts that can block the road. But the biggest draw is the near-constant beauty of the desert, mountain, sea and ocean vistas and their illumination by brilliant blue skies and starry nights. The times here include necessary stops for petrol and army inspections; all cars and buses are searched at military checkpoints stationed between Tijuana and Ensenada (2); north of El Rosario; north of Guerrero Negro; north of San Ignacio; and north of La Paz.

Tijuana to Mexicali

Mexicali to San Felipe

San Felipe to Ensenada

Tijuana to Ensenada

Ensenada to San Quintín

San Quintín to El Rosario

El Rosario to Cataviña

Cataviña to Parador Punta Prieta

Parador Punta Prieta to Bahía de los Angeles

Parador Punta Prieta to Guerrero Negro

Guerrero Negro to San Ignacio

San Ignacio to Santa Rosalía

Santa Rosalía to Mulegé

Mulegé to Loreto

Loreto to Ciudad Insurgentes

Ciudad Insurgentes to La Paz

La Paz to Todos Santos

Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo

Many Americans and Canadians take their cars to Baja; despite the scary headlines when it comes to drug violence along the US-Mexico border, this is generally easy and safe. If you intend to go on from Baja to mainland Mexico, you need to apply for a Temporary Importation of Vehicle Permit (see

"). Car insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended. There are many companies along the US-Mexico border that sell Mexican car insurance by the day, week or month (most normal US insurance policies don’t provide coverage for driving in Mexico). Note also that in Tijuana, tinted windows are now banned. Other nationalities can always

on arrival – easy enough in Los Cabos or Tijuana.

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Baja California Travel

Your ultimate guide to baja mexico, baja california travel guide contents.

Quick Tips | Getting There | Top Destinations  |  Things to Do  |  Baja Tours  | Baja Blogs |  Baja Safety  | FAQ

Baja California travel guide

Where is baja california located.

Baja California Mexico, consists of two states that make up the Baja Peninsula on the country’s west coast — Baja California Sur (South) and Baja California (sometimes called Baja California Norte, or Baja North).

Baja California Mexico map

Baja Mexico Travel: Baja Sur vs Baja Norte

Baja California Sur is undoubtedly the more popular state for tourism — though both Baja states have things to offer.

In Baja Sur, the famous beaches of Los Cabos ( Cabo San Lucas  and  San Jose del Cabo ) and  La Paz  await! There’s also whale watching in winters, and the  pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns) of  Todos Santos and  Loreto .

In the northern Baja Mexico state , there’s  Valle de Guadalupe , AKA the “Napa Valley of Mexico,” and the lively beach towns like  Rosarito , Ensenada and Tijuana.

There are also calmer beach towns like Puerto Nuevo and San Felipe, the Tecate pueblo magico , beautiful Bahía Concepción (Bay of Conception), and Mulegé (pronounced mu-lay-he), an oasis town on the Gulf of California.

Baja California Mexico: Know before you go

• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• ⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6)
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best airport for Baja Mexico?

Los Cabos International Airport (code: SJD) and Tijuana International Airport (code: TIJ) are the two largest airports in Baja California Mexico, and the ones most visitors will use.

If you’re going to Baja California Sur state, opt for Los Cabos Airport, and for Baja California state, use Tijuana Airport. There are also a few other smaller airports you can use, like the ones listed below ⤵

✈️ Baja California Sur State

• Cabo San Lucas : Los Cabos International (code: SJD)
• San Jose del Cabo : Los Cabos International
• Todos Santos : Los Cabos International
• La Paz : La Paz International (code: LAP)
• Loreto : Loreto International (code: LTO)

✈️ Baja California State

• Tijuana : Tijuana Airport (code: TIJ)
• Ensenada : Tijuana International
• Rosarito : Tijuana International
• Valle de Guadalupe : Tijuana International

Top Baja California Travel Destinations

Los Cabos & Cabo San Lucas , Baja Sur Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican beach resort city on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. For decades now, it has been one of the top travel destinations in Mexico.

Just north, San Jose del Cabo , where the Cabo Airport is located, has a more chill vibe. Unlike Cabo San Lucas, this Baja beach town is known more for its art scene than its party scene.

Note: These two “cabos” are part of the Los Cabos Municipality.

La Paz, Baja Sur Mexico

La Paz has some of the best swimming beaches in Mexico outside of the Caribbean. As not all Baja beaches are great for swimming, La Paz stands out with its calm blue waters and soft white sand.

The best beaches in La Paz Mexico begin just outside of downtown, and continue for miles. Of them all, the undeniable star of the La Paz Mexico beach scene is picturesque Playa Balandra .

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja Mexico

Mexico has a few wine regions, though none more popular than Valle de Guadalupe, AKA The Napa of Mexico. It has about 100 vineyards and wineries — much more than Queretaro State , the second biggest Mexico wine region.

The closest beach town to Valle de Guadalupe is Ensenada Mexico . It is just two hours from the U.S.-Mexico border, and among the best party beach towns in Mexico and Baja.

Best places & things to do in Baja Mexico

There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in Baja California Mexico, one of the top vacation spots in Mexico.

The majority of them involve being in, on, or near the water — though there’s a lot to see in the surrounding deserts as well. Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Todos Santos

Cabo Arch & Playa del Amor

La Bufadora Blowhole

Magdalena Bay ( Gray Whales )

Cabo Pulmo National Park

Isla Espiritu Santo Island

Playa Balandra Beach

Best baja mexico tours.

Tours in Baja Mexico are a great way to see the peninsula — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Mexico, this is the best way to get around because transportation fees add up quickly! 💡 Note: If you do want to have a car in Baja, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Cabo .

Is Baja safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico.

In fact, the Baja Peninsula is one of the safest parts in Mexico — though some parts are safer than others — for example, you’ll want to exercise extra caution in Tijuana, which has good parts, and bad   parts . Now, that’s not to say bad things don’t happen in other parts of Baja; they do.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

A few places in Baja California are big party destinations, like  Cabo San Lucas , Tijuana and Ensenada , and safety can go out the window when there’s alcohol involved, so be mindful.

If you want to venture off the beaten path, do some research to make sure there aren’t any travel warnings where you’re headed — especially if you’re doing a Baja road trip .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Baja Blogs: Learn more about Mexico travel 🇲🇽

10 Best Cabo San Lucas Private Boat Tours in 2024

10 Best Cabo Fishing Charters and Tours in 2024

Renting a Car in La Paz Mexico: What to Know in 2024

Baja california travel: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in baja mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the best time to visit Baja Mexico?

With its desert climate, Baja is basically a year-round destination . Its weather is similar to that of San Diego, California — which is pretty much perfect all year long — so you can expect warm, sunny days, and cool, crispy nights on your trip.

There is a short Baja rainy season from about mid-July to September, but other than that, Baja is ideal all year.

For the best value: You’ll get the most bang for your buck in the summers, from July to September . This is the rainy season, but with its desert climate, it doesn’t rain too much in Cabo.

Besides the rains, it is quite humid in the summers, but if you don’t mind the non-ideal weather, you will enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds.

When is the Baja whale season?

Winter is the best time to see whales in Baja, Mexico — whether that’s the friendly gray whales in Magdalena Bay , or the giant humpback whales in Cabo Pulmo National Park near Cabo San Lucas.

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

• Our Partners

Baja California: Top 10 Places You Have to See

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip!

Page Contents

Baja California makes for an awesome road trip. One minute you are exploring the historic wine route , the next you are riding through the sonoran desert . It blesses you with fascinating ocean views, turquoise crystal clear waters and an abundance of fresh seafood anywhere you go.

Mexico could not have welcomed us in a nicer, warmer way than Baja California did. The dry, rugged desert landscape has so many hidden gems and there is a lot of marine life to explore for divers and snorkelers as well.

For more travel inspiration, also check out: TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO or watch our travels through Mexico on YouTube!

1. Wine Tasting in Baja California

Our first stop when crossing the US/Mexico border was Ensenada . It was merely a stop-over on our way south. Or so we thought! We actually ended up staying here for an entire week, completely unexpectedly. A whole week of delicious food and wine tasting.

Get a friendly local to show you around

We got super lucky with our couchsurfing host José. He was a winemaker , surfer and knew the best places to eat in town . And this very much sums up our week together! In the mornings we went to work together. Fiona learnt how to clean the barrels whilst José and I tasted all the wines. Unfortunately Fiona doesn’t drink alcohol but she loved our wine tasting week nonetheless 😉

Our work included checking the sulfate levels in the wine, adjusting them accordingly and checking on the grapes in the actual vineyard. Work finished pretty early and we always headed for some delicious seafood afterwards. Often it would be a very unassuming little food stand that we would have easily overlooked. Sometimes it was a restaurant. But no matter where we ate, we always ate very well . And after that we’d always head for the beach to try and catch some waves!

What to expect

If you want you can stay in one of the many vineyards. Just a heads up, the vineyard stays can get pretty pricey. If you are on a budget simply stay in Ensenada and take day trips from here. Organised tours are also pretty expensive. But it’s ever so easy to just ride around the ‘Ruta del Vino’ by yourself and stop off at the many vineyards. Those that offer tastings usually have a sign with opening hours.

Valle de Guadalupe is the more commercial part where you’ll find the boutique wineries that have put Baja on the world’s culinary map. If you are looking for a luxury stay, pick a winery around here. The lesser known parts of the historic wine route are: Valley de Santo Tomas, Valle de Grula and Valle de San Vincente. They are less touristy, cheaper and don’t have a commercial feel about them at all!

2. Sonoran Desert of Baja California

When travelling across Baja California you are almost certain to experience the Sonoran Desert. It covers most of Baja California! So you don’t have to go out of your way to find it. However, our absolutely favourite part was riding right through it shortly after leaving Ensenada and heading south on Highway 1 . It’s a paved highway that goes from Tijuana all the way south to Cabo San Lucas. Expect many potholes and many tyre repair shops scattered across. We saw mostly old, used car tyres on sale so I doubt you’ll find anything for your motorcycle 😉

We loved this part of our road trip. You’ll see cacti and desert all around you and very little traffic . In fact it’s also rare to find food places along the way that are actually open. There are many opportunities to take a dirt road running in parallel to the tarmac if you’re looking for some off-road riding. We had SO MUCH fun on those! After a couple of bike drops fully loaded and energy levels quite low in the scorching heat, we did rejoin the asphalt though. But experiencing the Sonoran Desert in this way was super fun!

3. Dunes of Soledad

The Dunas de Soledad lie about 6 miles north of Guerrero Negro . They are constantly moving and changing with the wind. There were very few people visiting when we were here and all the sand dunes around us looked completely untouched. The dunes are mostly white and seem to be melting into the pacific ocean. It is supposed to be particularly spectacular to visit at dusk or dawn but Fiona and I visited in the afternoon. We took a walk around the dunes, played around rolling off them and went for a dip in the sea before continuing our trip. We thought they made for a great visit to break up our journey south.

4. Bahía Concepción

Bahía Concepción is one of the largest bays in Baja California. We found it’s best to explore if you base yourself in the super cute oasis-like town of Mulegé . We used it as our base to do some beach hopping and explore the coast line.

Bahía Concepción is only about 20 miles south of Mulegé and features over 50 miles of beach. Some of the most popular beaches include : Playa Santispac, Playa Escondida, Playa Los Cocos, Playa El Coyote, Playa Buenaventura, Playa El Requeson, Playa Armenta.

Our absolute favourite beach day was hanging out at Playa El Requeson . The locals drive their car all the way onto the beach and set up camp for the day with a big picnic or BBQ. Local fishermen offer fresh seafood at small prices. We didn’t actually like that you could drive all the way onto the beach, but we appreciated that there were only locals here. We didn’t see any other tourists and it felt great experiencing a proper Mexican beach day!

Another reason I liked Playa El Requeson so much is that many of the beaches in Bahía Concepción are right next to the Highway. The colours of the sea are stunning and the desert like landscape with its cacti super pretty. But when you turn around and see the highway it does take away from it. You don’t see the highway from Playa El Requeson though. There is also another beach you can half walk, half swim to as the water is very shallow if you want an even quieter spot.

5. San Javier Mission in Baja California

We discovered the tiny town of San Javier by accident. We had just stopped in Loreto , a small but very cute town that breaks up the journey perfectly when heading to La Paz. Whilst enjoying a meal out, we got talking to locals who told us about it. It was a good hour ride uphill through the mountains to get there. The ride itself was truly stunning with winding roads through the dramatic Sierra de la Giganta range .

The highlight of San Javier is a visit of the Mission San Francisco Javier De Vigge-Biundo . It was founded in 1966 by Jesuits with the aim of converting Natives, the  Cochimí , to Christianity. It is one of the oldest and best preserved missions in Mexico and still in use as a church today.

The population of San Javier is only around 130 people. It is a tiny but charming little village. When we arrived we were quite surprised at how small this place was. You’ll arrive to a cobbled street which has some very basic accommodation, shop and small restaurants. The mission is the centerpiece of the town and located at the end of the cobbled street. That’s pretty much the entire town centre.

The highlight for us wasn’t so much the church itself but it was a fantastic ride and we felt like we had stepped back in time . If you are looking for a fun ride or if you want to find out something about Baja’s history, then come and visit San Javier.

6. Todos Santo

Todos Santos is a small town on the pacific coast founded by missionaries in the 18th century. What attracted us to visit was that it sounded like the perfect escape for artists , surfers and anyone trying to get away from the busy party vibe of Cabo San Lucas. It was exactly that!

The town is super cute with many galleries , boutique shops and cute coffee shops. Some of the restaurants are definitely pricey but you can be sure to find a regular cheap taco stand around the corner too. We couchsurfed here for a couple of nights with our host Lauren who took us surfing and showed us the best places to eat. We had an absolute blast together and met many of her local friends! Although we had a lovely stay I have to say there is a huge community of Expats here and sometimes it can definitely feel like it has lost its local touch. BUT it really depends where you go. We had a lovely time!

7. El Arco de los Cabos

The town of Cabo San Lucas was SUCH A LET DOWN for us. It was super touristy and although it has a fair share of luxury accommodation it also attracts lots of young people looking to party. You’ll get hassled every two seconds about a place to eat or a bar to visit. We disliked the vibe of the town so much we decided to skip it. BUT we first wanted to take a boat trip to see ‘El Arco de los Cabos’. It was busy but we are glad we didn’t skip this also.

The boat tours are all pretty standard. They take you to ‘Playa del Amor’ where you can get off the boat and swim to the beach through the ‘Sea of Cortez’ . From here you can walk onto the other side of the beach facing the Pacific Ocean. The water is much rougher here and we found the walk without flip flops very uncomfortable. The hot sand will literally burn your feet if you don’t walk fast enough. Maybe that’s why most people didn’t bother with it. It seemed everyone just wanted to stay around ‘Playa del Amor’ where the water is much calmer.

After the beach stop, our boat took us to ‘El Arco de los Cabos’ before heading back to the marina. The beaches were undeniably beautiful and what made the boat trip even more stunning where the dozens of rays jumping several feet up in the sky . We saw them throughout the entire trip (they are most commonly spotted in winter). We then stayed in San José del Cabo, a MUCH QUIETER option to Cabo San Lucas , where we even found a super nice jazz bar with live music in the main square.

8. Balandra Beach in Baja California Sur

We visited countless beaches during our road trip through Baja California. If I had to pick just one, my absolute favourite beach, I don’t have to think hard. It’s hands-down Balandra . It might have even been my favourite beach in Mexico altogether. It’s simply magical!

The crystal clear waters, white sand dunes and scenic view across the surrounding beaches and desert like landscape make this place so special! The water is super calm as the beach is sheltered and the colour of the water crystal clear turquoise. The water is also very shallow making it possible to walk to the surrounding beaches.

Fiona and I did just that. We packed our waterproof bag and walked 40 min. to the beach directly opposite of Balandra . We had it all to ourselves and enjoyed our little picnic. During our week stay in La Paz (waiting for our ferry across to the mainland) we returned many times. Most of the time we stayed on the main beach but we walked to the very end of it which was less busy.

9. Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is super remote, tranquil and offers some of the best snorkelling spots around. Worlds apart from Cabo San Lucas, you won’t find much entertainment here. Cabo Pulmo is for those wanting to reconnect with mother nature! We found a basic, little AirBnB next to a diving resort and were told to expect the electricity to cut out any minute. And sure enough it did. We weren’t camping at that point but it’s a perfect spot for wild camping . There are no tarmac roads here – expect lots of washboard and loose sand!

The best thing about Cabo Pulmo is how undeveloped the beaches are. We found many beaches with mexican families and the perfect set up for a day on the beach with picnic and BBQ of course. Perhaps a little food stand near the parking lot at most. Then other beaches would be completely empty and untouched. You can easily find a beach all to yourself here!

10. Espiritu Santo Island

Espiritu Santo Island is a National Park and UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. You can easily arrange a tour from La Paz to go diving and snorkelling around the surrounding reefs. One of the best times to visit is without a doubt from October to February during Whale Shark season . The tours can be quite pricey from 100 USD upwards but it’s one of the best things to do in Baja California. Depending on when you visit you can see dolphins , sharks , rays , turtles , sea lion , herons and countless other fish and birds. Punta Baja is a reputable tour operator with top reviews!

Unfortunately Fiona and I visited Baja California off-season and therefore we didn’t take the tour as we already knew we had some top notch diving spots a bit later on in our trip, for example in Belize. Our friends visited some months later and got to swim with whale sharks. We heard from many other travellers that this was a highlight of their Baja California trip too. So although we didn’t take the tour, we had to make sure to include it so you don’t miss out if you are visiting in the right season!

If we had to pick the absolute highlight of our trip to Baja California we would seriously struggle. We look back at it as a super fun road trip that had a lot to offer. From delicious seafood , to wine tasting , surfing , snorkeling and scenic ocean views and crystal clear waters! What made it wasn’t a single destination, but the road trip itself!

Hopefully this blog-post will provide you with some insight as to what to expect from a trip to Baja California. Have you already been to Baja California? What is your favourite spot? If you have any questions, suggestions or tips then please share them below. We’d love to hear from you 🙂

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I went to Baja California back in the middle of May of 2021, driving mi dodge pick up 2001, from Phoenix to Los Cabos, round trip in nine days. Nice drive all the way, I know what you are talking about. Next year my wife and I, want to go to Guerrero Negro, to see the Wales.

Ahhh … Guerrero Negro is lovely but we too were not in season for the Wales … but we also would love to return one day 🙂

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

Glad you found the article useful 🙂

We’ve been driving to Baja for 20 years. It’s been discovered and then some. Not sure when you were there but it’s so busy everywhere now that we hesitate to keep going. Articles like yours only had to the crowds.

I’m very happy for you that you were able to enjoy a different side of Baja. And yes places like La Paz, Cabo de San Lucas etc. are super touristy but if you ride through Baja California independently as we do on two motorbikes you can still discover a lot of untouched beauty. I am not sure if I agree with the statement that people shouldn’t go anymore because it has become to busy. The article is supposed to share with people what we have enjoyed most with some useful tips!

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La huasteca potosina: this is mexico's best kept secret, adv_travelbug.

13 Thrilling Things To Do In Ensenada, Mexico

L ocated on the Baja California Peninsula, Ensenada is a bustling port city just 80 miles south of San Diego. It’s regularly frequented by Californians seeking a taste of Mexican culture. 

Ensenada has been drawing in Americans and cruise ship visitors for decades. This is thanks to its incredible marine life, picture-perfect downtown area, live traditional Mexican music, and an array of wineries in Guadalupe Valley .

With so much to see and do here, we’ve put together some highlights to assist in your planning. Read on for the best things to do in Ensenada, Mexico.

My husband Greg and I love going down to Ensenada, either as a quick day trip or for a weekend getawa y. Just about 1.5 hours away from San Diego, yet you feel like you are a world away. Perfect for a little mini-vacation.

Top Things To Do In Ensenada, Mexico

Explore the shops along avenida lopez mateos.

An absolute must-see, and a wonderful place to kick start your journey, is Avenida Lopez Mateos.

Avenida Lopez Mateos is a charming street in the downtown Ensenada area. It’s brimming with quaint shops selling art, jewelry, and unique trinkets.

Spend an afternoon strolling this famous street, enjoying fresh seafood al fresco, and recharging with a coffee. All while soaking up traditional live music. 

Treat Yourself To Some Amazing Food

While rambling down Avenida Lopez Mateos, you might stumble upon the iconic La Guerrerense food cart .

Serving up mouth-watering tostadas made with fresh local fish, La Guerrerense is a family affair. The food cart began in the 1960s and has won many awards over the years.

This small street food stall has become one of the most sought-after places to eat in Ensenada.

Their most famous dish is the sea urchin ceviche and clam tostada, yum!

Unsurprisingly, the delicious seafood is the star of the show in this coastal destination. A trip to Baja California would not be complete without trying Baja fish tacos.

These fried fish delights are found throughout the city and will keep you returning for more and more after your first sample. 

While the Ensenada sights are a big draw to the area, it’s the food that keeps people coming back.

Sip On Fine Wines At Guadalupe Valley

With almost 90% of Mexico’s wine coming from this region, you best believe Guadalupe Valley is a wine-lovers paradise.

Over 120 wineries can be found here, the only hard part is narrowing down which of the many vineyards to visit. 

Also Read: Best Wineries in Guadalupe Valley Best Hotels in Valle de Guadalupe

We’ve rounded up some of the area’s finest Guadalupe wine-tasting tours below:

Guadalupe Valley Wine Route Tour In Baja California: Visit Baja California’s oldest winery as part of this tour, along with three other wineries. Along the way you’ll learn all about the wine-making process and sample some of the products, if you wish. This tour also includes a stop at the Wine Museum of Baja California.

Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: Roam around four acclaimed wineries with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. One of the vineyards you’ll visit has been in business for 90 years!

Xecue Wine Tasting In The Guadalupe Valley: If you prefer to spend time sipping a variety of wines while relaxing, this tour is for you. Learn about and sample five different wines with a beautiful vineyard as your backdrop.

Check Out La Bufadora

While in Ensenada, be sure to visit La Bufadora Blowhole. You can read our full guide on how to plan a visit to La Bufadora here.

This famous spectacle is one of Ensenada’s most famous attractions and is located just 25 minutes from downtown.

Thought to be the second largest among marine geysers in the world, visitors have been flocking to La Bufadora to witness water shoot up over 100 feet into the air for years. Let us tell you, it’s a wonderful thing to witness. 

Check out some of the fantastic La Bufadora tours below:

La Bufadora Tour In Baja California: Spend a few hours exploring La Bufadora and shopping for crafts at a local market with this 4 hour guided tour. You’ll also stop by a hotel where the world-famous margarita cocktail was invented!

Scenic La Bufadora, Flea Shopping, And Tequila Private Tour: For those seeking a little more privacy and flexibility during their visit, this private tour is for you. It requires at least four people and can be customized to add in extra stops.

Las Canadas Ecopark And La Bufadora Private Tour: If you’re looking to get the most out of your visit to La Bufadora, you’ll enjoy this private tour. The tour includes a few hours at the Las Canadas Ecopark, where you can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Even partake in zip lining if you wish.

Go Horseback Riding On The Beach

Head to the seaside and enjoy an afternoon of horseback riding along one of the area’s many gorgeous beaches.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Ensenada, and a must on many visitors’ to-do lists. 

Some great tours include:

Authentic Horseback Riding Experience in Beautiful La Mision: All experience levels are welcome on this scenic adventure. Tours start and finish at a local ranch where you can also visit dogs, donkeys, goats, and sheep. Photos and videos of your experience are included in the package.

Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole And La Bufadora Tour With Horseback Riding: If you’re short on time during your stay in Ensenada, this tour combining La Bufadora and horseback riding will be perfect. Ride along Playa La Loya before hitting the local market and the famous blowhole.

Private Horseback And La Bufadora Shore Excursion: Those who prefer a quieter tour will love this 4-5 hour adventure. It combines horseback riding on a tranquil beach and a visit to La Bufadora. The nature of this tour also allows for some flexibility and additional stops.

Visit Museo De Historia

Learn about Baja California’s interesting history with a stop at the Museo De Historia. Explore the museum’s many exhibits across seven rooms, with displays containing information about the local Indigenous people and how the city has evolved over the years.

Be sure to pick up a booklet on your way in. This will provide English translations of the display information. 

Museo De Historia is pretty small in size. A tour usually takes around an hour, depending how fast you soak up the information. Of course, you can stay around for as long as you like.

Chill Out At Parque De La Bandera

No trip to Ensenada would be complete without a visit to the Parque De La Bandera.

The name actually translates to Flag Park , thanks to its huge, Instagram-famous Mexican flag. The flag is so large, it can be seen flying high from many parts of the city. 

One of the most popular things to do at the park is to enjoy the dramatic fountains.

This is where you can find an exciting light and water show around nighttime. The show usually starts at 8:00 pm, and is definitely worth checking out during your visit.

Pay A Visit To The Caracol Museo De Ciencias

Caracol Museo De Ciencias is another favorite among families visiting Ensenada. The museum was constructed to resemble a massive ship and is, not surprisingly, situated near the harbor. 

At Caracol Museo De Ciencias, you’ll learn all about Baja’s wildlife. Visitors can explore the fascinating observatory, understand how climate change is affecting the planet, and read about dinosaur fossils found in the area.

One of our favorite parts was the earthquake simulator. Here you can experience what an earthquake feels like in the museum’s unique simulator! 

Stroll Along The Malecon

If you plan to explore Parque De La Bandera, be sure to visit the park’s gorgeous boardwalk, called the Malecon. 

The Malecon is one of Ensenada’s best-loved spots for both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to soak up the Baja sunshine, sample delicious Mexican cuisine, and sip on a refreshing local beer or margarita. 

Keep an eye out for the famous golden busts of three key figures from Mexico’s rich history: Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, and Venustiano Carranza.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

One thing you have to do while in Ensenada is hit the waters for some deep-sea fishing. Whether you’re a professional or a novice, you’ll have an absolute blast.

Join your captain to go fishing for various fish species like barracudas, white sea bass, yellowtail, rock cod, and many others.

With some luck, you may also spot dolphins, seals, or even sea lions.

Below are some popular tours in the area:

Carnival Deep Sea Fishing: Suitable for anyone over the age of eight, this fun expedition takes you far out to sea for a whole five hours. The captain will take you to areas with the best chance of finding your catch. Snacks are included with each booking, and you’ll be in the company of professionals who know the open Pacific Ocean better than anyone else.

Sergio’s Sportfishing Centre: There are a couple tour options you can pick from at Sergio’s Sportfishing Centre. These include private excursions and open tours, plus the hugely popular whale-watching boat rides, for those visiting from December to April.

Pila’s Sportfishing: Offering a variety of chartered boat options, you’ll have plenty of choices for a fun deep-sea fishing adventure. Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon, or a party out at sea, tailor your journey based on your group’s interests.

Visit Las Cañadas Park

An essential for thrill-seekers visiting Baja Norte, ziplining at Las Canadas Park is the perfect activity for anyone seeking an adrenaline kick. As you fly high through the skies, take in incredible views of lush forests and majestic mountains. At Las Cañadas, you can also go horseback riding, ATV-tours, and enjoy a water park. The best part? You can camp there as well (or rent a cabin or even a tipi). Such a fun place for the whole family to have an incredible time!

See some of the fantastic tours available below:

Las Canadas Canopy Tour In Ensenada: Jump across five hanging bridges and catch some air time on this exciting 1 hour experience. Meet your guide and group at the park, around 30 minutes from downtown.

Las Canadas Eco Park And La Bufadora Private Tour: Ideal for a family day out, this private tour will allow you to explore Las Canadas Park and La Bufadora in one day.

Take In Some Views On A Hike

Ensenada is blessed with picturesque hiking routes, and options for all fitness levels, interests, and timeframes. 

Some of fantastic hiking routes include:

Cascada El Salto: At just over 2 miles roundtrip, this hike takes less than an hour to complete. The exciting hike will lead you through a beautiful canyon and waterfall.

Punta Brava: A short, but moderately challenging route, this hiking trail takes you out to the Pacific Ocean. Here you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking seascapes you’ve ever seen. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you fancy a splash in the water.

Valle De Guadalupe Aguas Termales Y Ruinas: This popular route is just under 4 miles round trip and a fairly easy route. Stops throughout include hot springs and water ponds.

Mezcal And Tequila Tasting Tour

When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do and enjoy the famous mezcal and tequila.

You’ll find a huge selection of these beverages in bars and restaurants throughout Ensenada, but the best way to sample is through a tasting tour.

Learn all about Mexico’s most famous spirits while sampling some for yourself. It’s probably best you leave the car at your hotel for the day.

If you’re a tequila-lover wondering what to do in Ensenada, this should definitely be a consideration.

Below is a popular tequila tasting tour in Ensenada:

Mezcal, Tequila, And Ceviches Guided Tasting Tour: Taste three mezcals and three tequilas as part of this tour. Come knowing nothing and leave an expert; that’s what it’s all about.

Go Off-Road On An ATV Adventure

Get off the beaten path and explore Ensenada’s countryside on an exhilarating ATV tour.

Many of these tours explore the Guadalupe Valley area, where you can combine off-road travels with a winery visit (no driving after). 

See some of the exciting tours available below:

ATV Off-Road Adventure Through Valle De Guadalupe And Winery Visit: Drive through scenic landscapes and vineyards on this tour. Followed by a stop at one of the area’s fabulous wineries.

Off-Road Tour Experience Plus Winery Visit: Explore Baja California’s wine country and its incredible views, while stopping at two wineries for some yummy tastings.

Sunset Off-Road Experience: Take ATVs up to a mesmerizing viewpoint, and soak up the jaw-dropping vistas as the sun goes down, on this evening adventure.

Spend The Day At Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park

Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park is hugely popular with avid hikers. Not to mention visitors hoping to switch off and relax during their time in Ensenada.

Take on rewarding trails, photograph unbelievable landscapes, go mountain biking, and come in contact with various forms of nature. That’s what Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park is all about.

That wraps up our list of top things to do in Ensenada, Mexico. No wonder this has been a hot spot for Californians seeking a quick weekend away, without going too far.

There’s nothing hold you back, it’s time to embark on your Mexican adventure just south of the border.

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Maria Haase

The post 13 Thrilling Things To Do In Ensenada, Mexico appeared first on San Diego Explorer .