So Im going to leave the exact days and time spent at each destination up to you. The best places to rent a car are from three airports around the state, as you wont be able to get one in many of the smaller towns. This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. I was thinking about a Baja trip, which would have been the best way to visit the region, especially because there are so many beautiful corners that public transportation is useless. We dont like to be on the move every single day and believe it takes us at least 2+ days to get a good feel for a place. Somebody was waiting for her at the departure and she handed over the car. Where To Stay: Rosarito Hotel or Hotel 1697. To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! Best known as a scuba diving town, divers come here from all over the world to dive in one of the only coral reefs in North America. This is a laid-back colonial gema true 180 from the Cabo atmosphere! Well, then youve got time to see a lot more. More simply stated, this is Bajas lively party and resort area. The white sand beaches of these coves paired with the bright blue waters are considered some of the best in all of Baja. La Palapa: The largest and most reliable restaurant, open breakfast to dinner, amazing prawn tacos, Los Tornados: Good breakfast option, with Mexican specialities and hot coffee, Titos: Serving up classic Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Swim under the Cascada Sol de Mayo, a short hike will lead you to the base of the falls, Soak in the thermal waters of the Santa Rita Hot Springs, Get an aerial view of the Santiago oasis and lush palm trees from Mirador Santiago de Yala, Explore the tiny town of Santiago, its main plaza and picturesque church, Get deeper into the mountains at Rancho Ecologio Refugio for more hiking, swimming holes and waterfalls, Churros y Elotes: A classic Mexican food stall in the main square serving up elotes (corn) and churros, Palomar: the largest restaurant in town, and the go-to spot for day tours, Taqueria la Cascada: All the usual tacos, burritos, quesadillas etc. Also, having a car in Baja California is more practical because the local transportation is not reliable if you want to reach the most interesting areas. Each and every street is unique and photogenic in its own way, so take the time to wander them (even the quiet ones) on foot. Keep your gas tank always half full at least, so you dont risk running out. But the most spectacular view is one of the dolphins that will surround your boat. We decided to take it slow and explore all the beaches in Bahia Conception. Here is where you need to be more careful as there are a lot of unexpected curves and thats where the goats are hiding and suddenly getting in your way. Our friend Maurizio went back to the north as he wanted to explore further that area and see whales again from other locations. Pronounced moo-leh-hey, Mulege is a small town in the northeastern part of the state. Dont miss the chance to grab some local cuisine in one of the restaurants within the picturesque plaza! BEAUTIFUL BLOG ABOUT YOUR ROADTRIP IN BAJA. Surrounded by farmland and stunning desert mountains, this dusty little town offers a laidback atmosphere, a great food scene and of course one of the best beaches in this part of Baja. Born and raised in Italy, I have been living in many different countries for 4 years and in Cancun Mexico for 7 until in 2017 I decided to leave my office job and explore the world, with lots of bags and a camera. Take a stroll on the Malecon, get a coffee in one of the cafes in the plaza, and peek into the various local art shops. Road Trip Planner: Explore Mexico's Baja California Sur For decades, this was the only paved road up and down the peninsula, making it the classic road trip for visitors wanting to explore everything that Baja has to offer. Most major airlines fly directly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San Jose del Cabo. We started our Baja California Sur road trip in the south of the state, at the Los Cabos International Airport. Here are my tips: DONT travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August. You will also enjoy great food and live music in local restaurants. This Baja California Sur road trip itinerary is going to focus on the destinations you should visit and the route you should take. Its filled with all our best tips and advice, and beautiful photos to excite and inspire you ahead of your trip to this incredible part of Mexico! Part of the famous Los Cabos resort area, San Jose del Cabo is the quieter, more sophisticated sibling to wild Cabo San Lucas. If you have some extra time in the Todos Santos area during dinner time, head on over to Las Tunas, the next town over. There arent any hostels as such, or any fancy resorts, but there are plenty of affordable, private accommodations both in town and at the beach. Accommodation in Mulege is comfortable but simple. Baja California Sur stretches some 1,150 miles south of Los Angeles and offers unique and worthwhile experiences. Eventually, I went back to Baja California two years later and did a long road trip in Baja California Sur for 14 days all alone and it was a blast. The small town of Todos Santos is a magnet for artists, creatives, surfers and hippy types. The great thing about this beach is that the sand is soft, meaning if you fall off your board, you wont get all scratched up. But this is no ordinary whale watching experience. If youre looking for some new home decor, a new leather bag, or silver jewelry, this is the place to get it! I think Baja California Sur would be an amazing place for a trip with your daughter, and we never felt unsafe at all. Driving time from Cabo Pulmo to Santiago: 1 hour. Loreto is a wonderful little historical town, proclaimed by the Mexican tourism association as one of the Pueblos Magicos, a title granted to towns that have preserved their local heritage, culture, and history. The East Cape is a hidden destination thats definitely worth a visit if youre looking for a tranquil yet exciting beach vacation! Its a 3 hours excursion where you do 3 snorkeling stops, the last one being with the funny sea lions. Sitting at the midpoint between La Ribera and Miraflores is the little town of Santiago. (The Four Seasons has already set up shop here, with their new propertyFour Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmasso you know its real. Miraflores is also known for itspitahayaharvesting season. On that portion of the road, we also found in the middle of nowhere a real village made of beautiful small houses, a hostel, one hotel and one restaurant. Cabo Pulmo is a great place also for birdwatchers. Historically, this is where the Spanish conquerors landed on the peninsula for the first time and founded their missions. At this point in the Baja California Sur road trip, the distances become much greater, and you will spend a lot more time in the car than you have been until now. Good luck deciding everywhere is beautiful!! How silly of us to think that. No matter where you are though, be prepared for unexpected curves where cows and goats may be hanging out. The tour will take you to one of its spectacular deserted beaches washed by an unrealistic turquoise sea. This is the most common entry point for international travellers, so theres a good chance you will be flying in here. The isolated and remote stretch of coastline between San Jose del Cabo in the west and Cabo Pulmo in the east is known as Cabo Este, or East Cape. In fact, around 11 am we were on the road. Common leather goods include belts, wallets, bags, shoes, huaraches, and saddles. The first time I went to Baja California for a house and pet sitting assignment, which is my favorite way to travel now, I get to stay for a long time in a place living like a local and surrounded by furry friends. As one of Mexicos major tourism destinations, Cabo is home to lots of hotels and resorts spanning all budgets, spas, bars and restaurants, golf courses, and more. This up-and-coming area is starting to expand, so over the next few years, prepare for an influx in tourism! Cabo Pulmo is a very renowned destination for divers and snorkelers, because of the incredible wealth of marine life, and whale watching. It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). I knew I wouldnt have liked it and I didnt. Accommodation in Santiago is extremely limited. A spectacular deserted area with amazing trails and hidden oasis, and even a hot spring. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Its located in the main plaza surrounded by restaurants and travel agency where you can check out for your tour to see the blue whales. Mc Fisher: A range of fish and seafood tacos, seen on Netflixs Taco Chronicles, Doce Cuarenta: For amazing coffee roasted on-site, and delicious pastries and bread, Explore the charming historic centre and stroll along the seaside Malecon, Visit the San Javier Mission, hidden deep in the desert, Spot the largest animal in the world on a blue whale-watching tour, Visit Isla Coronado, a stunning volcanic island in the Bay of Loreto, Birria El Valle: Cheap, juicy and delicious birria tacos, El Rey del Taco: A Loreto icon for fish and prawn tacos, with a great salad bar, Asadero Sper Burro: Juicy, tender steak in your choice of tacos, burritos and papa rellenas, El Caloron: All kinds of seafood tacos with waterfront views over the Malecon, La Route: Amazing coffee in the perfect location inside the plaza, Visit the historic Mision Santa Rosalia de Mulege and get the iconic view of the Rio Mulege surrounded by palm trees, Wander around Muleges small centre with just a handful of one-way streets, a small plaza and a church, and dont miss the Museo de Mulege, Sample some vino at Vinedo Heroica Mulege, a small winery located just outside the centre of Mulege, Hit the beach at Bahia Concepcion, a stunning bay with over 12 beautiful beaches, Explore the La Trinidad cave paintings with a local guide, Mulege Brewing Company: A craft brewery with pizzas, burgers and classic pub snacks, Food Stalls in Jardin Corona: There are a number of stalls in the central plaza with cheap, local food, Restaurant Bar Los Equipales: All day Mexican staples, Berthas Restaurant: Right on the beach at Playa El Burro in Bahia Concepcion, Stroll the colourful streets of the charming historic centre, Release a baby sea turtle into the ocean at sunset, Take a walk along one of the golden, empty beaches, Watch the sunset each evening on the beach, Santo Chilote: Unique and delicious flavours of fish and shrimp tacos, El Poblano: Best pastor and asada tacos and burritos, 5 Tacos and a Beer: 5 tacos and a beer for 150 pesos in a cute setting in Las Tunas, Tacos la Pacea: A cheap food stall dishing up fish and shrimp tacos, Doce Cuarenta Coffee House: Amazing coffee and caf-style meals in a huge industrial-style warehouse, Go surfing at one of Mexicos best surf breaks, board rentals and lessons are available on the beach, Check out the local farmers markets and stock up on locally grown produce, Laze on Cerritos Beach and take advantage of vendors renting lounges, massages, drinks and snacks, Enjoy sunset drinks and a bonfire at Pura Playa Beach Bar, Barracuda Cantina: Featured on Netflixs Taco Chronicles for their incredible fish tacos, Carnitas Miguels: An unassuming local spot serving up juicy carnitas (Mexican style pulled pork) tacos, Petit Leon: A cute French bakery where you can buy gourmet items for a DIY picnic, or grab ready-made sandwiches or pastries, Noah Sushi: Gourmet sushi restaurant hidden away down a backstreet, Pura Playa: Delicious cocktails and banging charcuterie boards, Get a water taxi to the iconic El Arco and hang out on Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, Hunt out the best local tacos on a street food tour, Soak up the sun, sea and sand at one of Cabos many beaches, Explore the less-visited downtown Cabo San Lucas, with quieter, more local streets, Los Claros: Best seafood tacos with an epic salad bar, Taqueria el Paisa: Mouthwatering al pastor and asada tacos, La Lupita: On the fancier side, but a great venue and delicious tacos, Taqueria el Zarape: Cheap, juicy late night tacos. Welcome to the cuter Cabo. Ray, an old Kiwi, Hi Ray, youre not quite from my Aussie neck of the woods, but close enough! Yes, you do! The downtown area is speckled with independent boutiques, lifestyle clothing shops, and vintage stores. Cabo San Lucas is the wild part of the Los Cabos region, a raucous resort city in the south of the state. Even if it is an unpaved road any car can drive there with no issue. For a future trip! There are various tour companies that lead half-day or even full-day tours to Cabo Pulmo, including snorkeling adventures and scuba diving tours. You can also tour the Misin Nuestra Seora del Pilar de Todos Santos (Mission of Our Lady of del Pilar of All Saints) that was built in 1733. Keep enjoying, eat some tacos for me, I still dream about the asada tacos from Rancho Viejo in La Paz! The road ahead stretches 1,063 miles, beginning at the Mexican . This article may contain affiliate / compensated links, that may earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. La Ribera is great for exploring nature, horseback riding, ATVing, snorkeling, beaching, and fishing. Too bad my trip was interrupted by Covid, otherwise, it would have been 15 days. This is in my opinion the place where you can experience the bestwhale watching in Mexico. If you were in the USA, Id typically recommend going with insurance provided by your credit card. , Hey Anthony, I think you would be right with La Paz! Enjoy, and I would love to hear your thoughts post trip! You need to get to the marina park the car in the main shopping center and get to the harbor where tour reps are waiting for you to sell you the trip. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. This little fishing village is the kind of place where you can oh so very easily get off the grid! If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa. Alternatively, theres also Isla Espiritu Santo, one of the 244 islands that form a UNESCO biosphere reserve, world-renowned for its overwhelming marine life diversity. Sally xx. From there, head outdoors! Baja California road trip is one of North America's best routes. If you are looking for something more intimate than the hustle and bustle Cabo San Lucas offers, youll love the small-town charm of Los Barriles. However, during the trip, you will be delighted by the spectacular sights of hundreds of dolphins flipping and swimming around the boat. the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. You can reach the lagoon on your own. The timing was also perfect because we were in full whale season, where the gray whales and other species would be passing by the coast of Baja California. Otherwise, you can stay at some of the ranches out of town. Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals. Throw in a beautifully preserved Jesuit mission, a charming centro, and easy access to some of the states most impressive beaches, and Mulege is one stop you cant miss on your Baja California Sur road trip. Technically part of the small agricultural town El Pescadero, Cerritos Beach is an up-and-coming destination just outside of Todos Santos. HEY THERE ! Baja California Sur, on the other hand, consists of towns like Loreto, La Paz, and Todos Santos. The plan was to reach Todos Santos before dark. Definitely a not-to-be-missed destination while exploring Baja California Sur. Too many big hotels and too crowded beaches. Youll have to be sure to drive slow when you see those yellow signs warning of animal crossings! We think this is a better choice than Los Barriles, with much more attractive surroundings, and more activities for non-kiters. Check it out if you are planning a road trip in Baja California too. Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price? Another popular surfing spot nearby is Playa San Pedrito. Sure, everyone knows of Cabo San Lucas, but BCS is so much more than that. May 26, 2022 Baja California Sur is a magical place that not many make time to explore. Dont miss Calle Benito Juarez, the main street with busy restaurants and stores galore. It was too cold to swim, but the scene was extremely delightful and the sun was warm enough to enjoy laying on the beach for a while. It is quite a while away from other areas though (4 + hours from La Paz). But even if youre not into tequila shots or all-inclusive resorts, there is some stunning scenery here. The Ultimate San Francisco To Portland Road Trip: 50+ Stops You Need To Make In Between, Complete Guide to Revealing The Priceline Express Deals Hotel Before You Book, The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel, Patagonia Outlet: Everything You Need To Know About The Shopping Experience, The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation, The Nike Employee Store: How To Get In and What To Expect (Beaverton, Oregon). If I were you, I would get quotes from all of these companies and go with the one that provides you with the best quote and all the car features youre looking for. Its a very relaxing stop compared to other super-touristy destinations like Cabo San Lucas. Thanks a lot! Located on the west coast of Baja California Sur, this sheltered bay in the Pacific Ocean provides a haven for grey whales to mate, give birth and escape the cold winter Arctic waters. We saw plenty of people attempting it in compact rental cars, and whilst it probably would be fine, the condition of the road can change frequently. While exploring the town on foot, itll be hard to ignore the brightly colored souvenir shops selling everything from rugs to leather goods, and textiles to ceramics. Alright, once youve picked up your car, youll need to begin driving! During our Baja California Sur road trip, we spent some time in La Paz swimming with whale sharks. Here is our itinerary with other suggestions on the different places with the hope it will be helpful to make your own. If you happen to be there early in the day, you can make time to explore the beach. Beginner to kite surfing? 5 Comments In this post, I am talking about my first road trip to Baja California Sur. Things work a little differently here, and its always better to be safe than sorry. This region has long been a haven for nomads, surfers, travelers, and artists looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the USA and Mexico. There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. The best way to explore Baja California is by renting a car and in this post, I will share my 10-day road trip itinerary in Baja California Sur, including the most exciting things to do and places to see. For my trip, I ended up renting with Los Cabos Family Rental Cars. You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. We have arrived right before the dark to San Ignacio, which was our goal. With full coverage insurance, if something were to go wrong, all youd need to do is show your coverage to the local police and contact your rental car company. Another option is the La Paz International Airport (LAP). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to the TWE newsletter get first dibs on travel tips, updates, and exclusive deals! I was lucky enough to meet some professional birders who let me join their birdwatching walk one morning, just outside the village. We advised the day before that she would have been there by 6 am. By all means, you can change it according to your interests. If youve dreamed of seeing baby sea turtles up close, Todos Santos is going to really make your dreams come true. Take things easy and stay open to sudden inconveniences and changes and never lose the cool if things didnt go as we planned. Driving time from Loreto to Mulege: 2 hours, *We visited Mulege as a day trip from Loreto, but a big regret for us was not staying a few nights at the nearby Bahia Concepcion on one of Bajas most spectacular beaches. We've got two Baja road trips that we're going to recommend. I recommend checking on Discover cars because it allows you to compare prices from different car rentals. Playa Los Cerritos is located about 20 minutes south of Todos Santos and is well-known for its strong surf and massive waves. I believe 6 to 7 is the maximum number, especially if you want to take pictures. Head from San Jose del Cabo to Santiago (1 hour), and then from Santiago to Cabo Pulmo (1 hour). Accommodation in Cabo Pulmo is basic and limited. If you have to cut out one stop on your Baja California Sur road trip, we would suggest Los Barriles (in our own personal opinion!). By the time we were in the right spot, 2 whales came around our boat and never left us. The other thing you need to keep in mind is that you might get to the lagoon and not be able to go out on the boat because of the wind and the rough sea. WE WERE TRAVELING WITH OUR DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS ONE YEAR OLD IN MEXICO CITY, AND WE FELT PRETTY SAFE THERE. We headed to San Jose al Cabo where we had the tip for a restaurant, in the premises of an organic farm,Los Tamarindos. Now is the time to drive back south and you can decide whether you want to end your trip in La Paz or in Todos Santos. your obversations. I would absolutely love to hear your opinions after returning to Baja, and what you think has changed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at zero cost for you. Cabo Pulmo is a dusty little town hidden down the end of a long, bumpy road in the southeast corner of Baja California Sur. We went with a company called Kuyma one of the oldest companies operating there. Pro Tip: If youre from the USA, you dont need an international drivers license to rent a car in Mexico. Even the water in the sea was calm and very shallow with boats anchored offshore looking as if they were sinking. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. On the first day, you will arrive at Los Cabos Airport, but you will skip the city and after picking up your car rental, you will drive to San Jose al Cabo, where you will spend the first night. Coronado Island is one of the many islands located right off the coast of Loreto Bay. The blue ocean and the red rocky desert dotted with thousands of green cacti offer a spectacular contrast and overwhelming views that captivate any nature lovers and photographers. In this post, I am talking about my first road trip to Baja California Sur. Sally. Start at Poke Loko for ultra-Tulum vibes and poke bowls/pizza that are as beautiful as they are delicious. This post shares our quintessential Baja California Sur road trip itinerary, including 13 amazing destinations across the state, and where to eat, stay and play in each of them. Magdalena Bay is less of a destination in itself, and more of a jumping point for one of the most incredible travel experiences you will ever have. This Baja California Sur road trip was a dream come true for me. There is also the option to add a customised Google Map that has over 200 locations pinned by category, allowing you to easily visualise our recommendations across the state. We stretched our rule not to drive in the dark and decided to get to the lovely town of Mulege where we have arrived right after sunset, found a modest hotel where to stay, and head out to walk around town and had something to eat. Thank you so much for all of this information! On the way to the island, you will make a snorkeling stop to swim with the funny sea lion. Once youre done exploring the historical charm of the town, its time to engage in the natural wonders of Loreto! Driving time from Magdalena Bay to Loreto: 2.5 hours. One of Mexicos best surf destinations, Cerritos Beach has exploded in popularity in recent years. Get your snorkeling gear because its more hygienic, and a dry bag so you can take your belonging with you while you are having fun in the water. Every now and then we bumped into beautiful villas right on the beach. Youll be driving on a well-maintained highway until you get inside the towns, which may then turn into a mixture of dirt and paved roads, depending on where you plan on visiting. We wanted to understand why. Baja California Sur Road Trip (Mexico) - Episode 853 . They were even featured on Netflixs Taco Chronicles! I saw little of Cabo San Lucas, but enough to say its not my type of place. Unsubscribe at any time. Generally speaking, the roads in Baja are fairly good. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens I am covered. It will be wonderful to share such a special place with your daughters. 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