A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that shes proud to call home. Bike In and Around La Paz 10. One of the main reasons why travelers should visit Ensenada is its stunning coastline. Located in Baja California in Mexico, San Javier Mission is a popular Spanish missionary church in the middle of the Sierra de La Giganta mountain range. Overall, you shouldnt be afraid of doing this road trip because Baja California is safe and tourist-friendly. You may also find ferry services from Topolobampo or Mazatlan. 5 places to visit in Baja California Sur - Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Questions about Baja California Mexico? You can check my Valle de Guadalupe guide in this blog for more ideas, but most vineyards already have hotels and accommodations. Although the place remains warm for most of the year, winters may get cold and chilly. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Make sure you bring a camera with you and wear sunscreen lotion. 6 of my friends will be attending the Baja Beach fest near Papas and Beer in August and were concerned with the drive from Rosarito back to Las Gaviotas at night. Its better to take a rental car to avoid attention and dont do anything stupid that the police will put their attention to you. 10 Fun Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas from | Expedia You might be driving from the USA or Canada to go down to Los Cabos, and in this itinerary, I will give you a few stops that you need to see in Baja Norte. All rights reserved. 12 Must-See Destinations on a Baja Motorcycle Trip Rosarito Beach is a Mexican resort town thats about 30 minutes south of San Diego. Some of Mexicos prettiest towns are called Pueblos Mgicos, or Magical Towns. And I had to rush because wine tastings during low season are only until 4:00 PM. There are so many activities to do in Loreto that you could stay for a month and enjoy the amazing surroundings. Its a protected area that is home to incredible wildlife and indigenous bird species. This hike will take you north of Las Gigantas mountain Range which you will admire during the transfer to the San Francisco mountain range, where you can admire some cave paintings that abound throughout this area. The Free and Sovereign State of Baja California. I spend 2 nights in Mexicali because I was heavily drawn to the Chinese culture here. TJ is OK! The line here is faster and lesser traffic! Such a turn off!! If you love wildlife you must get to Baja California in winter. This entire city is full of beggars, its hard to enjoy yourself with everyone coming to you with something. The Youtube episodes will be divided into 16 parts my team and I are currently in the editing process so you can see road conditions in Baja California! Top Things to Do in Baja California, Mexico: See Tripadvisor's 1,073,531 traveller reviews and photos of Baja California tourist attractions. The adjacent LEGOLAND Water Park has seven slides and a lazy river where you can build your own LEGO-themed raft. What more could you want? Relax on the Malecn 9. 1. It is a STEM museum, I really enjoyed it. In most hotels I stayed in, I did not even book in advance. I am 100% sure you will have fun and I am now telling all my friends that this is a one-of-a-kind road trip there is nothing like it! Definitely not Christian like! I also found out that this is the better option to go through the US border compared to Tijuana. Taxis, rental cars, and hired shuttles make more sense for getting around. Located at about 25 km from La Paz. This Baja California road trip route only covers the places I visited in the northern part of the peninsula. Top Things to Do in Tijuana If you're backpacking Mexico, stopping over at Tijuana is definitely worth it! NO SPAM. The short answer is, yes it is. Just didnt like feeling like we were played on because we were visiting. right outside is simply delicious (Pork Belly is amazing). Walking to the church is a nice experience. Sunset Party Cruise in Los Cabos aboard the Pez Gato, Tours in Cabo, Paseo al Arco and Fin de la Tierra in the only Clear Boat, Cabo San Lucas - Beach and Desert 4x4 ATV Tour, Outdoor Ziplining and UTV Adventure from Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food and Tacos Tasting Experience, Snorkeling Catamaran Tour at Santa Maria Bay, Pirate Ship Sunset Dinner and Show in Los Cabos, Your Own Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Cabo, The Arch Tour with Amazing Captain in Cabo San Lucas, ATV Adventure with Camel Ride and Tequila tasting in Cabo, Shared ride to the arch of Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak, Operators have paid Viator more to have their, Click to see tours and tickets to experience, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. What are the most popular things to do in Mexicali with children? There is only one road all throughout Baja California (from South to North and back) so youll pass by all these areas. Should we take highway 1D and pass through the tolls? I visited in mid-June, so I missed the turtles, but I took one of their other tours, a kayak trip in the Pacific Ocean with option to snorkel. You can explore this cave by swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling, and be rewarded with stunning views of colorful marine life and towering cliffs. Great company, have used multiple times and will use again. Hiking at the Tabor Canyon Trail - Loreto. 15 Top Things To Do In Baja California, Mexico - Fun Life Crisis Large, beautiful, expansive wine tasting room as well as spacious outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. You can arrange your boat tours right there. Baja is flat and is desert-y so its not super hard to drive here. To add more items, please delete some old ones. Things to Do in Baja California - Tripadvisor Strolling on the White Sand Beaches of Isla Coronado - Loreto. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Todos Santos is one of the Mexican Pueblos Magicos and there is indeed a lot of Magic indeed. With my at that time 12 year old grand daughter and the advice from the people from Kuyima I drove all the way from San Diego to San Ignacio. THIS is off the radar Mexico. With its rocky terrain and stunning views of the Baja California Desert, La Rumorosa offers a one-of-a-kind experience but it was not that scary! I was following it at the beginning but got lost there is so many places youve seen! You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Oldest winery in Baja. Baja California Sur is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico. If You Are In Mexicali and You Like Craft Beer, This Is The Place For You! Tecate is known for bread, so I visited the famous bakery called El Mejor Pan de Tecate, a bakery with hundreds of types of bread where I had breakfast and bought snacks for the road. If youre traveling with dogs, make sure they are tied inside as the police can also stop you from it. Mexican Cooking Class and Market Tour in Cabo San Lucas. This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. This place is just amazing! The tour can last from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on whether you want to get off on the near love beach, another iconic spot, or you just want to get close to the arch to get back. Pub, La Bufadora is a popular blowhole (really a notch in the rock that sprays waves upward) 40km south of Ensenada. Types of Attractions Fun & Games Nature & Parks Museums Casinos & Gambling Nightlife Sights & Landmarks Classes & Workshops Zoos & Aquariums Boat Tours & Water Sports Traveller rating & up Good for Good for a Rainy Day Good for Couples Budget-friendly Good for Kids 31 places sorted by traveller favourites If you have kids, just forget it. The boat ride in itself is incredible with sea lions and cute dolphins. Loreto Mexico Bucket List: The Best Things to Do in the Baja California Sur City 1. Nestled in the heart of Baja Californias rugged landscape, Santo Tomas Wine Valley has vineyards and wineries dotting the valleys hillsides, you can spend a few hours here sipping on award-winning wines while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Atop the Colinas de Chapultepec, El Mirador offers panoramic views of the city and Baha de Todos Santos. What are the top things to do in Baja California Sur? Very helpful and friendly staff who made our travel comfortable. Things to Do in Baja California - Tripadvisor Most of the hotels have those. On the Mexico side of the wall in Playas de, 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, Designed and erected for Paris 1889 Worlds Fair, then disassembled and stored in Brussels for shipping to West Africa, Gustave Eiffels (yes, of Eiffel, Opened in the 1930s as Hotel Playa Ensenada, the extravagant Riviera del Pacfico, a Spanish-style former casino, is rumored to have been a haunt of Al, This atmospheric arty alley reflects TJ's growing urban art scene. Really really beautiful coastline and is my favorite drive on this Baja road trip! It seems odd but they can do that. The biggest wine-making communities there are San Antonio de las Minas, Francisco Zarco, and El Porvenir, where many wineries have tasting rooms that are open to the public. This stretch of the Pacific, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most diverse seas in the world and home to more than 3,000 marine species, including hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles. We can't find that wishlist, please refresh the page and try again. Lets say its just like summer in San Diego/LA. Baja is famous for its gorgeous marine life. I needed and got help from the wonderful people from the office of Kuyima. Had car seat ready for my kids. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Welcome to my home in Mexico! Yes, visiting Baja California Sur from the US requires a passport. Would use again. As for the federal police, they are not here a lot but if you see one, stop, be polite, and dont argue. more. Downtown Tijuana is the most happening area of this Mexican city. I did not stay the night here as I aimed to arrive in Ensenada that night. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards. If are looking for some sun and enjoy warm temperatures, then the best time to do your Baja California road trip is between June and September. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Things to Do in Baja California Sur, Baja California: See Tripadvisor's 964,379 traveller reviews and photos of Baja California Sur tourist attractions. Tabor Canyon trail is a 3hrs long hike from Loreto of moderate difficulty and is one of the locals favorites. 41 Coolest Mexico Pueblos Magicos to Visit in 2023 - Travel Mexico Solo This is a stunning sanctuary situated between the Marina and San Jose del Cabo. Baja California is known for trips to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Such an amazing driver! Santa Monica Pier. Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico. Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. Entrance fee is 20 pesos (bring small change). Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? Baja California Sur is known for its Los Cabos' beach resorts and biodiverse marine life in the Sea of Cortez. Its easy to see the magic in Tecate, a laid-back spot with desert ranches, hiking trails, rock art, and a tree-shaded plaza. Once you reach Baja California, you can travel around the place in a local bus or car rental. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Very affordable. I would go for lunchtime and eat in one of the restaurants nearby, not much for the food, but so that you can mingle with the locals. Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes, 3 Days Tour. Leave dry land to find Bajas most vivid wonders, with opportunities to snorkel, dive, fish, and paddle its two long coasts. I moved to Mexico in 2018 with the hopes of backpacking for 6 months. This . To add more items, please delete some old ones. IS one HOUR OUT OF MEXICALI, supply most of the energy for the state an BAJA CALIFORNIA, and is connected to usa, when Evert is need it they supply usa, or vice versa, . The tour should cost anything around 60 USD. Ask us on Tiktok. 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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This stunning landscape boasts an array of towering cacti that will leave you awestruck. Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Mrtir. I say this all the time in all my Baja California blogs: I feel like all year-round is best because the weather in Baja California is not too hot in the summer. I come here yearly. Top activities in Baja California Sur include: What are the top things to do near Baja California Sur? 1. The top things to do in Baja California are: What are the top activities in Baja California? With everything from laid-back surf towns to glitzy seaside resorts, the worlds second-largest peninsula caters to all kinds of travelers. Find what to do today or anytime in July. Muchas gracias! Baja California travel destinations - Lonely Planet This will help us in maintaining the blog and continue sharing our journey with you. Travelers visit in droves to explore beaches, deserts, and mountains on hikes, horseback, and all-terrain vehicles. 14 Most Beautiful Destinations in Baja Mexico - Trips To Discover I also wanted to stop in Punta Colonet, which I did and it was a bad idea. Beautiful beaches and great scuba diving bring travelers to Los Cabos, the regions top tourist destination, but there are endless ways to enjoy the shoreline. From La Paz, there are different tours, and so in Loreto, and San Jose del Cabo. Punta Lobos beach. Spectacular tacos at Hambrusia Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen. I will tell you all the things that I did and love in Loreto as follows. Modern Catholic church amidst the busy center of TJ. When is the best time to visit Baja California Sur? You can also use the below map to select your favorite one by price and location. Built in 1886 and once the Aduana Martima de Ensenada, the city's oldest public building now houses this historical and cultural museum. Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misin de Nuestra Seora del Pilar), San Jose del Cabo Church (Parroquia San Jos), Top Baja California Sur landmarks tickets, Santa Maria Beach (Playa Santa Mara) tickets, Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misin de Nuestra Seora del Pilar) tickets, San Jose del Cabo Church (Parroquia San Jos) tickets. Its unique design and diversity suits golfers of all levels. Its such an incredible experience and you never get tired to watch them. One of my favorite things to do in Loreto was taking the blue whale watching tour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Loreto Mexico Bucket List: 20 Things to Do in the Baja California Sur City FYI, I stayed in Ensenada for 2 nights since I wanted to have longer rests and I was kind of getting sick of my car. But no ones ever stopped us if they are in my trucks bed! Things to Do in Baja California - Tripadvisor 26 Top Things to Do in California - U.S. News Travel with Mariana, Laura, Wilbor, and Alex! If you are an early riser, but also if you are not, you should go for a walk or a run to the Malecon when you are in Loreto and wait for the sun to rise. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand for prime photos. One of the best things about Tijuana is the food! 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Beautiful white sand beach perfect for Lounging, walking and bathing. This trip, I also visited Caesars Restaurant (again), the home of the ceasar salad. If youre driving your own car or renting upon arrival, getting Mexican car insurance offers peace of mind. Tijuana to Tecate: 50 KM (31 miles)Tecate, Baja California Mexico. In consistently good weather, travelers hop beaches from Cabo to the low-key capital of La Paz and surfer- and artist-heavy Todos Santos. While you share the waters with marine life with no disturbance to them, you let yourself immerse in the landscape with all the 5 senses. During COVID, the US-Mexico border was only open to foreigners who are Mexican residency cardholders. Tijuana is experiencing a cultural renaissance, with cutting-edge architecture, colorful murals, and a spicy food scene. The Mexican, A treasure trove of shallow azure inlets and sorbet-pink cliffs, Espritu Santo is one of La Pazs gems. There is a food court, Starbucks, an arcade for the kids a Casino for the adults and all the normal businesses you find A large mall type shopping plaza south of the Border. I simply walked in, and everyone said it is low season, so they have availability. It also has an IMAX cinema with popcorn and soda service (extra charge but not that expensive compared to normal cinemas). 14 Amazing Things to Do in Loreto, Mexico By Kristina Ros / May 20, 2023 Along the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula, set amongst giant cacti, rugged mountains, and shimmering blue water, lies the colorful beach town of Loreto, Mexico. Wildlife & Nature. We have reviews of the best places to see in Baja California. Beautiful Spots to Visit on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico The wine store has more than just wine. Just be mindful of outdated signs. These gentle giants of the sea are hanging out just off the coast of La Paz from December through the beginning of April only. These are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area. Take the Tabor Canyon Trail Hike This hike in the Loreto Mexico area is considered to be of moderate difficulty and is among the locals' favorites. Learning the language of the place you are traveling is always a smart thing to do, as it connects you with the local people, and their culture, and will help you understand many aspects of the country, besides staying safer. I stayed at Don Tomas Winery and visited many other wineries during the trip. Swimming with whale sharks is an amazing experience that you should have if you happen to be in La Paz in the right season. The 13 Best Places to Visit in the Baja California Peninsula Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. We have reviews of the best places to see in Baja California. Yes, but you'll need to hunt for deals. Looking for things to do in Baja California Sur? Today, Chinatown is a bustling district filled with shops selling traditional Chinese goods such as tea sets, silk clothing, and herbal remedies. 1997 was the first time that I visited the whales in San Ignacio. If you prefer milder temperatures and dont mind cooler water temperatures for swimming and surfing, then consider visiting between November and April. Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) tickets, The Most Romantic Places Around the World for Couples To Visit. The waters of Cabo San Lucas may be wild elsewhere, but at Medano Beach (Playa el Medano), there is plenty of safe, calm swimming, along with beach fun for the whole family. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. Ancient Ruins in Baja California Architectural Buildings in Baja California Cemeteries in Baja California Civic Centres in Baja California Religious Sites in Baja California Fountains in Baja California Government Buildings in Baja California Historic Sites in Baja California Historic Walking Areas in Baja California Lighthouses in Baja . A number of films, includingTitanic andPearl Harbor, were filmed in Rosarito. Just check the sea condition before deciding. With beautiful beaches, top-notch resorts, and warm weather, Baja California Mexico is an ideal vacation destination both for adventure seekers and beach lovers. But dont be so paranoid and overly vigilant. of Eliker is highly worth it for airport tra Everything was perfect!! We did and they were hundreds of them, flipping around and chasing the boat. for about 90 minutes walking through there. Otherwise, you will need to walk far from the shore. Or you can just relax on the beach and swim by the shore, or walk up to the other beach. The tour is a half-day tour and you can only stay in the water with them for as long as 15 minutes but multiple times They do that not to disturb them and leave space for other snorkelers. Before shelling out the cash for a taxi from the airport, check to see if the local shuttle bus service will work or if your hotel offers rides from the airport. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I just watched your reel about your Baja California road trip and also followed your stories! My dogs are not leash dogs but we always get stopped because they are not tied inside my car. Baja has two seasons, summer and winter. Where to go, best places to stay, travel tips and and best holiday destinations - inspiration from the experts at Lonely Planet. From December through April, the peninsula offers a front-row seat for watching the annual migration of gray whales to warm, sheltered Pacific coast lagoons. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the 18th-century Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misin de Nuestra Seora del Pilar) is the towns most notable religious edifice. Explore the Museum of Anthropology & History 7. Must see attractions Baja California, Mexico - Lonely Planet Its also part of the national marine park and one of La Pazs last undeveloped beaches. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need. You can get to one of the local travel agents once you get to Loreto and ask when they have their next tour. Its a really short visit and it costs 20 pesos, but you will also appreciate the ancient building of the mission. You dont need to book your whale sharks tour in advance in La Paz. often start out asking _three or four times_ what theyd settle for. During my road trip in Baja California Sur, I spend 5 days in Loreto doing tours from there. The town lies on two unpaved roads only, with a few restaurants and hotels, and private homes. Amongst the top luxury all-inclusive hotels are Grand Velas, while among the finest property you must check out Nobu Hotel Los Cabos. This long narrow island is abundant in wildlife, both above and below the oceans surface, and a popular destination for travelers looking to experience some of the best of Mexicos outdoors. This Place is around 40 minutes outside of Mexicali and it is like a regular small mountain , however for my surprise this is an OLD Sleeping volcano which is related to the San Andres Fault.
