Ultimate Road Trip Guide To Baja California
From the gorgeous Sea of Cortez to the bustling streets of Tijuana, Baja California is a region full of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. The best way to experience all that this diverse region has to offer is by taking a road trip!
Have you ever dreamed of driving down the Baja Peninsula, taking in the stunning scenery, and enjoying the freedom of the open road? If so, a Baja California road trip is definitely for you! The Baja Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and there's no better way to experience it than by driving down the peninsula on your own.
A Baja California road trip is the perfect way to explore the area at your own pace. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, and there's no need to hurry – simply take your time and enjoy the journey. Driving down the peninsula is an adventure in itself and you're sure to see some amazing things along the way.
Picture this, my adventurous friend. You're cruising down the open road, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. You've got your trusty RV behind you, fully stocked with snacks, drinks, and all the amenities you could ever need.
But wait, there's more! You're not just going on any old road trip. Oh no, you're going on the ultimate road trip to Baja California. And what better way to experience it than by RV'ing in Baja?
Whether you're looking for pristine beaches, incredible surf spots, or simply want to get away from it all, a Baja California road trip is sure to deliver. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Baja California
Tijuana
Tijuana is a crossroads for cultures and trade. The nightlife here thrives with an exciting range of restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes as well as its seedy red light district where you can find anything your heart desires. Spend the night here and enjoy all this border town has to offer. Today should begin with a traditional Mexican breakfast before hitting the road. Drive south along the coast, making sure to stop in Rosarito for some kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Rosarito
What is Rosarito Beach known for? Rosarito is known as a surfer's paradise. Its beaches are quite famous for several other water activities as well, such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Rosarito has a few popular trails, including Cerro El Coronel, which rewards you with a stunning panoramic view of the beaches.
The resort town of Rosarito Beach is also known as a nightlife destination for U.S visitors due to its proximity to the border and features some great beaches that are perfect if you're looking for strong waves, like those found at Medio Camino or Baja Malibu. Offshore from these areas there's an artificial reef that houses the remains of a boat called “Uribe 121”, an old Navy boat.
Want to spend more time in Rosarito? I have covered some of the highlights of things to do in Rosarito.
Ensenada
Continue on to Ensenada, where you can sample some of the region's famous wines or go ziplining through the lush jungle landscape. The Ensenada harbor is a bustling place with activities for all ages.
The Waterfront and Promenade downtown provide an excellent view of ships entering or leaving from Mexico's Pacific coast, while also making it easy to grab some food at one of their many restaurants along the way.
Right offshore you can see Migrating Gray Whales who visit this area every year during migration season (June-September). You can charter a boat at the Malecon to enjoy the amazing display the whales put on. If you're looking for more head over to the La Bufadora blowhole which happens to be one of only 3 blowholes in the entire world!
The area surrounding the blowhole is filled with vendors of all kinds. You are sure to find a souvenir or 2 to take back with you. If you are just headed to Ensenada then we have more things for you to do in Ensenada.
San Quintín
After a day of relaxation in Ensenada, it's time to hit the road again. Head south on Mexican Federal Highway 1 for another 3 hours until you reach San Quintín. This small fishing village is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico.
If you are looking for some fresh seafood and an escape from the hustle-and-bustles of life, then head down to San Quintin.
Here in this small town on Mexico’s Pacific coast they have their own bay that is perfect for sports fishing or simply just enjoying nature's beauty with your loved ones by taking one of many tours offered around town!
One reason people keep coming back? The food, the clams are cooked in a half shell over firey coals absolutely delicious!! Other favorites include abalone stewed slowly until it tastes almost buttery soft, yet still has texture when you bite into its brightly colored meat.
No matter what you order, all of the seafood here at San Quintin is caught fresh daily so you can be sure you're getting the best of the best! If seafood isn't really your thing, don't worry. There are plenty of other local cuisines to choose from. So come on down and enjoy all that this little town has to offer! You won't regret it.
Cataviña
Drive south from San Quintin towards Cataviña to break up this trip a little bit. Stay overnight in this enchanting little ghost town.
Cataviña is known as Baja's “Rock Graden” and is home to giant boulder formations, cave paintings, and a spectacular desert oasis. This tiny desert town is home to stunning rock formations and incredible desert landscapes.
A lot of drivers seem to end up spending the night here after a really long drive in either direction. Since Hotel Misión can easily become full around dusk, this is one of those remote locations that I do recommend you make reservations for.
Driving north or south from Cataviña, after dark, is definitely not on the highly recommended list of things to do in Baja.
Santa Rosaliíta
From Cataviña continue on towards Santa Rosaliita. Santa Rosalillita is a small fishing village located on the coast of Mexico. The village is home to a few small restaurants, two small markets, a church, and a packing plant that processes the fish caught daily. Visitors can rent boats from the local fisherman and enjoy some offshore fishing.
Surf fishing is also popular along the miles of beautiful remote beaches south of Santa Rosalillita. The town's packing plant processes the fish caught daily, making it a great place to enjoy fresh seafood.
The village is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Guerro Negro
You'll certainly realize it when you get there that it will probably be cold, windy, and there may even be some fog. Not your normal southern Baja weather. Guerrero Negro is one of those places that if not for something very special, would get hardly any visitors.
But, it seems that Guerrero Negro DOES indeed have something extraordinary. From January through the middle of April the magnificent gray whales come to give birth in the lagoons close by.
What an experience it is to see these majestic creatures up close! You can even go on whale-watching tours to try and get a glimpse of them.
So if you find yourself in this area during whale-watching season, be sure to check it out…you won't be disappointed!
Guerro Negro is also the world's largest salt factory. You would not want to miss this awesome sight. These are not the salt flats in Utah because here you have the amazing Pacific Ocean, salt flats, and sand dunes all in one location which is truly an amazing experience.
Bahía Tortugas
Bahía Tortugas is a small fishing village located on the west coast of Mexico. It is accessible by a paved road that extends for 124 miles from Highway 1 at Vizcaíno. This road also provides access to the vast Vizcaíno Desert and crosses an arm of Scammon’s Lagoon (Laguna Ojo de Liebre). It also junctions with the paved highway to Bahía Asunción and the 4×4 roads to Malarrimo Beach.
When traveled in 2017 the highway to Bahía Tortugas was in good condition with just 9.2 miles unpaved. Bahía Tortugas is a popular destination for those looking for a tranquil setting and fresh seafood. The village is also a great starting point for exploring the Vizcaíno Desert.
San Ignacio
Picture this: you're driving down the long, winding highway that stretches down the Baja Peninsula. The sun is shining and you left the waves and the ocean behind and you are greeted by desert landscape. As you round a bend, you see a whale skeleton perched atop a rocky outcropping.
This is the halfway point on your journey from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, and it's also the turnoff into the small town of San Ignacio. Just down the road you'll find a beautiful lagoon that's actually part of the Río San Ignacio, one of only two real rivers in the entire state of Baja California Sur. The lagoon looks more like a lake than a river and it's a reminder of how dry much of the rest of Baja really is.
There's a small restaurant on the shore of the lagoon where you can enjoy a snack and a cold drink. This area is the only lagoon visited by the California gray whales, that is still completely undeveloped. Whale-watching tours can be arranged at Ecoturismo Kuyimá on the southwest corner of the plaza.
If the whales are present (Dec. to April) you should try to make time to visit them, it is sure to be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. This is also a great place to take your kayak out for a leisurely paddle.
Loreto
If you're planning a Mexico road trip then Loreto is a great place to add to your itinerary. Located in Bahía de Loreto on the east coast of the Baja peninsula, Loreto is the oldest permanent settlement in Baja California Sur.
The town was founded in 1697 with the construction of the Nuestra Señora de Loreto mission, which took 55 years to complete. Today, the mission is still in use and is a popular tourist attraction.
Loreto is also a convenient stop if you're driving the length of Baja California Sur. The town has plenty of gas stations and restaurants and the Malecón offers a lovely place to stretch your legs after a long drive. Whether you're looking for history, relaxation, or adventure, Loreto has something to offer everyone.
La Paz
From Loreto it's only a 2-hour drive until you reach La Paz—the capital city of Baja California Sur. La Paz is home to many shops and restaurants as well as a beautiful boardwalk that stretches along the waterfront.
La Paz is a great destination for a Mexico road trip. The city is known for its spectacular sunsets, friendly residents, and a long calm waterfront that makes for a very relaxed environment.
The peaceful feeling of La Paz is emphasized by the charming Malecón that is lined on the bayside with small beaches, sculptures, statues, lots of benches, and a couple of piers. There are plenty of small palapas on the beaches in the downtown area if you feel the need for some shade.
On the inland side of this seaside boulevard are many of the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, and sidewalk cafes. La Paz is a great place to enjoy the best of what Mexico has to offer.
There are so many more Things To Do In La Paz than what I have highlighted here. You have got to go see it for yourself.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is definitely a city worth adding to your Mexico road trip itinerary! Not only is it home to some of the most beautiful desert landscapes and beaches, but it's also known worldwide as one of the most popular vacation destinations. It's even been nicknamed the “Marlin Capital of the World” thanks to the abundance of marlin that can be found offshore.
Of course no visit to Cabo San Lucas would be complete without stopping by The Arch, also referred to as “Land's End”, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or enjoy some world-class fishing or simply take in the incredible views, Cabo San Lucas is sure to exceed your expectations!
The Ultimate Baja Road Trip
Now that we’ve explored some of the best stops along the Baja California peninsula, it’s time to decide where your next adventure will be. Have you fallen in love with the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches of Cabo San Lucas? Maybe you prefer the slower pace of life in La Paz or Loreto.
No matter what your travel style is there’s a perfect spot waiting for you on this stunningly beautiful coastline. We hope you enjoyed following our journey as much as we enjoyed taking it – now it’s your turn! What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Baja California today.
Baja California offers visitors a chance to experience Mexican culture while also enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities. With its diverse landscape and wide range of things to do, Baja California is the perfect place for an unforgettable road trip.
There is so much more to explore here in Baja California. If you are a wine connoisseur check out Mexico's version of Napa Valley, Guadalaupe Valley, for some amazing wine tasting and great food.
