Baja California Travel Guide

Baja California is a beautiful place to see! A place where the desert meets the ocean. A place where you are forced to slow down and take in slow living. It has become a destination popular amongst van life culture; crossing the border and making your way down the desert coastline where the beauty of the landscape and the people await you. Baja California is also home to two Pueblos Magicos! Whether your journey is in the popular destinations such as Cabo San Lucas or you take it further north to smaller towns such as Loreto, Baja California is a place that can’t be missed.

La Paz, B.C.S

Baja Club Hotel

La Paz, the capital of Baja California, has become best known for its beautiful and might I add, swimmable beaches. Whether you are taking a lesiuserly walk along the Malecon, diving into the waters of Playa Balandra or diving into a tasty Baja fish taco, there is enough to keep you satisfied in La Paz. If you only have two days to spare in La Paz while on your Baja journey, there is still plenty to see and do.

Day 1

Check into Baja Club Hotel, located right across from the Malecon. A hotel that offers both comfort and modern style. Start your trip by having fish tacos at Taco Fish La Paz. Walk off the tacos either on the Malecon, where you can take in some of the art that is displayed or head to the Museo de Anthropologia e History de Baja California Sur. After, make your way back to Baja Club Hotel where you can relax by the pool. If you wish to take in a breathtaking sunset, make a stop at Azotea for a cocktail and sunset. For dinner, go to Tiger Club which offers SE Asian style food and a delicious selection of wines that the waiter will be more than happy to suggest! If time allows, check out the wares at Casa Nopal as well.

Day 2

Grab a coffee at Docecuarenta and a breakfast bowl at La Mentita for the mini fuel needed to start your beach adventures. If you are opting to go to Playa Balandra, you are given two options which is an 8AM time slot or a 1PM time slot. Note that space is limited so it is advised to show up early to claim your spot. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a time slot, do check out other surrounding beaches such as Playa Tecolote or Pichilingue which are known to be equally as beautiful. If you have more of an adventurous spirit, then plan a guided tour to Isla Espiritu Santo where you can see all the aquatic life of La Paz B.C.S. Head back to La Paz and here’s a wild card, ask the locals the best place for lunch! For dinner, elevate your palette by either going to Nemi or Quemadaro. The Malecon will still be alive at nightfall but, will instantly quiet down for a comfortable nights rest.

Day 3

Before checking out and beginning phase two of the journey, do have breakfast at Maria California. The mollettes especial are spectacular. The cafe de olla, delicious! The place where you go for truly authentic Mexican cuisine

TODOS SANTOS

Oystera

A two day stay in Todos Santos is more than enough time to enjoy this Pueblos Magicos. But, a day trip to Todos Santos would suffice as well! Upon arrival, go to Taller 17 for your caffeine fix as well as having some of the best locally made pastries in Todos Santos! Explore Centro, popping into local shops as well as a variety of tiendas de regalos. If you love locally made essential oils and soaps, then stop in Corazon Nativo Apothecary & Goods. If you have a car, head to the beach for an amazing sunset. But if you don’t, find the highest point to watch followed by dinner at Oystera and a nice cocktail to end your night at The Dirty Rose.

Day 2

Breakfast at Jazamango Cafe is perfect if you’re planning to stay in Centro! Here, you can fuel up before heading to the beach. Guaycura Boutique hotel offers a nice beach club with restaurant, spa and pool. If you are a guest, there is no cost but if you’re not, you have the option to still enjoy the pool at an additional cost. After a day at the beach, lunch at Jazamango restaurant should be your next stop and yes, there are two locations! The restaurant is short distance from Centro making it very convenient! If you are craving some great wines sourced from different regions in Mexico, then head to La Confianza Wine & Coffee Bar where the staff is kind and the wines are delicious! For a more elevated experience in Todos Santos, you can go to La Copa located inside Todos Santos Boutique Hotel. It definitely transports you to old New York and not Todos Santos.

There are different small boutique hotels if you plan on staying in Centro but if you are looking for an elevated luxury hotel experience, then you should look no further than Paradero Hotel.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO

The Baja tour is coming to a close with the final destination being San Jose Del Cabo. A far less touristy destination than its neighbor Cabo San Lucas with a laid back feel. Check in at Drift Hotel San Jose Del Cabo a fun and vibe-y hotel in the heart of Centro. From there have a late breakfast or early lunch at Ruba’s Bakery & Bistro. Like Todos Santos, San Jose Del Cabo’s Centro is small and walkable leaving you the ability to see what needs to be seen in a matter of hours. If healthy snacks and beverages are your goal, make a stop at Agricole. Get dressed up for the weather and head to Lumbre for dinner. There a definitely a variety of bars, coffee shops to occupy your time until it’s time to rest. If you wish to venture away from Centro, there is Noroom, a HiFi bar that definitely seems like the place the locals hang out. Now, they are only open Friday’s and Saturday’s so, plan accordingly.

Day 2

Grab coffee at Lab and then head out to Playa Palmilla, one of the rare swimmable beaches in San Jose/Cabo vicinity. Soak up the sun or treat yourself to a spa excursion at One & Only Palmilla for a perfect relaxing retreat. Lunch at Acre Resorts is a perfect midday break but if you want more variety, Flora Farms is close by serving up various restaurants and shops to weave in and out of. As a break from all of the delicious Mexican cuisine that was enjoyed along the journey, head to Come A Casa for dinner. They offer a great selection of pasta and pizza!

Day 3

Before heading out, do head to Pezgallo for coffee and breakfast

TIPS

It is said that having a car in Baja California is preferred…and it is especially if you want to explore on your own but, you can also get by without a car. Cities like San Jose Del Cabo and La Paz offer Uber service, making it relatively easy to go from point A to point B. If you are taking the journey to Todos Santos or La Paz via Los Cabos airport, you can purchase a ticket for Autobuses Aguila that will take you to your destination and it is extremely affordable! If you are going back to San Jose Del Cabo via the airport, the option is much more comfortable as it is a small shuttle. You can also partner with your hotels to see what airport transportation they offer and the rates tend to be much cheaper than those offered on third party cites.

Whatever your plan, do enjoy the journey!