5 MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA
What’s the best way to travel through Baja California?
There are many exciting ways to travel through Baja: staying in resorts, taking a cruise, renting a car, taking a guided tour, and more. However, we highly recommend taking out a camper van on your trip to Mexico for the following reasons:
Exploring diverse landscapes: traveling in a camper van allows you to travel along the coastline, through the mountains, and even in the desert.
Immersing yourself in the culture: rather than spending all your time at a touristy resort, exploring in a camper van allows you to visit off-the-beaten-path locations, enjoy traditional cuisine, explore small towns, and connect with locals.
Sense of freedom: traveling Baja by camper van offers a sense of adventure that other forms of travel may not. It gives you a chance to connect with nature in a unique way, forcing you to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Last year, we started offering self-guided van tours through Baja California Sur in Mexico. Our team of experienced travelers designed a 6-night itinerary for our guests to follow. Continue reading to discover our top 5 must-see destinations in Baja California.
La Paz
Located on the stunning coastline of the peninsula, La Paz is a hidden gem with unique charm. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic experience. With its picturesque beaches and clear turquoise waters, La Paz offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks. The city boasts a delightful blend of Mexican culture and laid-back vibes with its lively street markets, colorful architecture, and buzzing culinary scene.
One of the most popular destinations in La Paz is the Malecón. It is a scenic waterfront promenade that stretches along the bay. Bustling with locals in the evening, it's a great place for a leisurely stroll, with beautiful views of the marina, sculptures, parks, and various restaurants, cafes, and shops.
While La Paz is an optional night on our itinerary, we highly recommend spending a few nights here before embarking on your road trip. Be sure to make time for the following activities: swimming with whale sharks, sailing tours, visiting world-renowned beaches Tecolote and Playa Balandra, strolling the Malécon, and dining at local restaurants. Here are some of our team’s favorite dining spots:
Doce Cuarenta Coffee: modern coffee shop in the heart of the city.
Mucho Gusto: known for delicious tacos and spicy margaritas off the Malecon
Les Miserables Mezcaleria: excellent cocktails and beautiful outdoor patio.
Cafe D’Pasada: the local’s favorite for empanadas.
La Fuente Ice Cream: your classic 31 flavors, Mexican style!
El Triunfo
Immerse yourself in the rich history of El Triunfo, a small historical town situated in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Take yourself on a journey through time, visiting all the attractions this iconic town has to offer. From significant landmarks to cobblestone streets, you'll uncover the secrets and stories of this remarkable town.
While there, we highly recommend Café El Triunfo for a stellar almond croissant and Bar El Minero for tasty food and drink. Be sure to also check out the cactus sanctuary and take a hike to a historic gold mine on the San Antonio trail that leads right out of town. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take the 9.7-mile out-and-back trail to the nearby town of San Antonio.
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo will be a paradise for you if you’re looking to escape the Pacific Northwest gray and spend some time on the beach and in the water. The quaint town is known for its endless array of outdoor activities.
Cabo Pulmo National Park is located on the stunning coastline of Baja California Sur on the famous and rugged East Cape Road. This marine sanctuary is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, boasting an extraordinary array of vibrant coral reefs, making it a diver's paradise and a snorkeler's dream. The park's crystal-clear waters teems with diverse marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, and schools of tropical fish. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of untouched beaches and hike along scenic coastal trails while contributing to the park’s conservation efforts.
After a day of adventure, head back into town and enjoy delicious fajitas from Restaurante El Caballero or a meal on the beach at Tacos & Beer.
Cerritos
Cerritos is a popular beach destination located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, and for good reason. It’s one of our favorite spots in Baja due to the endless activity options. You can take a surf lesson from a friend of ours, relax on Cerritos Beach, and dine at nearby farm-to-table restaurants. Playa Cerritos is an excellent spot for beginner surfers, and Playa San Pedrito is best for intermediate skill levels.
One of our favorite things to do while in town is visiting Cerritos Beach Dogs. Support their rescue efforts by enjoying your favorite morning drink while playing with adoptable local puppies.
Cerritos is also known for its world-class dining options. We highly recommend checking out the following spots:
Barracuda: top-notch fish tacos and cocktails.
Fish Taco Sancho Chilote: make sure to load up at the toppings bar.
Hierbabuena: upscale farm-to-table dining.
Pizzaria El Portrero: wood-fired pizza in a tranquil outdoor setting.
This town is a relatively quieter and more tranquil destination compared to some of the busier tourist spots in the region. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway with opportunities for outdoor activities and natural beauty.
Todos Santos
Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, Todos Santos boasts a vibrant art scene, showcasing local talent in its numerous galleries. The town is also famous for its historic architecture, colorful streets adorned with vibrant murals and shops, and an array of delicious culinary delights, including the following:
La Esquina: delicious breakfast and lunch.
Pacifica Fish Market: incredible fish tacos.
Bajavaria: craft beer garden.
One of our favorite activities in the area is watching the sea turtle hatchling release. Head up the road to Tortugueros Las Playitas at sunset for the release any time from December through February. If this activity inspires you, you can also book a private volunteer day.
Todos Santos is full of activities that we can’t experience here in the Pacific Northwest–we highly recommend checking out this town full of exhilarating activities and vibrant culture during your trip.
Travel to these destinations with Peace Vans.
Our 6-night self-guided road trip itinerary takes you through all these incredible destinations. Spots are filling up quickly–you don’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunity, so book yours today by clicking the “I’m Interested” button on the below-mentioned page!