21 day travel trip through Baja California
Baja California is just waiting to be explored
Crowned as the “ultimate road trip” by many a travel publication, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, Baja California is undoubtedly fast becoming a bucket list destination.
Miles of Hollywood-worthy desert scenes, Robinson Crusoe beaches, and a crazily biodiverse ocean are just some of the things drawing thousands of visitors here each year, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
From the north’s mountainous wine region to the white sand beaches of the south, here’s how to spend 3 awesome weeks exploring Baja California, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of its people.
With its rugged coastlines, awe-inspiring mountain vistas, and stunning coral reefs, Baja California is a nature lover’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, tranquil natural retreats, or fascinating cultural experiences, Baja California has something to offer everyone, making it the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable vacation.
Day 1-2: Explore up-and-coming Tijuana
Although it was once a travel afterthought, Tijuana is currently experiencing a highly impressive cultural revival. Craft breweries, hip coffee shops, and outdoor gastro markets are just some of the things drawing crowds over the border.
Spend a day here exploring the city’s bustling Mercado El Popo, checking out the street murals in Pasaje Rodríguez, sampling Mexico’s best craft beer and coffee on Avenida Revolucion, or trying the world’s first-ever Caesar Salad at Caesar’s Hotel & Restaurant.
If you fancy it, you can also have your picture taken with Tijuana’s hottest attraction: a zebra-painted donkey.
Day 2-4: Stop off in Ensenada for incredible wine and seafood
The small town of Ensenada may not be one of the prettiest of Baja California’s towns, but it has two big things going for it: excellent seafood and a tonne of wineries.
Just a two-hour drive from Tijuana, you’ll not only be in the home of both the world-famous La Guerrerense and the bustling Mercado Negro fish market, but you’ll also be just a stone’s throw away from Baja’s stunning wine region.
Spend 48 hours here sampling fresh yellowfin ceviche at any of the fish market restaurants, strolling the charming Malecon, and taking a half-day wine-tasting tour into the nearby Valle de Guadalupe.
Day 4-6: Play with grey whales in Guerrero Negro
From December to early April, Guerrero Negro’s Laguna Ojo de Liebre sees something truly incredible happened: nearly all of the Earth’s grey whale population migrates to its shallow waters to socialize, mate and give birth.
The whales here are highly social, and this is one of the only places on Earth where you can give the mothers and their calves a belly rub as they play with the boats! If you’re exploring Baja out of whale season, there really isn’t much else to see in this town.
However, you may be forced to lay your head here for the night as, from Ensenada, it’s a 10-hour journey through nothing but desert, and from Guerrero Negro, it’s another 2 hours to the next town with tourist accommodation.
Day 6-9: Explore Mulegé’s desert oasis
Still a relatively undiscovered gem, Mulegé is a small oasis town located at the mouth of beautiful Río de Santa Rosalía and just a three-hour drive from Guerrero Negro.
The town itself, with its narrow alleyways filled with the odd craft shop, brightly colored Mexican taquerias, and crumbling colonial architecture, has a sleepy charm about it, but the main draw here is the stunning nature that surrounds it.
Just some of the must-dos include taking a guided hike into Cañon La Trinidad, visiting the stunning beaches nearby, and taking in the river views from the perfectly preserved 18th-century mission.
Day 9-12: Learn about Baja’s history in Loreto
While nature is the main draw for travelers here, Baja is full of history, too. In the 1600s many Jesuit and Dominican missionaries came to the peninsula to spread the Catholic faith to the native populations.
The very first settlement was in a small seaside village called Loreto. Abandoned by the missionaries in the late 1700s, today the beautiful stone-carved Misión Loreto houses a museum that tells the story of Baja California’s fascinating past.
Loreto has a square full of atmospheric al-fresco restaurants, a lovely Malecon, and, being the home to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, is the perfect place to see dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, and the biggest mammal on our planet, the blue whale.
Day 12-15: Kayak around Isla Espiritu Santo Island
Next up is one of Baja California’s highlights: Isla Espiritu Santo. As it’s only about an hour’s boat ride from La Paz, there are plenty of day trips which normally include swimming with sea lions, snorkeling, and visiting one of the many beautiful beaches on the island.
However, if you’re up for a real adventure, we suggest taking 4 days out to do a multi-day kayaking trip. The trip will not only take you to the more remote and hidden parts of the island, but you’ll also get the real Espiritu Santo experience.
Visitors can paddle through emerald green waters, camping with unrestricted ocean views, morning shipwreck snorkeling, afternoon desert trail hikes, and fresh fish served up on the beach.
Day 15-17: Relax at a boutique hotel in arty Todos Santos
After all that island fun, it’s time for a little downtime.
Just an hour and a half south of La Paz sits one of Baja California’s most picturesque towns: Todos Santos – a highlight of any Baja South itinerary, with many cute coffee houses, artisan shops, independent galleries, and impressive boutique hotels.
Day 17-19: Surf some epic waves at Pescadero and Cerritos beach
Just a 20-minute drive from happening Todos Santos sits several miles of wild, untouched Pacific beach.
Although more and more holiday homes and hotels are popping up along here, it’s still relatively undiscovered – so chances are you’ll find a spot where you can get a wave to yourself.
If you’re just starting out, Cerritos, being an easy sandy beach break, is great for beginners and improvers. For the more experienced surfers, head straight to San Pedrito beach in Pescadero for an excellent and – if conditions are right – huge right reef break.
If you’re on a budget, camping is available on both these beaches.
Alternatively, treat yourself to the stunning Rancho Pescadero, only a 7-minute walk to San Pedrito and a 10-minute drive to Cerritos.
Day 19-21: Go wild in Cabo
For those looking for beautiful beaches, luxury beach resorts, and thumping nightlife, Cabo is your ticket.
The star of most Baja travel brochures, Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the whole peninsula – so expect tonnes of hotels, expertly pruned golf courses, and seafront clubs forming crazy conga lines.
While you’re here be sure to check out iconic El Arco, don your scuba diving gear in search of sea lions, humpback whales, and mobula rays, or, if you didn’t quite get enough in Pescadero, grab a surfboard and take on Cabo’s awesome breaks.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of accommodation options and vacation rentals in Baja California for every type of traveler.
Take a short walk around the center streets and look for hotels, hostels, or guesthouses. Consider also the online option, and book your accommodations in advance. If you travel in an RV, you can stay in camping and RV parks in the area.
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