The places, most named first
From the 6 guides that rank for "best places to visit in baja california"
Named by 4 of 61. Los CabosLos Cabos airport has direct flights from many US, Canadian and Mexican cities.Humpback whales are seen more often on tours from Los Cabos.
Named by 3 of 62. La PazLa Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and a base for beaches and wildlife trips.Calm bay waters make kayaking and paddleboarding easy for beginners.
Named by 3 of 63. Valle de GuadalupeThis wine region is roughly 2 hours south of San Diego and is called the Napa of Mexico.There are just over 200 wineries, plus fine dining.Named by 3 of 64. LoretoA small, laid-back town with beaches along its national park.Activities include boat tours to a national preserve, whale watching and an old monastery.
Named by 3 of 65. EnsenadaA seaside town with seafood, about 45 minutes from Valle de Guadalupe.La Bufadora, a marine geyser, is one of its best-known natural sights.
Named by 3 of 66. Isla Espíritu SantoA one-day boat tour from La Paz to snorkel with playful sea lions.Winter water is cold, so a wetsuit is advised from October through April.Named by 3 of 67. TijuanaKnown for border energy, food, nightlife and Avenida Revolución.Baja is one of the easiest Mexican road trips from Southern California and Arizona.
Named by 2 of 68. Todos SantosOne of the stops on an eight-day Baja California Sur road trip.Mountain bike trails are developing in the hills nearby.
Named by 2 of 69. Magdalena BayThe bay on the west coast is known for close encounters with whales and marine life.One writer picked Magdalena Bay as the favorite spot for grey whale watching.
Named by 2 of 610. Cabo PulmoCabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a 27-square-mile reserve at the southern tip of Baja.Snorkeling trips here can also meet humpback whales.
Named by 2 of 611. Balandra BeachAbout 25 km from La Paz, with frequent buses from town.Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented for the quiet bay.
12. Guerrero NegroA sleepy salt mining town on the state border, next to Ojo de Liebre lagoon.Grey whales can be seen up close in the lagoon from January to March.
13. Cataviña DesertA desert with tall cacti, ancient cave petroglyphs and free camping.
14. MulegéA tiny town on the Bay of California and a popular road trip stop.
15. RosaritoBeach resorts, surf, seafood and Puerto Nuevo lobster, an easy escape from the border.
16. San FelipeWarm Sea of Cortez water, desert-meets-sea scenery and off-road culture.
17. TecateA quieter border town known for ranch stays, mountains and scenic drives.
18. Sierra de la LagunaA green mountain area at the far south with hikes of any level, lakes and hot springs.
19. Sierra de San Pedro MártirA national park in northern Baja, home to Picacho del Diablo, the peninsula’s highest peak at 10,154 feet.
20. Los BarrilesMountain biking in the foothills above town was a highlight for one writer.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Baja California.
Questions people ask
- Which part of Baja is best?
- One guide says its favorites are in Baja California Sur, though Baja California has good destinations too.
- What is the Baja California Peninsula?
- A long strip of land extending over 700 miles south from the US-Mexico border, made up of two states: Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur in the south.
- Is Baja California a good holiday destination?
- One site calls it one of Mexico's best road trip destinations, with wine country, whale watching, surf and beaches.
