Ultimate Road Trip through Baja California
Oceans, mountains, valleys, desert, giant cacti, whales, sea lions, tacos and beaches – taking a Baja California road trip down Mexico’s famous Ruta 1 gives you a lot to play with. In fact, it gives you approximately 1,625 KM (1,010 miles).
Viaje Cocina del Mundo, Tijuana
Tijuana
If you are going from top to bottom, Tijuana is most likely your first stop as soon as you cross the border. Be sure to head straight for the beaches. Just 30-minutes south you hit Rosarito, where film companies have produced famous films such as Titanic and Pearl Harbor.
If you’re tired after crossing the border and (potentially) have to wait, head to Malvia Coffee Bar for delicious coffee to get your energy up. If you’re in the mood for food, our favorite vegan restaurants are Inspiración 9 or La Veggiechería. Finally, one of the best places to get a drink is at Cine Tonalá Tijuana. They have a beautiful rooftop terrace and an extensive cocktail, wine and beer list.
If you prefer to get out of the city and more into the beaches, in Rosarito is a delicious restaurant called Viaje Cocina del Mundo. Their tataki de atún en vinagreta de naranja y zanahoria (tuna sashimi in orange and carrot vinaigrette) is a must on a hot day.
Valle de Guadalupe
As we’ve mentioned before, visiting the Valle de Guadalupe is a must if you are driving down the coast. You can easily spend 2-3 days here, exploring the different vineyards and getting a feel for the wine industry that so many people don’t know about. Be sure to read our other blog post on where to stay and where to drink while in Valle.
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Ensenada
One of the major port towns in Baja, Ensenada is perfect for those who like fishing or want to go whale watching. The whales migrate seasonally, between December and April, so be sure to plan your road trip accordingly!
If you’re not so much a water person, you can also go zip lining over the canyons, providing you with spectacular views.
After a day full of adventures, head to our favorite brewery, Cervecería Aguamala, for delicious artisanal beers. If you’re looking for a deal, you can get two for one beers at Hussong’s, Ensenada’s oldest bar where you can listen to mariachi music play all night.
La Bufadora, Ensenada
If you’ve been out all night and are in need of a coffee, head a little bit north before heading out of town to La Maria Cafe. They have everything from the basic black drip to fun frappes of different flavors.
Before leaving, visit La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser. It’s another hour south of the main center of Ensenada, but it’s worth it and not too far off the main Route 1 that you’ll be following south.
San Quintín
Located two hours south of Ensenada is San Quintín, one of the most important agricultural areas in Baja that grows strawberries and tomatoes. Although not necessary to stop, we stopped at hotel Misión Santa Maria to see where my boyfriend’s dad worked before he started his family. It is a beautiful old hacienda that is right on the beach after passing multiple tomato farms. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this town is it.
Guerrero Negro
Another fantastic place to go whale watching is Guerrero Negro, the northern-most part of Baja California Sur and where the border is located between states. As mentioned, peak season is between December and April.
One interesting fact is that Guerrero Negro was founded in 1957 when Daniel Ludwig built a salt works factory there to supply the demand of salt in the western United States. The salt mine was established and eventually became the greatest salt mine in the world, with a production of seven millions tons of salt per year!
Loreto
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Once you’ve reached Loreto, the hardest part of the drive is over. There are towns scattered throughout Baja California Sur that take no more than four to five hours driving. You will also see the reason why the ocean draws so many people to this part of Mexico - turquoise, untouched waters with beautiful desert rock formations.
Rewards yourself by visiting El Zopilote Brewing Company. Different IPAs, stouts, and ales are constantly brewing, so there’s always something new on tap. Try your favorite brews (or try them all if you can) in a flight while you sit back on the patio and listen to live music.
La Paz
Adventure time! La Paz is the perfect destination to get in the water and enjoy what Baja California Sur has to offer. Take a day trip to swim with sea lions and explore the Isla del Espiritú Santo. If you go (once again) between December and April, you can also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks!
Todos Santos
Winding back across the desert, you’ll come even further south to Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos. You’ll quickly see why this area is so enchanting for visitors. Some come to surf the nearby breaks, widely regarded as among the country’s best. Others, to wander the cobblestone streets lined with tiny artisan shops and refurbished haciendas in the old part of town. Others come to pass time at the iconic Hotel California’s long wooden bar, which is not the same place named in the Eagles song.
If you’re looking for full details on what to do, what to see, and where to eat in drink, read our blog post below!
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Cabo San Lucas / San José del Cabo
Having spent the majority of our time in Cabo while growing up, this town has a special place in our hearts. Another water-lover paradise, here you can do anything from surf, to sail El Arco, to try your best at catching a marlin (season is between July and October when there is more tuna for them to feed on).
If you’re looking for a good time with delicious food and fun staff, head to The Office. If offers casual dining at its best: a beachfront joint with tables right in the sand and a view that will make you never want to leave.
Edith’s is another delicious option. Edith Jiménez is the woman behind the name and the restaurant. Jiménez started at this restaurant as a waitress, then eventually bought this charming spot with thatched ceilings and rustic wood tables located near Médano Beach. The food combines the flavors of Baja (seafood, chile poblano) with the rustic cuisine of her hometown in the mountains of Guerrero (stews, flavorful herbs, handmade tortillas).
Finally, Los Tres Gallos, which means “the three roosters,” is right downtown. The name pays homage to three of the most beloved Mexican stars of the silver screen. Not only is the traditional cuisine here delicious—hand-rolled tortillas, mole dishes, house-made salsas—it’s also affordable. Dine in the intimate hacienda-style courtyard shaded by tangerine and mango trees.
Los Cabos
Let’s start with the name – Los Cabos is the collective name that covers both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Although most people will be more familiar with the former, it is definitely worth taking time to explore the luxurious side of Cabo.
San José Art Walk, every Thursday during high season from 5PM - 9PM.