
Visit Baja California, Mexico
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Baja California often experiences no annual rainfall at all. At first glance, it seems a desert hinterland, with dunes spilling down to the sea, white-sand beaches, vast cactus fields and scrubby brush. In some parts, it’s a playground for the rich and famous, brimming with plush resorts. In the north, this development gives way to quiet Spanish colonial towns and long-abandoned missions. Off the coast, gray whales calve in the balmy waters near San Carlos and Puerto López Mateos. Sea lions and whale sharks cluster near La Paz and Espíritu Santo, and you might see humpback whales breaching off Los Cabos.
Despite Baja California’s aridity (it’s one of the driest deserts in the northern hemisphere), there are lusher pockets, such as the natural pools and waterfalls around Sierra de la Laguna.
Farther inland, vegetation-rich higher-altitude mountain ranges rise up, a result of tectonic activity when the peninsula (the second largest in the world) broke away from mainland Mexico. If the rain does arrive (usually between July and October), the desert revives in a sudden burst of green.
Driving around, you see immense multi-branching cardon cacti as well as the smaller cholla, and the sweet or sour pitaya cactus. There are a number of endemic birds to look out for, too, including Xantus’s hummingbird, gray thrashers and a warbler, Belding’s yellowthroat.
Baja’s proximity to the USA has given it popularity with American visitors, who traditionally flock to the southern part of the peninsula in the winter months (December to March). As such, you might find that Baja has more of a Western influence than other areas of Mexico.
In the stretch of coast between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas — known as the Baja Corridor — many large, all-inclusive resorts and luxury hotels have sprung up. Despite this development, the area retains personality. You’ll find many independent restaurants serving fresh fish in Todos Santos and San José del Cabo, along with small communities of artists.
Baja California Sur, as it’s known, has become a haunt for surfing, as well as whale watching. Fin, California gray, humpback and even blue whales visit its waters between December and March. Gray whales in particular are frequent visitors to the Pacific coast, where they nurse their young. You can observe them on small-group or private tours. Don’t be surprised if they come up to investigate your boat: they’re sociable creatures.
Baja California Sur is also gaining a reputation for its various adventure and outdoor activities. They include horseback riding and hiking trails around Todos Santos, off-the-beaten-track snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, mountain biking and zip-lining in Los Cabos, and even glamping at Camp Cecil on Espíritu Santo, an island off the Gulf of California.
But, venture to the peninsula’s northern reaches, and you’ll find a very different Mexico. Distances between towns are long, and life slows down. Places to stay are usually rustic and simple. The area’s draws are its desert panoramas, the ghosts of Spanish Jesuit missions, cave paintings and completely unspoiled, remote islets.
Best time to visit Baja California
Plan your trip between January and mid-March for optimum whale sightings. Apart from July and September (when hurricanes are possible), you can enjoy Baja California’s beaches and outdoor activities nearly all year round.
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Places to visit in Baja California
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Baja California, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Baja California
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Baja California, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Baja California
- La Paz Baja California
- Loreto Baja California
- San José del Cabo Baja California
- Todos Santos Baja California
- El Fuerte 243 miles away
- Pacific Coast 275 miles away
Photos of Baja California
Accommodation choices for Baja California
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Baja California. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
Esperanza is one of the most luxurious hotels in Mexico, with wonderfully attentive and friendly staff, and lovely welcoming touches that will make you feel right at home.
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The Todos Santos Inn
The Todos Santos Inn was built in the mid 19th century, this former home of a sugar baron has been lovingly restored into a charming boutique property set in a quiet location in central Todos Santos.
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Guaycura
The Guaycura Boutique Hotel is located in the center of Todos Santos with just 14 bedrooms in a quiet part of town.
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Posada la Poza
Posada La Poza is a charming 8 room boutique hotel with great hospitality.
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Hotel Posada de las Flores
This lovely boutique bed and breakfast has the feel of a colonial Mexican house, with just 8 rooms it is intimate and peaceful.
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National Geographic Seabird
Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Sea Bird can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.
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Safari Voyager
This newly refurbished 86-guest yacht-style boat with 43 cabins offers clients casual elegance with a good selection of upscale amenities.
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Posada de las Flores
This boutique hotel in Loreto has just 15 rooms and is located right on the main plaza, just 600ft from the sea.
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El Encanto Inn
The El Encanto Inn and Suites hotel is a small property with just 28 charming rooms and hacienda-style architecture, located in the downtown art district of San Jose del Cabo.
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Hacienda Suites
The Hacienda Suites hotel is a 43 bedroom property located a 15 minute walk from the historic center of Loreto.
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Casa Natalia
Casa Natalia is a lovely boutique hotel tucked away in a surprising courtyard of mature palm trees creating a peaceful oasis behind a townhouse.
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Safari Endeavour
This refurbished 84-guest yacht-style boat offers clients casual elegance with a good selection of upscale amenities.
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La Mision Hotel
La Mision hotel is Loreto's only 1st class accommodation. It is a modern hotel with 65 rooms located right on the sea-front, 2 blocks from the historic center.