21 unique Baja Mexico vacation spots to consider
Here are the best and secret Baja Mexico vacation spots that aren’t focused in the Los Cabos area. Browse these exciting destinations and discover the real Baja!
I moved to Cabo from Puerto Vallarta in 2021 and I can say that I love Baja more than PV. My second son is born here so this is our home (for now).
I was already in awe of Cabo San Lucas until my wife and I took a road trip to Baja California for one month. We drove from Los Cabos to Tijuana (and back) and I can truly say I’ve seen the best of Baja.
This is the best road trip I did – the Baja landscape is really one of a kind!
As this road trip was extensive, we discovered many Baja Mexico vacation spots that aren’t on the map yet, and here’s the list!
😎 Recommended: 56 best places to visit in Baja California
1. East Cape: best of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots
📍 East Cape, Baja California Sur
East Cape in Los Cabos stands out as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots due to its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance. This destination is perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking enthusiasts. The rugged landscape is ideal for off-road adventures, including ATV tours and mountain biking.
2. Valle de Guadalupe: best vacation spot for wine-lovers
📍Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
Valle de Guadalupe is renowned as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots for wine enthusiasts and foodies. This lush valley is Mexico’s premier wine region, offering a delightful blend of rustic charm and sophisticated wining and dining experiences.
You can indulge in wine tastings at boutique vineyards, savor gourmet meals at farm-to-table restaurants, and enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling vineyards. Beyond the vines, the region hosts a variety of cultural events, including wine festivals and art shows.
😎 You might also like: Valle de Guadalupe weekend itinerary
3. La Purisima: best for quiet vacations
📍La Purisima, Baja California Sur
La Purisima is a hidden gem among the best Baja Mexico vacation spots, offering a tranquil retreat into nature. This quaint village is nestled in the heart of Baja’s mountains, surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear streams.
It’s an ideal spot for hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the serenity of the natural world. The town’s slow pace and friendly locals provide a genuine experience of rural Mexican life.
📵 Note: There is no phone signal in La Purisima so it’s best for a weekend vacation in Baja.
4. Todos Santos: best vacation spot for young travelers
📍Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Todos Santos is celebrated as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots for its eclectic mix of history, art, and surf culture. This charming town is a haven for artists, with numerous galleries and workshops dotting its cobblestone streets.
The nearby beaches are renowned for their excellent surf conditions, attracting surfers from around the globe.
🏄♂️ See also: How to do a day trip to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
5. Cabo San Lucas: best Baja Mexico vacation spot for singles
📍 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Cabo San Lucas is arguably the most famous among the best Baja Mexico vacation spots, known for its vibrant nightlife, luxurious resorts, and stunning natural landmarks like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
Activities here cater to every type of traveler, from whale watching and deep-sea fishing to golfing and spa retreats. Explore the less-visited Lover’s Beach by kayak or paddleboard, allowing for a more secluded and intimate experience of Cabo’s beautiful waters, away from the crowded tourist spots.
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas: Villa La Valencia
The newest resort from the Villa Group, Villa La Valencia’s amenities is good for families with kids. They have a beach club and this is the only resort in Baja Mexico that has a lazy river (from $130 per night).
🏖️ You might also like: The best resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
6. Mulege: popular RV vacation spot in Baja Mexico
Mulegé is a true oasis in the desert, making it one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots for those seeking natural beauty and historical depth.
This picturesque town is nestled between the mountains and the sea, offering lush palm groves and tranquil rivers that invite kayaking and canoeing. The surrounding area is rich in history, with ancient cave paintings and the historic Santa Rosalía Mission.
7. Loreto: best vacation spot for golfers with families
Loreto is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers, ranking as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots.
As the gateway to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking among vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs.
On land, hiking and mountain biking trails offer breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez and the desert landscape. Loreto also hosts one of the biggest golf courses in Mexico.
8. Tijuana: best weekend in Baja Mexico vacation spot
Tijuana redefines the urban experience among the best Baja Mexico vacation spots, offering a vibrant blend of culture, art, and gastronomy. This border city is famed for its dynamic street art, innovative culinary scene, and bustling markets.
You can explore the cultural complex of CECUT, sample craft beers at local breweries, or indulge in the city’s renowned street food.
Join a local food tour, which takes you beyond the tourist spots to hidden gems where you can savor authentic Mexican flavors and learn about the city’s culinary evolution directly from local chefs and artisans.
9. San Felipe: not-so-popular vacation spot in Baja Mexico
San Felipe is a charming coastal town, known for its warm waters, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots for those looking to unwind. It’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, and off-road racing.
The town’s Malecón (boardwalk) is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering stunning sea views and local cuisine. Explore the nearby Valle de los Gigantes, home to some of the world’s largest cacti.
This surreal landscape offers a unique backdrop for hiking and photography, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of Baja California.
10. La Paz: best vacation spot for beautiful beaches in Baja Mexico
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a serene ambiance, solidifying its status as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots.
It’s renowned for its stunning waterfront promenade, world-class beaches, and the incredible Isla Espiritu Santo, a natural aquarium where visitors can snorkel with sea lions and explore untouched beaches.
Participate in a whale shark encounter, offering the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience that highlights the area’s commitment to sustainable and respectful wildlife tourism.
🏖️ See also: 38 things to do in La Paz, Mexico
11. Cabo Pulmo: best national park in Baja Mexico
📍Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur
Cabo Pulmo is often hailed as the best national park in Baja Mexico, and for good reason. This marine park is a success story of conservation, home to one of the oldest coral reefs in the American Pacific.
Divers and snorkelers are drawn to its vibrant underwater world, teeming with marine life including colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles. The clear waters and rich biodiversity make it an unparalleled destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
12. Guerrero Negro: whale-watching vacation spot in Baja
📍Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur
Guerrero Negro is renowned as one of the premier whale-watching vacation spots in Baja Mexico. This area is especially famous for the annual migration of gray whales that come to the lagoons to breed and give birth from January to March.
You can take guided boat tours to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.
Visit the expansive salt flats and the saltworks factory in Guerrero Negro, one of the largest in the world, to learn about the local industry and see the striking contrast between the desert and the sea.
13. San Juanico: off-grid vacation spot for surfing in Baja Mexico
San Juanico is celebrated as an off-grid vacation spot for surfing in Baja Mexico, offering some of the longest and most consistent waves on the Pacific coast.
This remote village is a surfer’s paradise, with pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to those looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
Beyond surfing, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and star-gazing in one of the clearest skies in the world.
Where to stay in San Juanico: Cowabunga
A surfer accommodation in San Juanico, this property has a rooftop bar and all the amenities you need for surfing. Rates are under $100 (depending on the season). You can only book this property via e-mail.
14. Puerto San Carlos: top whale-watching vacation spot
Puerto San Carlos is another top whale-watching vacation spot in Baja Mexico, particularly for observing the magnificent gray whales in Magdalena Bay.
The calm waters of the bay provide a safe haven for whales, making it an ideal location for intimate and respectful wildlife encounters.
In addition to whale watching, visitors can explore the mangrove canals, rich in birdlife, or venture to the nearby sand dunes for spectacular views. This is the only whale watching spot in Mexico where you can actually touch the whales.
Whale watching is the only activity here so this town is only active from December to March.
15. La Ventana: vacation spot for kite surfing in Baja
La Ventana has established itself as a premier vacation spot for kite surfing in Baja Mexico, thanks to its strong and consistent winds that provide ideal conditions for the sport from November to April.
This small town has grown into a vibrant community of kite surfers, windsurfers, and adventure enthusiasts. Beyond water sports, La Ventana offers mountain biking, fishing, and SUP boarding.
16. El Pescadero: Baja Mexico vacation spot for retirees
El Pescadero has emerged as a favored Baja Mexico vacation spot for retirees, known for its tranquil pace of life, warm community, and natural beauty.
Nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this small town offers retirees a serene environment with access to pristine beaches, organic farms, and artisanal markets.
El Pescadero’s climate is perfect for year-round gardening and outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and beachcombing. It is also just a 10-minute drive from Todos Santos, one of the most popular Baja Mexico vacation spots.
17. San Jose del Cabo: best Baja Mexico vacation spot for families
San Jose del Cabo is recognized as the best Baja Mexico vacation spot for families, offering a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its more famous neighbor, Cabo San Lucas.
This city blends cultural richness, historical charm, and natural beauty, making it ideal for family vacations.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the art district filled with galleries and boutiques to snorkeling in the calm waters of nearby beaches.
🏖️ You might also like: The best resort towns in Mexico
18. Bahia Asuncion: best adventure vacation spot
Bahia Asuncion is heralded as the best adventure Baja Mexico vacation spots, captivating visitors with its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and array of outdoor activities.
This remote village is a paradise for those seeking adventure off the beaten path, with opportunities for surfing, fishing, mountain biking, and whale watching. The surrounding desert and mountain landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for off-road adventures and hiking.
Explore the nearby islands by kayak or paddleboard, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. For those interested in cultural experiences, visit the local community to learn about traditional fishing techniques.
19. Bahia de Los Angeles: best Sea of Cortez vacation spot
Bahia de Los Angeles is often celebrated as one of the best Baja Mexico vacation spots for its breathtaking landscapes and views of the Sea of Cortes.
This tranquil bay is a haven for marine life enthusiasts, offering some of the best opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing in the clear, calm waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Visitors can explore the numerous uninhabited islands, rich in wildlife and natural beauty. Visit during the summer months to experience the bioluminescent plankton that lights up the bay at night.
20. Ejido Erendira: secret vacation spot in Baja Mexico
Ejido Erendira remains one of the secret Baja Mexico vacation spots, offering a serene escape from the more touristy destinations.
This small coastal community is surrounded by rolling hills and rugged cliffs, with access to some of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the region.
Surfing, horseback riding along the beach, and enjoying the local vineyards are just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy here. Visit during the spring when the surrounding countryside bursts into bloom with wildflowers!
21. Los Barriles: best vacation spot for fishing
Los Barriles is recognized as one of the best vacation spots for fishing in Baja Mexico, attracting anglers from all over the world to its rich waters teeming with marlin, tuna, dorado, and other game fish.
Beyond fishing, this friendly community offers windsurfing, kiteboarding, and ATV trails, making it a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Participate in a local fishing tournament, for a chance to engage with the local fishing community and experience the camaraderie.
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