The Best Getaways on the Baja Peninsula

Even if you recently purchased one of the homes for sale in Austin, TX or anywhere else for that matter, and don’t have a lot of extra cash to spare for travel, a getaway to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula offers everything from a wide range of outdoor adventure, beautiful beaches and soaring mountains to friendly, welcoming locals and some of the most mouthwatering cuisine you’ll ever taste. And, all at incredibly affordable prices. Anyone who lives in America’s southwest, and many other destinations throughout the country, can reach this region with a relatively short, and often inexpensive, flight.

Some of the latest statistics show that more than 14.6 million U.S. citizens visited Baja in 2016, making it the most successful tourism year in the last decade. That number is likely to skyrocket even more with so many discovering its delights. The hardest decision is not whether to go, but where to spend your getaway on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.

Loreto

One of the oldest settlements in Baja, Loreto is a small town nestled in the mountains along the Sea of Cortez, offering an especially authentic Mexican feel with its rich heritage and colorful traditions. It also boasts breathtaking stretches of sand that are edged by glistening blue bays ideally designed for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing or simply hanging out in the sunshine with many sandy coves that are perfect for seclusion and relaxation. There’s plenty to do on land too, like exploring caves, mountain biking and golfing, while the town itself is known for its colonial splendor that can be seen throughout the winding streets.

La Ventana

This little fishing village is especially popular to visit in the winter months with its long expanse of turquoise bay and seasonal winds that attract lots of kitesurfers. It’s also an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving, kayaking, sailing, fishing, or just relaxing and taking in the spectacular scene. The striking contrast of the soaring Sierra de Laguna Mountains and arid desert landscape dotted with countless towering cactus against the intense blue sea is absolutely jaw-dropping.

La Paz

If you’re seeking a more cosmopolitan destination, you can’t go wrong with La Paz. Far less touristy than Cabo San Lucas to the south, it offers an ideal blend of Old World beauty, hip chicness, and a laid-back atmosphere. Thanks to the remarkably diverse population, visitors can expect to find all sorts of international and Mexican cuisine to sample, and are just as likely to hear English, French, Italian or Portuguese as they are Spanish on the streets. Check out the lively squares with locals selling handcrafted goods or take a walk down the Malecon, a waterfront promenade along the Sea of Cortez with sandy beaches and colorful sculptures. On the other side of the coconut palm-lined street are all sorts of outstanding eateries that serve fresh seafood and more, with unique shops tucked in between.

Todos Santos

About an hour south of La Paz along the Pacific coast, Todos Santos is a Pueblo Magico, or “Magic Town,” named as such for its importance as a cultural landmark. One of the most charming towns in Baja, its cobbled streets are lined with numerous art galleries, as a focal point for art in the region. Home to fishermen, surfers and lots of creative types, including many U.S. and Canadian expats, it has a fabulous vibe that, as of yet, has remained unspoiled by the rampant tourism of Cabo, though it’s only about 70 minutes north. An oasis in the desert, there are ancient orchards of palm and mango trees, while endless stretches of golden sands are often nearly empty, even in the height of the busy season. Take a stroll through the historic downtown, or a walk down to the beach – in the winter you can watch the baby sea turtle releases or even glimpse humpback whales leap from the surf. Just about any time of year is ideal for a horseback ride along the sand, beachcombing, and sunset watching.

Cabo San Lucas

If you’re idea of fun is wild beachside parties, Cabo is definitely the place to go. This is one of the top spots in Baja for tourists, and it offers plenty of luxuries like upscale, all-inclusive resorts and fine dining, along with higher American prices to go along with it. It’s renowned for its nightlife, with clubs like Cabo Wabo, the Mango Deck and The Office, while the place to be for hanging out on the sand under an umbrella or taking a dip in the clear blue waters is Medano Beach.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.