What are the Top Reasons to Visit Baja California?
Hola from Baja California in Mexico! This is a Mexican state that borders the United States. There is so much to share with you. The region is well known for cities like Tijuana, Ensenada and San Quentin. They bring a special vibrancy to the area. Plenty of other amazing areas exist as well. A wine region known as the Valle de Guadalupe makes fabulous wines to sample. San Felipe brings you the “World’s Aquarium” right to your doorstep on the Sea of Cortez. There is so much to explore together. Vamanos!
As a luxury travel advisor who has completed training provided by the Baja California Tourism Trust, you can be sure that the knowledge here and shared is after real training and education. My understanding of the Baja California region and surrounding area ensures you have peace of mind of working with a true professional. Feel free to see this and all certifications on the CARTE ATLAS Accolades page.
Where is Baja California and How can I get there?
The state of Baja California is just underneath California and Arizona. It borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). It is right above the state of Baja California Sur where you will find places to like Loreto, La Paz, and Cabos San Lucas. The main cruise ports are Ensenada which can open doors to visit other regions of Baja California.
Is Baja California Safe to Visit?
CARTE ATLAS advises all travelers to become aware of the International Travel Advisory Map from the U.S. Department of State. This map lists out the levels of travel. As of the publication of this blog post, the Mexican state of Baja California Sur carries a Level 3 from the U.S. State Department. Once you are educated on the level, you can decide if you wish to visit where thousands of voyagers do each and every year.
Will there be safe drinking water?
Always assume there to not be safe drinking water, and ensure you use bottled water. Ask any restaurants if they have bottled water. Ensure you bring your own bottled water from your cruise ship or purchase bottled water from a local market.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April will bring milder temperatures and cooler weather to enjoy and explore. This is also when you may find more crowds. If you wish to avoid crowds and are comfortable with higher temperatures, May through June and October through November are also options. July and August can get unbearably hot at 100+ degrees Fahrenheit, so please keep that in mind!
What Times of the Year can you see Whales?
The beautiful and majestic Grey Whales make their migration from December through March and are commonly seen in Ensenada and San Quentin. The ability to see baby whales right off the coast of Mexico is a must-see experience. This is one experience that makes Baja California a top place to visit and enjoy.
Ensenada & Mexico’s Wine Region
Ensenada – Gateway to Baja California
With over 250 cruises a year, tens of thousands of voyagers experience Baja California through the port of Ensenada. This is often the first experience of Baja California for many travelers, and it is a fun one. As previously mentioned, whales are predominant here during the winter and spring season. Nothing beats the site of a baby whale and its mother swimming together through the waters. The coast of Mexico brings so much natural wonder right to voyagers.
Food is known as Baja Med thanks to the mediterranean like climate. Plenty of food inspired by the mediterranean and asian influences pair well with the cities vibrant beer community. You will absolutely find Michelin restuarants here. Be sure to check out the latest Michelin guide to see which restaurants have been awarded in the past year. You will definitely find multiple within the city. For maritime activities, sportfishing is also common here with Ensenada known as the Yellowtail Capital of the world. Tuna & Marlin call this place home and are prized by sportfishermen around the world.
Ensenada is also the gateway to the Valle de Guadalupe, the well known wine region. This is the perfect day trip, and keep on reading to explore more about the valley further own in our journal entry.
Let’s cruise to ensenada
Valle de Guadalupe – The Capital of Mexican Wine
A short drive from Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe has over 150 wineries. The main draw is that most of them are family run! They range from local farm to table to luxurious enchantments with their own spas. A private full day tour is our go to option here. It allows you to pace yourself while having an expert driver take you to these stunning vineyards.
Wine festivals take place throughout the year. The Sed Latente Wine Festival (April), the Festival of the Vineyards in Bloom (June), and the Vendimia Wine Harvest Festival (August).
You may find yourself wishing to come back. I often treat a cruise like a wine or tasting menu. I get to sample a few places, and find what really makes me want to go back for more. Which means a stay at a luxury resorts found in the Valle de Guadalupe is on the menu. Experience wine tastings, horseback ridings, and even hot air balloon rides. The vineyards are also exceptionally eco-friendly.
A wine weekend is also the perfect trip. Just a few days away with your Gals and Pals in the valley. There are flights from California and Arizona to Ensenada that can bring a wine weekend to life. Be sure to check out the latest Michelin guide. Multiple restaurants have a home here that are recognized, as well as in Ensenada.
Time to sample the Valle de Guadalupe
The Famous San’s of Baja – San Quintin & San Felipe
San Quintin – A Touch of Nature
An area with nearly every natural wonder available, the town of San Quintin is not to be missed. From volcanoes and beaches, to deserts and wetlands, this place has it all. Located on the Pacific side, the San Quintin bay wetlands provide fun water activities like kayaking to explore. Plenty of sportfishermen make their way here for sea bass and halibut. Sea Lions also have a heavy presence here for prime natural viewings. Whale watchers will likely see Grey Whales from January to April. A culinary delight of San Quintin is their oysters. You can even tour oyster farms to see the process. If you are a lover of space, then San Quintin is for you. For you will find the National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico located here!
San Felipe – The Aquarium of the World
It’s time to head East to visit the “World’s Aquarium” as Jacques Cousteau used to say. Located off the coast of the Sea of Cortez, the village of San Felipe has a special charm. Just south is the Valley of the Giants, where cactus as tall as 55 feet and as old as 300+ years live. Once used by indigenous people for shelter and tools, they know a place for pictures and wonder. Sportfishing is heavily prevalent here and often has competitions during the March through December season.
Explore More Of Mexico
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Read more about the 12 Paradises that make up the Mexican Caribbean. From Cancun and Tulum to Isla Cozumel and beyond.
What Makes Loreto Mexico Famous?
Read more about the what makes another Pueblo Magico so famous. Hint: the answer is in the picture! Peaceful creatures await you in Loreto.
Why is La Paz Mexico a Must-See Destination?
A swim with peaceful majestic creatures makes La Paz a truly enchanting place. Read more about the famous Whale Sharks & how La Paz is a true must-see destination for Mexico!
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
As a year-round destination, the best time to visit can depend on your interests. With a vibrant art and food scene, stunning nature, and an inclusive LGBTQ+ culture, read more and find the right time for you.
Founder & Chief Luxury Travel Advisor
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