10 Day Baja California Sur Road Trip - The Perfect Itinerary (2023)

FAQs

How long does it take to drive Baja California? ›

How long does it take to drive the entire Baja Peninsula? The entire stretch is 775 miles each way not accounting for the side-trips to see what the peninsula has to offer. I suggest spending at least one week each way — even that is pushing it.

Whether you've been to Baja California Sur on trips before or not, you'll likely know that this state is one of the most incredible places to discover new and what feels like totally untouched pieces of natural beauty. The best thing about the entire Baja Peninsula is that it is perfect for road trips.

Baja California Sur is undoubtedly the more popular state for tourism — though both Baja states have things to offer. In Baja Sur, the famous beaches of Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) and La Paz await!

But the best time to visit Baja is from December through April. Our Baja cruises primarily operate during these months, taking advantage of pleasant weather and sailing conditions while avoiding the hottest summer months and the hurricane season.

Baja does present security risks, particularly in the areas closest to the U.S. border. That is primarily due to the drug and smuggling trade in the area. Violence often can affect tourists, so you do have a good reason to keep up your guard. Still, don't assume that all parts of Tijuana, Baja and beyond are unsafe.

Baja California was one Mexican territory until 1930, when it was split into two parts that eventually gained statehood. The northern part kept the name Baja California, while the southern part eventually became Baja California Sur.

The best time to visit Big Sur is from September to November. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Big Sur's peak season runs long, from April to October.

Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. So be sure to avoid sketchy areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

The Pacific side of Baja, especially in the north, has a much milder climate than the rest of the peninsula. The Pacific currents and the winds that come off of the ocean tend to keep the Pacific side much cooler than the Sea of Cortez side.

Baja California Sur Today

Tourism, sport fishing, agriculture and salt mining make the biggest contributions to the state`s economy. Salt is mined from the ocean and sold as table salt or a preservative.

What is Baja California most known for? ›

Baja California Today

The state's economy is bolstered by agriculture, maquiladoras (manufacturing assembly plants), mining and tourism. The state is also well known as a tourist destination, thanks to its countless beaches and proximity to the United States.

However, you will need to know some key words and phrases to understand the records. The official language of Mexico is Spanish, which is spoken by 90 percent of the people. Indian languages of the Aztecs, Mayans, and other tribes are still spoken throughout the country.

The east coast along the Sea of Cortez is much warmer than the Pacific coast summer and winter, and in late winter and early spring can be fantastically windy. The west (Pacific) coast is cool and breezy in winter and warm and breezy in summer, on average 5°C (10°F) cooler than the Sea of Cortez side.

In Mexico, the bark scorpion is found in Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, and Sonora. Bark scorpions reach a length of 3 inches and have a very thin tail only 1/16 inch wide; the body is yellow without stripes or patterns.

Most of the rain falls from November to March, although in the interior, some rains also occur from July to September.

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

Baja California, Mexico is considered a moderately safe state in Mexico. There are some dangerous towns in Baja, Mexico such as Tijuana — one of the most crime-ridden cities in Mexico. The most common crimes committed throughout Baja, Mexico are drug trafficking, corruption, and bribery.

Baja California Sur offers something for every budget. Even in the more expensive cities, modest housing can be found for less than $100,000. Of course, those homes will not have the amenities and views many retirees seek but when cost is a factor there are options.

Do you need a passport to go from California to Baja Mexico? ›

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Is the drive to Big Sur scary? The drive to Big Sur can be scary for those with a fear of heights. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you'll avoid any dangers.

California Highway 1 in the Big Sur region is one of the state's most dangerous highways, even in good weather. It is narrow (almost entirely one lane in each direction), and travelers who are driving slowly or have stopped entirely, directly on the highway, to admire the view can pose hazards to other drivers.

Big Sur is a 90-mile scenic drive, so you'll definitely want to rent a car. If you have the time and the means, I highly recommend making your trip to Big Sur part of a larger West Coast road trip! Consider visiting Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park while you're on the west coast.

The criminal underworld in Baja California Sur is dominated by the New Generation Cartel of Jalisco.

With the longest coastline in Mexico, boasting 2230 km of coast and beach, it's no wonder beaches in Baja California Sur are known for great swimming and surfing. Top rated beaches include Playa del Amor (lover's beach) and ironically, Divorce Beach.

Is it safe to drive to Baja California? Yes, it is safe to drive to Baja California. However, there are some things you should be aware of before driving down. For example, make sure not to drive after dark, watch out for cows and horses in the road, and fill up your gas tank whenever possible.

Unless you are in a mega resort with its very own high-end septic system, you simply can't FLUSH paper with your liquid or solid waste in ANY mexican toilet. You'll find the same in other parts of the world as well. Each mexian house has it's very own septic system.

No — Mexico Locals drink bottled water.

Since locals don't want to get sick just as much as you don't want to get sick, there will be no instance when someone will serve or offer you tap water. To make Mexico water safe to drink, you'd have to boil it or use a filterable water bottle like the Water-To-Go.

It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

What is the most popular food in Baja California? ›

Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos)

Perhaps the dish most commonly associated with Baja California, tasty battered fish (and shrimp!) tacos are a mainstay of the diet here and are typically accompanied with delicious salsas.

By area, Baja California is the 12th largest state in Mexico, which has 31 states and one federal district. Mexicali is the capital of Baja California, and more than 75% of the population lives there, in Ensenada, or in Tijuana. Other large cities in Baja California include San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito, and Tecate.

Cabo San Lucas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkaβo san ˈlukas], "Saint Luke Cape"), or simply Cabo, is a resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.

Baja California is known for a wide variety of culinary staples. Aside from the region's delicious Mexican food and margaritas, two of the most renowned Baja-Med dishes south of the border include the pan-fried lobster and the Caesar salad.

Baja Med is a term conceived by Chef Miguel Ángel Guerrero that refers to fusion cuisine of Mexican cuisine, such as chicharrón and cotija cheese, with those of Mediterranean, such as olive oil, and Asian cuisine, such as lemongrass.

Baja California (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbaxa kaliˈfoɾnja] ( listen); 'Lower California'), officially the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California), is a state in Mexico. It is the northernmost and westernmost of the 32 federal entities of Mexico.

Cristian Montes de Oca. Lived in Baja California, Mexico Author has 1K answers and 5.8M answer views 6y. Hi, Joe already gave you the general answer. It is important to mention that the actual name for people born in the Baja California is Bajacaliforniano, in spanish or Bajacalifornian in English.

However, Baja California, while not very important for the U.S., was very important to Mexico. Losing Baja California meant that Maxico's west coast would be dominated by the United States. U.S. felt that demanding Baja would make territorial negotiations with Mexico way too difficult for not much gain.

These loopholes have prompted an influx of U.S. citizens that started in the late 1990s. It's estimated that 1.5 million Americans now live in Mexico, with tens of thousands residing in Baja California, where they can keep one foot in familiar terrain by hopping across the border into San Diego.

While Cabo's beaches are the postcard turquoise blue and sandy white, most aren't suitable for swimming—but no, it's not because of great white sharks in the Sea of Cortez. Instead, the Sea of Cortez is full of strong waves and powerful undercurrents, making many otherwise pristine beaches dangerous for swimming.

Can you swim across the Sea of Cortez? ›

Absolutely no swimming is allowed because the strong currents and powerful shore break is very dangerous. Lover's Beach (Playa de Amor) is located on the Sea of Cortez side near the famous stone arch (El Arco). The only access to this beach is by water taxi from the marina or Medano Beach.

The conditions in the Sea of Cortez are otherwise great for sailing, with winds between 10 and 25 knots being common throughout the year.

American crocodiles are found in tropical regions on Mexico's mainland, across the Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez. Wild crocodiles are not found on the Baja California peninsula, where the desert climate is not suitable.

There are 35 species of snakes (serpientes) in Baja, about half of which are poisonous, although they rarely come into contact with people.

It is part of the Baja California peninsula, famous for its beautiful beaches and spectacular landscapes combining the desert and the Sea of Cortez. The only mosquito present in the area is the Aedes aegypti, which transmits viruses such as Zika, chikungunya and dengue.

But the best time to visit Baja is from December through April. Our Baja cruises primarily operate during these months, taking advantage of pleasant weather and sailing conditions while avoiding the hottest summer months and the hurricane season.

By car: Cars are not the best option for getting around Baja California, although many people do opt to use them. The roads are generally fairly well-maintained, although there are areas of Baja, especially rural Baja, which are not up to international standards.

The Baja California peninsula, about 760 miles (over 1220 kilometers) in length, is almost completely surrounded by water, with the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortés) to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is Earth's second-longest peninsula—only the Malay Peninsula is longer.

You can legally drive your US or Canadian plated vehicle throughout the entire Baja peninsula without a TIP, as long as your US or Canadian registration and driver's license are current. You will, however, need Mexican insurance to drive throughout Baja. It's very important to purchase this before you cross the border.

By car: Cars are not the best option for getting around Baja California, although many people do opt to use them. The roads are generally fairly well-maintained, although there are areas of Baja, especially rural Baja, which are not up to international standards.

Can you cross to Baja California without a passport? ›

If you are a U.S national, you may be looking up questions like “Do you need a passport to go to Baja California?” The answer is, yes. You will require a passport to travel to this Mexican state. While many people consider traveling by car, boat, train or bus, traveling by air is arguably the most convenient option.

While Baja California is one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, it's still considerably cheaper than California.

Yes! Mexican law requires sufficient liability coverage in order to drive legally on the roads in Mexico, including the Baja Peninsula.

Valid U.S. Driver's License

If you have a valid driver's license for any U.S. state, you can legally drive across the border to Mexico. Like your passport, your driver's license should be valid for at least another six months, just to be safe so you have no issues crossing the border into Mexico.

When traveling in Baja, it is usually better to pay for goods and services in pesos, rather than in U.S. dollars. Although U.S. dollars will be accepted at most larger businesses from Tijuana to Cabo, the exchange rate when paying in U.S. dollars can be significantly less than the official rate.

CBP recommends that you contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before you depart if you plan to import or export any of the following: Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates; Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs; or.

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? No. A US citizen has an absolute right to enter the US as far as immigration inspection is concerned.

If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.