Tijuana
Why We Love It:
Just chosen by the New York Times as their #8 pick (out of 52) for top destinations for travel in 2017, Tijuana is a city that is blossoming into a world-class destination. While still a bit rough around the edges, the town is full of hidden gems with incredible dining, the CECUT cultural center, delicious street food, and one of the best craft beer scenes on the peninsula. If tackling the city on your own sounds daunting, or you want someone to show you the best places to go, join our sister company, Baja Test Kitchen, on one of their Tijuana Food or Craft Beer Tours, like their TJ Bites tour on January 15th.
Where to Stay:
While Tijuana is easy to explore in a day trip from San Diego (especially with the new PedWest facility making pedestrian crossings quick and easy), nice hotels like the Hyatt Place and the Marriott are affordable and luxurious options.
San Ignacio
Why We Love It:
This tiny colonial town set in an oasis of date palms may seem like a sleepy choice, but the town and region are rich with attractions. The town of San Ignacio itself has a beautiful mission that is one of the best-preserved and easiest to visit on the peninsula. San Ignacio is also home to the peninsula’s premier spot for gray whale encounters at the nearby Laguna San Ignacio. Just north of San Ignacio, the Sierra de San Francisco has some of the most impressive cave paintings on the peninsula. With multiple rock art sites, visitors can take a few days in the sierras to have a guided adventure, or there are a few sites that can be visited in a day trip from San Ignacio.
Where to Stay:
Stay in a yurt along the river at the Ignacio Springs B&B (DBTC members get a 10% discount) or stay in town at the budget-friendly La Huerta where the new on-property restaurant just opened.
Loreto
Why We Love It:
As one of Baja’s Pueblos Magicos, Loreto is the little town with a lot to offer. The town offers a lively plaza, colonial architecture, California’s first mission, and plenty of great restaurants and boutique hotels. Of course, no visit to Loreto is complete without a day trip out to San Javier to see the mission and olive trees that are over 300 years old. See more of our recommendations for what to do in our Three-Day Getaway: Loreto article.
Where to Stay:
Las Cabañas de Loreto is a special boutique option in town or Hotel Angra (DBTC members get a 10% discount) is a good budget-friendly option.
East Cape
Why We Love It:
From coral-reef diving, world-class fishing, and kiteboarding/windsurfing, outdoor enthusiasts will find no lack of things to do on the East Cape. When you tire of the beautiful beaches and ocean sports, head inland where a quick jaunt into the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna will bring you to natural hot springs and waterfall oases.
Where to Stay:
Both Rancho Leonero and Buena Vista Beach Resort (DBTC members receive a 10% discount at both places) provide a lovely option for relaxation on the beautiful Buena Vista beaches.
Todos Santos
Why We Love It:
The quaint colonial town of Todos Santos seems to grow more hip and chic by the year. This month is especially exciting for the town with a new Tropic of Cancer concert series (replacing the town’s usual January music fest spearheaded by Peter Buck, which was canceled this year) bringing in a fresh set of talented artists from Nashville and other places. Also slated to take place later this month is the opening of Javier Plascencia’s new Jazamango restaurant, which will bring his incredible food to Baja Sur for the first time.
Where to Stay:
La Bohemia Hotel Pequeño will give you a unique bohemian experience in the heart of the action, or enjoy serenity on the beach at Villa Santa Cruz.