We’re starting off the new year with our top ten Baja resolutions that we think most people can get on board with. How many will you stick to this year?
1. Get Personal With Marine Life
Whether it’s a trip to hug the gray whales in San Ignacio, snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes in La Paz, kayaking with whale sharks in Bahía de Los Ángeles, or participating in a sea turtle hatchling release in Todos Santos, Baja is full of prime opportunities to get up close and personal with friendly creatures of the sea.
2. Learn About the Peninsula’s Native Peoples
From the Kumeyaay, Cucupá, Kiliwa, and Paipai up north to the Cochimí, Guaycura, and Pericú farther south, get to know more about Baja’s indigenous people. For starters, take a trip to Tecate’s Community Museum or get a copy of Michael Wilkens-Robertson’s Kumeyaay Ethnobotany book for an insight into the Kumeyaay.
3. Discover the Lesser-Known Baja Wines
Sure, by now you’re familiar with the delicious wines and beautiful wineries of Valle de Guadalupe, but Baja also has wineries outside of the peninsula’s beloved Valle. Tecate, Ojos Negros, Valle de Santo Tomás, and Valle de la Grulla all have wineries where you can enjoy good wine while getting off the beaten path.
4. Ride Like a Cowboy
There are a number of ranches in Northern Baja that let you experience the rustic ranchero life for a few days. Rancho la Bellota outside of Tecate and Rancho Meling in the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir are favorites of many Baja travelers.
5. Get Artsy
There are a few towns along the peninsula that are home to a flourishing art scene with multiple galleries and local artists. Rosarito has a strong art scene from street art to galleries and hosts an annual Rosarito Art Fest, and down to the south Todos Santos has a number of galleries and has their Open Studio Tour coming up in February. Don’t miss San José del Cabo with their lively Art Walk that takes place on Thursday evenings throughout the winter season.
6. Hang Ten
From border to tip, Baja is full of great surfing spots whether you’re a beginner or an adventurous expert looking for a wave to call your own. If you’ve never picked up a board before, Baja is a great place to start! For lessons and board rentals try Surf Ensenada up north or Mario’s Surf School down south and get ready for fun.
7. Drink Your Way Through TJ’s Beer Scene
The growing craft beer scene in Northern Baja can especially be seen in the number of new tap rooms popping up in Tijuana. A trip to TJ’s Avenida Revolución will provide beer nerds with plenty of brews to fill a full day. Join Baja Test Kitchen on one of their craft beer + taco tours if you want the experts to show you how it’s done.
8. Sleep Under the Stars
From the pine trees and peaks of the San Pedro Mártir to the sandy shores of the East Cape, the peninsula is full of great camping spots whether you prefer a tent or a motorhome. Those looking for a more refined camping experience may want to check out glamping spots like Gypsy Canyon in Todos Santos and Camp Cecil on Isla Espiritu Santo.
9. Explore Rock Art
One of the most incredible cultural offerings of Baja is the cave paintings scattered throughout the peninsula. From easy day trips to multi-day mule rides, there’s rock art for every audience. Start by exploring a few of our favorites.
10. Take Time to Relax
Whether it’s taking in the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Bahía Concepción or just finding a hammock anywhere along the peninsula, take some time to do nothing. You deserve it.