Peninsula Picks: Baja Art Destinations

There are destinations all over the Baja California peninsula where art lovers will rejoice in finding a range of artwork from street art to fine art museums and everything in between. Here are some of our favorite spots where you can get your art fix.

Tijuana

Why We Love It: Tijuana is known for its edgy cool vibe and that extends to its art scene as well. It’s easy to take in some art on a day trip from San Diego, or there’s enough art to fill an entire weekend.

What To See: There’s a range of art to be digested in Tijuana from street art to museums and galleries. Start at Tijuana’s CECUT cultural center where you’ll find an incredible facility featuring an IMAX theater, a museum with various exhibits, a small aquarium, and performing arts theaters that host performances on a regular basis. For a more rugged experience, head to Avenida Revolución to check out the pasajes (alleyways) that feature lots of street art as well as some small shops, breweries, and cafes. True modern art lovers won’t want to miss gallery 206 Arte Contemporáneo.

DBTC Insider Tip: Even if you aren’t stopping in Tijuana, you can still appreciate the art scene while driving through. The city is home to a plethora of large monuments that reside in the middle of the glorietas (roundabouts) along the big boulevards.

Rosarito

Why We Love It: This little beach town has an art scene that has beautifully blossomed over the last number of years. It’s the perfect spot for an easy weekend escape from Southern California.

What To See: Art is everywhere in Rosarito from the colorful street art murals to galleries in town along the main street. There’s a newer CEART cultural center that plays host to performances, festivals, and exhibits featuring all forms of art on a consistant basis. The Rosarito Art Walk is an event that takes place each May and features booths from dozens of local artists and artisans.

DBTC Insider Tip: Local street artist Jaime Carbó has street art throughout Rosarito and has done murals in some of the rooms at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Be sure to ask specifically for one of his rooms when making a reservation.

La Paz

Why We Love It: In addition to the glorious beaches and access to the Sea of Cortez, La Paz has a nice range of art for visitors to explore as well. From seaside sculptures and the new art museum to street art and artisan goods, there’s a little of something for everyone.

What To See: The Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur (MUABCS) is a great place to catch a few exhibits of Baja Sur art. Afterwards, head to the malecón and enjoy an art walk taking in the sculptures scattered long the boardwalk that reflect the history of La Paz.

DBTC Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a special piece of the La Paz art scene to take home with you, don’t miss Ibarra’s Pottery. You can watch the artisans making pottery, take a tour of the facilities, and take home your own special bowl or plate as a souvenir.

Todos Santos

Why We Love It: This charming West Cape colonial town has been luring ex-pat artists for decades. While the region has recently seen a big boom in development, the town of Todos Santos remains a quaint destination with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lots of galleries to check out along the way.

What To See: There’s no shortage of art galleries if you roam around the central historic district of Todos Santos. The streets surrounding the plaza are home to galleries and shops that are lovers will adore such as Galeria Todos Santos, Galeria Logan, La Sonrisa de la Muerte, Manos Mexicanos, and tons more.

DBTC Insider Tip: Todos Santos hosts a number of fun events throughout the year. Many related to the arts such as the Open Studio Tour in February, a film festival in November, as well as a some fabulous gastronomy and wine events.

San José del Cabo

Why We Love It: The historic downtown area of San José del Cabo is home to charming streets of colonial architecture and an abundance of art galleries. If you’re looking for some culture and substance in Los Cabos, this is the place to go.

What To See: The popular Thursday evening Art Walk just became a year-round weekly tradition where visitors can peek into galleries in the evenings to check out the sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, and regional crafts that are available for sale. Many galleries serve wine and it’s a great excuse to grab dinner afterwards at any of the superb restaurants in the area.

DBTC Insider Tip: The local San José del Cabo farmers market, the Mercado Orgánico, operates on Saturdays during peak season (November-April). In addition to being a great place to buy local organic produce, the market features live music from local artists as well as booths with goods from local artists and artisans