Many Baja travelers forego traveling the peninsula during the summer in favor of cooler seasons, but there are lots of reasons to head south of the border this season. Check out our top ten things to do in Baja this summer!
1. Go Fishing
Summer is undoubtedly the best season for fishing in Baja. Spots like the East Cape, Cabo, and Loreto are always popular for sportfishing in Baja California Sur. This summer the government for the state of Baja California (norte) will be hosting a new 2 Mares (2 Seas) fishing tournament, with a tournament in San Felipe June 14-15 and a tournament in San Quintín August 30-31. More information available on the Baja California Sportfishing website or Facebook page.
2. Swim with the Whale Sharks
One of the wonders of the peninsula is the presence of the whale sharks that visit the waters of the Sea of Cortez. These gentle giants come close to the shore and surface in places like La Paz and Bahía de los Ángeles, offering visitors the unique opportunity to swim, snorkel, and kayak with them. There are tour operators in both places that specialize in taking people to see and visit the whale sharks. In Bahía de los Ángeles, you can kayak out to visit them on your own (try the southern bay or Rincón which is usually one of the best spots for seeing them from mid summer to early fall). Learn more about visiting Whale Sharks in Baja.
3. See the Sea Turtles in Baja Sur
Beginning in August, the Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles begin coming ashore to lay their eggs in the sands of Baja Sur. After 45 days of incubation, the eggs hatch and the hatchlings make their way into the sea to begin their lives. Cabo and the West Cape are two great places to visit to watch the sea turtles lay eggs and to join an organization to help release hatchlings. Sea turtle season is generally August to December.
4. Celebrate the Valle de Guadalupe Wine Harvest
The Valle de Guadalupe Fiestas de la Vendimia is celebrating it’s 34th year hosting the popular wine harvest festival. The three-week festival is comprised of parties ranging from small private wine pairing dinners to large events with 100 different wineries participating. If you don’t want to have to endure the heat of Valle in late summer, the Muestra del Vino is one of the best events of the festival and takes place in the evening on the cool coast of Ensenada. For tickets and more information about the Fiestas de la Vendimia, visit the Provino website.
5. Hike Northern Baja
There are a number of coastal areas in northern Baja that are finally embracing the hiking scene with new marked trails for enjoying fresh air with scenic views. Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintín, are all great areas for hiking and even have dedicated hiking groups and Facebook pages. Check out our archive of articles on hiking for more information and inspiration.
6. Explore the Beer Scene in Tijuana
There has been an explosion of craft breweries and tasting rooms over the past decade in northern Baja, and Tijuana is one of the best cities for exploring some of them. The TJ beer scene echoes the popular San Diego craft beer scene but brings a unique spin and flavor. There are tasting rooms all over downtown Tijuana where you can grab a tasting flight or a pint to check out a selection of brews. When you’ve had your fill of cerveza, grab some of Tijuana’s incredible street tacos.
7. Catch a Wave
From top to tip, the peninsula is full of great surfing spots along the Pacific side. Take an adventurous road trip to San Juanico (Scorpion Bay), paddle out on the West Cape, or take a lesson in Ensenada. There are waves and surfing destinations to match all levels of surfing skills and desires for adventure.
8. Take a Foodie Road Trip
From street tacos and craft beer in Tijuana, to fresh seafood in Ensenada, and the best of Mexican wine in Valle de Guadalupe, Northern Baja is an unrivaled culinary destination. See our article here for a number of different trip itineraries for Northern Baja. With the newly unveiled Michelin Guide to Mexico, there are even more delicious places to eat.
9. Take a Weekend Escape to Rosarito
The iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel turns 100 this year and there’s no better excuse for a summer stay. The coastal town has beautiful expansive beaches that are perfect for a family beach day, a surfing lesson, or a sunset horseback ride. The growing culinary scene is accompanied by a vibrant art scene. Galleries feature the work of local artists and there is incredible street art throughout the town as well as a great local artisan market.
10. Go Camping in the Sierras
When the temperature on the peninsula heats up, it’s time to head up in elevation. Two mountain ranges in Northern Baja, the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir and the Sierra Juarez have two national parks (The Parque Nacional San Pedro Mártir and Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 respectively) that offer the perfect respite for camping in the pines. We love Laguna Hanson in The Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 for camping and exploring and there are plenty of camping sites and hiking spots throughout the San Pedro Mártir. Check out the The Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 Facebook page or our Guide to the San Pedro Mártir for more information.