Girls Trips Solo Female Travel

Cities in Baja California – 5 Hidden (ok, not-so-hidden) Gems

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The cities in Baja California holds a soft spot in my heart. Growing up in San Diego, I’ve been quite spoiled with easy access to this beautiful, rustic part of Mexico. When I was five, my mom and I took a trip to La Paz. Since I was seven years old, we’ve been driving down to San Felipe spending long weekends and holidays in a little fishing village on the coast of the Sea of Cortez. It’s where I learned to drive in a dune buggy, became adept at riding quads, tested the waters by riding my first jet ski. Where I may or may not have first had a drink and gone to my first bar. It’s where countless memories were made with family and friends, that shaped such a big part of my childhood. For a while, it was a second home.

So, it should come as no surprise that I’m drawn back to Baja time and again. I’ve since expanded my travel beyond San Felipe, and have some favorite spots, some are still hidden gems, along with others that once were small and quaint and have had their own glow up, but I still love them none-the-less. Here’s a peek at some of my favorite hidden and not-so-hidden spots in Baja, listed from highest energy to most relaxed.

There’s a variety of laid back and adventurous girls trip ideas here. For girls trips of every size and how to pull them off, here’s my full girls trips guide →

For my full guide to solo travel for women over 35, start here →

What to Pack for Baja California: Flip Flops, Swimsuit, Not Much Else

The less you bring to Baja, the easier those dusty roads and beach days get. My free custom packing checklist keeps it simple. 

Which Baja Are We Talking About?

Quick thing before we dive in, because it trips up almost everyone. “Baja California” is technically two Mexican states. The northern one, Baja California, is home to cities like Tijuana, Ensenada, Mexicali, and San Felipe. Baja California Sur, the bottom half of the peninsula, is where you’ll find La Paz, Todos Santos, and Los Cabos. Most of us just say “Baja” and mean the whole skinny stretch of coastline, and that’s honestly how I think about it too. That’s why you’ll find a mix of both on this list, chosen for the feeling rather than the state line.

So here are my five favorite cities and towns in Baja California, ranked from highest energy to most relaxed.

5. Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur (½ of Los Cabos)

the sunsets in Cabo San Lucas are stunning, making it one of my favorite cities in Baja California

So many people think Los Cabos is one place, but in reality, it’s town totally distinct towns. The first is Cabo San Lucas, on the tip of Baja where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

Cabo has definitely exploded over the last several years, but I’m still drawn back there. I first went to Cabo almost as an aside. At that time, I had been working for two years without taking a vacation (not recommended), maxed out my PTO (also not recommended), and was forced to take time off (clearly not a problem for me anymore!). I wanted somewhere easy and close that I didn’t have to give much thought to. I wanted sunshine, seaside views, relaxing poolside with a drink in hand, and Cabo fit that bill. It still does to this day.

Since that trip, I’ve discovered the amazing restaurants, fantastic whale watching and activities like snorkeling and turtle releasing. Cabo still has a crazy party scene with a lot of bars and clubs, but it’s very easy to avoid that if that’s not your jam. Those days are over for me, but I still love the time I spend in Cabo every time I’m there.   

4. San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur (the other half of Los Cabos)

San Jose del Cabo is Cabo San Lucas' quieter cousin in Baja

The other half of Los Cabos is San Jose del Cabo. Only about 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, the towns still feel very different. Yes, they have both grown and mega-resorts abound in both places. But San Jose has kept more of a traditional town feel. Its historic central town is quaint and easily walkable, even hosting an art walk on Thursday nights. The town is a bit quieter with a more artistic feel, but still has amazing restaurants and seaside places to stay to keep taking in those amazing views. I like to visit both cities when I head down that way, but if I had to choose, San Jose may just edge out Cabo San Lucas for me these days.

3. La Paz, the Capital of Baja California Sur

La Paz is one of the cities in Baja California that gives you crystal clear waters

La Paz is just north of San Jose del Cabo, back on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja. Known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear water at Bandera Bay, it makes you wonder how these towns share the same coast, but the sea looks so different. Relaxing by the sea or heading out in the water to interact with sea life through snorkeling with sea lions, swimming with whale sharks, or deep-sea diving, the water just calls to you here. I’m in the process of planning another trip back because it’s Just. That. Good.

2. Todos Santos, a Pueblo Mágico in Baja California Sur

Todo Santos is a laid-back surf town with swanky restaurants in Baja

If you want even more laid-back vibe, drive right on past Los Cabos and head east to Todos Santos, on the Pacific Ocean side of Baja. Known for its relaxed beach town vibe and killer surf, it’s also attracted more creative types and has great music, art, and restaurants. Beach walks, hikes, and easy-going meandering around town during the day, and seeking out amazing food by some great chefs sums up my time spent there. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.

1. San Felipe, Baja California

Sitting much farther north, only ~120 miles south of the border on the Sea of of Cortez, is San Felipe. It’s where to go if you want a laid-back vacation with a lot of beach time and a little off-roading. For those of you with your own ATVs or dune buggies, there are several places you can camp right on the beach and take off straight onto the trails. During the Baja 250, you’ll get a little more excitement and a feel for the off-road culture. Otherwise, you can still enjoy the sea, walking out for miles when the tide goes out, collecting shells, and bathing when the waters start to warm in the spring. Staying out of town makes stargazing even easier but be sure to head into town and check out the restaurants, bars and shops that add to San Felipe’s charm.

Next on My List of Cities to Visit in Baja California

There are so many great places in Baja, this is just scratching the surface. A few more cities in Baja California are still on my list, and they might belong on yours too. On my radar to visit next are Loreto, Magdalena Bay, and Bajia de Los Angeles. If you’re into whales like I am, these are supposed to be phenomenal places to see and interact with them. Sign me up!

FAQs

Ready to Plan Your Own Trip to Baja California?

Todos Santos, La Paz and Los Cabos are all fairly close, so you can road trip and visit them all. Or, for a more relaxed pace, you can make them distinct trips. I’ve done a bit of each. Stay tuned for itineraries for each, including things to do, places to stay and where to eat. Whichever of these Baja California cities you start with, the hardest part is just deciding when to go.

However you choose to Baja, I hope you find the rest, relaxation, and enjoyment I did!

Happy travels, kindreds!

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