BajaNomad - A Driving Trip???? First in 10 years???

A Driving Trip???? First in 10 years???

Tim - 8-21-2007 at 06:15 PM

OK get this -- I haven't done a driving trip south of San Quintin since 1996. So I have 9 days off, starting Aug. 31 (yes, Labor Day weekend) and I think I can convince my significant other that a trip to Mulege/Loreto area would be beneficial. But, being that it's been so long, I have many questions and the members of this board are far and away the most knowledgeable people I've ever read. So, here goes:

1. Leaving on Friday before Labor Day about 1 pm -- a problem?
2. What's up with Tourist Cards nowadays?
3. Thinking San Quintin first night, to Mulege by 2nd night, with the holiday weekend am I dreaming? Do I/Can I make reservations somewhere?
4. Wife doesn't like to camp, wife wants decent hotels. I'm thinking La Pinta in San Quintin, what about other areas, ie Mulege, Loreto, etc.?
5. Any can't miss places to EAT along the way?

I'm sure there's more, I'll think of them as the days draw closer. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm more nervous about this than the day I proposed -- at least I knew then she would say "YES"!!

And of course if any Nomads down south want to meet up, if I'm able to convince my wife to go we'd love to meet you somewhere along the way. First round is on me!

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

Gadget - 8-21-2007 at 06:49 PM

La Pinta San Quintin?? A little out of the way for what it is.
I head for the Old Mill if you want to leave the hiway and its way more quaint.
In town La Villa de San Quintin, on left when SB. Its only a few years old, restaurant is pretty good, Ricardo the owner very nice. 616-165-1800
If you make it to El Rosario stay at the Baja Cactus, Antonio will hook you up. Eat at a taco stand with lots of locals.
Mulege, we usually camp at one of the beautiful beaches south of there, someone else will have to pick up the lodging info here.
Eat at Los Equipales, you WILL not be disapointed.
Don't drive at night. If your having to rush to get someplace then your trying to do too much. Just don't go as far south and chill where you get.

Ken Bondy - 8-21-2007 at 06:53 PM

I'm in the minority, but I like the San Quintin La Pinta. Clean, quiet rooms, generally friendly personnel, decent restaurant and bar, water and electricity 24/7, and it sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Diver - 8-21-2007 at 06:59 PM

1. Yes, the crossing time will be a bit longer at the border.
2. FMTs are required and available at the border.
3. Definitely the Old Mill over La Pinta for price, atmoshere and proximity to good food. Yes, I would make reservations on the holiday weekend.
4. In Mulege go to the Serenidad. A bit pricey but has a pool, pool bar, food, etc. It has the only "resort feel" in Mulege. Saturday nights are the pig roast. In Loreto, the Iguana Inn is moderately priced, clean and near everything.
5. Food ?? Hmmm...Avoid Mama's ??
I'll leave the rest to the locals.

.

Tim - 8-21-2007 at 07:22 PM

Thanks for the replies. I stayed at La Pinta some years ago and remember it to be a good hotel, with a pool table in the lobby, just a bit pricey by Baja standards. Also my wife has relatives in the San Quintin area, she may end up calling them once I approach her with the idea. But still want to keep all options open. I guess my worries lie in Mulege and Loreto area and especially over a long weekend.

Thanks again!

woody with a view - 8-21-2007 at 07:40 PM

just go......but don't look in the rear view, i'll be right there! :lol:

DianaT - 8-21-2007 at 07:43 PM

Just a couple of restuarants along the way that we like.

After we cross the border we often drive to San Vicente and eat breakfast at Valentinas---just south of the Pemex---family run, lots of locals, friendly, fresh OJ, just plain old good.

In Guerrero Negro we did like Las Cazuelas untill we had some really awful fish soup---oily and nasty along with a dried fish fillet---so now we are back eating at Puerto Viejo near the entrance to town---next to Posada Don Vicente's---never had a bad meal there.

Tercos Pollito in Santa Rosalia---near the entrance to town. Good food and fantastic squid dip and I don't like squid---but love that dip.

Doney's in Mulege---easy to find across from the Internet Cafe-----excellent, IMHO

Now if you decide to head out our way, Bahia Asuncion, try the little restuarant at Hotel Verduzco----real local place, no menu, good food.

Just a couple of suggestions

Diane

bajamigo - 8-21-2007 at 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
I'm in the minority, but I like the San Quintin La Pinta. Clean, quiet rooms, generally friendly personnel, decent restaurant and bar, water and electricity 24/7, and it sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I agree; a little pricey, but nothing to complain about. BTW, the La pintas have now been innovatively renamed the "Desert Inns."

The Sculpin - 8-21-2007 at 09:37 PM

I have never stayed at the La Pinta in San Quintin, but they are no longer La Pintas. I did stay at the Catavina one recently. If the experience is similar, yiu will find the rooms much nicer, but the food expensive and rather flat. However, in San Quintin there are a few places close by. Isn't DavidK's fav place close by?
As for eats, a late breakfast can be had in Jesus Maria at Carmelita's. It's on the east side of the road next to the (operational?) Pemex station.
Serenidad is a great place, but it is not a resort by US standards. Good breakfasts, but not early. Be adventuresome...there are good places in Mulege, and in Concepcion to the south.
Keep in mind that Pemex shut down their biggest oil platform because of the storm in the Gulf of Mexico. I don't know what you're driving, but if possible bring 2 or 3 (10 or 15 gallons) empty gas cans with you and fill them up on the way down. You may need them. If you do it right, they just might pay for your trip!

Baja_Girl - 8-21-2007 at 10:35 PM

Hi, Tim,
recently took the trip with another baja girl and this is what we did:

The Old Mill in San Quintin - we loved it. We were greeted by Santa Claus offering us each a beer. Then Mrs. Claus showed up and said "you must be the sweet two ladies" - and I said "yes, that's right."

Then, a few hours down to Guerro Negro. We stayed as Los Carocoles and drove to the sand dunes. That was an amazing site...acres and acres of nothing but sand up against a beautiful surf. Relax and get a good night's sleep because the next day will be long...

We next stayed at the Serenidad in Mulege. After finishing the drive (and you will know what I mean) - I ordered a marquarita grande and sat in the pool. We loved it.

Then, the last short, fun drive to Loreto. For a romantic evening, try Loreto Playa Bed and Breakfast. A little more expensive, but it looks yummy. If not, Coco Cabana's is awesome, then Oasis, then Iguana Inn...which is probably booked by now because of their low rates. I liked it there, felt safe, and its clean, but the beds were sooo hard...I sleep on a down and foam mattress pad - so I might be overly sensitive about the "mattress on a cement block" scene.

Have fun - I loved every minute of this itinerary, and if I ever figure out how to down load pictures from the new friggin camera, I could show you. This is not the cheapest way to go - but definitely worth the extra dollars!

Hope this will help!

bajajudy - 8-22-2007 at 01:40 PM

http://www.desertinns.com/index.cfm

http://www.hotelserenidad.com/

http://www.loretomexico.com/loreto/hotels/hoteloasis.htm

Tim - 8-22-2007 at 03:37 PM

Thank you so much everyone for all the information. I really, really appreciate it!

Bob and Susan - 8-22-2007 at 04:44 PM

tim

if you can drive another hour... drive to el rosario and stay at the bajacatus motel

nice place and you're only staying overnite anyway

the ONLY problem is don't count on breakfast anywhere in el rosario before 8AM
they just don't get up :lol:

for sure stay at the serinade for the pool bar and restraunt
the place IS getting older but still has the feel of "old baja"

too bad our place isn't done yet...
we WILL be the BEST place on the bay :lol:

lighthouse...pool...kitchen...toys...yea baby...
november 2007 is commin fast :lol:

DianaT - 8-22-2007 at 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
tim

if you can drive another hour... drive to el rosario and stay at the bajacatus motel

nice place and you're only staying overnite anyway

the ONLY problem is don't count on breakfast anywhere in el rosario before 8AM
they just don't get up :lol:

lighthouse...pool...kitchen...toys...yea baby...
november 2007 is commin fast :lol:

Well, it did look like it was going to be the best place on the bay until you removed McDonalds. :spingrin:

Diver - 8-22-2007 at 05:02 PM

Bob,

Your place is looking so great as it nears completion !!
I can imagine how excited you guys are when you look at this view from the water.
I can't wait to come stay with you some time !!

.

[Edited on 8-23-2007 by Diver]

craiggers - 8-22-2007 at 05:16 PM

The plan looks good on paper but SD to Mulege in a day and a half is one heck of a haul. If it were me I would think about Guerro Negro or San Ignacio the second night. But thats just me I guess. That little road just gets to me after so many hours regardless of how long the day is.

Tim - 8-22-2007 at 09:34 PM

I'm re-thinking strategy - probably leave Sat. morning rather than try to go Friday afternoon and battle traffic. In that case I would look into the Baja Cactus in El Rosario, but dang spending the first night near the beach in San Quintin sounds very appealing, too! In Mulege Serenidad seems the way to go, thanks again!

DavidT - 8-22-2007 at 09:55 PM

Tim,

Will you be at the border at 1PM or leaving LA at 1? Southbound border traffic is usually heavy from 3 to 7 PM on Fridays. If you cross at 1 PM you still have time to make El Rosario. The San Quintin La Pinta or The Old Mill might be a better choice. Maybe you could cross Saturday AM stay at Catavina La Pinta, about 6 hours from the border. Five hours more and stay at http://ignaciosprings.com/
From there it is about two and a half hours into Mulege. Have a great trip.

Bob and Susan - 8-23-2007 at 05:30 AM

i just thought of this...

you should call the Serenidad ahead of time...

the month of sept is vacation time and sometimes the restraunt bar and pool are closed

the rooms are open but limited services and NO pig roast

Tim - 8-23-2007 at 01:38 PM

OK let's say I leave Saturday morning (about 8 my time, I live in Los Angeles). Takes 2.5 hours to get to the border, another 1/2 hour to get tourist card stuff, 1.5 hours to Ensenada, an hour for lunch, then 2 hours to San Quintin, right? That leaves me in San Quintin about 2:30 that afternoon. Definitely can make it to El Rosario if need be, but I'll leave that decision up to the wife.

From San Quintin, the next morning wake up early and off towards Mulege -- yes I know very, very long drive. Or maybe stay one night in San Ignacio. Like I said before we have 9 days, no need to rush at this point.

Next two nights in Mulege until Tuesday, then off to Loreto for 2 nights (until Thursday) then start heading home.

Bob and Susan -- can you recommend any good restaurants in Mulege?

Again I can't thank everyone enough for all this great info!!

bajajudy - 8-23-2007 at 01:48 PM

Tim
Do yourself a favor.
Stop in San Ignacio. The mission is very interesting and this place is the best for relaxing:

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/main.html

Killer breakfast and dinners.

..plan to stay the morning after and go for a swim or kayak. Stop in Casa Leree and say HI to Jane.

You really need ressies so email today! Get one of the yurts with a bathroom if you can and tell them you will want dinner. Sometimes they have pork dishes from their pigs that have been raised on dates and they are delicious.

The Sculpin - 8-23-2007 at 02:21 PM

I live in North County San Diego, and it takes me 6 hours to get to San Quintin. I usually leave around 4 or 5 in the morning, get the tourist cards, and stop for tacos at Yosemite Sam's in Lazaro Card##as. You're in LA, leaving at 8 in the morning, I would add 2 to 3 hours. That would get you in at 4 or 5.
San Quintin to Mulege is a haul. Perfectly doable, but you will have those funny knots in your shoulders that only a Margarita Grande or 2 can unwind.
I would also suggest Don Eddies or the Old Mill - they're right next to each other, and very picturesque.
Do they still have those yurts in San Ignacio? That might be a good stop off place. I didn't look at the website DavidT offered up.

Baja_Girl - 8-25-2007 at 08:06 AM

Tim,
thought about this alot, and since you are driving both ways, I am going to recommend something radical:
only go as far as Mulege - save Loreto for another vacation - from Hotel Serenidad you can visit the exquisite beaches to the south (about 45 minutes) and then you can stop in Guerrero Negro or any other town between San Quintin and Mulege - to go from San Quintin to Mulege in a day will not be fun or relaxing.
Trust me on this one - Loreto will await your next trip and deserves a week all by itself and you can slow down the trip to a relaxing pace.

Tim - 8-25-2007 at 02:16 PM

Baja_girl that sounds like a plan. I laid out the details to my wife and she agreed on everything, so I think we're set! I just need to make the reservations, crossing my fingers all goes well on that end.

Thanks to everyone for their input!!

honda tom - 8-28-2007 at 08:50 AM

tim, if you were to call discover baja today and email a picture of your birth cert and your dl (yours and wifes) they could have your tourist papers done for you and mailed to you before you leave. this will save you sooo much time and posible hassel at the border. if your not sure the mail will make it you can pick the stuff up at their office just off the 5 in SD. they charge you an extra 5 bucs on top of the mexico fees, you do however have to become a member 39 bucs, but with your member card, discounts at hotels will recoup those fees.

san quitin to mulege is an easy day drive, with lunch in GN or San Ignacio.
i will be in loreto tues through sun in a large F250 (gray) with fishing boat. have a great trip.

David K - 8-28-2007 at 09:01 AM

You still need to stop at the border to have the tourist cards stamped/ authorized... It takes but 5-10 minutes to do it all right there at the border, so why not do it all then?

Tim needs to see the process as it is now anyway for him to be up to date... Tim is the host of http://TimsBaja.com and co-host of Fred Metcalf's Baja California Traveler's Message Board.

Tim - 8-28-2007 at 09:40 AM

Honda Tom -- thanks for the info. Normally I think that would be a good idea but my trips to Baja lately seem so few and far between. We'll make it down as far as Bahia Concepcion -- if we get to Loreto I'll keep an eye out for you! We'll be driving a White Toyota Tundra.

David thanks for the pics from your last trip -- you gave me part of the inspiration for this trip! I need a vacation after these last few months at my job!!

[Edited on 8-28-2007 by Tim]

honda tom - 8-28-2007 at 10:20 PM

Tim I dont know what your wife expects from your trip... but nobody else responding to your questions does either..... so these are all opinions.

If you make it the extra 1.5 hours to Loreto......

loreto has a huge grocery store. (and many small ones)
loreto has an international airport.
loreto has more hotels than any town between la paz and ensenada.
loreto has more eating places than anything between la paz and san quintin (guerrero negro might be a tie)
I am taking my wife and kids to Loreto this Nov. I think that the difference between Loreto and Mulege Is huge. In Loreto you can stay at your choice of several hotels that are "on the beach".

If desired you can stay at an "upscale hotel" in loreto.

Loreto offers a malecon beach walk.

as I said these are opinions..... and I have thought long and hard about how important my wifes first road trip to baja sur is to me. I know that what is offered in Mulege is not equal to what is offered in Loreto.
1 last point....taking your wife on a panga ride to isla coronado, for an afternoon of sitting and swimming, is hard to be topped.

In baja.... for most of us everything is great... but there are things to think about for the spouses.

good luck tim

Tim - 8-28-2007 at 10:42 PM

Tom thanks for the input. You're right Loreto definitely has it's advantages. So far I've only planned 3 of the nights and we have 9 days total, so really there is time to change the schedule if need be.

It's been 10 years since I was in Loreto so I probably will take your advice and we'll end up there for at least a night, if not 2.

We went to La Paz a couple of years ago (flew in) and she enjoyed it, and even though Mulege/Loreto is definitely not La Paz, I think I've filled her in on what to expect, based on my previous experiences. She's also been to other areas in Mexico (she is actually Mexican-American) and while comparing mainland Mexico to Baja is like comparing Los Angeles to east Tennessee, I don't think anything will really surprise her.

All in all I think the trip will be a good experience for both of us. If anything it's a wonderful chance to relax and do nothing, and that's always a good thing!! :biggrin:

honda tom - 8-28-2007 at 10:56 PM

right on Tim. I know that a few years ago I took my wife to a hotel in ensenada... and compared with what I was used to staying in with my buds on our motorcycle trips, it was great. My wife however didnt see it that way, and yes compared to US standards it was dirty,( I even recommend the Serenidad to people, and its not up to US standards). Last year I pulled into the Estero Beach Resort with the wife and kids (just south of Ensenada) and when we got home she was tellin all her friends what a great place we went to. SO I KNOW....

While in Loreto

find the Palapa resturant
rent a panga for a morning/afternoon to the island
find mckaws for a drink at sundown
find me and my buds for a few laughs and drinks on us

wilderone - 8-29-2007 at 09:39 AM

I don't see an indication of what activities you will be seeking to enjoy. Just driving Mex. 1 from hotel to hotel is one way to travel, but you'll be missing Baja. If you go as far as Loreto it will take you 2 days to get back. That means you'll have a 7-day vacation. You'll want to get out of the car, right? Cross in Tecate and visit some wineries. Stop at the beach at Cielito Lindo hotel and have a beer at the Wet Buzzard. Stroll around the boulder field and take pictures. Have a cold drink at Rancho Santa Inez and take a walk in the arroyo and see the blue fan palms. Find the pictographs at Catavina. Visit mission San Borja and San Vincente. Go to Bahia de Los Angeles and spend the night - rent a boat and go out to the islands and snorkle and hike. Spend a day at the beach at Laguna Manuela, walk along the cliffs and coves there - see the elephant seals. You want a little "off read" experience, drive up to San Francisco and see the one pictograph mural that you don't need a permit for - spectacular views. Drive to El Marmol and see this amazing quarry and its remnant historical artifacts. 9 days really isn't a very long time - slow down and enjoy.

Baja_Girl - 8-29-2007 at 09:51 AM

Tom and Tim:
I am second to no one in my love for Loreto - that is where I hope to live in my retirement and die, but....having said that...I think that Mulege is far enough for a short trip - there is so much to see and experience along the way...Tim, trust me on this one...save Loreto and spend a few days at the Hotel Serenidad to re-energize for the trip back up. Route 1 is not an easy drive, it will be hot, a little scary at times, frustrating when there is a caravan of trucks in front of you...and it is soooo fun to stop along the way...its cheap enough to fly to Loreto and Tim, you can borrow my Toyota when you get to Loreto...but trust me...you love your wife, wanna stay married? Stop in Mulege!!!!
xoxo
lisa

Tim - 8-29-2007 at 10:20 AM

Wow so many opinions...what to do, what to do....

I guess I have been pretty vague about my expectations, and my wife's expectations, too. Sorry I just don't have much expectations, except relaxing. My wife recently went back to college to get her degree and she has finals this week, so she's stressed to the max. She'd love nothing more that to sit on a beach and drink a Pina Colada.

That being said we do plan to stop along the way. I have driven all the way to Cabo 6 times previously so I am aware of some of the things that are "must see" but my main worry was I haven't done that drive in 10 years and I know things have changed in some places. My wife has been all over Northern Baja -- including the wineries in Guadalupe Valley, the beaches south of San Felipe, and as far south as San Quintin on the western coast. She even has family (cousins) who live in San Quintin, but it's undecided whether we'll tell them we're coming. :lol:

My conclusion is to take it easy and do what I always do when I go on these trips -- just go with the flow. The great thing about Baja is there are so many choices. Nine days seems like a long time but in reality it's not, what with so much to see and do.

Again I thank everyone for their opinions, I honestly do appreciate all the suggestions. There are just so many "must see" and only so many days to get this all done. The last thing I want to do is stress that we only have 3 days and we haven't seen X or Y. Know what I mean?

By the way is it normal to be so anxious to get going that you actually count down the hours? For me it's 69 hours, 42 minutes.

Diver - 8-29-2007 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim
By the way is it normal to be so anxious to get going that you actually count down the hours? For me it's 69 hours, 42 minutes.

Totally normal !! :lol:

backninedan - 8-29-2007 at 11:05 AM

Loreto is a mess right now, the streets have been torn up for 5 or 6 months and it looks like another 2 or 3 months (at least) before they are done, maybe.
Just thought you may want to put this in your equation when adding up your trip.

Bajaboy - 8-29-2007 at 11:14 AM

Point your car south and see where the adventure takes you. Have options but go with your instincts. If you feel like making a long drive then do so. If you feel like hanging out an extra day, then do so. Look to this board for ideas and not answers.

There's a chance I might be heading down on Labor Day. I will be driving from San Diego to Bahia Asuncion in one day. It's not that big of a deal. Get an early start and you'll be fine...wherever you end up.

Just report back to us.

Zac

Baja_Girl - 8-29-2007 at 12:01 PM

...yes and no to Bajaboy's comments - its Labor Day weekend - lots of folks driving down - make sure you have reservations - I did everything by internet and it was sooo easy and my friend and I felt welcomed and relaxed knowing we had a place to stay each night.
Tim, did you get the slide show? Weren't the sand dunes to die for? The beaches south of Mulege utterly delicious? Those are my favorite pics.
lisa

Bajaboy - 8-29-2007 at 12:11 PM

It's September in Baja...I think you'll be fine. Part of the adventure is the adventure....go out on a limb and enjoy. Or call a travel agent and have them plan your trip for you....it's your vacation....enjoy!

Just my advice...take it or leave it.....

Tim - 8-29-2007 at 01:59 PM

Dan - thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely take that into consideration.

Lisa - I did get the video but I'm at work (yuck) so can't open here. I'll check it out tonight. Thanks! Also I went ahead and made reservations for the first 3 nights so we're cool.

Zac - great philosophy. My idea is to have a plan, but don't necessarily follow it!

That being said, an ounce of prevention (reservations) is worth a pound of cure, or in this case at least we have a bed to sleep on!!

Thanks again for all the info!!

DianaT - 8-29-2007 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Point your car south and see where the adventure takes you. Have options but go with your instincts. If you feel like making a long drive then do so. If you feel like hanging out an extra day, then do so. Look to this board for ideas and not answers.

There's a chance I might be heading down on Labor Day. I will be driving from San Diego to Bahia Asuncion in one day. It's not that big of a deal. Get an early start and you'll be fine...wherever you end up.

Just report back to us.

Zac

That is the way we like to travel --- plan one day at a time, and even that is subject to change.

Zac---I guess when we were your age we would have thought of making Bahia Asuncion in one day no big deal, but no more---and we are closer to the border than you. Two days for us---or we get real crabby. How long are you going to be there?

Tim---have a great trip!

Diane

bajabum - 8-30-2007 at 09:29 AM

I am leaving in 24 hrs + 35 mins! My supply pile began migrating off the garage shelves 2 weeks ago and has been growing daily!

Tim - 8-30-2007 at 03:34 PM

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one counting down!! By the way that's 40 hours 30 minutes for me... :yes:

bajajudy - 8-30-2007 at 03:36 PM

Bum
You have read about the border closing, havent you?