BajaNomad

Tips from the SJC to Loreto and back.

superbusydad - 7-10-2014 at 10:53 AM

In other posts, you have provided GREAT information for my family (kid 9,12, 13) who enjoy adventure and culture of Baja, and I appreciate it! Here's a question I am hoping to get some great ideas on our travels from the tip to Loreto and back. Unfortunately, our time is limited, but WHAT natural points of interest, unique eateries, restuarants, etc... that my family can visit (not far off the road) between Los Barrilies to La Paz and especialy from La Paz to Loreto? Please be specific so I can find the point of interest!

Howard - 7-10-2014 at 11:01 AM

One of my favorites to eat at is Vista del Mar, also known as the clam shack. If you like seafood this is the place. It's right on the sand approximately 10 miles South of Loreto. You can't miss it as it is the only "structure" for miles. It is on the water side of the highway, (east side) extremely inexpensive and very informal. My favorite is the stuffed clams and that runs around 70 pesos. Plan on spending some time there as the service is a bit slow but the kids can swim in the ocean and you can keep an eye on them while you have a cold refreshment.

rhintransit - 7-10-2014 at 11:27 AM

from La Paz to Loreto, other than the clam shack, and a few other restaurants, nada to slow down for and nothing in a short detour away. the winding drive down from the plateau to sea level is lovely front the car windows, don't plan on stopping anywhere except gas/food/lookouts.

StuckSucks - 7-10-2014 at 12:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
One of my favorites to eat at is Vista del Mar, also known as the clam shack. If you like seafood this is the place. It's right on the sand approximately 10 miles South of Loreto. You can't miss it as it is the only "structure" for miles. It is on the water side of the highway, (east side) extremely inexpensive and very informal.


Thanks for the intel - I'll give this place a go when I'm down there this November.

Vista del Mar location on Google Maps.

Howard - 7-10-2014 at 12:40 PM

Yep, that's it!

David K - 7-10-2014 at 04:06 PM

Spanish Mission sites (some of the oldest of the 48 California missions) you will pass by or right by, from south to north on Hwy. 1:

#12) San José del Cabo (1730), modern church on final mission site in center of town.

#10) Santiago (1724), modern church on final mission site in center of town.

#7) Pilar de la Paz Airapí (1720), a plaque marks the possibe site in La Paz.

#9) Los Dolores (1721), rubble at final site of La Pasión.

#14) San Luis Gonzaga (1737), original stone church in village southeast of Ciudad Constitucion.

#3) San Juan Bautista de Ligüí (1705), cross along road to Playa Liguí is near the site (washed away by flash flood in 2001).

#1) Loreto (1697), original stone church, repaired with modern clock bell tower in 1950's. Museum on site.

More data: http://vivabaja.com/bajamissions

If you return to or leave from Cabo via Todos Santos, then #13) Santa Rosa de las Palmas (1733) mission is in Todos Santos. In 1748 the La Paz mission was moved to Todos Santos, replacing Santa Rosa mission.

[Edited on 7-10-2014 by David K]

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2014 at 05:00 PM

A trip from Los Barrilles is basically an all day event. Especially since you will be forced to drive old highway one through the mountains on your way to La Paz.

You may just want to stay over for a night in Loreto. I would recommend it. A number of good lodgings and many nice restaurants.

Our personal fave to stay is the family owned Hacienda Suites that has a great pool and a complimentary breakfast.

Given all the great restaurants in town, I would think that Domingo's Place right next door to Hacienda Suites probably has the most diverse menu in town.

superbusydad - 7-10-2014 at 07:42 PM

FYI- I will be in Baja Sur w/ family for 11 nights (2 nights in cabo, 5 nights in Los Barrilies, 3 nights in Loreto, and 1 back in SJC). I wish I could stay longer but a family of 5 flying, renting a car, renting hotel, fishing, eating, etc... and traveling throughout Baja can be pretty expensive on a teacher's budget. I have the trip well planned but want to iron a couple areas to enhance the trip. The clam shack and a couple missions will be on our itinary (san javier too). I really appreciate your fine advice.

David K - 7-11-2014 at 04:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
A trip from Los Barrilles is basically an all day event.


Quote:
Originally posted by superbusydad
FYI- I will be in Baja Sur w/ family for 11 nights (2 nights in cabo, 5 nights in Los Barrilies, 3 nights in Loreto, and 1 back in SJC.


LOS BARRILES ;) :light:

volcano - 7-11-2014 at 04:44 PM

family snorkeling Cabo Pulmo or boat trip to sea lion colony there? good family housing and eats there too

Bajahowodd - 7-11-2014 at 05:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
A trip from Los Barrilles is basically an all day event.


Quote:
Originally posted by superbusydad
FYI- I will be in Baja Sur w/ family for 11 nights (2 nights in cabo, 5 nights in Los Barrilies, 3 nights in Loreto, and 1 back in SJC.


LOS BARRILES ;) :light:


Hope you feel better now. :no:

805gregg - 7-11-2014 at 05:31 PM

Skip Loreto on the way north and go on to Bahia Concepcion, spend the day there then go back to Loreto for the night and morning. Skip the mission sites you have kids they would be bored, as would I. One of the best places to visit is Agua Verde on the way back south

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]

Don't miss Cabo Pulmo

Whale-ista - 7-11-2014 at 06:00 PM

I second this idea. Lots of fun things to see underwater. And try this for a family rental:
http://cabopulmocasas.com/
Quote:
Originally posted by volcano
family snorkeling Cabo Pulmo or boat trip to sea lion colony there? good family housing and eats there too

superbusydad - 7-11-2014 at 08:34 PM

Agua Verde

I have been to Loreto many times but have never visited Agua Verde. I have heard many great things. How many minutes off the road and what makes it so unique for a family that looks for adventure?

David K - 7-11-2014 at 11:25 PM

It is a long ways... not just minutes. The 1,000 ft. drop (or there-about) has great photo ops, but must be driven slowly.

There are hot springs in the tide zone: At the bottom of the grade, pull into San Cosme and at low tide you can drive the rock shelf north to where the hot spring pools are located.

The older village of Agua Verde (near the coast before the last hill leading to Puerto Agua Verde) has some sand beach camping spots nearby. The newer village of Puerto Agua Verde is at the end of the road and there are camping spots on the beach around that snug little bay. This location was the inspiration for Gene Kira's novel 'King of the Moon'.


Bajahowodd - 7-12-2014 at 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
Skip Loreto on the way north and go on to Bahia Concepcion, spend the day there then go back to Loreto for the night and morning. Skip the mission sites you have kids they would be bored, as would I. One of the best places to visit is Agua Verde on the way back south

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]

[Edited on 7-12-2014 by 805gregg]

Bajahowodd - 7-12-2014 at 05:02 PM

I cannot quibble with most of these suggestions. But, in order to visit so many of these places, you will have to overnight somewhere in that region. Just sayin'.

bajalorena - 7-13-2014 at 05:39 AM

Hope you and your family have a great time, whatever you do!!

(San Jose del Cabo is SJD, and San Jose, California is SJC. Double check your airline tickets).

Bajahowodd - 7-13-2014 at 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalorena
Hope you and your family have a great time, whatever you do!!

(San Jose del Cabo is SJD, and San Jose, California is SJC. Double check your airline tickets).


I really hope that they don't end up in San Jose, CA.:lol::lol::lol: