BajaNomad - Recommended Stops from Tijuana to Cabo

Recommended Stops from Tijuana to Cabo

Go Baja Bound - 9-10-2015 at 08:56 AM

I'm planning to drive from Los Angeles crossing Tijuana to Los Cabos in November. We are hoping to map out our stops for gas, food, etc. Preferably in about 5-8 hours apart. More importantly would like to know where would be a good safe hotel to spend the night. We'll be stopping in Lopez for a day then continue on to Los Cabos.

Appreciate any information.

Udo - 9-10-2015 at 09:09 AM

First gas stop should be in El Rosario at Antonio's Pemex, and of course stop at Mama Espinoza's for food. You MUST have some of their crab soup...out of this world.
Second stop for gas should be Jesus Maria, the first MAJOR gas station after El Rosario.
Next stop Guerrero Negro and eat at Mario's palapa (just before you come into town.
San Ignacio is next. Spend the night at Ignacio in B&B. Eat at Tootsies in town.
Next stop for gas is Santa Rosalia, stop at El Bolillo french bakery and visit the copper church.
Mulege is your next stop for gas and spend the night. Stay at La Serenidad.
Next stop is Loreto. Lots of places to stay by the water. Also stop for gas.
Next stop, depending on your time line is either La Paz or Cabo.

TMW - 9-10-2015 at 09:34 AM

In Loreto I like staying at the Oasis at the south end of the Malecon. A little higher $ than many of the other places. Good restaurant and bar too, with an outdoor patio type dinning area. Beautiful in the evenings. I also like Augies bar/grill just a couple of blocks north of the Oasis.

pelone - 9-10-2015 at 10:18 AM

The Oasis in Loreto is an excellent value---at the foot of the malecon which is a wonderful way to stroll the Sea of Cortez' shore. Stop in at Augies for happy hour and enjoy the ambiance of the locals--be aware that some local are very possessive of "their" chairs and stools but using one is a sure way to jump start a conversation.

bajaguy - 9-10-2015 at 10:47 AM

PEMEX Stops.........never pass one by

Ensenada - Circle K across from the Army base

San Quintin - Los Pinos, south of town

El Rosario - Leave a donation with Antonio for the ambulance service

Jesus Maria

Go Baja Bound - 9-10-2015 at 03:36 PM

Wow, great detailed information. I'll definitely try and make all the food and gas stops mentioned.

I'll stop and fish a day in Mag Bay then to La Paz and Cabo. Then circle back.

Thanks!

TMW - 9-10-2015 at 04:24 PM

If you are at the Serenidad on Saturday evening they have a pig roast that is all you can eat type thing. Not during the summer but Nov. OK.

If you get to Cabo San Lucas go to the Solmar hotel at lands end pacific side. They have a nice open air patio restaurant and the best scrimp ceviche I have ever had.

rts551 - 9-10-2015 at 04:36 PM

Skip El Rosario for food. Mama Espinoza's is way over rated for food. Gets very mixed reviews. It does have history on its side. Much better food in San QUintin. try Parcela 12. Fantastic food with nary a negative review.

Bob53 - 9-10-2015 at 04:44 PM

Jardines also has great food in San Quintin and also has a decent hotel. I agree about Mama Espinoza's, the last time I ate there the food was sub-par, but I didn't try the crab soup.

woody with a view - 9-10-2015 at 06:29 PM

I recommend you stop every time you gotta pee. The cacti will appreciate it!

[Edited on 9-11-2015 by woody with a view]

BajaBlanca - 9-11-2015 at 03:07 AM

well, the way I see it, you gotta stop by mama Espinoza's, if only to say you been there and done that. it is historical and yes, sometimes the food or service aint so great (we have never had a problem but I have indeed read here that some have)... but it is a Baja Icon, it has fossils that will amaze you and I think you have to go at least once!

we were in san Ignacio yesterday and Tootsies is closed til the whale watching season starts....so there really is only Rice and Beans for good basic Mexican food. The main square with the town mission is incredible (drive straight into town and you will end up there). The yurts are indeed a great place to stay (called IGNACIO SPRINGS INN and it is on the left as you enter town). The breakfast Terry and Gary serve with homemade breads, jams and sausages is delicious.

http://www.ignaciosprings.com

In Mulege, we stay at one of the houses that Cliff owns, even though it says B&B, there is no breakfast LOL but you have your own kitchen and Mulege has many good places to eat.

http://www.clementinenulege.com

And if you want to get off the beaten path - stop by the town of Bahia Asuncion,which is beautiful and has a B&B with a spectacular setting overlooking the ocean:

http://www.bahiaasuncion.com

and village of La Bocana -lots of fishing, a wonderful bar/restaurant on the water and a great B&B too - I have to say that since it is ours !

http://www.labocanahotel.com

As an aside: I run a program for 15 local kids in our village and always need donations of anything school related (high liters, thick notebooks) as well as shampoo, toothpaste, ties, men's dress shirts sized small and medium) and for October Halloween candy for all 75 middle school students who come to the door! Terry and Gary of San Ignacio yurts kindly accept the donations as they are just minutes off the main highway.

Some other considerations for you: There are police checkpoints along the way - sometimes they ask for a passport and what they want is to see ID for your name. They might ask you to step out of the vehicle and make sure you take documents and money with you, and keep an eye on them at all times...better safe than minus a camera or cell phone. They will also ask you for the year of the car. They have guns....they are looking for drugs and arms.

If you see a gas station with no cars, look for another one. Either water is in the gas or they short you.

Don't forget your visa which you get as you enter Mexico! There are threads that explain how to do this if you go to SEARCH.

Have fun and it would be fun to hear about your experiences afterwards.

pelone - 9-11-2015 at 08:57 AM

Be particularly cautious when using PEMEX in Santa Rosalia. These guys have perfected their hustle/scam. Just because they wear crucifixes around their necks does not mean that they are honest. Don't take your eyes off of the meter even for a glance to the side during their attempts to distract you. If you are cheated, don't raise hell---one of the guys' uncle is a cop and your uproar might result in a further annoyance as the cop/relative insists that you empty the inside of your car for an inspection. Pay upland get out of Dodge.

wilderone - 9-11-2015 at 09:14 AM

"... would like to know where would be a good safe hotel to spend the night. We'll be stopping in Lopez for a day then continue on to Los Cabos."
These plans will go awry. However, you will find that winging it through the larger towns on your map will have plenty of options. Don't sweat it. Pay for gas in pesos and don't drive at night - the 12-wheeler semis coming at you is nerve-wracking.

To help visualize locations mentioned...

David K - 9-11-2015 at 09:19 AM

Bajahowodd - 9-11-2015 at 04:58 PM