BajaNomad - destination ideas ?

destination ideas ?

Janix - 11-26-2021 at 09:30 PM

hi all,
I am wondering if you'd share your ideas. I live in San Diego and am thinking of going somewhere via road trip to Mexico. Where would you seasoned travelers choose to go. I don't have weeks and weeks, just maybe 4-5 days that I can be gone. thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Janis

wilderone - 11-27-2021 at 08:29 AM

Fly Volaris out of TJ and go to Huatulco.

pacificobob - 11-27-2021 at 08:35 AM

Consider oaxaca. Colonial city with lots to see.

David K - 11-27-2021 at 09:11 AM

Janix, you asked for a 4-5 day "road trip"...

If this winter, you may consider going to the whale lagoons with tours based out of Guerrero Negro (Baja Nomad 'Shari' runs Whale Magic Tours) or San Ignacio. Either one is a long one day drive, but best if done over two... so maybe too far if you only have 4-5 days?

Bahía de los Angeles ("L.A. Bay") is 8-9 hours drive from San Diego and will give you a good taste for central Baja beauty and Sea of Cortez coastal experience. Motels, cabins, or camping are there. Go via San Felipe and see also Gonzaga Bay (turn east at the gas station there for Alfonsina's Hotel/ Bar or on the south side of the runway go to Rancho Grande beach for a just a look of the bay).

Otherwise, make a loop trip, down one highway and back another with Laguna Chapala being the point where Hwy. 1 & 5 meet.

There are endless options but you need to share what you want to see or do for better guidance... what is interesting to you... how doe you want to overnight... what are you driving (2WD or 4WD)???

Hwy. 5 is now paved all the way to Chapala.

[Edited on 11-27-2021 by David K]

mtgoat666 - 11-27-2021 at 09:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Janix

hi all,
I am wondering if you'd share your ideas. I live in San Diego and am thinking of going somewhere via road trip to Mexico. Where would you seasoned travelers choose to go. I don't have weeks and weeks, just maybe 4-5 days that I can be gone. thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Janis

Do a trip to Guadalupe valley wineries and Ensenada.

Car camp in Sierra San Pedro martir (nights a bit cool now)

Go whale watching at Laguna San Ignacio (feb to early April)

Go to dude ranch (Rancho la bellota)

AKgringo - 11-27-2021 at 09:52 AM

I like watching the scenery change, rather than spending multiple nights in one spot. If I only had four or five days, I would spend them all driving, looking for a place I might want to return to on a future trip!

As I recall, you have already visited Mexicali, but did not venture very far south. I would recommend crossing south at Tecate, driving hwy 3 to Ensenada, south on hwy 1 at least as far as Mulege, then back north taking the turn on hwy 5 back to the border. Since you have seen Mexicali, taking hwy 2 back to Tecate would be a nice drive.

Read up on the towns and attractions along that route, and decide where you are going to spend the night based on where it looks like you might be by nightfall.

Loreto would be great to visit if you have time, but the older Baja vibe still exists in Mulege, and is one of my favorite places. The plaza in the center of town is worth some of your time, especially in the evening.

wilderone - 11-27-2021 at 10:33 AM

Cross in Tecate - Guadalupe Hot Springs 2 nights - San Felipe 1 night, further south- camp on beach; return via Mexicali.

David K - 11-27-2021 at 10:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

Cross in Tecate - Guadalupe Hot Springs 2 nights - San Felipe 1 night, further south- camp on beach; return via Mexicali.

I just wrote about the Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs history: https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/guadalup...

RFClark - 11-27-2021 at 07:50 PM

Visit San Ignacio! Stay in a yurt next to a river in a huge palm oasis. Visit the Whales at Ignacio Lagoon.

San Ignacio is about 90 min. South of the 28th parallel!

Ignacio Springs B&B. Has yurts!

advrider - 11-27-2021 at 08:00 PM

I like a mix of David's and AK'S ideas as a loop down one side and back up the other. Maybe only to GN and whale watching, San Ignacio for the turn around and BOLA to 5 for the return? Please report back..

Don Pisto - 11-27-2021 at 08:04 PM

I'd head out to Vizcaino, stay at Shari's and just fool around punta eugenia to punta abreojos

Hook - 11-28-2021 at 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

I'd head out to Vizcaino, stay at Shari's and just fool around punta eugenia to punta abreojos

Seriously? In 4-5 short winter driving days?

I dont think there is anything interesting enough in 4-5 days that could compare to flying cheaply to Mexico City or Oaxaca or Huatulco.

mtgoat666 - 11-28-2021 at 08:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

I'd head out to Vizcaino, stay at Shari's and just fool around punta eugenia to punta abreojos

Seriously? In 4-5 short winter driving days?

I dont think there is anything interesting enough in 4-5 days that could compare to flying cheaply to Mexico City or Oaxaca or Huatulco.

If throwing flying into the mix,… probably more fun to fly to salt lake and ski for a few days at Alta

Janix - 11-28-2021 at 09:28 PM

wow, thank you all so much for your responses!

Flying isn't an option at the moment. The reason I'd be heading there is simply to spend time with a dear friend who can't come see me here in San Diego. All I'd like really, is a safe, clean, nice place to relax and have quality time with her :-)

She suggested I pick her up from TJ airport (she'd be flying from a little town in Mexico City) but yikes...I'm nervous to drive in TJ alone?

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your experience and travels.

Janix - 11-28-2021 at 09:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

Cross in Tecate - Guadalupe Hot Springs 2 nights - San Felipe 1 night, further south- camp on beach; return via Mexicali.

yes! I did go to Mexicali! You have a good memory

Janix - 11-28-2021 at 09:33 PM

AKgringo yes! I did go to Mexicali, good memory!

bajaric - 11-29-2021 at 05:23 AM

Ensenada is nice, easy drive on the toll road from Tijuana. Book a room at a hotel in the "tourist zone". Lots of shopping, dining, sights to see within walking distance. Grab a fish taco on the malecon, have a beer at the famous Hussong's Cantina --

Then if feeling adventurous head south to San Quintin get a room at Hotel on Playa Santa Maria, walk on big empty beach, or go to the hotel at Catavinia, take a hike in the desert and look at the rocks and cactus.

Driving north, if you can, take Hwy. 3 to cross at Tecate. Easy wide highway in the wine country, mellow crossing compared to the chaos of TJ.

Hook - 11-29-2021 at 06:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Ensenada is nice, easy drive on the toll road from Tijuana. Book a room at a hotel in the "tourist zone". Lots of shopping, dining, sights to see within walking distance. Grab a fish taco on the malecon, have a beer at the famous Hussong's Cantina --

Then if feeling adventurous head south to San Quintin get a room at Hotel on Playa Santa Maria, walk on big empty beach, or go to the hotel at Catavinia, take a hike in the desert and look at the rocks and cactus.

Driving north, if you can, take Hwy. 3 to cross at Tecate. Easy wide highway in the wine country, mellow crossing compared to the chaos of TJ.

I vote for this. Relaxing, easy driving. No need to spend the period with a large percentage of possibly nervous driving past San Quintin.

But be prepared for chilly (but not downright cold) conditions.

Bajaboy - 11-29-2021 at 07:42 AM

There is a lot to see and do in Baja. If you like food, beer, and/or wine, make sure and include a night in Ensenada. Get off the beaten path and ask a local for a suggestion. I'm always surprised how many cool places there are to eat and drink. Grab a slice or pie from Stella pizza and take it up to El Mirador for beautiful views.

From there, head down to San Quintin. SQ is really changing for the better. Great scenery and again the food scene is picking up. Maybe take a day trip up to San Pedro Martir for stunning mountain views. Depending on when you travel, snow might be an issue. I definitely would not plan on camping this time of year.

As suggested above, continue on to highway 5. I really like Gonzaga Bay. There are a lot of places to camp but keep an eye on the weather. Winter and bring on nasty north winds. You can also stay in San Felipe. For an easy border crossing, head to Mexicali or return via Highway 3. On our bucket list is visiting the cheese caves outside of Ojos Negros.

Everyone has different styles so take these suggestions as just that. I like getting ideas online but really asking a local will get you the real gems. Enjoy your trip and remember to go with the flow. It's Mexico after all.

AKgringo - 11-30-2021 at 09:20 PM

If you decide that flying might work out for you, meet your friend in Loreto!

wilderone - 12-1-2021 at 09:12 AM

Re: Picking up at TJ airport and driving around TJ - I would be nervous at this prospect as well. After landing, she can take a taxi to some place on Revolution Ave. "downtown" to meet. Then find Mex. 1 down the coast. Short drive to Rosarito - depending on time of day, maybe stay overnight there. Then head to Ruta de Vino on Mex. 3 for wine tasting. Stay overnight at one of the hotels around there. There is a hiking trail about 5 miles past the LACetto winery (from the winery - not the highway) - end of the road. Find the warmsprings pool there. Then you could go to Ensenada - go to the Blowhole. Go tidepooling, have lobster at Puerto Nuevo. Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Norte is at Francisco Zarco off Mex. 3, and has a small museum. Tacos for sure in El Sauzal (El Traillero). There’s San Carlos hotsprings – right turn out of Ensenada at the “Country Club” road. If you want more info on any of these places this forum has details.

advrider - 12-1-2021 at 06:12 PM

Bajaboy, anymore info on the cheese caves you were talking about?

Bajaboy - 12-1-2021 at 06:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Bajaboy, anymore info on the cheese caves you were talking about?

https://www.discoverbaja.com/2016/10/11/la-cava-de-marcelo-t...

Both Oceans - 12-1-2021 at 08:39 PM

If you are looking to spend some quite time with your friend then take the drive to Bahia Asuncion. Come into Tijuana, pick up your friend at the airport, take the toll road to Ensenada and then take the road as if you're going to Tecate/Valle de Guadalupe, then a few miles in you take the new road that crosses over to Ojos Negros as if you're heading to San Felipe which is the 5 hwy passing San Luis Gonzaga to hwy 1 going south. Once you get to El Vizcaino, passing the first Pemex gas station you take the road towards your right. There is a small sign that says Bahia Tortugas which is the same road to Bahia Asuncion. The road is straight and very easy to drive. With in 1/2 hour you'll see another sign that says Bahia Asuncion to your left, which is also a straight and easy drive and 25 minutes later should arrive. I recommend staying at "CASA DEL MAR" bed & breakfast "www.casadelmarbnb.com" Telephone from the U.S is 0115216151558890, because you mentioned that you want somewhere "CLEAN & QUIET" and it is very safe. The caretakers are extremely nice. Most important it is "CLEAN" with plenty of "HOT WATER" "CLEAN TOWELS" and very thing works properly and if you need anything added to your room the caretakers respond immediately. The prices are reasonable and the rooms comfortable. They can also prepare awesome meals, same day fresh ocean catch including lobster which are in season during this time of year. The tranquility and beautiful ocean views along the beaches are amazing not to mention the abundance of marine life. The food at the local restaurant called Lonchera Mary also known as Sunset Mary's has fresh sea food and lobsters as well. It's one day drive if you pickup your friend early from the airport, you should get there before dark.

[Edited on 12-2-2021 by Both Oceans]

mtgoat666 - 12-1-2021 at 08:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

Re: Picking up at TJ airport and driving around TJ - I would be nervous at this prospect as well. After landing, she can take a taxi to some place on Revolution Ave. "downtown" to meet. Then find Mex. 1 down the coast.

Easy to drive across border and get to airport,… then easy to drive from airport to coast.

Driving in TJ is not big deal. The people telling you to be scared on TJ (1) don’t speak Spanish and are fearful of being in new situations, or (2) are driving monster RVs that are a PITA to drive in any city…
TJ is just a city, if you can drive in San Diego, you can drive in TJ.