We have been heading down to Baja since before we were married about 11 years ago. While it might sound crazy - the first time we drove down we did it in a Prius and a simple 2-person tent to sleep in. We love Baja so much we ended up getting engaged there and have since brought our 2 (now 3) year old daughter and our small dog down with us all the way to the tip of Cabo.
You could say we are Baja experts at this point and we love to help others break through their fear of getting to this incredible destination!
The Baja Peninsula is a paradise for road trippers, stretching 775 miles of dramatic desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming towns. Driving down Baja is a unique adventure, but preparation is key to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s everything you need to know before you hit the road.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before embarking on this epic road trip, ensure your vehicle is in top condition whether it is a car, van, or RV. It's not impossible to get service down there, but definitely inconvenient.
Type of Vehicle: While a 4x4 is ideal for off-road adventures, a reliable car with decent clearance is sufficient for paved highways. Like I mentioned above - we did it in a Prius once!
Maintenance: Check tires, brakes, fluids, and spare tire condition.
Essential Gear: Carry jumper cables, a tire repair kit, a jack, and basic tools. Many people like to bring sand traction pads for trucks. See our list of supplies here.
2. Get the Necessary Documents
Traveling to Baja requires some paperwork:
Passport: Required for U.S. citizens crossing the border.
Mexican Tourist Permit (FMM): Obtainable at the border for stays longer than seven days. We forgot this once and had to bribe someone at the Cabo airport to stamp our papers in order to take the ferry to the mainland. I’d suggest just doing it the legal way to save trouble.
Vehicle Permit: Not required for Baja California Norte or Sur, but ensure your car has proper insurance valid in Mexico.
Mexican Car Insurance: Mandatory; U.S. insurance isn’t accepted in Mexico. In the past we have used Baja Bound, but I'm sure there are others.
3. Pick Your Baja Sleep Style: Camping, Lodging, or Vanlife/RV
When exploring Baja, your sleeping style can shape your adventure. Whether you prefer the raw beauty of camping under the stars, the comfort of lodging, or the flexibility of vanlife or RVing, Baja has something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Camping
Baja is a camper’s dream (and I highly suggest camping on the beach at least ONE night of your adventure), offering countless spots to pitch a tent by the beach, in the desert, or under towering palm trees.
Where to Camp:
Beachfront Sites: Playa Santispac, Bahía de los Ángeles, and Los Barriles.
Remote Camping: Punta Baja and El Coyote Beach for a secluded experience.
Organized Campgrounds: Some sites, like Campo Archelon (where we got engaged!!), offer basic amenities like showers and toilets.
What to Expect:
Stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Minimal amenities; plan to pack in and pack out everything.
Rustic bathrooms, port-o-potty
Who It’s For: Adventurers looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations.
Finding Sites: We mostly used iOverlander to find sites. Plan in advance as you may not have cell service or reliable internet unless you travel with Starlink or another internet service.
Lodging
From rustic to luxurious, Baja’s lodging options cater to all budgets. Even if camping, you might want to sprinkle a stay here and there to shower, unless you prefer to shower in the Sea…
Types of Lodging:
Hotels and Motels: Available in most towns, ranging from budget to boutique.
Eco-Lodges: Unique stays like yurts and cabanas, often in picturesque settings.
Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb offer everything from cozy casitas to beachside villas.
Highlights:
Comfort and convenience.
Access to local amenities like restaurants and shops.
Who It’s For: Travelers seeking a hassle-free experience with the comforts of a bed, bathroom, and possibly Wi-Fi.
Vanlife and RVing
The Baja Peninsula is a favorite for vanlifers and RV travelers, thanks to its scenic drives and welcoming camping culture. In my mind it’s the ultimate way to explore Baja, camping right on the beach with all the comforts of home!
Benefits:
Ultimate freedom to travel at your own pace and get to EPIC remote spots.
Built-in sleeping and cooking facilities.
Great for families or long-term explorers.
Challenges:
Fuel costs and navigating narrow, bumpy, wild roads in some areas.
Limited availability of large RV parks in remote regions.
Can be tough to find pump out, propane refill, water filling.
Finding Spots to Camp:
We mainly used iOverlander
Word of mouth
Who It’s For: Travelers seeking a balance between adventure and convenience, with the ability to stay off-grid when desired.
4. Plan Your Route
Plan Your Baja Peninsula Route: Pick Your Ideal Adventure
Explore the diverse beauty of Baja with these three curated itineraries:
1. Surf Trip: West Coast Baja
Highlights:
Renowned surf breaks, rugged coastlines, and vibrant beach towns.
Key spots: Ensenada, Todos Santos, Cerritos Beach, and Scorpion Bay.
Best For:Surf enthusiasts, ocean lovers, and travelers seeking a laid-back, wave-filled escape.
Key Activities:
Surfing world-class waves at breaks like San Miguel and Punta Conejo.
Beachfront camping and bonfires.
Strolling through Todos Santos, a charming surf haven.
2. Wine Country: North Central Baja
Highlights:
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja’s celebrated wine region, offers vineyards, gourmet cuisine, and stunning desert-meets-vineyard views.
Key spots: Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Ensenada (gateway to Wine Country).
Best For:Wine aficionados, foodies, and travelers looking for a refined yet rustic escape.
Key Activities:
Winery tours with tastings of Baja’s unique varietals.
Savoring Baja Med cuisine at farm-to-table restaurants.
Exploring art installations and boutique stays.
3. Seaside Adventure: East Coast Baja
Highlights:
Sparkling waters of the Sea of Cortez, unspoiled beaches, and marine-rich ecosystems.
Key spots: Loreto, La Paz, and Bahía de los Ángeles.
Best For:Adventure seekers, marine life enthusiasts, and families wanting a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Key Activities:
Snorkeling with sea lions and Whale Sharks
Whale watching or kayaking through Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
Visiting remote fishing villages and pristine beaches.
5. Pack Wisely
Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, walkie talkies, and a detailed map (cell signal may be spotty).
Clothing: Lightweight clothes for the day and layers for cooler evenings.
Camping Gear: If you’re camping, bring a reliable tent and cooking supplies.
Water Tip: Bring 5 gallon refillable jugs and fill up at any of the various Agua Purification stations. They all have reverse osmosis water and you will save on plastic!
6. Safety Tips
Police Checkpoints: These are common; stay polite and follow instructions.
Road Conditions: Be prepared for potholes, narrow roads, and occasional detours.
Local Culture: Respect local customs and pace; Baja’s charm lies in its relaxed vibe.
Police Bribes: It’s commonly known that police will pull over tourists for little to no reason except to get $. We went with the flow and yes, that meant bribing some officers here and there.
Never Drive at Night: Everyone knows the rules, you do not drive at night in Baja unless absolutely necessary.
Only Drink Filtered Water: Just in case you didn't already know, if it's not filtered/bottled water or a margarita dont drink it. Ice is generally fine.
Language: Have a few Spanish phrases up your sleeve or download a translations app. NOT everybody speaks english.
Lock up: Always lock your car. Consider a dash cam and steering wheel lock as well.
Stay Connected: If you are traveling for a long period of time I cant reccomend Starlink enough. You can get high speed internet ANYWHERE in Baja. Its not cheap and you will need a solar power source as well, but it could save your life.
7. Embrace the Baja Lifestyle
Baja offers more than stunning landscapes—it’s a cultural immersion.
Food: Indulge in fish tacos, ceviche, and regional specialties.
Activities: Surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking are plentiful.
Community: Connect with locals and fellow travelers; their tips can enhance your experience.
8. Budgeting for the Trip
Fuel: Expect to pay slightly more for gas in remote areas.
Accommodation: Options range from luxury resorts to budget motels and beach camping.
Toll Roads: Bring pesos for tolls on some highways and to bribe the police. You will be able to get pesos at ATM locations, a lockbox is suggested.
9. Respect Nature and Leave No Trace
Baja is home to fragile ecosystems. Protect the environment by:
Packing out all trash.
Using eco-friendly products.
Respecting wildlife and staying on designated paths.
Travel with trashbags and pick up trash you find.
Final Thoughts
Driving down the Baja Peninsula is an unforgettable adventure. By preparing well and embracing the journey’s challenges and joys, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. So buckle up, set your playlist, and let the Baja magic unfold.
Have you driven the Baja Peninsula? Share your tips and favorite stops in the comments below and feel free to ask questions!
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