15 Reasons Why Your Next Trip Should Be To Baja California, Mexico
Basically just to dream in 50 shades of blue.
Baja California in Mexico is the bordering state to California. But enough about geography. We're here to tell you about incredible blue waters, surreal surroundings where wine flows like water, and, of course, some bomb food.

1. Rosarito is a bustling coastal town not too far from Tijuana. People there bask in the sun, ride horses in the sand, bike in surrounding nature, fall in love, and climb Cerro El Coronel, which offers a postcard-worthy view of the city.
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The sea isn't always warm here, but that's OK. The people are warm, the tacos are warm, the lobster is warm, and your heart will be warm too once you visit beautiful Rosarito.
2. Rosarito is also home to Tacos El Yaqui, which has, according to all accounts, tacos that are absolute magic.
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Their specialty? Perrones. You'll hear angels sing when you try the warm carne asada, melted cheese, pinto beans, onion, cilantro, mouthwatering salsa, and guacamole concoction wrapped up in the best tortilla you've ever had. Just look at that tortilla! *BRB heading to Baja*
3. But perrones aren't the only spell you'll fall under in Baja. Wait until you try the city of Ensenada's food, specifically La Guerrerense.
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Anthony Bourdain once praised this award-winning spot on his show No Reservations. It's true: La Guerrerense is good and a total local sensation, serving tostadas made with fresh seafood packing LOADS of flavor (and, many times, avocado — yum!). Favorites are the sea urchin, ceviche, snail, and scallop tostadas.
4. There's also the Mercado Negro (Black Market), a food market where dozens of eateries serve incredible (and very cheap) seafood tacos.
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Marlin al pastor, battered shrimp, octopus chicharrón... There are as many tacos as stars in the sky at the Mercado Negro. Other notable foods to try are, well, everything at the buffet at Shalom and the incredible desserts at El Rey Sol. Also, grab a margarita at Hussong’s, Baja California's oldest cantina, where it's rumored the very first margarita was born.
5. Southeast of Ensenada you'll find Valle de Guadalupe, which, with more than 100 wineries and views for days, is basically heaven on Earth.
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HELLO. Hotel + eco-reserve Encuentro Guadalupe is actually heaven. GOODBYE.
6. Not only will you get to taste some A+ wine, you'll also get to reconnect with nature. Perhaps even ~redefine~ your concept of nature.
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Don't be surprised when you become one with your environment in Valle de Guadalupe — many lodging sites are concerned with sustainability and are ecologically friendly. Prepare to live in a painting in places like winery/hotel Bruma Casa 8, El Cielo Winery & Resort, Contemplación Hotel Boutique, Agua de Vid, and winery/hotel La Villa del Valle.
7. Did we mention you can also stay in a bubble? Yeah, you can also stay in a bubble. A BUBBLE.
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Looking for galactic romance? Say no more. Campera gives you breathtaking views of vast vineyards and an endless sky. Are you ready to watch the sunset from A BUBBLE?! We are.
8. Oh yeah, you can also cheers inside a giant barrel at Finca Altozano.
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We might just have to write another article on all the amazing wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, including L.A. Cetto, the sprawling Cuatro Cuatros, the more intimate Viñas de Garza, and El Cielo, all of which are totally worth the trip.
9. Oh, and the food. Food is a work of art in Guadalupe.
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Marvel at the fire-roasted lamb, corn hotcakes, and homemade beans at La Cocina de Doña Esthela, and pretty much at everything at super-thoughtful Corazón de Tierra.
10. After living your best life in Valle de Guadalupe, you can go ahead and...actually continue living that life but now at La Bufadora, one of the largest marine geysers, aka blowholes, in the world.
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La Bufadora is a natural wonder about an hour southwest of Valle de Guadalupe. It wows visitors with its striking beauty but also with the sound of its massive waves crashing into rocks.
11. Gorgeous San Quintín might have you thinking you somehow ended up in Iceland after a taco coma or something.
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But nope, it's still Mexico. San Quintín is an absolute dream of a place, a sanctuary for bird species and a destination for outdoors lovers and sports fishers. It's located about three hours south of La Bufadora.
12. La Lobera, a sea lion cave that looks like something out of a movie, is a short drive away from San Quintín.
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Although not the easiest place to reach due to lack of signage, La Lobera is a sight to see. You'll also get a good look at the sea lions living in the crater. Here's a link to guide you!
13. On the other side of Baja, lesser-known town San Felipe is a quaint oasis and a great spot to hit the dunes.
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If you're starting to realize Baja California is a wonderland filled with hidden jewels, you're right. In San Felipe, you can fly in an ultralight plane above town or visit Konsag Island, which is also pretty cool.
14. If you think the idea of sand duning is nice, wait until you see a sunset in San Felipe.
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What is happening? How is that real?! Well, actually, this thing happens in San Felipe (and other places in Baja) where the tide recedes and the ocean floor is exposed. The large pockets of water then mirror the town's gorgeous sunsets and basically just take all of our breaths away.
15. And if you think you've had enough of beautiful sunsets, hypnotic places, wineries, and craters...well, we want to say no, you haven't, and to please look at Bahía San Luis Gonzaga.
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AH! THE BEAUTY! Due to unpaved roads, the road to Gonzaga Bay isn't easy — but don't all the best things in life require a little work? If you ever visit, you can camp alongside the gorgeous night landscape or check in at Alfonsinas, the area's only hotel.
The food from Tijuana and Mexicali is also unmissable — Baja California is just filled with surprises.
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