As summer is approaching, here are a few of our favorite quick escapes you can make in four days to enjoy long weekends exploring the best that Baja norte has to offer. From the small fishing village of San Felipe to the food and wine mecca La Ruta del Vino to the metropolitan Tijuana, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
La Ruta del Vino
A long weekend along Baja’s Ruta del Vino (“wine route”) brings you the best food and wine that the peninsula has to offer. Not only will you enjoy the impressive Valle de Guadalupe, but you’ll get to know the smaller and still developing Antigua Ruta del Vino. Michelin starred restaurants, beautiful boutique hotels, and intimate award-winning wineries await.
Day 1
Drive across the San Diego/Tijuana border at San Ysidro and keep going two hours south to arrive at the Valle de Guadalupe. Check into your intimate B&B at La Villa del Valle or Bruma Wine Resort. Start your explorations in the valley with a quick visit to the Museo de la Vid y el Vino to learn about wine and the history of the region. Have lunch there on the top floor of the museum at Chef Diego Hernandez’s new namesake restaurant, Diego. Check out a few wineries like Lechuza, Vena Cava, or Clos de Tres Cantos. Enjoy a gourmet meal at Chef David Castro Hussong’s Fauna.
Day 2
Have breakfast at your B&B before heading out to your first winery such as Las Nubes or Torres Alegre y Familia. Then enjoy a comida (late lunch) under the oak trees at Michelin-starred restaurant Animalón. After lunch, enjoy another wine-tasting at a boutique winery like Pijoan or Villa Montefiori. For sunset, head over to the coast to the cliff-top Bar Bura at Cuatrocuatros where you’ll bask in stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Day 3
Get an early start and drive south out of Valle de Guadalupe to the Antigua Ruta del Vino in Valle de la Grulla. Savor wine-tastings at MD Vinos and Palafox. Then head to the Valle de Santo Tomás to visit the first winery in Baja California, Bodegas de Santo Tomás, established in 1888. Return to the Valle de Guadalupe to have an unforgettable dinner at restaurant Villa Torél.
Day 4
For your last morning, enjoy a delicious homemade Mexican breakfast like corn pancakes or huevos con machaca at the famous La Cocina de Doña Esthela. Enjoy one last wine-tasting at Viña de Frannes or Bodegas F. Rubio on your way up Mexico 3 heading to Tecate. Grab some baked goods at El Mejor Pan de Tecate before crossing back over the border to the United States.
San Felipe
This quiet Sea of Cortez fishing village makes a peaceful escape for those looking to slow down and enjoy some delicious seafood. Take in the beauty of the Sea of Cortez and marvel at giant cardón cacti.
Day 1
Cross the U.S./Mexico border in Mexicali/Calexico and drive the two hours down Mexico 5 to arrive at the fishing village of San Felipe. Enjoy some fish tacos at Taqueria y Mariscos Adriana or any of the spots in town. Walk along the malecón to enjoy the bustle of the beach and the town. At the south end of the malecón, climb up the Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe lookout to get sweeping views of the bay and town. Have dinner at the Taco Factory or the adjoining Bajamar Seafood and Steak House.
Day 2
Arrange with one of the local pangueros to spend a day fishing out at Isla Konsag (“The Rock”). Those who don’t enjoy angling will still have fun checking out wildlife like sea lions and marine birds. Enjoy a seafood dinner at Mariscos La Vaquita and make sure to order some of San Felipe’s famous shrimp.
Day 3
Get an early start and drive south on Mexico 5 to take your photo with the enormous cardón cacti in the Valle de los Gigantes. Then continue south to check out the picturesque Bahía San Luis Gonzaga where you can have a beer on the deck at Alfonsina’s to enjoy the peaceful bay.
Day 4
Drive north up Mexico 5 to the border town of Mexicali. Spend the afternoon checking out the city’s excellent craft beer scene at places like Cerveza Urbana, Cervecería Legion, or Cerveza Fauna. Cross back over the easygoing Mexicali/Calexico border back to the United States.
Tijuana
Tijuana is a gritty and vibrant city with an incredible culinary scene and plenty of cultural attractions to make it well worth a weekend getaway. From street tacos to fine dining, the city has been luring foodies for years, and with a new craft beer scene emerging, beer aficionados are now flocking to the city as well.
Day 1
Drive or walk across the San Diego/Tijuana border at San Ysidro and head to the center of the action on Avenida Revolución in Zona Centro. Explore the pasajes, do some artisanal shopping, and get your photo take with one of the Tijuana’s famous zonkeys. Duck into Caesar’s Restaurante for lunch where you can have a Caesar salad prepared tableside in the very spot it was invented. After lunch, sample some craft beers at one of the many craft breweries on Revolución such as Norte Brewing Co. or Border Psycho. Enjoy a delightful gourmet dinner nearby at Verde y Crema or La Justina, If you’re in the mood for a night cap, head to Dandy del Sur or La Mezcalera before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2
Head east to Playas de Tijuana and enjoy a fresh brunch with the locals at El Yogurt Place. Spend some time walking along the expansive Playas boardwalk and duck into some of the little cafes or shops along the way. Check out Friendship Park before heading back to Zona Rio to enjoy a decadent dinner at Georgina Restaurante.
Day 3
Spend the day immersing in culture by checking out Tijuana’s iconic CECUT Cultural Center. Catch an IMAX movie or peruse the current exhibits in the museum area. For dinner, make a reservation at Misión 19, one of Tijuana’s top restaurants. After dinner, head right upstairs to Bar 20 for cocktails or go to Plaza Fiesta if you’re looking for a boisterous beer scene. Late night tacos at the famous Las Ahumaderas taco stands
Day 4
Head to Tijuana’s famous market, Mercado Hidalgo, to take in the sights and smells of the produce, spices, and artisanal goods. When you get hungry, check out some of the awesome street food right outside the market such as the famous Tacos el Franc or Los Perrones taco stands. Head toward the border to Estación Federal to grab a coffee or drink before getting in line at the border to cross back to the U.S.