Roadtrip to Baja

My maternal grandmother is from Baja California Sur, Mexico. Most of my family members live in a small town called Guerrero Negro, literally at the cut off point of Baja California and beginning point of Baja California Sur.

Ever since I was little my mom always drove us down for road trips to visit family and the beautiful beaches. I've got to admit at one point I got annoyed of going, because the drive down was soooo long and boring for me (aprox 8 hours) since it's all desert. We would legit pull over on the side of the road sometimes to go to the bathroom.

Summer of 2009 I went down with my grandma and uncle after a few years of not going and I fell in love with Baja. I stayed in a town where my mom's brother lives where there is an oasis we swam in, I made friends, I met a boy (family if you're reading this... you know exactly who I'm talking about LOL), first time I got drunk (at 14 y/o) and enjoyed my vacation. This small town is called San Ignacio which is my FAVORITE town when I go to Baja. I always stay extra days with my uncle when I go down, because I just enjoy being there partying, swimming, and chilling with friends and family.

San Ignacio oasis behind us.

Don't have any summer plans yet? Well, I definitely recommend driving down to Baja. There are so many small stops you could make before making it down to the beautiful beaches! Since it's all desert, I definitely recommend going before July since that's when it gets extremely hot. Also, I suggest going for one week and a half.

First Stop: Guerrero Negro

Like I said, this is the starting point of BCS. It's approximately 8 hours from Tijuana. There are plenty of hotels to stay in. There are sand dunes near the sea where people call it their "beach" even though it's not an actual beach with waves and shit. It's a nice area to have a picnic and get your feet wet.

Another "thing to do" is visit la Exportadora de Sal which is the salt mine of the state. Most of the salt in Baja California comes from here. Most of my family has worked for this company which is why most of my family lives there.

If you go in January-April it's whale season, so it's nice to go whale watching. I honestly haven't gone in so many years that I don't even remember going, however it's a pretty cool experience from what I've heard.

I suggest staying here one day just to relax before driving more down south.

Second Stop: San Ignacio

Like I mentioned before, this is my FAVORITE town. I feel like there is so much to do, even if there's not much to do- does that even make sense?

I suggest staying here one full day to enjoy the oasis fully. This town has a few hotels, however I stayed at Hotel La Huerta last year and I loved it. It had AC, clean bathrooms, and a modern looking room (which was pretty amazing since most hotels are cheesy). I recommend taking a stroll in the Plaza and eat a snack like an ice cream or tostilocos (if that's your weakness-like me).

As many of you know, Baja is big on off-roading- so sometimes they have races going on which are very entertaining!

Swimming in the oasis.

Third Stop: Santa Rosalia

Honestly, this town is smelly AF. A lot of people go there to run errands. I honestly don't think there is anything to do but buying groceries for your next stop!

Mulege, B.C.S.

Fourth Stop: Mulege

Now, to the best part... the beaches!

I have never gone to Cancun nor do I even feel like going because I'd much rather drive down to Mulege.

The water is beautiful, calm, and not too touristy. There are plenty of beaches to choose from!

My two favorites are: Playa El Burro and Playa El Coyote. There's kayaking, people selling food, palapas to put your car under, and there's camping! This is where you need the groceries in case you want to make your own picnic. My cousins and I usually do ceviche!

Playa El Coyote.

Fifth Stop: Loreto

I honestly haven't gone in a very very long time, but from what I remember it's a cute small town! There's I think two missions to visit here.

That's it! Unless you want to drive down all the way to Cabos San Lucas.

I normally go down to Mulege and drive back up since I have so much family to visit. I hope you guys enjoyed my little itinerary!

Tips:

-Don't drive alone

-There's one road total (one side to go south and one side to go north)

-Have an extra tire

-Drive SLOW!!! There's a lot of semi trucks that drive on these roads and the roads are rough

-Take your passport

-There's military checkpoints throughout both states, however they mostly check your car going back north