GONZAGA BAY
Now we're talking Baja! Gonzaga Bay (officially known as Bahia de Gonzaga) is well off the beaten tourist track approximately 90 miles south of San Felipe, and the perfect place to drop out of society for a few days. It can be a three day trip for those on a mission, but makes more sense for most people as a four day adventure.
Gonzaga Bay offers the small 16 room Alfonsina's hotel on a spectacular crescent beach, with a beautiful back bay perfect for kayaking or clamming. An airstrip runs right behind the hotel and is usually in good shape (except at high tide when it is under water). Papa Fernandez Camp is located two miles to the north, and is a fun place to have a relaxing lunch and soak up the Baja sun. For more information drop by the GONZAGA BAY section of Baja Expo.
CATAVINA
As well known as the name 'Catavina' is to many Baja aficianados, you'd think it was a city. Maybe a town. Or at least a village. But it's really only a hotel, and only recently has the area sprouted a couple of very small markets and a humble restaurant or two. Although the PEMEX station on the east side of the highway has been closed for years, there is usually someone in the area selling gas.
The area just north of Catavina is known for it's spectacular boulder gardens that run for miles along either side of the highway. These are not you regular boulders, these puppies are h-u-g-e and the area is filled with thousands of cactus in between the boulders. There is nowhere else in the world where one can experience the raw natural beauty that can be found every day in Catavina.
BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES
Ask anyone who has driven into Bay of LA...the view from the road heading into town is absolutely breathtaking. The striking blue Sea of Cortez lies in stark contrast to the many deserted islands scattered about the bay. Throw in a crystal clear blue sky...well it's almost enough for a photo opportunity. The photo at the top of this page will give you an idea of the stark beauty of this special Baja destination.
Bahia de los Angeles has a history of mining, which gradually transitioned to fishing, and now general tourism is the main draw. Fishing is still good here, but nature lovers come from all over the world just to enjoy the natural beauty. The town offers a few hotels, markets and restaurants, and a very slow manana pace. Because the blacktop runs all the way from Baja Highway One to Bay of LA, any vehicle can get to this remote Baja outpost. For more information drop by the BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES section of Baja Expo.
SCAMMON'S LAGOON
Located just east of Guerrero Negro on the Baja California / Baja California Sur border, Laguna Ojo de Liebre somehow got the name Scammon's Lagoon years ago and the name is still used today. Mr. Scammon was one of the first sailors to realize that the Califoria Grey whale used this lagoon for mating and giving birth, and he was also one of the first to take advantage of this fact by killing these beautiful beasts by the hundreds.
Today the California Grey whale has made an amazing comeback, thanks to many concerned people who helped outlaw whaling in the area. Their population has increased to approximately 25,000, the same number they were at before they started being slaughtered. The whales still come here every year from January through March, and whale watching groups enjoy the show from panga boats in the lagoon. Once the most popular whale watching location in Baja, Scammon's Lagoon is now taking a back seat to Laguna Ignacio, a few hours to the south. For more information about the general area drop by the GUERRERO NEGRO section of Baja Expo.
UPPER WEST COAST BEACHES
The sandy scalloped beaches and coves on the west coast of Baja, directly across from Bahia de los Angeles on the east coast, are some of the most beautiful on the Peninsula. Lack of paved roads keeps the crowds out, so most of the beauty to be found is for your eyes only. A paved road to the coast starts from Baja Highway One about 25 miles south of the Bahia de los Angeles turn off.
After the main road ends at the small village of Santa Rosalillita, a fairly decent dirt road runs north along the coast. For over 50 miles beaches and coves dazzle the visitor looking for solitude and raw nature. Although the area can be reached on a three day trip, spending a few days along this lost coast is the best way to experience it.
LORETO
Thanks to the commercial airline industry, Loreto can be a three day weekend for anyone who lives close to an international airport. As an example, Loreto is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the 10 million people who live near Los Angeles International Airport. Sure it would be nice to make it a longer trip, but making it a three day trip is better than not going at all. And being a small town a visitor can see quite a bit on a three day getaway to Loreto.
The quaint downtown area near the famous mission is a great place to start and to soak in the flavor of Loreto. The mission itself is pretty amazing, plus there are wonderful shops and restaurants right close by. It's a two block walk to the Malecon, Loreto's seaside walk along the Sea of Cortez. With the islands offshore in contrast to the dark blue ocean, the view is beautiful and very serene. Fishing, golfing and diving are just a few additional options for the Loreto visitor. For more information drop by the LORETO section of Baja Expo.
LA PAZ
Different Baja cities come of age at different times. Rosarito Beach got it's mojo working in the 80's. Cabo came of age in the 90's. And guess who is ready to rock and roll as we move into the new millenium? That's right, La Paz is the one to watch. And thanks to a host of flights to it's international airport, La Paz is just a two hour flight from the US for millions of people.
La Paz offers all of the fun of Cabo...without the tourists. Great weather, killer beaches, tons of watersports, excellent dining, fun nightlife...the list goes on. And all this in a cosmopolitan atmosphere with the best oceanfront Malecon on the entire Baja Peninsula. Yes, you can do La Paz in three days, but you may end up calling in sick to add a day to your new favorite Baja destination! For more information drop by the LA PAZ section of Baja Expo.
CABO SAN LUCAS
Don't come to Cabo looking for a sleepy fishing village you heard about 10 years ago. That village is gone, replaced by a tropical Disneyland of sorts for adults. The bottom line is this...if you can't have fun in Los Cabos you might as well hang up your spurs and shoot your horse. There are just too many fun options to take advantage of on this spectacular 25 mile coastal corridor.
Los Cabos is the name given to the area that consists of the city of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and all of the fun stuff in between these two popular cities. Just a few of the options available in Los Cabos include laying out poolside or on the beach, fishing, hiking, ATV riding, diving, snorkeling, sailing, wave runners, kayaking, shopping, eating, drinking, dancing...the list goes on. If none of these things sound like fun to you, you might want to change your vacation destination to Orlando. Tell Mickey that Carlos Fiesta says hello. For more information drop by the CABO EXPO web site.
Back to Top of Page Back to Baja Expo Back to Mexico Expo
BAJA THREE DAY DESTINATIONS
Of course all of the destinations listed under our TWO DAY BAJA DESTINATIONS can be a part of any three day adventure south of the border. But there are certain locations in Baja where you really need at least three days to make it happen. Because of the extra time, we include a few fly down destinations in this 3 day section as well as the drive down destinations.
Bahia de los Angeles is a great three day Baja adventure!