Sights in Southern Baja
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Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé
Across the Transpeninsular and near the southern bank of the river, Mulegé's restored Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé stands atop a hill southwest of town. Founded in 1705 and completed in 1766, the mission functioned until 1828, when the declining indigenous population led to its abandonment.
Remodeled several times, the church is less architecturally distinguished than its counterparts in San Ignacio and San Borja; it's imposing but utilitarian, with fewer enticing details. The exterior alone is still faithful to the original.
Behind the church, a short footpath climbs a volcanic outcrop to an overlook with soothing views of the palm-lined Arroyo Santa Rosalía and its…
reviewed
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Misión San Ignacio de Kadakaamán
With lava-block walls nearly 1.2m (4ft) thick, the former Jesuit Misión San Ignacio de Kadakaamán stands directly across from San Ignacio's small plaza and is flanked by a tiny grove of citrus trees. Occupying the site of a former Cochimí ranchería (indigenous settlement), the mission has been in continuous use since its founding in 1728. One of the three 18th-century altar pieces inside is dedicated to the San Ignacio de Loyola, the town's patron saint.
The mission was initiated by the famous Jesuit Fernando Consag, and was completed in 1786 under the direction of Dominican Juan Crisóstomo Gómez. Epidemics reduced the Cochimí population from about 5000 to only 120 by…
reviewed
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Estero San José
Although the Puerto Los Cabos development is taking a devastating toll upon the San José estuary - especially near the ocean - it's still one of the town's most delightfully peaceful spots and a good place to squeeze in a little bird watching. It is, at least in name, a protected wildlife sanctuary and home to many bird species, including frigate birds, sparrow hawks, white herons and red-tailed hawks.
This protected wildlife sanctuary (at least by name) is home to many bird species, including frigate birds, sparrow hawks, white herons and red-tailed hawks. Near the corner of Benito Juárez, a palm-lined pedestrian trail, known as the Paseo del Estero, parallels Blvd Mija…
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Playa Médano
Cabo San Lucas has three main beaches. The most popular is Playa Médano, which runs northeast for about 3km (2 miles) from the Hacienda Beach Resort (under renovation). The water is crystal clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming (or, as the case may be, wading with a margarita glasses in hand). Buoyed swimming areas keep the jet skis, parasailers and fishing pangas away from the swimmers (at least in theory), and cruise ships float off shore.
With several bars right on the beach, it's a great place to chill out, pound your favorite cocktails and basically feel merry in the sun.
reviewed
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Malecón
Malecón. La Paz's Newly Reconstructed Waterfront, With Its Wide Sidewalk, Tiny Beaches, Tourist Pier, Benches, Sculptures By Local Artists And Unimpeded Sunset Views, Has Become The City's Biggest Highlight. At The Time Of Research, The Malecón Stretched 5.5km (3.5 Miles), From The Marina De La Paz In The South, To Playa Coromuel To The North. The Real Magic Is At Sundown, When Paceños Spill Out Of Their Homes And Take To The Malecón To Stroll, Jog, Bike, Power Walk Or Just Hang Out And Listen To The Live Bands That Set Up On What's Easily One Of Mexico's Finest Waterfronts.
reviewed
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Reserva de la Biosféra Sierra de la Laguna
The lush forests of the 1128-sq-km (434-sq-mi) Sierra de la Laguna are rugged, remote and largely uninhabited, although they teem with animals and plants, many of them unique to the area. Adventurous and experienced hikers will have a field day here, but trails are often poorly marked. Consider hiring a guide or joining an organized group hike.
This is a Unesco biosphere reserve, wherein swathes of naturally significant land are fully protected within zonas núcleo (core areas) but locals are allowed to work certain surrounding areas using sustainable methods.
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Cabo Falso
About 5km (3 miles) northwest of town, Cabo San Lucas' historic lighthouse, Faro Viejo, is perched high above Cabo Falso, so named because it was once erroneously thought to be the southernmost point on the Baja peninsula. Surrounded by a spectacular dunescape (unfortunately frequented by ATVs), the lighthouse was in operation from 1895 to 1961, when it was replaced by a candy-striped cousin on a hillside above.
The latter is worth a visit for extraordinary 360-degree views of the ocean, city and sierras.
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Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto
Featuring a floor plan in the shape of a Greek cross, the mission suffered serious damage when the ceiling and bell tower collapsed during the 1829 hurricane. It has only been restored over the last 25 years and today is splendid sight both inside and out.
Above the entrance to Loreto's mission, the inscription Cabeza y Madre de las Misiones de Baja y Alta California (Head and Mother of the Missions of Upper and Lower California) attests to Loreto's role as the first capital of the Californias.
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Centro Cultural Esperanza Rodríguez
Centro Cultural Esperanza Rodríguez. This Small Cultural Center-Cum-Art Gallery Focuses On Women Artists From Baja California Sur, Though International Works Are Often Featured, Depending Upon The Theme (For Example, During An International Women's Day Exhibit, Artists From Mainland Mexico And Other Countries Were Displayed). If The Caretaker Isn't In, She's Probably Next Door In The Attached Internet Center.
reviewed
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Museo San Ignacio
Just south of the mission church, the Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Historia (INAH) has built an impressive new Museo San Ignacio that has elaborate displays on the Desierto Central's rock art, including a replica cave-mural site that's the next best thing to descending into Cañón San Pablo itself. You must request permission at the INAH office here to visit any rock art site in the area.
reviewed
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Land's End
Land's End is by far the biggest, and most impressive, attraction Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Get on a panga (a fiberglass skiff) and head to El Arco (the Arch), a jagged natural feature which partially fills with the tide. Pelicans, sea lions, sea, sky - this is what brought people to Cabo in the first place and it's still magical, despite the mammoth cruise ship towering behind it.
reviewed
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Paseo del Estero
From near the corner of Benito Juárez, this palm-lined pedestrian trail parallels Mijares all the way to the zona hotelera. This is a peaceful alternative to the boulevard, but it may not always be passable because of high water levels, especially after rains. In colonial times, pirates took ocassional refuge in the estuary between raids on Spanish galleons.
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Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz
On the Plaza Constitución's western side, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the city's cathedral. It only dates from 1861 but mimics the style of California mission architecture. Nothing remains of the city's first cathedral, which was built in 1720 under the direction of Jesuit missionaries Jaime Bravo and Juan de Ugarte near the plaza.
reviewed
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Museo de las Californias
This tiny museum has an endearing yet fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including maps, tools and journals going back to the 16th-century expeditions of the legendary conquistador Hernán Cortés. Its main focus, though, is on fossils from the local Sierra de la Laguna range. Look for the huge whale skeleton outside its entrance.
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Faro Viejo
Just outside town, perching high above Cabo Falso (False Cape), this historic lighthouse was built in 1865 and served as the beacon to many a ship, until it was replaced in 1961 by the fancy candy-colored one further up the hill. It's worth taking a stroll around both lighthouses and taking in the beautiful views of sea, sierra and city.
reviewed
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Centro Cultural Todosanteño
Murals at the Centro Cultural Todosanteño, Todos Santos' former schoolhouse and current cultural center, date from 1933; their nationalist and revolutionary motifs depict missionaries and indigenous people, the Spanish conquistadors, Emiliano Zapata, cooperativism, rural laborers, industry and athletics ('vigor in mind and muscle').
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Plaza Mijares
San José del Cabo has managed to keep its historic colonial atmosphere, laidback friendliness and natural tranquillity. Nowhere are these qualities more on show than in and around the distinctly uncluttered Plaza Mijares, a breezy square shaded by ancient trees, flanked by the mission church, town hall, small stores and restaurants.
reviewed
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Playa del Nuevo Sol
For a leisurely taste of white sand and salt water, head down Blvd Mijares to the tan-friendly Playa del Nuevo Sol. Be warned, though, that a strong current and shore break make swimming risky. A short stroll along the sand and it's welcome to the Playa de California, the eastern extension of del Nuevo Sol and a gem of a place.
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Playa del Amor
Baja's most famous beach, Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) has sands on both the Pacific Ocean and the bay side. Hurricanes have eroded the bay side of the beach significantly but the Pacific side still has plenty of sand. Unfortunately the Pacific side is unsafe for swimming, and is jokingly referred to as Divorce Beach.
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Los Frailes
Immediately offshore from El Arco stand Los Frailes, two granite pinnacles that offer some very unique rock climbing, should you feel inclined (in fact, a scene from the movie Everest was filmed here). Just off the eastern shore, the thin spire of Neptune's Finger protrudes some 24m (80ft) out of the water.
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Town Square
Also known as 'Parque Amelia Wilkes' this square is perfect for relaxing away from the partying throngs in Cabo. Take a breather 'neath the gazebo or in the shade of the poultry-shaped bush, or nurse your hangover on one of the benches. The square is surrounded by classy shops and cantinas if you get fidgety.
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Plaza Constitución
Plaza Constitución . Officially Known As Jardín Velasco, La Paz's Zócalo (Main Plaza) Is The Traditional Heart Of The City. Crowned With An Attractive Gazebo Bandstand, The Plaza Is The Perfect Spot To Unwind In The Shade And People Watch On A Hot Day. It's At Its Liveliest In The Evening.
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Museo Histórico Minero de Santa Rosalía
Built in 1885 by the French to house the offices of the Boleo Company, the Museo Histórico Minero de Santa Rosalía watches over the town and the rusting copperworks from its perch on the hill near the Hotel Francés, surrounded by cool abandoned locomotives and other pieces of machinery.
reviewed
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Centro Cultural
Housed in a former schoolhouse, the Centro Cultural, near Topete, is home to some interesting nationalist and revolutionary murals dating from 1933. Also on display is an uneven collection of artifacts evoking the history of the region, lots of old photos and a replica ranch house.
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Unidad Cultural Profesor Jesús Castro Agúndez
A sprawling concrete edifice, the Teatro de la Ciudad is the most conspicuous element of the Unidad Cultural Profesor Jesús Castro Agúndez, a cultural center that takes up most of the area bounded by Altamirano, Navarro, Héroes de la Independencia and Legaspi.
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