Things to do in Southern Baja
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Taquería El Fogón
Taquería El Fogón serves outstanding tacos al pastor (rotisserie pork tacos) and several other variations on the tortilla-packed-with-goodies concept. Vegetarians can dig into quesadillas or stuffed potatoes.
reviewed
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El Zaguán
This small restaurant shows big imagination with mouth-watering dishes like filleted fish in peanut sauce with rice and organic salad, octopus soup, tuna marinated in sesame oil with papaya salsa, and shrimp sautéed in basil oil. Everything is organic, the atmosphere is romantic at night, prices are great, and the flavors exquisite.
reviewed
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Mamá's Royal Café
Mexican decorations splash cheerful colors over the patio here, and breakfasts are the best reason to come. They're big and delicious and include several versions of eggs benedict, French toast and plenty of Mexican egg dishes.
reviewed
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Copal
Copal On the east side of Plaza Mijares, Copal has an interesting assortment of crafts, jewelry, rugs and masks.
reviewed
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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…
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Tequila's Sunrise
If you can handle the Eagles barrage (you're almost guaranteed to hear Hotel California at least twice while you're here), pop into the restaurant that claims to be the original restaurant that was in Hotel California. Whether you buy it not, it's a fun place, and every inch of just about everything in the place is covered in permanent marker, business cards and dollar bills.
The menu features everything from surf-and-turf platters to garlic shrimp, salads and good ol' Mexican food. If you'd rather taste premium tequilas, try the tequila bar.
reviewed
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Café Santa Fe
The insalata Mediterranea (steamed seafood drizzled in lemon juice and oil) will make even seafood haters change their evil ways. The open-air kitchen, designed by the owner himself, allows you to see the food as it’s being prepped for your table. Anything on the menu will delight, surprise, tantalize, but if you need suggestions go for the mussels in wine or any one of the various handmade raviolis: lobster, carne (meat) or just spinach and ricotta cheese. This is surely one of the best restaurants in Baja and is well worth the splurge.
reviewed
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Sancho Panza
As much a visual as a culinary treat, Sancho Panza is one of San Lucas' most high-profile restaurants. The chef cleverly fuses Mediterranean and Latin tastes to create exquisite dishes such as sea bass with cherry tomatoes and wild mushrooms, lamb shank Ossobuco, or portabella mushroom filet in a red-wine reduction. The wine bar is superb, and Cuban art adorns the walls. There's also live jazz most nights. Reservations recommended after 19:00.
Cuban art adorns the walls and cool sounds, among them live jazz, keep the ambience vibrant.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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El Mesón del Ahorcado
It's hard to beat a name like El Mesón del Ahorcado, which means 'the hanged man's restaurant' or, as its called locally in English, the Hangman. And, indeed, the easiest way to spot the place is by the cowboy effigy dangling by its neck from the gallows out front. Even harder to beat than the name is the Hangman's food. This is the one restaurant in San José you shouldn't miss. The best part: it's cheap. Choices include quesadillas made with huitlacoche (a black fungus that grows on corn).
reviewed
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Latitude 22+ Oceanview Roadhouse
Bring your sense of humor along with your appetite to this barbeque and burger joint northeast of town on the road to San José. Who knows where they pilfered all the maritime paraphernalia from, but it makes for great atmosphere. And the food? Wow! Appetizers include chicken wings, barbequed ribs, French onion soup and their delicious 'killa' burritos. Over a dozen burgers grace the menu along with mesquite grilled chicken, pork and beef ribs, roasted pork loin and grilled chops.
reviewed
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Bismark II
Bismark II ; Bismark-cito (128-9900; Paseo Obregón at Constitución; mains USaround US$7-12) Long ago, a woman opened a taco stand that later grew into this favorite seafood restaurant with good prices and great fish. The taco stand tacos USaround US$1 to USaround US$6), open from 09:00 to 17:00, is still a hit and is parked daily in front of Bismark-cito, the family's other restaurant. The lobster tacos sell out by noon, despite their costing US$6 a pop.
reviewed
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Huarachazo
Also known as the Burro Loco (crazy donkey), Huarachazo keeps its long menu of Mexican specialties authentic and fairly priced, and the place remains more popular with locals than with tourists. Try the enchiladas de pollo en mole (chicken enchiladas with mole sauce). There's also all-you-can-eat birria de res (a type of beef stew) and menudo (a traditional tripe and hominy soup). It's a very down-home place.
reviewed
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El Comal
Boasting some of the best patio seating in town, El Comal serves classic mainland Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist. Plates include beef medallions in mole (a rich sauce seasoned with chocolate and spices), cochinita pibil (a traditional pork dish from the Yucatán; around US$16) and arrachera en su jugo (flanksteak served in its juice). Prices are reasonable by San José standards, and locals say it's good.
reviewed
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Rancho Viejo
When it comes to meat, there's no competition; the melt-in-your-mouth tacos de arrachera (skirt steak tacos) are to die for. Also try the delicious tacos al pastor (rotisserie pork tacos) and the gringas (flour tortillas with meat, salsa and melted cheese). Vegetarians can go for the papas asadas (grilled potatoes stuffed with mushrooms, corn, onions and cheese); just tell them to hold the meat.
reviewed
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Cabo Acuadeportes
Cabo Acuadeportes, at Playa Medano, is the largest water-sports outfitter, but there are numerous alternatives. Surprisingly good snorkeling can be done right from Playa del Amor, swimming left, toward the marina. A mask, snorkel and fins should run about M$150 per day. Panga rides cost about M$120 for a round-trip if you bargain directly with a captain. Tipping is appropriate.
reviewed
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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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Peacock's
Another Mecca for alta cocina (haute cuisine), Peacock's serves some of the tastiest food in town. The chef mixes Mediterranean and Latin flavors into dishes like filleted fish braided with strips of nopal cactus; braised duck in tamarind sauce, or (here's heavy) grilled flank stake rolled with cheese and poblano chilies. It's above Playa Médano near the road down to Hotel Meliá San Lucas.
reviewed
