Baja California evokes a rugged, wild west kind of adventure. Stretching some 760 miles south from the US border, this Mexican peninsula is a land of compelling contrasts — a dry, mostly desert geography with hidden enclaves of lush vineyards, jagged mountains and solemn cactus forests bordered by crystalline waters and wide sandy beaches.

Baja is at once a sparsely-populated no man’s land, and home to thousands of species of marine life and millions of vacationing tourists.

A vast blue sea surrounded by mountains is bisected by a spit of sand on which sits an RV — Not quite a no man's land, but not quite developed the Baja Peninsula still offers adventurous travelers an off-the-beaten path experience © Mark Newman/ Getty Images

The Free and Sovereign State of Baja California

Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California, the aptly grandiose official name of Baja’s northern state.

Removed from the Mexican mainland, Baja California has evolved its own distinct aesthetic and culture. From low-key towns with just the right amount of civilization, to unmarked dusty roads awaiting exploration, Baja has a charm that keeps those who know coming back for more.

The peninsula is divided into two states: Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur below the 28th parallel.

Red, green and white flags fly with a palm tree and building in the background — Take at least a day to enjoy the food and craft-beer scene that has blossomed in Tijuana © f8grapher / Getty Images

Tijuana

The infamous border town has finally grown into its own. A growing middle-class and burgeoning cultural scene has helped turn this former hedonism destination into a Mexican city with its own identity.

With an international airport, a solid bus system and many rental car options – along with its proximity to major US cities like San Diego and Los Angeles – Tijuana is the most convenient starting point for a Baja adventure.

But first, take a moment to get to know TJ (its local nickname). Stroll down Av Revolucion for Mexican nightlife options like Las Pulgas, sample local craft beers at Norte Brewing Co

Welcome to Southern Baja

Loreto

Park

Cabo San Lucas

Landmark

Mulegé

Beach

Southern Baja

Lagoon

La Paz

Island

Santa Rosalía

Church

Mulegé

Canyon

San Ignacio

Church

Cabo San Lucas

Beach

Experience Southern Baja

Day tours

Los Cabos 2-Way Airport Transfers

Los Cabos Luxury Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

Canyon Canopy Adventure from Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas Luxury Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

Los Cabos: Glass-Bottom Boat, Shopping

Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food-Tasting Walking Tour

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail

Cabo San Lucas Mexican Cooking Class

Los Cabos 2-Way Airport Transfers

Los Cabos Luxury Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

Canyon Canopy Adventure from Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas Luxury Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

Los Cabos: Glass-Bottom Boat, Shopping

Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food-Tasting Walking Tour

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail

Cabo San Lucas Mexican Cooking Class

Multi-day adventures

Los Cabos Zipline Adventure and Sunset Party Cruise

Luxury Transportation SJD Airport to San Jose area Hotels Round Trip up to 10-16 pax

Baja Surf Camp for Women, 7-Day Trip with Yoga, Massages

Baja Bird-Watching All-Inclusive 8-Day Wildlife Tour

Cabo San Lucas to Magdalena Bay Gray Whale-Watching 2-Day Tour

Cabo San Lucas Surfing Tours

North La Paz Self-Drive Full-Day Discovery Tour with Lunch

La Paz 3-Day Marine Life Adventure with Espiritu Santos Island

Los Cabos Zipline Adventure and Sunset Party Cruise

Luxury Transportation SJD Airport to San Jose area Hotels Round Trip up to 10-16 pax

Baja Surf Camp for Women, 7-Day Trip with Yoga, Massages

Baja Bird-Watching All-Inclusive 8-Day Wildlife Tour

Cabo San Lucas to Magdalena Bay Gray Whale-Watching 2-Day Tour

Cabo San Lucas Surfing Tours

North La Paz Self-Drive Full-Day Discovery Tour with Lunch

La Paz 3-Day Marine Life Adventure with Espiritu Santos Island

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Sustainable wildlife experiences in Baja California Sur

History and culture in Baja California Sur

Southern Baja activities

Los Cabos 2-Way Airport Transfers

Los Cabos Luxury Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

Canyon Canopy Adventure from Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas Luxury Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

Los Cabos: Glass-Bottom Boat, Shopping

Cabo San Lucas Downtown Food-Tasting Walking Tour

Southern Baja in detail

On the ground

Practical information