Located in the northern half of the peninsula with which it shares its name, Baja California Norte is flanked by pristine waters: the Pacific on the west and the Gulf of California on the east. Discover beaches, coves and surf breaks, explore tiny villages and monumental canyons, and experience the hum and excitement of dynamic cities.
Mexicali is the state’s capital city and sits snugly against the Californian border. The city has an intriguing cultural fusion and a rich Chinese heritage, as well as a fantastic local arts scene and culinary traditions.
Head for the bustling border town of Tijuana, which is just a 30-minute drive from San Diego. Wander the old downtown area, Zona Centro and stroll down the famous Avenida Revolución tourist strip.
Nearby beaches include Rosarito and Ensenada. Ride between the two beach cities during the bi-annual cycling event in April and September. Celebrate the end of the 50-mile (80-kilometer) ride with a glass of wine from the vineyards of the surrounding winemaking countryside. More wineries can be found in the towns of Valle de Guadalupe, La Joya and Tecate. Taste delicious fresh seafood in Puerto Nuevo, a beach community on the Pacific Coast that is famous for its lobsters.
For a luxurious resort-style vacation, head to San Felipe. This former fishing village has a pretty waterfront and stunning Sea of Cortez beaches. Guadalupe Island off the peninsula’s coast promises pristine, marine life-filled waters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
Explore Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park to hike and camp amid the Baja Californian wilderness. Here, breathtaking mountain vistas dominate the scene and condors can be seen slowly circling above the summits. Sail to the pristine beaches of Isla Partida and surrounding islands of the San Lorenzo Marine Archipelago National Park.
Reach Baja California Norte by flying into international airports in Mexicali and Tijuana. There are six border crossings between the U.S. and Baja California, with buses passing between them several times a day. Visit Tijuana in October to sample the delicious dishes on offer at the annual Baja California Culinary Festival.