There’s nothing quite like driving the entire Baja Peninsula—from Tijuana or Mexicali, all the way to Cabo San Lucas. Roads are narrow, winding, and scenic, which means plenty of stops along the way. The transition from American freeways to the two-lane Mexico Federal Highways can feel jarring at first. But throughout the trek you’ll learn to embrace a slower pace conducive to unique road-side meals, a dip in crystal clear water, and setting up camp to enjoy sunset from the perfect hammock spot.
For Airstream travelers, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula offers a slower pace, endless recreation, charming towns, and incredible food. The glass‑calm waters of the Sea of Cortez are the perfect place to break out your stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear. If you’re chasing waves instead, the Pacific side delivers some of the best surfing in the world. Calm or rugged, Baja provides countless ways to enjoy the water.
Beyond the shoreline, you’ll find world‑class mountain biking, hiking, art galleries, and rejuvenating spas. Whatever Airstream adventure you seek, Baja never disappoints.
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Note: As with any travel guide, it's always a good idea to check to ensure locations are still in business, campgrounds are available, and roads and trails are open. Information in our Round-Trip travel guide series is accurate to the best of our ability, but double checking never hurts.
Where to Stay in Baja
It can be helpful to think of the peninsula in three distinct sections: Northern Baja, Middle Baja, and Baja Sur. Each area has its own unique highlights and reasons to visit, and many find this reason enough to make several trips.
Northern Baja features the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe, the seafood hub of Ensenada, and surfing in Rosarito. This region feels almost Mediterranean, with mountains and sea breezes. It’s easy to find a winery map of the area, and you’ll likely see bed and breakfasts to Italian-style villas scattered throughout the hills. There are also plenty of camping and glamping options, such as El Valle RV Park.
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The central stretch of the peninsula—from roughly Guerrero Negro to Loreto—is one of Baja’s quietest and most relaxing regions. It’s too far south for most quick border‑weekend travelers, and visitors flying into Cabo rarely venture that far north, leaving this area blissfully calm. Travelers who do make it here tend to be like‑minded, often settling in for longer, slower-paced camping stays. Because amenities are sparse, it’s smart to pack extra food and essentials if you plan to stay for a while.
There are countless places to camp along the Sea of Cortez, with Bahía Concepción standing out as the top choice for its scenic views, affordability, and easy access. Popular spots like Playa Santispac, Playa El Requesón, and Los Kokos also offer beautiful beaches and convenient camping. With a bit more driving, you can reach more remote locations such as Bahía de Los Ángeles, San Ignacio, and other rugged boondocking beaches for a quieter, off‑the‑grid experience.
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Baja Sur is a bit of a return to modern amenities if you’ve spent a week or so in the middle of the peninsula. You’ll find larger grocery stores including a Costco in Cabo San Lucas. But there are still plenty of places to escape for peaceful experiences.
The calm, turquoise-water beaches around La Paz are great for camping and swimming, and worth a trip no matter where you plan to stay in the southern region. Check out Balandra Beach and El Tecolote, as well as Playa Escondida for a more remote destination.
La Ventana has the best mountain biking and hiking trails of the entire peninsula, but Todos Santos also has some great trails and a bike shop (Over the Edge) run by American expats who are friendly and helpful. If you’re not traveling with a bike but want to ride, Over the Edge will set you up with a top-shelf rental.
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Where to Eat
Go where your nose takes you! There are so many small pop-up style restaurants, food trucks, and taco stops that it’s hard to go wrong. Fruit and ice cream stands are also easy to come by and always have an abundance of well-priced treats.
Olivia farm-to-table really puts emphasis on the garden. This Michelin-starred restaurant in Ensenada is a bit of a hidden gem, with a changing menu that’s always fresh and delicious.
Fumo Italian Grill just outside of La Paz might not be what you expect to find in Mexico, but it is worth the trip. As it is the theme everywhere in Baja, hyper-local, extra fresh.
The Green Room is on a beach north of Todos Santos, with seating in the sand, about as close to the water as you can get. Go cheer on the baby sea turtles getting released (most evenings October-March) and then catch a sunset dinner.
Hierbabuena is a farm to table restaurant near Todos Santo, with the farm right behind the patio seating. Everything is good and the ambiance is fun and relaxing.
Hotel San Cristobal is a bit of a splurge, but worth every peso. It’s part of a luxury hotel and spa near Cerritos, so pack at least one nice outfit.
Doce Cuarenta is the best coffee shop in the southern region, and a nice place to get some work done if you’re craving the coffee shop vibe.
Barracuda Cantina is right near Cerritos Beach and is a fun spot, especially following an afternoon surfing lesson.
Where to Hike and Find Outdoor Fun
In Baja you decide your speed. You can rent a dune buggy, a boat, or a bike and go full speed. Or you can stroll, fish, and sit in the breeze. No matter your pace, there are endless ways to enjoy the views.
For hiking, El Salto Canyon is a popular, relatively easy trail north of Ensenada featuring waterfalls and beautiful surroundings. Sierra de la Laguna is the heart of Southern Baja hiking, with trails through palm groves, canyons, and waterfalls. This is considered the National Park of the region.
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Accessible by sea kayak or motorboat, Volcán Coronado is a short but stunning hike on a volcanic island in the Sea of Cortez, with views of pristine beaches.
La Ventana and Todos Santos have an abundance of mountain biking and running trails, with lots of punchy climbs and fast, fun descents. Be sure to pack your bike puncture kits in case of a run-in with an angry cactus.
Surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up-paddleboarding, and fishing of all kinds are so abundant you’ll certainly see signs for your favorite water activities at just about every turn. As always, pack plenty of bottled water and try to avoid hiking and biking in the heat of the day.
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Pet Friendly Activities
One of the best things about traveling in an Airstream is that you don't have to leave pets at home. Baja can be a pet playground as long as you follow a few precautions. Some National Parks do not allow dogs on trails, so be aware of your surroundings. Most beaches do allow dogs as long as you’re attentive. Also be aware that there can sometimes be packs of roaming dogs in some towns. They are very rarely aggressive and tend to keep to themselves, but it’s good to be aware of them.
Tips to Know Before you Go
From desert stretches to mountain passes and coastal views, the drive from the U.S. border to Baja Sur is demanding yet rewarding. There are endless possibilities for any trip down the peninsula, but here are some things to think about as you plan your trip.
Make sure your passports are up to date and that you have some pesos on hand. Cash will be helpful in several situations.
Be sure that your vehicles and trailers are fully tuned up and ready to go. Parts can be difficult to find once you’re on the road, and if you need to order something it will likely not be a quick fix.
Only travel during the daytime. Because Mexico Federal Highways are narrow, not well lit, and known to have livestock wandering at night, it’s highly recommended that you do not travel through the darkness.
Driving the entire peninsula will take 18-24 hours of drive time. It’s best done over 2-3 days, but with lots of stops and excursions it can easily take a whole week.
Be sure to have Mexican auto insurance, which is required.
Fill up on gas whenever possible as gas stations and other amenities can often be very far apart. Keep a good amount of bottled water at all times.
Mexican mechanics are very friendly and helpful. If you need anything routine done, they will be fast and fair. Agree on a price up front and be prepared to pay cash.
Expect 4–5 military checkpoints along the Baja Peninsula. Don’t be alarmed by uniforms or firearms—these are routine inspections. You may be asked to step out of your vehicle while they inspect. Be courteous, cooperative, and you’ll be on your way in no time.
If you’re traveling with pets, be sure that they’re up to date on all shots. Carry your vet records with you on your trip.
If you plan to camp on the beach or in sand (which is abundant) be sure that you have all the necessary supplies, such as stabilizer jack pads, sand-friendly leveling blocks, heavy-duty wheel chocks, and traction boards. Some of our favorites can be found at Airstream Supply Company:
For Stablizer Jack Pads:
This is good: https://airstreamsupplycompany.com/collections/level-chock/products/terrapad-support-kit
And this is combination is even better: https://airstreamsupplycompany.com/collections/level-chock/products/terrapad-ultra
For Heavy Duty Wheel Chocks: https://airstreamsupplycompany.com/collections/level-chock/products/trucker-style-wheel-chocks
And this is also probably helpful (if you have a dual axle trailer): https://airstreamsupplycompany.com/collections/level-chock/products/t-chocks
For a sand-friendly leveling block: this kit has a good set of the curving leveling blocks that will help combat sand: https://airstreamsupplycompany.com/collections/level-chock/products/travel-trailer-stabilizing-leveling-kit
Traveling through Baja is a true adventure—rugged, open, and beautiful in countless ways. With the right preparation, you’ll likely walk away with a lifelong love for a place you’ll want to return to again and again.