Border Know-How

If you want to do more than just sunbathe on the beach and enjoy exquisite spas and scenery, then consider a Baja road trip. Baja aficionados will tell you that you haven't explored the peninsula unless you've driven its length. Mexico Highway 1 (Carretera 1 or the Carretera Transpeninsular) runs 1,700 km (1,054 mi) from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas -- a major journey, requiring at least a week one way. Few people go the distance. Most are content with day trips to Tijuana from San Diego or long weekends in Rosarito, Ensenada, or San Felipe. A few points to ponder:

Rental Cars

Many U.S. rental companies don't allow you to drive their cars into Mexico; those that do often charge fees atop the rental price and restrict how far south you can go.

Insurance

You must have Mexican auto insurance, available at agencies near the border.

Entry

If you're going only as far as Ensenada or San Felipe, you don't need a tourist card unless you stay longer than 72 hours. Cards are available at border customs offices, but you must ask for them.

Documents

Bring three copies of the following plus the original: passport, birth certificate, and vehicle registration.