Getting Here & Around

Getting Here & Around

The simplest and most scenic way to explore this region is to drive straight down Highway 1. Start your journey in the north, at the dusty little town of Guerrero Negro and head southward. The nature in this area of the country is magnificent. There is a huge variety of birds in the area, but be sure keep one eye trained toward the ocean, where you'll hopefully catch sight of the gray whales that migrate here to give birth. Make a stop in the date palm oasis of San Ignacio. It's the perfect spot to take a break and do some serious whale-watching. The remote areas of the northern part of the state is riddled with cave paintings, most of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, while the larger cities of Loreto and La Paz have beautiful beaches and excellent fishing opportunities, as well as missions and museums for the more culturally minded. The lush Western and Eastern Capes are mecca for water sport enthusiasts of every ilk, while Todos Santos has a booming art scene. Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are big cities and they're getting bigger all the time. Highway 1's 1,609 km (1,000 mi) of winding road connects northern and southern Baja from one end to the other. But although finding your way might be simple, the actual act of driving is a little trickier. Narrow lanes, dips, speed bumps, and military stops (where you will usually be waved on with little more than a quick question) force you to drive carefully. Beware of the long stretches of desert road with no cell phone reception. Road hazards aside, the scenery and the stops are a treat. The cities with major airports that receive commercial flights into Baja are Tijuana, Loreto, La Paz, and Los Cabos. Small planes fly less regularly into Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, and Isla Cedros.