Oh, The Places We’ll Go: Puerto Nuevo and Baja Mexico
Are you anxious to hop on a plane and take a vacation? Even though the pandemic has put most leisure travel on pause, we can still plan and dream for the future.
Baja California is the northwestern Mexico peninsula, and it has so much to offer. You’ll find a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, fishing, adventure, wineries, and amazing food throughout Baja – but you don’t have to head all the way down to Cabo. Many of the towns in northern Baja are still a little bit under the radar, making it a perfect place to plan a vacation, whether in real life, or virtual. Here are some of our favorite Baja highlights:
Puerto Nuevo – the “Lobster Village” of Baja
This tiny beach town is at the top of the Baja peninsula, not far from California, so it’s a great place to start your adventure. It’s famous for its lobster and has an annual wine and lobster festival every October to celebrate the start of lobster season, which runs through April. You can enjoy variations of Puerto Nuevo lobster at most restaurants in town. With over 40 restaurants, it’s a foodie paradise.
While you’re there, visit some of the area’s wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe region. You might not associate wine with Mexico, but northern Baja is home to more than 100 wineries that produce 90% of the wine from Mexico. The region is often compared to Napa, California – but it’s far more affordable.
No trip to Mexico would be complete without a few days at the beach, and the Baja peninsula has plenty to offer. The beaches in and around Puerto Nuevo are ideal for lounging or surfing. A few others that are an easy drive from Southern California you might want to explore include:
- Just 10 miles from the U.S. border and 20 minutes north of Puerto Nuevo, Rosarito Beach is a must-see for movie buffs. It’s home to Baja Film Studios, where scenes from movies like Titanic and Pearl Harbor were filmed. If you’re a scuba diver, check out the Underwater Park and the sunken ship Uribe 121.
- Estero Beach is in nearby Ensenada. Here you can kayak and watch sea lions, dolphins, and seals.
- Continuing south from Ensenada, you’ll find the 10-mile stretch of San Quintin Beaches, where you can search for clams, mussels, and oysters at low tide.
Central and South Baja
If time allows, explore some of the towns and beaches in the middle and southernmost part of the Baja peninsula.
Ojo de Liebre Lagoon – Located about halfway between the U.S. border and the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, this lagoon is located within a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to giant gray and blue whales, various types of seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and birds. You can’t swim here, but you can take in the wildlife all around from the beach or a boat.
Loreto – This lovely little town features 17th-century mission, Spanish-style hotels and a scenic downtown set around a plaza. It’s nestled between the mountains and beach on the east (gulf) side of Baja. In Loreto, you can surf, kayak, watch whales, hike, or head to the mountains to explore 7,000-year-old cave paintings.
Cabo Pulmo Marine National Park – It’s not easy to get to this park located at the Baja peninsula’s farthest southeastern tip. It’s away from the highway, and the roads are rough. But once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning beach that’s home to the oldest coral reef in North America. Visit Playa del Arbolitos, where you can snorkel through the reef and swim with turtles, fish, and crabs.
Get Your Tastebuds Baja-Ready
If all of this hasn’t whetted your appetite for some travel planning, how about a taste of Baja? Rubio’s is currently featuring the flavors of Puerto Nuevo on our menu for a limited time. We’re offering a new Puerto Nuevo Burrito featuring Langostino Lobster, a Puerto Nuevo Two Taco Plate which includes The Original Fish Taco® and a Langostino Lobster Taco, and a fan-favorite, the Langostino Lobster Bowl.
Stop in for lunch or dinner, or get it delivered for free on orders of $20 or more and start dreaming about your next vacation.
http://www.puertonuevolobster.com/puerto-nuevo-lobster-festival.htm
https://www.mexpro.com/blog/best-beaches-baja-california-norte/
https://www.planetware.com/mexico/top-rated-attractions-things-to-do-in-rosarito-mex-1-27.htm
https://www.mexperience.com/travel/beaches/loreto/
https://hotelsantafeloreto.com/blog/destination/discover-cave-paintings-in-baja-mexico
