Getting Oriented

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east, Baja California is actually comprised of two separate states: Baja California (also called Baja Norte) and Baja California Sur. Carretera Transpeninsular (Highway 1) meanders from the U.S. border through coastal regions, mountain landscapes, and gray whale mating grounds to the fancy resorts of Baja Sur. In Baja Norte, traveling east of Highway 1 offers empty and starkly beautiful desert landscape, until it tumbles into the sea at San Felipe, a snowbird village of RVs and sports fisherman. The Valle de Guadulupe wine region, less than two hours from San Diego, is a northern highlight. Baja Sur's remote northern areas are riddled with cave paintings, while Loreto and La Paz have beautiful beaches, missions, and museums. The lush capes are meccas for water-sport enthusiasts of every ilk, while Todos Santos, renowned among surfers, has a booming art scene.