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Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Mexico
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
A Mexican peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean from the southern end of the U.S. state of California, the Baja Peninsula provides some of Mexico's most dramatic sea and landscapes. This includes everything from vast and remote deserts, dormant volcanoes, and wonderful old mission towns. The first political capital of "old California" is found here as well as many remnants of the colonial past. Camping and hiking opportunities are plentiful, and much of the region is sparsely or even unpopulated. The peninsula is also home to world class surfing, sailing and deep sea fishing destinations. Lastly, traditionally the peninsula has provided south-of-the-border fun for youthful miscreants from the U.S. in both the border region to the north and more recently at the far end of the peninsula in the resort towns of Los Cabos. The Baja Peninsula is one of the longest in the world and offers an interesting mix of cultures with a wonderful combination of Latin American, Spanish, pre-Hispanic, and Anglo influences. It varies greatly even from the Mexican "mainland" with its own lifestyle and identity within Mexico.
By bus
Bus service in Mexico is superior to that of the US, with modern, comfortable buses for long-distance travel.S.
By car
By boat
By train
There are no regularly scheduled trains entering Baja California from the USA or through the Baja California Peninsula, but Amtrak has service to downtown San Diego from Los Angeles.
By foot
Many people enter Baja California by foot, particularly at the San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana. San Ysidro is the world's busiest border checkpoint.
By bicycle
This is the best way to travel, but often impractical given the extremely long distances between towns and the presence of hot, dry desert conditions.
By plane
Flying is a more reasonable option for crossing large expanses of the Peninsula.
By bus
The main bus companies connecting the towns and cities along the Transpeninsular Highway (MX Hwy 1/1D) between Tijuana and San José del Cabo are:
By bicycle
There is a slow but steady trickle of travelers riding their bicycles in Baja California. On the Transpeninsular Highway this is fairly straightforward.
By thumb
Most of the people you meet will tell you that you are crazy for hitching, but pick you up none the less.
largest city in Baja California and gateway to Mexico, just south across the border from San Diego
a bustling resort town and hub for sport fishermen, cruise ships, handicraft vendors, water sport aficionados and nightlife seekers
"the Beautiful Cinderella of the Pacific" is an important commercial, fishing port, and cruise ship port
the city still holds some glimpses of the old magic
a resort town regarded as one of the best places for fishing
a popular destination for day-trippers from California, just across the border
popular for deep sea fishing, kayaking, cave tours, and bird watching
a major tourist destination that is less commercial than Cabo San Lucas, and has retained its charming historic center
this sport-fishing hot spot provides access to the many islands of this part of the northern Gulf of California
Hot spring oasis out in the wilderness
Guadalupe Island or Isla Guadalupe is a volcanic island located 241 km (150 mi) off the west coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. According to Seacology's website, Guadalupe Island is a biosphere reserve.
Mexico's top wine country
whale sanctuary, desert, and mountains with pre-historic cave drawings
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