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City in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Rosalía is a city of about 14,000 people (2015) on the Gulf of California coast of the Baja California Peninsula. It's not much of a tourist town though it has old school charm and is known for its French influenced architecture. It sees few snowbirds. The town is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.
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A prefabricated iron church that was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel in 1884, and built in 1887. It was shown at the 1889 Exposition Universelle of Paris, then acquired by the Boleo Mining Company who installed it in Santa Rosalía in late 1897.
History of mining technology with a number of exhibits of 19th and 20th century mining technology. Guided tours available (Spanish only), though signage in the museum includes English translations. Exhibits also describe the history and culture of the town itself, revealing some surprising aspects of the town, like its affection for the American game of Baseball.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest wildlife refuge in Mexico with a landmass of almost 25,000 km². The Vizcaíno is the habitat of the Baja California pronghorn, one of the swiftest mammals on Earth, the desert bighorn sheep, Mule deer, and dozens of resident and migratory birds: the ospreys, cormorants, herons, and gulls, and four species of sea turtles. On the coastline and islets there are many marine mammals, such as northern elephant seals, California sea lions, dolphins, and gray whales.
Seafood restaurant with an open-air traditional dining room. Locals recommend the fish soup and the seafood-topped pizzas (shrimp and scallop pizza is a winner). Wide variety of beverages.
Popular Chinese restaurant known for its large portions and flavorful entrees.
Tourist-oriented place recommended by many travel guides, definite historic vibe but mediocre food that reminds one of U.S. grade school cafeteria cuisine.
A carnivore's delight: grilled steaks and burgers with baked potatoes, salads and a full bar with excellent margaritas.
Fun bar with an outdoor seating area, karaoke at time, and DJs with dancing at other times. Bar food available (boneless wings, nachos, etc.).
Location on a busy road next to the Malecon is scenic but tends to be noisy. Rooms are spacious and inexpensive.
Traditional hotel with a colorful 19th century history in a quiet, safe neighborhood. Rooms are spacious, have air conditioning, and some have ocean views. On-site swimming pool. Cash only (no credit cards or electronic payments accepted).
Traditional hotel in a 19th century building that has undergone renovations. Rooms are spacious, clean and have good air conditioning. Off-street parking available.
Budget hotel on a busy road that can be noisy at night. Rooms are on the small side, but air conditioned. Off-street parking is available but is limited. Accepts credit cards (with extra 3% fee).
A collective founded to represent Santa Rosalía's cultural and historical wealth through clothing and souvenirs. Great variety of local shirts, some other souvenirs like keychains and mugs; wine, salsas, dates, marmelades and jewerly.
By plane
By car
Santa Rosalía is on the Mexican Federal Highway 1:
By bus
The historic centro is compact and easily walkable but the town stretches along the shores of the Sea of Cortez and some local sites are a long distance north of centro. You'll want to use a taxi to reach those places.
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Guaymas · Regional · GYM
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