Baja California Norte

 Baja California Norte is blessed with dramatic beaches, mild climate, gorgeous views, and world class fishing. It is well known for its delicious Mexican food specialties such as tacos made from local fish, lobster, pork and the savory, marinated beef called carne asada. Baja is also known for its extremely competitive land and ocean racing such as the Baja 1000 and the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. The very beautiful Baja California peninsula has 2 of the 31 states in Mexico. Baja California Norte, more simply called Baja California, is separated from mainland Mexico by the rich Sea of Cortez and shares its northern border with the U.S. state of California. It is an area undergoing change from its sleepier heritage to an area booming with real estate development and growth.

Baja California is covered with sierras or mountains. There are wide valleys situated between the mountains. Rainfall is sparse and drought conditions are prevalent. The climate in Baja California Norte, while dry, is also very mild in winter, accounting for Baja’s popularity with tourists from the US and Canada.

Baja California Norte is home to the large commercial, border city of Tijuana. Most of the northern Baja population resides in the capital city of Mexicali or Tijuana. The rest of the population of Baja California Norte is spread out among other well-known cities such as the port city Ensenada, San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito and Tecate.

There is a mix of race in Baja California Norte. In addition to Mexican and Anglo residents, Baja California Norte is home to Asian, Middle Eastern, African and indigenous peoples.

Large numbers of people immigrate to Baja California because it is both beautiful  and less expensive to live as compared to nearby areas of the Southern United States. The mild climate at the beaches also attract snowbirds from other areas of the United States and Canada.

There are many things to do in Baja California Norte, such as swimming, surfing, diving, fishing, golfing and boating. People flock to the beaches due to their less crowded and more pristine nature.

 The atmosphere in Baja California Norte is relaxed and pleasant. Most of the local people and expatriates are very friendly. There are a good number of social clubs and organizations for Gringos who live in Baja to join. Tour guides are available to take visitors fishing, kayaking, sailing or wine tasting in the increasingly popular wine region north of Ensenada. There are also interesting museums, concert and art venues and historical sites to explore. Hand crafted items made locally are in abundant supply.  Baja California Norte is especially known for producing fine leather goods, rustic wood furniture, blown glass, wrought iron work, and a plethora of beautiful pottery and vases.

Riding ATV’s or dune buggies is also very popular and Baja California Norte features a nice series of huge sand dunes positioned on the ocean front and open for this activity.

Baja is known for its world class fishing opportunities. Many tourists come to Baja California to catch tuna, bass, mackerel, barracuda, squid, albacore, sole, marlin, swordfish and more! It truly is a fisherman’s dream. Many Baja California hotels offer fishing packages available for private parties and groups. If you’ve ever wanted to reel in a big one, Baja California is the place to go!

For the more adventurous visitor, one can go up in an ultralight airplane for a sky-high view of the oceanfront. Or take to the sea on a windy day with kite surfing equipment to zip across the ocean surface.

Baja’s Spanish, Russian and Native American heritages mingle together to create a rich culture. Visitors are lured back year after year, charmed by the graciousness of the local people and also the variety of sites, activities, great Mexican food, fun and relaxation that they find in Baja.