Baja Mexico offers plenty of attractions.

Ask anyone what the best part of Baja is and you will most likely hear all about the beaches. The beach lifestyle is what draws most people to spend time on the beautiful Mexican peninsula. The peninsula’s history is so enmeshed into everyday society that most visitors do not even realize how much Baja’s history impacts present-day society. The rich history of Baja, its natural wonders, and its progressive growth provides visitors to Baja with plenty of attractions beyond the beach.

The Riviera Del Pacifico in Ensenada is a civic and cultural center where common events such as parties and weddings take place. This former hotel and casino now has a natural history museum where visitors can learn about missionaries and view native artifacts. The grounds outside the Riviera Del Pacifico boast beautiful gardens and a café, where you can sip coffee and imagine days gone by in this former popular hotel.  Another great historical museum is housed at the La Mision de Nuestra Senora de Loreto. This is the first mission of Baja and helped to start the spread of the mission system throughout the rest of the Baja peninsula. The El Museo de Misiones highlights Baja history, the settlers, and the missionaries.

No trip to Ensenada in Baja, Mexico would be complete without a visit to La Bufadora. This natural attraction is a marine geyser that can spout water up to eighty feet. This geyser near the Punta Banda peninsula is the second highest geyser after Hawaii. If possible, try to find a local to share the legend of the trapped whale, which is supposed to explain the shooting water and loud noise put out by the geyser. Apparently, locals believe that a baby whale was trapped in the underwater cave, the now grown whale causes all of the noise and water spouting that makes La Bufadora so popular.  After hearing the whale legend, head on over to the Ensenada Fish Market and purchase some fresh seafood for dinner. The Fish Market is a hustle and bustle of local activity with people buying everything from shrimp to octopus. This is also a great place to try Baja’s famous fish tacos.

Cabo San Lucas is where you can see El Arco. This beautiful and unique rock formation is shaped like an arch that some say looks like a dinosaur taking a drink of water. El Arco marks the spot where the Pacific Ocean and The Sea of Cortez meet. El Arco can be seen from land, but seeing it from the water is a much more surreal experience. Chartering a small boat or hopping on a guided tour is the best way to experience the beauty of El Arco. Not far from Cabo San Lucas, you will find La Paz’s Malecon. The Malecon is simply a sidewalk area that runs along the ocean, but it is the place to go in La Paz. The Malecon is close to downtown, shopping, dancing, and dining. No matter what time of day it is there are always people at the Malecon in La Paz.

Baja, Mexico is more than just party central. The people of this beautiful Mexican peninsula have made sure to treasure and develop the culture and history of Baja, Mexico. Whether you are dancing with the locals, visiting natural wonders, or learning about the missionaries, Baja, Mexico is a mecca of popular and historical culture.