Although, as expected, Cabo San Lucas is home to much of Baja's nightlife, that resort city isn't the only place to have a good time after dark. Along the northern Pacific coast, beachside dance floors with live bands and extended happy hours in seaside bars dominate the nightlife. Here are some of my favorite hot spots:
Nikki Beach, Los Cabos: The global haven of the hip has recently arrived in Cabo San Lucas, on the beachfront of the new ME Cabo resort on Medano Beach. Lounge on oversize beds draped in white, day or night, while sipping colorful cocktails and watching the beautiful people groove to music spun by the worlds' hottest DJs.
Tijuana's Avenida Revolucion: This street ranks among the world's most famous -- or infamous -- for nighttime carousing. "La Revo," as it's commonly known, is probably the single most-common introduction tourists have to Mexico, though it offers only a glimmer of the country's wealth of attractions. No matter the night, you're likely to find a party atmosphere here on par with the best of a Mardi Gras celebration in full swing. Bring plenty of aspirin for the next morning -- as overindulgence is the norm.
Locals bars in Loreto: In Loreto, "nightlife" starts well before sundown. A couple draft beers at Del Borracho, which closes at sunset, will jumpstart the afternoon. Then, roll into Augie's Bar & Bait Shop around 4pm, take a seat at the bar, and wait for the rowdy barrage of friendly expats to join you for half-priced drinks till 7pm. Chances are, you'll make a few friends and end up coming back for more the next day.
Beach Bars of Rosarito and Ensenada: It doesn't have to be spring break in Rosarito or Ensenada to find a similar let-loose party atmosphere here. The favored spot is Papas & Beer, which has a location in both of these beach towns. And both regularly draw a young and spirited crowd for endless-summer-style fun.
