Most visitors to Baja never see more of it than a high-energy day trip over the border to Tijuana or a fly-in hedonistic beach week in Los Cabos. But with a little bit of effort, there's much more to discover. Since the Transpeninsular Highway was completed in 1973, Baja has become one of the great road trip destinations, 1,220km (758 miles) of desert highway cutting across the mountains from ocean to sea and back again. Even without driving the whole thing — 27 hours from Tijuana to Cabo — you can spend many happy weeks exploring the vastly different regions here, and a lifetime trying all they have to offer. Name your poison: hiking, biking, colonial history, marine life, adrenaline sports, haute cuisine — it's all here, you just have to go live it.

This is not a place for people who don't like driving — it is California, after all — and the itineraries we list here assume a car. Bus service connects most larger towns, but often, as in the case of Los Cabos, taxi prices can be so steep that you're better off just renting a car if you plan on exploring at all. In areas outside of cities and large towns, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or one that sits higher up, such as an SUV, are the best bets — it's still a rugged landscape here, and the vast majority of the peninsula's roads are unpaved. But if you're planning to stay on the highway and in town, an ordinary car should be fine.

None of the itineraries can be called exhaustive explorations of Baja, but neither are they exhausting. Consider them a sampler of the best of Baja so that upon a return visit, you'll know more about where you'd like to concentrate your time.

Spring Break Revisited: 3 days in Cabo San Lucas
If you're longing for your spring break days, Cabo San Lucas is happy to help. Book a long weekend at the ME Cabo resort on Médano Beach and the rest is easy. You remember the spring break schedule, don't you? Sleep as late as you want. Lounge by the Nikki Beach pool. Order a late lunch in the sun. Sip margaritas in a pool cabana in the afternoon, then get ready for the main event. Evenings start with a late dinner in San Lucas, drinks at a marina-front bar till 11pm, and dancing in a club till your stilettos can't bear another step (flip-flops are welcome, too). Then back to the resort for low-key partying until first light or straight to bed to rest up for the next day.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.