The Best Places to Get Away from It All in Los Cabos and Baja California
- Cabo Pulmo, East Cape: It's only a 37km (60-mile) drive from the Los Cabos airport to Cabo Pulmo, yet if the mounded Sierra de La Laguna peaks weren't a dead giveaway for Baja, you could be in the South Pacific. In the shade of a palapa-roofed bungalow fronting the Sea of Cortez, you won't care where you are — you just won't want to leave. The coral reef itself is a sight to behold, but the real attraction is the flourishing sea life in this protected marine park. Extensive hiking/mountain-biking trails loop through the mountains, for those who prefer the peace of the desert.
- Rancho Pescadero: The perfect getaway, this "different kind of dude ranch" nestled against the Pacific dunes in Pescadero is its own universe. Swim, surf, or just walk the miles of deserted beach; when you get back, there's a glass of wine, and no hassles, waiting on the sunset terrace for you.
- Camping Near Loreto: The beautiful succession of tranquil coves and beaches bordering Loreto makes for a few great places to set up camp. You can kayak the coast, explore the desert, hike a hill, or just hold court on the sand.
- Rancho La Puerta: This pioneering resort spa opened its doors in 1940, and in the decades since, it has earned a reputation for staying at the cutting edge of health and wellness. It's a relaxing and pristine place to get away from it all, and its holistic mind-body-spirit philosophy ensures that you leave in better shape than when you arrived.
- Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico's wine country bears little resemblance to the tourism-oriented wineries of Northern California. Here you'll find plenty of peace and quiet in the midst of acres of vineyards. A couple of small inns welcome visitors who want to stop and smell the grapes — or vintages produced here. And, its eclectic history makes exploring the area a treat.
