Baja Bound: Pacific Coast Road Trip from San Diego to Mexican Wine Country

There is no shortage of gorgeous oceanfront drives in California. But today’s road trip ranks easily as the most striking… Leaps above it’s more famous (and congested) Pacific Coast Highway running through Malibu. This weekend, my partner and I took his parents to Mexican wine country driving along the scenic highway stretching from Tijuana to Ensenada.

Several beaches are along the drive and the waves were massive. If only I was a surfer!

Last year, we took our first trip to Mexico. However, we took the advice of another blogger to cross at Tecate (Just say no! Don’t do it!). It seemed to make sense: it was mostly empty, and we could use our iPhones without fees, driving mostly across California. But Tecate is rough. And it’s small. Let’s just say, we didn’t exactly blend in and within minutes of crossing the border we were pulled over by the crooked cops wanting a bribe! It was annoying, but we at least got really good directions to wine country!

So take my advice and cross at Tijuana (power in numbers, people!). Once you get through the border town, the gorgeous scenery awaits. Take the aptly named toll road, the “Tijuana-Ensenada toll road.” For our drive, we didn’t see anyone for miles.

Here is my recommended weekend itinerary:

– Friday: Explore the wealthy playground of La Jolla, California
– Saturday: Wake up early and cross the border at Tijuana. Take the toll road south and stop for lunch at La Fonda; continue the drive and stop at one of the many scenic overlooks before looping into Valle De Guadalupe wine country (overnight)
– Sunday: Spend the morning exploring Valle De Guadalupe (wine country), before looping back to La Bufadora (water blow hole)

Day 1: La Jolla
There is something about La Jolla that is just so calming. Is it the crashing waves? The flopping seals along the waterfront? Or maybe that glass of wine I had at the gorgeous Valencia Hotel (aka the Pink Palace). The hotel recently renovated some of the common areas, including its restaurants. Most nights they have live music performances. While the food is far from cheap, it’s one of my favorite places to sit back and chill.

My partner and his parents enjoying Children’s Pool, where you’ll see seals lounging and occasionally flopping around.

On a warm day, nothing beats the terrace overlook at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla.

Day 2: Cross border and take the scenic route towards Ensenada
It’s about a 2 hour drive from La Jolla to La Fonda Hotel and Restaurant. Head out around 10 AM and you’ll hit La Fonda around lunch time. There is live music, strong margarita’s and a buffet with vats of rice, meats and vegetables. Imagine sitting on the patio — cool breeze blowing through and waves crashing alongside. Oh and live chickens running around. It’s one cool spot not to be missed.

Grab a seat on the patio at La Fonda and enjoy the music and margaritas. Like out of a movie…

I don’t want to admit how many baskets of these we went through!

Next, hit up one of the many scenic overlooks between La Fonda and the turn off for Valle De Guadalupe. You’ll want to stretch your legs and take your time. It’s popular with the locals too. You’ll see many Mexican families lounging around and buying from nearby snack stands.

One of the many scenic overlooks you’ll pass along the route from La Fonda towards Ensenada. Take it all in.

Just as you’re about to hit Ensenada, the road veers Northwest taking you into Valle De Guadalupe, where you’ll stay overnight. Here are my recommendations on where to stay and want to do.

Day 3: Visit La Bufadora before heading back across the border
Wake up early and get in any last minute shopping, winery visits (or in our case, a yoga class at our B&B La Villa del Valle. It’s about a 2 hour drive to La Bufadora.

Morning yoga class at the luxurious B&B, La Villa del Valle.

I had my doubts as we drove through empty fields and it’s not EXACTLY along the way back to the US. But this place is really cool. It definitely caters towards the cruise boat visitors (so keep that in mind if you’re visiting in the warmer summer months). In January, it’s pretty much dead and we had the place mostly to ourselves. It doesn’t sound like much — this rock formation along the cliff creates a pressurized system that shoots the ocean water into the air. Just be warned, it may look tame but you WILL get wet if you go right up to the overlook. I recommend climbing along the upper walkway to get a birds-eye (and dry) view.