Baja California Norte or simply Baja California, is a state in the northwestern part of Mexico that shares a border with the United States (California).
The capital city of Baja California Norte is Mexicali, but the largest city in Baja California Norte by population is Tijuana.
Popular destinations in Baja California Norte are Tijuana, famous for its street food, and a mix of Mexican and American cultures; Ensenada, which is the birth place of the famous Baja tacos and scenic Valle De Guadalupe, where you can try the best wine in Mexico.
Baja California Norte is also home to hidden gems like San Felipe and San Quintin, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy outdoor adventures like surfing, hiking and wildlife watching.
Tecate is the only pueblo magico in Baja California Norte located along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Quick facts about Baja California Norte
📍Baja California Norte Capital: Mexicali
📍Baja California Norte Largest City: Tijuana (population over 2 million in the metro area)
📍Currency: Mexican Peso. US Dollars are also accepted in many places along the US-Mexico border.
📍 Time Zone: Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6)
📍Language: Spanish is the official language of Baja California Norte, although English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and along the border with the United States.
📍Geography: Baja California Norte is home to deserts, mountains, and beaches along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Coast. The state is home to the Sierra de Juárez and Sierra de San Pedro Mártir mountain ranges.
📍Economy: The economy of Baja California Norte is based on manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Mexicali, in particular, is known for its maquiladora industry, which involves assembly plants that produce goods for export.
Baja California Norte Map
How to get to Baja California?
While there are several airports in the region, the majority of travelers get to Baja California by crossing the US-Mexico border. Baja California has several border crossings between Mexico and the United States. Some of the major border crossings in Baja California include:
📍San Ysidro Port of Entry: Located in Tijuana, this is one of the busiest border crossings in the world, connecting Tijuana with San Diego, California. Click here to check wait times at San Ysidro and other border crossings in Baja California.
📍Otay Mesa Port of Entry: Also in Tijuana, this border crossing connects with Otay Mesa, California. It is primarily used for commercial traffic but also serves passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
📍Tecate Port of Entry: This crossing connects Tecate, Baja California, with Tecate, California. It is known for its smaller size and shorter wait times compared to other crossings like San Ysidro where it’s not uncommon to wait a few hours.
📍Calexico West Port of Entry: This crossing links Calexico, California, with Mexicali, Baja California. It is one of the major border crossings in Imperial Valley.
📍Calexico East Port of Entry: Adjacent to the Calexico West Port of Entry, this crossing also connects Calexico, California, with Mexicali, Baja California. It’s used mostly by passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
Check border wait times at San Ysidro and other border crossings in Baja California
Baja California Norte Airports:
📍Tijuana International Airport (TIJ): The biggest airport in Baja California Norte that has connections to many destinations in Mexico and United States.
📍Mexicali International Airport (MXL): The northernmost airport in Mexico that serves the metropolitan Mexicali-Calexico area.
📍San Felipe International Airport (SFH): Located just outside of San Felipe, it’s a small municipal airport with charter flights.
✅ BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO BAJA CALIFORNIA NORTE
What’s the best way to get around Baja California?
Baja California is characterized by long driving distances between cities and towns. Uber in taxis are available in bigger cities like Tijuana, Ensenada, Rosarito and Mexicali, but smaller towns in Baja Norte have more limited transportation services.
There are several bus companies like Aguila that serve the Baja California Peninsula, but, if you want to get around without a hassle, go camping and enjoy outdoor activities, you need to rent a car.
Car rentals are availble in major cities in Baja Norte like Tijuana, Ensenada and Mexicali, where you can dozens of car rental companies. I recommend and use DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can find car rentals at affordable prices in many destinations across Mexico.
Places to visit in Baja California Norte
1. Tijuana
The largest city in Baja California Norte, Tijuana is a getaway to Baja California Peninsula. Top highlights of Tijuana are Avenida Revolución and Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT).
2. Ensenada
A popular day trip from San Diego and other destinations in Southern California, Ensenada is a coastal city is famous for its whale watching, wide Pacific beaches with perfect surfing conditions, and La Bufadora, the largest geyser in North America. Ensenada also boasts many great surfing beaches.
3. Valle de Guadalupe
Also known as Mexico’s Napa Valley, Valle de Guadalupe is the country’s top producing wine region where you sample locally made wines and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
4. Mexicali
Mexicali is the capital of Baja California Norte and offers a blend of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Visit the Sol del Niño Museum, explore the city’s vibrant Chinatown, or go hiking in the nearby Sierra de Juarez mountains.
5. Rosarito Beach
Rosarito is a coastal town is known for its sandy beaches, surfing spots, and lively nightlife. The area is popular for its wide beach, t local seafood and water activities like surfing or jet skiing.
6. La Rumorosa
Located along the scenic highway between Tijuana and Mexicali, La Rumorosa is known for its dramatic rock formations and stunning desert landscapes. It’s a great spot for hiking, taking photos and visiting historic landmarks.
7. San Felipe
Situated on the Sea of Cortez, San Felipe is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and off roading. It’s also emerging as one of the most popular places to retire in Mexico. Here you can relax on the beach, sample fresh seafood, or explore nearby attractions like the Valley of the Giants.
Best guided tours in Baja California Norte
Is Baja California Norte safe?
While Baja California Norte is relatively safe for tourists, the state has a high rate of violence and homicides, because of the cartels that battle for the control of drug trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. Tourists in Baja California are usually not targets of violent crime, but you should be cautious at all times, watch your belongings and keep a low profile to avoid trouble.
Insurance for your trip to Baja California Norte
To stay on the safe side, get a travel insurance for your trip to Baja California. Safety Wing is an excellent option for short-term travelers that covers basic necessities like stolen or lost luggage, hospital visits, as well as cancelled or missed flights.
Travel Insurance Master is a better option for long-term travelers that has several flexible plans, and Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is the most popular option for insuring your car, motorcycle, campervan or RV, if you are driving to Baja from the United States. Mexico insurance is mandatory for driving in the country, and Baja Bound is the best place to find one.
Do I need a visa for Baja California Norte?
Most travelers don’t need a visa for Baja California. If you are traveling to Baja from the United States, Canada or Western Europe, you can enter Mexico without a visa. Check this page to find out whether you need a visa to Mexico.
What’s the weather like in Baja California Norte?
Baja California has a variety of climates, from hot desert weather in Valle de Los Gigantes to mild coastal conditions in Rosarito and Ensenada and mountainous climate in Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, a mountain range within Ensenada municipality that’s home to Picacho Del Diablo, the highest peak of the Baja California peninsula, that’s 3,096 metres tall.
Tempertures in Baja California Norte
Temperatures in Baja Norte vary between day and night due to the low humidity levels typical of desert climates. Coastal areas like Tijuana, Ensenada and Rosarito experience some moderating effects from the Pacific Ocean, but overall, the climate in Baja is arid and desert-like, with sparse vegetation and sandy landscapes.
The region receives very little rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months, when it’s not uncommon for some parts of highways in Baja to get flooded.
Always check the weather when driving in Baja, because the precipitation can affect driving conditions and result in road closures.
