Baja California offers a wide choice of options to discover the beauty of its territory. In the capital city Mexicali- among the most popular gastronomic destinations in Mexico- you will find a rich cultural, artistic, and dining scene. Start your exploration from the city center: here you can find some of the best restaurants in the country, many food trucks offering a wide range of specialties and craft breweries, and admire many neoclassical colonial buildings attesting Mexicali’s historic past. Some of the most remarkable landmarks include la Escuela Cuauhtémoc (The Cuauhtémoc School), today designated to be the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture), El Instituto de Bellas Artes (Institute of Fine Arts), which was originally the Banco Agrícola Peninsular in 1927, and the Centro Estatal de las Artes (State Center for the Arts) hosting traveling exhibitions of painting and sculpture.

If you are staying in Tijuana, you will be enthralled by the multicultural, young, and dynamic atmosphere awaiting you: this constantly evolving border city is surely one of the most visited destinations in Mexico and offers many options for entertainment. Just walk along Tijuana’s most popular artery, the Avenida Revolución (Revolution Avenue), to appreciate the vibrant mixture of modern and historic buildings and the numerous spaces dedicated to arts, photography, and theater.

Do not forget to pay a visit to the astonishing Catedral Metropolitana Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe), one of Tijuana’s distinctive landmarks. If you are up for adventure and want to practice some thrilling outdoor activities in Baja California, include in your itinerary a visit to the Dunas de Cuervitos, a scenic sand formation ideal for enjoying sandboarding and adventure, only 10 minutes away from Mexicali.

Thanks to its Mediterranean-arid climate, Baja California is one of the ideal destinations in Mexico to visit in the summertime, when the weather is dry and mild. This is the best season to appreciate the state’s natural wonders and make the most of your time outdoors. If you are staying in Tijuana, a visit to the charming Pueblo Mágico of Tecate is mandatory, where spectacular landscapes, cave paintings, and countless hiking trails await you. Venture into the Cerro Cuchumá, located on the edges of Tecate, and enjoy the spectacular city view from its top. Today the hill is a refuge area, hunting, housing, and ceremonial center of the ancient Kumiai community and its surroundings are house to a great diversity of flora and fauna species.

Another excellent option for a day trip is the El Vallecito site, just outside Tecate and easily reachable from Tijuana. One of the most visited archeological tourism destinations in Mexico, the site comprehends the vestiges of different settlements of the ancestors of the Kumiai ethnic group and includes a site museum, camping and rest areas, as well as grills and guide services. Mexicali’s surroundings offer many chances for outdoor activities: the Laguna Salada area is one of the best extreme sports destinations in Mexico. The name is the only remaining part of the lagoon as water left room for a depression full of white sand surrounded by hills and mountains. Not too far from this area, you will find the Guadalupe Canyon, with its natural hot springs and cave paintings, and the Hardy River, the only navigable river in Baja California that you can explore on a kayak; both destinations are easily reachable from Mexicali.

As Baja California is the country’s main wine producer and one of the best-rated gastronomic destinations in Mexico, foodies will be delighted by the local culinary offer. Before you leave, try some excellent seafood delicacies in Rosarito. Besides being one of the most loved surf destinations in Mexico, the town boasts a great dining scene- make sure you join a wine tasting tour on the Ruta del Vino, which you can access both from Mexicali and Tijuana’s surroundings. And since Tijuana is nicknamed ‘’la capital de la cerveza artisanal de México” (Capital of the craft beer of Mexico) a stop by one of its many famous breweries is a must.

Los Cabos municipality is for sure the most popular location in Baja California Sur, and as well as Yucatán and Chiapas, one of the top sea destinations in Mexico for worldwide tourists. This exclusive and heavenly area encompasses the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo and rose to fame in the Seventies as a luxurious vacation spot for American celebrities and Hollywood stars. Los Cabos boasts some of the best beaches in the country, including the famous surf hub Playa Acapulquito- also known as Playa del Viejo-, Playa Costa Azul, a quiet swell where you can practice sailing, swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing or diving, and the stunning area of Cabo San Lucas. Be sure you visit the iconic Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a dramatic rock formation reachable by boat from Los Cabos from which you can easily access the town’s main three beaches- with very peculiar names.

The Playa del Amor (Love Beach) is located right next to the arch and, as its name suggests, is ideal for a romantic getaway- if you visit between December and April, you can have the chance to watch whales in their natural environment. The adjacent Playa del Divorcio (“Divorce Beach”) and Playa de Los Amantes (‘’Lovers Beach’’), thanks to the transparency of their waters, are excellent locations for snorkeling and diving. In Los Cabos, you will find a unique combination of nature, architectural beauty, luxury shopping, and dining venues, and first-class golf courses. Head to the Zona Dorada de la Marina (Golden Zone of the Marina) of Cabo San Lucas to treat yourself to a delicious fish and seafood dinner and stroll through San Jose del Cabo’s historic center to admire the majestic beauty of its colonial architecture. The Plaza Mijares is the charming main square hosting a picturesque kiosk and in the proximity of Calle Obregón, where you can browse the many art galleries, handicraft shops, and cozy restaurants.

Baja California Sur has an arid-subtropical climate in most of its territory, although the Los Cabos area enjoys hot-warm weather in any season- this is why Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are among the most visited ecotourism destinations in Mexico all year-round. Not too far from Los Cabos is the nature preserve and migratory station El Estero San José del Cabo, an astonishing oasis in the middle of the desert home to hundreds of different birds species.

If you are into diving, you might want to check out the famous Arena Waterfall (Sand waterfall) in Cabo San Lucas, a unique phenomenon caused by the friction of the North American tectonic plates and the different water temperatures of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés. At one hour and a half drive from Los Cabos, you will find one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Mexico: the amazing Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo (“Cabo Pulmo National Park”), house to one-third of the world’s cetacean species and the only living coral reef on the eastern Pacific coast. Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming with sea lions are only some of the activities you can enjoy here. No matter if you visit Los Cabos in winter or in springtime, make sure you plan a trip to the capital city La Paz, an ideal destination for nature and sea lovers where you can practice snorkeling and scuba diving. Here you can unveil the secret life in the Sea of Cortes while exploring Suwanee, El Bajito, and Isla Ballena reefs, dive into El Bajo or Punta Lobos to see hammerhead sharks and yellowfin tuna, discover the marine fauna of Isla Espíritu Santo (Holy Spirit Island) and amaze at the beauty of the park Jardín Velasco in La Paz’s city center.

As it is true for most destinations in Mexico and all over the world, you cannot say you got to know Baja California without getting a taste of the local cuisine. Besides the delicious seafood and fish-based recipes- do not leave before trying at least once the shrimps-based Filete Imperial de Camarón or some Tacos de Pescado (tacos filled with fish)- you can delight your palate with many local specialties including the typical Beef Machaca Burritos and Stingray Machaca.

Chihuahua’s attractions will never stop to surprise you: rocky landscapes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and great cultural and architectural richness make this country appealing both to adventurous travelers and to art and history lovers. The eponymous capital Chihuahua is one of the most visited destinations in Mexico all year round and displays signs of its strong revolutionary past in every corner of the city. Start your exploration with a walk through the Old Town, where you will appreciate the many landmarks attesting to Chihuahua’s rich history.

The Catedral Metropolitana de Chihuahua (Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral) is a Baroque architectural masterpiece and the city’s main attraction. Here you can visit the underground Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art) and hosting a permanent collection of oil paintings dating back to the 18th century. In Chihuahua Historic Revolution Museum you will learn about Pancho Villa’s life and crucial role in the Mexican Revolution, while at the Centro Cultural Universitario Quinta Gameros you can admire original documents and items dating back to the Porfirian period and the revolution. If you are up for an adventure, at only 15 minutes away from Chihuahua you will find the amazing Natural Heritage Site Nombre de Dios Grottoes, one of the most visited destinations in Mexico for underground explorers.

The city of Delicias- the smallest in the state of Chihuahua- is a perfect getaway to explore the Conchos River Valley and an archeological site attesting to the presence of the ancient indigenous people. You can admire mummies and other prehistoric artifacts in the Museo de Paleontologia de Delicias. Both from Delicias and Chihuahua, you can travel to Batopilas, one of the three Pueblos Mágicos in Chihuahua state nestled in the Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon). This incredible town offers great opportunities to enjoy its surrounding: walking on a three-kilometer-long aqueduct, practicing mountain biking among the canyons, observing pumas, macaws, and hummingbirds in their natural environment, and admiring the town from a zip line and hanging bridges are just some of the options that await you here.

Chihuahua’s temperate semi-arid climate places it among the best destinations in Mexico that you can enjoy all year round. Summers can be very hot and dry, so bear this in mind if you do not want to be bothered by sultriness during your exploration. One great activity you can enjoy in Chihuahua in any season is taking a ride on El Chepe (Chihuahua-Pacific), one of the few passenger trains in Mexico. The train runs from the Costa Pacifica to the Tierras Altas del Norte de Mexico through breathtaking semi-desert and mountain landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara. And, to admire the best panoramic views of Chihuahua’s landscapes, do not forget to stop at the small towns of Creel and Posadas de la Barranca, two of the most picturesque destinations in Mexico.

Here you can meet the Rarámuris community, whose language and culture have remained intact in time. San Juanito, within easy reach both from Chihuahua and Delicias, is one of the most renowned stations of El Chepe and is a fantastic spot for adventure sports and ecotourism thanks to its Sitúriachi Dam and Parque Ecoturístico Sehuereachi (Sehuereachi Ecotourism Park). Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, also known as La Tierra de las Tres Culturas (The Land of the Three Cultures) because of the three indigenous populations that inhabit it, with its beautiful Historical Center is another great option for a day trip from Chihuahua or Delicias.

The charming town of Parral is within 2 hours drive from both cities of Delicias and Chihuahua and is among the destinations in Mexico with more historical value. Delve into the history of the Mexican Revolution visiting its Regional History Museum and the Francisco Villa Museum, explore the majestic beauty of the Alvarado Palace and admire the splendor of the town’s historical buildings and cathedral, La Catedral y Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. While visiting Chihuahua and Delicias, make sure you taste some of their exquisite typical dishes. Delicacies such as machaca, chile con asadero cheese, and freshly made flour tortillas make Chihuahua an unmissable destination for gourmets.

With its immense natural beauty and countless intriguing cities and Pueblos Mágicos to explore, the state of Jalisco offers some of the most interesting destinations in Mexico. The presence of Guadalajara’s international airport makes it easy to travel to Jalisco both from the US and from the rest of the country- you will find frequent flights from Mexico City, Monterrey,Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Torreón. In Guadalajara, nicknamed La Perla de Occidente (Western Pearl), you will find numerous beautiful temples, monuments and plazas that will conquer you for their Neoclassical and Baroque beauty: the amazing concert hall Degollado Theater, the performance venue Hospicio Cabañas and the Basilica de la Asunción de María Santísima, also known as the Guadalajara Cathedral, are remarkable examples-and a must in your journey.

Visit the iconic Plaza de los Mariachis (Mariachis Square), the meeting point of the popular Guadalajara musicians, and experience the lively atmosphere and folklore of this joyful tradition. The Lago de Chapala (Chapala Lake) is one of the most important landmarks in Guadalajara. Its romantic setting is ideal to have a walk on the dock while admiring the sunset and its Isla de los Alacranes (Island of the Scorpions) can be reached by boat.

If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the town and its wonderful beaches. Among the best rated destinations in Mexico, this lovely city will surprise you with its lively atmosphere and gastronomic scene. Stroll down to Puerto Vallarta’s quaint historic center to discover its pulsing artistic and cultural scene: the many art galleries, impressive historical buildings and sumptuous churches well reflect the eclectic style of the town, which combines elements of the Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassical periods. During your stay, take a walk down its pier and discover the Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) and take a break from the crowds exploring the city’s green area at the Vallarta Botanical Garden. From Puerto Vallarta you can reach in a short time the famous Mismaloya beach an ideal family destination where you can relax sunbathing and practice many water activities.

Like most destinations in Mexico, Jalisco can be enjoyed at its best during the dry season. If you want to make the most of your time in Guadalajara, plan your vacation between October and December when the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the weather dry. An unmissable destination during your stay in Guadalajara is the city of Tequila, famous for being the birthplace of the renowned eponymous liquor. The main square of this quintessential Pueblo Mágico is the ideal place to enjoy an ice cream, a cocktail, or a glass of traditional tequila in one of the many nearby restaurants, canteens, and enticing shops.

Nearby you will find the evocative waterfalls Los Azules, where you can practice rafting, rappelling, and other adventurous activities. These beautiful cascadas are among the many ecotourism destinations in Mexico and can be reached by Guadalajara in one hour's drive. Jalisco counts several Pueblos Mágicos you can travel to from Guadalajara: when staying for an extended period, make sure you pay a visit to Mazamitla, a small Magical Town tucked in the striking mountain landscapes of the Sierra del Tigre. San Sebastián del Oeste is in the middle of the Sierra Madre Occidental and, thanks to its mild climate, is another destination you can enjoy in any season. This Pueblo Mágico can be reached by car both from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches will not let you down. The city is among the most exclusive coastal destinations in Mexico to explore in springtime, Puerto Vallarta offers many opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities. Check out the beaches around the elegant Marina Vallarta and enjoy the exclusive nearby restaurants and golf courses, or practice flyboarding and fly surfing in Playa Camarones, awarded as the most comfortable, clean, and safe beach in Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco state is among the numerous gourmet destinations in Mexico: you cannot say you lived a real Guadalajara experience if you do not try at least once the deliciously spicy torta ahogada, the traditional Guadalajara goat or lamb meat stew birria, or pozole, a brothy pork-and-red-chili soup topped with shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, lime, and avocado.

Sonora is not short on attractions to offer, no matter if you are looking for a relaxing vacation at the beach or new exciting desert destinations- in Mexico, you will often find peculiar combinations of contrasting landscapes. When staying in Hermosillo, start your city exploration from its charming old town: here you can admire many historic buildings and monuments such as the Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Metropolitan Cathedral), as well as the Plaza Zaragoza (Zaragoza Square), considered the oldest landmark in Hermosillo, and the Plaza Bicentenario (Bicentenario Square).

At a short distance from there you will come across the Museo de Culturas Populares e Indígenas de Sonora (Museum of Popular and Indigenous Cultures of Sonora) and the Congreso del Estado de Sonora (Sonora’s Congress) area, where you can explore the local crafts shops and restaurants. To get the best view of Hermosillo’s city line though, you will have to climb to the top of the Cerro de la Campana, the hill that represents the town and owes its curious name (Hill of the Bell) to the sound which its rocks make when they get hit.

In Ciudad Obregón you will be welcomed by a rich cultural scene and many historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, peculiar for its Modernist pyramid roof and the famous Plaza Álvaro Obregón (Álvaro Obregón Square). You will not get tired of browsing the several local shops selling typical Yaquis crafts such as handmade wood sculptures, musical instruments, traditional masks, and embroidered shawls. 

In Sonora, the rainy season lasts from June to October and comes with hot, oppressive, overcast weather, while from November to May the weather is warm and mostly clear. When staying in Hermosillo during the dry season, make the most of your time outdoors exploring the surrounding natural attractions. At La Pintada rocky canyon, one of the most important archeological tourism destinations in Mexico, you can appreciate more than two thousand cave paintings detailing the life of the Seris and Pimas indigenous populations. The enchanting Kino Bay in the proximity of Hermosillo is the ideal spot for relaxing on the beach and enjoy water activities.

The facing Isla Tiburón is a nature preserve boasting impressive rocky landscapes and a sacred place to the Seris population. Ciudad Obregón offers many cultural attractions that you can enjoy all year round. Visit the Sonora Revolution Museum and the Cultural Center Modelo Antonino Fernández, two of the key landmarks of Ciudad Obregón’s cultural scene.

If you are traveling with the family, do not forget to check out Cajeme Planetary and the Ostimuri Park, a charming green area that includes an extensive playground and a zoo. The Álvaro Obregón Dam, also known as the Oviachic Dam, is an entertaining option for a day trip from Ciudad Obregón and an excellent spot for biking, kayaking, rafting, riding a sailboat, and even water skiing. Although not in the proximity of Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco is a splendid location you should consider visiting during your stay in Sonora. One of the most noted beach destinations in Mexico, this beautiful, cosmopolitan town boasts marvelous beaches with crystal clear waters and is the gateway to the Reserva De La Biosfera El Pinacate Y Gran Desierto De Altar (National Reserve of El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar).

Gourmets looking for gastronomic destinations in Mexico will be delighted at Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo’s culinary offer- to get an idea, try some gorditas savory pastries and the traditional charcoal barbecue of beef, carne asada. If you want to delight your sweet tooth with typical delicacies such as coyotas, obleas, jamoncillos, and chiltepines, do not miss the chance to visit the Villa de Seris area in Hermosillo.

Many fascinating cities and Pueblos Mágicos, stunning natural areas, golden beaches, and a rich cultural and gastronomic scene will welcome you in Sinaloa. Along with many other tourist destinations in Mexico, the state of Sinaloa is visited by travelers all year round. The capital Culiacán is a young, dynamic city that will surprise you with its beauty and landmarks. Its historical center boasts immense architectural wealth, which shows in its majestic buildings dating to the 19th century. Some remarkable examples are the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary) and the lively square Plazuela Álvaro Obregón.

Chill and forget about the city chaos at Parque las Riberas, Culiacán’s green lung and most important recreational and natural space: located on the banks of the Tamazula River, the park can be explored by bike, boat, and on foot and includes many spots where you can practice climbing, zip-lining and bungee-jumping.

Just 3 hours outside Culiacán, you will find Mazatlán, the so-called ‘’Pearl of the Pacific’’: its popular Golden Zone is among the most visited sea destinations in Mexico, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, luxurious shopping venues, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s international airport makes it easy to travel to Mazatlán from any other location in the country- you will find daily flights from Mexico City, Querétaro, and Nuevo León. From Culiacán, you can conveniently reach the charming Pueblos Mágicos of El Fuerte and El Rosario and discover the beauty of their historic centers, where the Spanish colonial legacy coexists with the strong indigenous traditions.

The best period to visit Sinaloa is between August and November when temperatures are pleasantly warm and the weather is moderately humid. Like for many other destinations in Mexico, this is the high season for tourism. Outside this period, you will still enjoy your stay in Sinaloa but be prepared for high temperatures and humidity- springtime is also a favorable period to visit Mazatlán. A great destination for a day trip from Culiacán is Imala, a community located just 25 km outside the city and appointed as Pueblo Señorial in 2016. This beautiful town is among the most intriguing destinations in Mexico for ecotourism and is renowned for its thermal water springs, amazing landscapes, and charming colonial buildings- the San Juan Bautista Church is an unmissable landmark in Imala.

If you want to feel in contact with nature, check out the elegant Jardín Botánico Culiacán (Culiacán Botanical Garden), displaying a vast collection of floral species from all over the world and pieces of Mexican and international contemporary art. If you are staying in Culiacán with children, do not forget to visit the Zoológico de Culiacán (Culiacán Zoo), where they can have fun admiring and learning about several different species and join workshops and other activities. If you want to learn more about the Pueblos Mágicos in Sinaloa, the lovely town of Mocorito is an unmissable stop in your journey. Renowned for the beauty of its colonial building and sunflower fields, Mocorito is one of the most visited magical destinations in Mexico and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The international airport in Culiacán makes traveling to Sinaloa easy both from abroad and the rest of the country, with daily flights from Mexico City, Tamaulipas, Querétaro, and Veracruz. Your stay in Sinaloa would not be complete without a culinary journey into the local cuisine. Before you leave, make sure you try some typical Culiacán’s specialties such as shrimp and marlin tacos, ceviche, el pescado zarandeado (a marinated and grilled fish), and of course the traditional aguachile: your palate will be grateful!