A place never earns a mention in Forbes’ Top Places to Travel, unless it is magical and irresistibly fascinating. Discover Baja California, a little paradise with clear turquoise waters, sun-washed beaches and super-stunning vistas at every turn.

Baja California is a cocktail of fun and adventure getaways, including some of the best spots for thrill-seekers. It has everything, from pristine deserts, pine-capped mountains and breathtaking beaches to towns teeming with life and vibrancy. More beautiful than you can ever imagine, this seriously good tour destination in the earth’s second-longest peninsula is something straight out of a blockbuster film.

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The absolute must-dos in Baja California Sur vary, but the fact that this magical destination has just about everything for everyone means the excitement never ends. For surfers, off-road adventure heartthrobs and dirt biking enthusiasts, the over 1200km mystical, otherworldly, and untamed Baja California offers just about the right adrenaline. It has Todos Santos; a hippie, little eco-chic surfers and artists’ haven, Pescadero; a little community of coffee lovers, and Cabo San Lucas (aka Los Cabos); the southernmost town in the Peninsula whose boutique hotels, romantic beachside resorts, and deluxe restaurants draw vacationers from all over the world.

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San José del Cabo, for party animals and art lovers, is a hot spot, even with all of its colorful shops, art galleries, and the town’s characteristic laid-back lifestyle. But none matches the allure of swimming amongst whale sharks or going on an electrifying snorkeling and scuba-diving expedition with sea lions of Los Islotes. Not even the hyped wine tours of Valle de Guadalupe match that!

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Generally, it is never easy to choose where to go or even settle for the best places to pitch camp, at least as all of its major towns are charming and inviting. A trip into this ‘middle of nowhere’ spot is bound to be adventure-filled in every sense.

Whether it’s a margarita-fueled party in Los Cabos or a road-trip into the often-wild desert landscape down south, the thrill is guaranteed. At the Sea of Cortez, “the world’s aquarium,” the buzz isn’t any different for divers as they conquer the rejuvenated reef.

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Art collectors have a gallery-filled Art District as well as cobblestone streets made of miniature artisanal boutiques, all to explore. The tranquil San José del Cabo Estuary wildlife preserve, home to over 200 different species birds, including rare, migratory ones, is ideal for a birding expedition. At the raucous party town of Cabo San Lucas, daytime is perfect for parasailing, surfing or whale-watching. But driving up north along the Pacific Coast for March’s annual Chili and Strawberry Festival or heading towards the western coast to Pueblos Mágicos, ‘the magic towns,’ you are sure of an unforgettable experience.

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Other things to do upon visiting Baja California Sur include exploring the best of the endless water-focused adventures of La Paz and a bit of guided world-class sportfishing. Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Los Barriles as well offer an immense thrill. Off-roading through the Baja desert on either a two-wheeler or a four-wheeled buggy will keep your adrenaline pumping. You can end your trip with a visit of Valle de Guadalupe many Tuscan-style country wineries for a taste of the little-known brands that never reach the rest of the world. 

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One huge reason why you’ve got to start planning for a trip to Baja California Sur is that the entire region has a hot desert climate described by warm year-round temperatures. Winter is rare and rainfall is scarce and scattered. You can imagine soaking up the heat, away from the chilly conditions back at home!