With COVID-19 cases spiking, many people are staying away from their loved ones this holiday season to keep them safe. The idea of spending the holidays alone at home can be disappointing, but it can also make for the perfect time to take a safe and isolated vacation. Baja is filled with both popular travel destinations and breathtaking hidden gems that are inexpensive, easy to get to, and significantly less crowded than many other vacation spots. 

 The winter season in many places can be very cold and dreary, but that’s not the case in Baja. Between the months of December and February, temperatures in the region typically range from 68°F to 77°F. For a sunny and tranquil getaway this winter, consider a trip to one of these top destinations in Baja.

 Here is part one of the top places in Baja to get away during the holidays:

 1. Cabo San Lucas

 One of the most popular travel destinations in Baja, Cabo San Lucas is well known for its picturesque beaches and thriving nightlife. The resort city is also known for its plethora of options for water activities, with everything from kayaking to snorkeling. Top sights include Lovers Beach, The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and Playa El Médano, Cabo’s main beach.

 Where to Stay: For a stay on the Cabo side of Cabo San Lucas, check out Paradisus Los Cabos for a luxurious beachfront stay just 15 miles from the Los Cabos Airport. This 5-star resort boasts 7 bars and restaurants, private balconies in each guest room, and stunning ocean views.

 For a stay on the San Jose side of the city, check out this luxury villa in Pedregal. This two bedroom villa features a private terrace with ocean views, a dipping pool, and a fully-equipped kitchen so you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing vacation.

 Where to Eat: Flora Farms is one of my favorite restaurants in Cabo and serves only fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from their nearby ranch. The food is immaculate and the restaurant itself is stunning, as are its surroundings, so it makes for a fantastic date night or family dinner.

 2. La Paz

 Just a quick flight from the Tijuana Airport, La Paz is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible seafood, and abundance of water activities like fishing and snorkeling. La Paz, the capital city of Baja, is often overlooked for the nearby Cabo, but it is not to be underestimated. Its old world charm and jaw-dropping views make for an amazing vacation that is likely to be far less crowded than Cabo.

Where to Stay: If you’re looking for an inexpensive hotel in the city, check out Hotel Cathedral. This family-friendly hotel features a swimming pool, free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with expansive city views.

For a beachside stay, check out the CostaBaja Resort and Spa. Set on the gorgeous Sea of Cortez, this 5-star resort is located just 10 minutes from downtown La Paz and features spacious guest rooms, spa services, and golf course access.

Where to Eat: Rated the #1 restaurant in La Paz on TripAdvisor, the cuisine at Nim is unmatched. We had some of the best beef carpaccio of our lives at Nim and I highly recommend you try one of their specials for a truly unforgettable dinner.

 For brunch or lunch, head over to Dulce Romero Panaderia & Organicos. We enjoyed the cappuccino and fresh pastries, but anything from the coffee bar is fantastic. If you are sitting down to eat, the Nutella banana waffles and Benedictions Mexicanos are both incredible. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, as it’s all delicious.

 3. Espiritu Santo National Park

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and a national park since 2007, Espiritu Santo is a radiant island filled with stunning natural beauty. With miles of untouched beaches, volcanic rock formations, and an abundance of flora and fauna, Espiritu Santo is perfect for nature lovers looking to get away. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming with sea lions, or explore the hidden lagoons and cave art.

 Where to Stay: If you’ve read our post on glamping, then you know we have a strong love for this luxurious way of camping. For the ultimate glamping experience, check out Camp Cecil de la Isla. This luxury tent base camp is set right on the beach so that guests can wake up with the waves after sleeping in a cozy king-size bed.

 Where to Eat: Camp Cecil features its own cafe, Espiritu Xantus Café, where the on-site chef serves a mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with daily happy hours. Widely considered one of the best restaurants in La Paz, the cuisine is equally as beautiful as it is delicious.

4. Todos Santos

One of our absolute favorite places in Baja, Todos Santos is known for its scenic beaches and abundance of art galleries. This charming town is located about an hour drive through the desert from La Paz and a half-hour drive north of Cabo. If you travel to Todos Santos, we highly recommend renting a car and driving through the town to fully take in the beauty of this amazing town. Make sure to check out Black Sheet Motorsports for self-guided tours on souped-up RZRs and ATVs, an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

 Where to Stay: For a beachfront paradise, check out Hotel San Cristobal. With 32 beautiful rooms, a stunning pool, lounge, and an incredible seaside restaurant and bar, this hotel has all of the components of a perfect vacation.

For a more secluded beachfront stay, Villa Santa Cruz is the ideal boutique resort. With 20 acres of private oceanside property, guests can enjoy a peaceful and socially-distanced stay. Relax in the saltwater pool, enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace, and dine at one of the amazing on-site restaurants.

Where to Eat: Created by world-renowned chef Javier Plascencia, Jazamango is a remarkable culinary experience that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a definite can’t-miss on Barbacoa Sundays and Chef Javier even offers outdoor movie nights on Fridays.

Also owned by Chef Javier, La Felix is an incredible food truck that serves a fusion of Baja and Asian cuisine. I’ve tried and loved their sangria, Bahn mi sandwich, and dumplings, and highly recommend that you make a stop at La Felix if you’re in the area.

For elevated Mexican seafood with a casual atmosphere and unbeatable ocean views, make sure to check out The Green Room. The food is delicious, the oceanfront seating is magnificent, and it’s the perfect place to relax while you eat.