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Cabo San Lucas - A vibrant vacation and spa destination, Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

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Cabo San Lucas - One of Mexico's top tourist destinations, Cabo San Lucas draws a fair share of American tourists to its pristine beaches, various water sports activities, and amazing nightlife.

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Cabo San Lucas - The extreme tip of Baja California Sur is characterized by the landmark El Arco, the Land's End Arch. A sightseeing boat excursion will get you up close and personal with this iconic rock formation.

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Cabo San Lucas - Overlooking serene Playa El Medano, Edith's restaurant is known for its fusion Baja cuisine/mainland Mexican fare. The quirky interior decor helps set the scene. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Cabo San Lucas - Cabo Wabo is nightlife personified. Well known by visiting Americans (there are sister establishments in Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe), this is the place to party. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Pacific Ocean coast - Humpback whales like nothing better than to strut their stuff in the Pacific Ocean waters off Cabo San Lucas.

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La Paz - The capital city of Baja California Sur, La Paz is the ideal base from which to arrange a meeting with a whale shark, the largest fish in the world. These gentle giants congregate in large numbers in La Paz Bay.

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La Paz - Overlanders should head for Playa Tecolote, north of La Paz, for an ocean-mountain camping experience. The nighttime sky simply sparkles!

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La Ventana - In winter the gusts that sweep across this attractive fishing village fuel the passion of kite surfers. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Balandra - Lapped by the warm shallow waters of the Sea of Cortez, Balandra is corralled by sand dunes and an intoxicating sense of tranquility.

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Isla Espíritu Santo - Anchored in the Sea of Cortez, uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The surrounding reef positively teems with shoals of colorful fish. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Laguna de San Ignacio - Known as the gray whale nursery, San Ignacio's turquoise shallows provide sanctuary to this friendly cetacean, which actively seeks human attention. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Isla San Francisco - The small island is known for Playa Coralito, a gem of a beach that offers up some wonderful wild camping opportunities.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Isla Guadalupe - Dare you enter a submersible cage for a breathtaking encounter with a great white shark? The waters surrounding Guadalupe Island are jaws central for this feared but hugely misunderstood marine predator. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Loreto - The plush Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa exemplifies the five-star accommodation options available along the Baja coast. These luxury hotels draw vacationers from the US and beyond. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Sea of Cortez - The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, separates the Baja peninsula from the Mexican mainland. Its sheltered waters make it an ideal water sports playground.

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Loreto - Founded by the Jesuits in 1699, the Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó survived as a mission until 1817. The church remains open to the public. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Picacho del Diablo - At 10,157 ft, the "Devil's Peak" is the highest point on the Baja California Peninsula. It can be hiked, but allow for a couple of days to reach the summit.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 - The Constitution 1857 National Park nestles within the pine forests of the Sierra de Juárez mountain range, in the northern reaches of Baja California. Its proximity to the border makes the park a favorite with Americans seeking Mexican outdoor adventure opportunities.

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El Rosario - Baja's extraordinary California sea lion crater, La Lobera, is where these sleek, playful animals meet up to catch rays and gossip.

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Sierra de San Francisco - Set deep in the heart of the Sierra de San Francisco mountain range are a series of prehistoric rock art pictographs, believed to be the work of the Cochimí people. The landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Punta Banda - La Bufadora is the second largest marine geyser in the world. This giant spout of seawater explodes from a cave and soaks onlookers with a plume of spray. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Valle de Guadalupe - Baja's northern wine country is a delight to explore, with over 150 wineries spread over several valleys. Follow the Ruta del Vino and uncork some of Mexico's finest reds and whites. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Valle de Guadalupe - Fauna Restaurant at Bruma reinvents traditional Mexican cuisine in a fresh and contemporary manner. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Ensenada - The El Mogor winery is home to wines like Merlot del Mogor. Visitors can tour the vineyards and cellars before indulging in a bit of wine tasting.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Todos Santos - The vivid interior of the La Coronela Restaurant and Bar is housed in the Hotel California, the "place you can never leave," as immortalized in the song by the Eagles.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Mulegé - On your travels look out for the the Mexican giant cardon, or elephant cactus, which is native to the Baja California Peninsula.

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San José del Cabo - Birding enthusiasts staying in San José del Cabo should head to the town's estuary and bird sanctuary to spot Belding's yellowthroat, which is only found on the Baja California Peninsula.  (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Sierra La Trinidad - Another species endemic to the peninsula is the handsome but shy Baja blue rock lizard. It is found in the mountains in the southernmost part of the peninsula. A subspecies has made its home on the islands off La Paz.

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Baja California and Baja California Sur - Found along the length and breadth of the peninsula are some awesome tequila bars—anything from humble beach shacks with dollar-a-shot menus, to exclusive resorts where a bottle can sell for $40,000. Seriously! (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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