Extending south from the California border, Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is graced with hundreds of miles of Pacific coastline—and hundreds more overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
So it’s no wonder it attracts surfers chasing their own “endless summer” and whale watchers, who time their visits to spring, when the mammals turn up here to mate in Baja’s warm, protected waters.
All that prime waterfront real estate has also spurred the development of some special places to stay—most notably, CostaBaja, a five-star resort community just a few miles from downtown La Paz, Mexico.
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, has the same temperate weather as Cabo San Lucas but is more relaxed and calm, with even better access to the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, which intrepid researcher Jacques Cousteau named “the world’s natural aquarium.” (More on that in a moment.)
As for CostaBaja, it makes an ideal base for a weekend or permanent getaways, enabling you to easily explore the area by land and sea. Plus, it accommodates travelers of all types—from couples to multigenerational families—given its range of guest rooms, real estate options, suites, and townhomes. The focal point of the master-planned community is Marina CostaBaja, the resort’s marina that serves as a launching point for sport fishing, diving, seasonal whale watching, and ecotourism expeditions.
All the islands in the Sea of Cortez are designated UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserves; the 11-mile-long Isla Espiritu Santo, the closest island to shore, is a fascinating study in conservation and evolution. Espiritu Santo is home to unique species of mammals found only on this island, as well as various birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Sign up for a full- or partial-day sea excursion, or rent a kayak and some snorkel gear for more of a DIY adventure: The calm Sea of Cortez is nicely suited to ocean kayaking, and there’s no better way to discover secluded beaches.
While aquatic experiences come to mind first and foremost, CostaBaja has impressive amenities on land as well, including an 18-hole Gary Player Signature Golf Course, the first of its kind in Mexico; the Espiritu Spa; and a chic Beach Club with an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez. The Beach Club offers both poolside and beachfront loungers as well as on-call food and beverage service via The Beach Club Bar & Grill, which stays open late.
Evenings at CostaBaja revolve around dining paired with sunset views, whether from the Beach Club Bar & Grill, the Golf Club’s La Pintada restaurant, or Steinbeck’s, which serves up a surf and turf menu using a mesquite wood grill.
It’s named for Pulitzer Prize-winner John Steinbeck, who was inspired to pen a novel while visiting the area. As he writes in The Log from the Sea of Cortez: “Whatever it is that makes one aware that men are about is not there. Thus, in spite of the noises of waves and fishes, one has a feeling of… quietness.” You may find yourself waxing poetic, too, after a weekend here.
Discover all that La Paz and CostaBaja have to offer.
