We won’t try to cover the entire gambit of interesting things to do in the southern Baja. Suffice it to say there is something for everyone. In the immediate area here are some recommendations:

Surfing:

Playa San Pedrito (km 61) and Playa Los Cerritos (km 64) near the town of Pescadero are popular surfing beaches. There are lots of “hidden” sites in the immediate area that local expat surfers will share with you.

Fishing:

The Baja is world famous for its sports fishing and for good reason. Closer to home, surf fishing right off our beach will reward you with dinner right off your back patio. Squid and clams (available at most grocery stores) are sure-fire bait. Organized sports fishing is best arranged out of Cabo San Lucas. The months of July-October are the best fishing months.

Diving:

Several diving operations are located in Cabo and La Paz. Cabo Pulmo on the East Cape has interesting reef dives and is a fun (and long) day trip.

Golf:

Cabo has many world-class golf courses. Check the Cabo link for information: www.allaboutcabo.com/areagolf.html

Fisherman’s Beach:

If you’re not successful catching fish off our beach or on the rocks up and down the coast, you can always buy fresh fish. To purchase fresh fish, head to Playa Punta Lobos (km 54). The fishermen return to shore between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. This in itself can be very entertaining to watch as the fishermen fly their boats onto the sand at top speed. You can purchase fresh fish from the cooperative. Fish can also be bought at small fish markets in Cabo.

Hiking:

Palm Canyon just south of the ranch (km. 82.5 follow the track up the sandy wash for about 2 km. - 4WD ONLY!) leads to a seasonal waterfall. Carefully climb the fall and you can hike back into canyon for miles. Very scenic with native Washingtonian palms. One of our favorite places. Numerous desert hikes off gravel roads in the area are rewarding.

Horseback riding:

Riding on the beach can be arranged in the Colonia. See Mary Lynn down (south) the coast about a kilometer to make a reservation.

Mountain exploring:

The biosphere reserve Sierra La Laguna mountains dominate the central part of the southern Baja and can be seen clearly to the East of the ranch. There are several small villages accessible by dirt road and include San Vicente, San Jacinto de la Sierra and La Candalaria. Usually passenger cars can navigate these roads but if you come to a spot that you’re not sure of, caution should win out. It’s a long way to look for help. Always bring extra water and needless to say, have a full tank of gas before venturing into the Sierra. Day hikes to El Picacho peak or extended hikes into the Biosphere Reserve are rewarding and strenuous. Here’s a good description of one of the hikes http://www.fabuloustravel.com/adventures/loscabos/loscabos.html.

Whale watching:

California gray whales migrate through from December-February and can be seen from our beach. Very entertaining to watch them breach.

Turtles:

Both Leatherback and Ripley Green turtles use our beach to lay their eggs. The turtles pick a dark night in July-October to come on shore and lay hundreds of eggs in shallow depressions in the sand. The young hatch November-December.

Swimming:

The open Pacific Ocean produces big waves and dangerous undertows most times of the year. During these times it is dangerous to swim on our beach. Recommended swimming beaches are north of the ranch at San Pedro (km 57) and Los Cerritos (km 64).

Botanical Gardens:

There is a small but interesting botanical garden at about KM.58 near Todos Santos.

Art Galleries:

Todos Santos has emerged in recent years as an artist colony along the lines of Santa Fe, New Mexico but with a heavier Mexican influence. There are numerous galleries in and around town.

Restaurants, Watering Holes, Cantinas and such:

Besides Cabo, Todos Santos has the best selection of restaurants in the area. Good bets are Los Adobes (featured in April 2003 Bon Apetit), Hotel California, Las Fuentes (try the lobster), Santanas (pizza and sushi), Café Santa Fe, Tequila Sunrise and El Zaguan. As you become more adventurous try any of the numerous taco stands around town. Specialties are fish tacos and “carnitas”. Personal favorites are Barajas Tacos, El Bananas Café, and Pilar’s Fish Tacos. They’re excellent! Closer to home you may want to try The Sand Bar (formerly “The Trees” at km 63) in Pescadero. Good food, drink and music under the Baja stars.