3-Day Road Trip to Valle de Guadalupe

Transportation

The most convenient way to get around Baja California is definitely renting a car. You can rent a car from San Diego and take it across. Just be sure to let them know that you will be taking the vehicle across the border, so they can add on any extra coverage to the vehicle. Take note that coming back from Mexico can be a bit of a wait (the first time I went, it took us five hours to cross back into the United States!).

Another option is to walk across the border, then take an Uber to rent a car in Mexico. I've found walking back across the border isn't as bad as driving. If you happen to live in Southern California, getting Sentri is definitely the quickest way to get across to Mexico and back.

After making your way across the border, it's around an hour and 45 minutes to get to Valle, but I prefer to break the drive down. 45 minutes down the coast is a cute town called Puerto Nuevo, also known as the "Lobster Village." All of the restaurants in this village are famous for their lobster dishes. My go-to spot for amazing ocean views and great food and drinks is Villa Ortega's. It's a great place to stretch your legs and take in that cool ocean breeze. You can walk around and check out the little shops in town, too.

After filling your bellies, the remaining hour getting to Valle should be pretty smooth. Check into your hotel and get ready for dinner and some wine! I recommend Michelin Star Chef Javier Plascencia's Finca Altozano for an amazing dinner and drinks. If you're still too full from the seafood lunch at Puerto Nuevo earlier, you can grab some authentic Baja-style tacos at a local spot, Taqueria La Principal.

Start your day off at a classic breakfast spot - La Cocina de Doña Esthela. The wait can be long to get in, but there are plenty of tables in the restaurant. I try to arrive 30 minutes before they open and have always been part of the first group to be served. Enjoy some corn-flour pancakes, chilaquiles, or try their famous oven-roasted lamb, along with their café de olla.

After breakfast, enjoy a tasting at Vena Cava — a unique winery made from salvaged boats. Unique to this tasting experience is the opportunity to try some natural wines, which you don't see in many places. If you're craving for some small bites, Troika is an on-site food truck that offers tasty appetizers and main courses all made with local ingredients.

For dinner, I cannot recommend Fauna enough. Dubbed the Best Restaurant in Mexico in 2023, I've been here three times and am already planning a trip back just to eat here again.

Start your day off with small bites and brunch at the beautiful Casa Frida. Walk around the property and take advantage of the many picturesque spots, or shop for some paintings or boutique items at one of their specialty shops.

Start the drive back up to San Diego, but take the coastal route and stop at one of my favorite stunning coastal spots with live music and great food and drinks, Los Portales de Garcia in Rosarito. Spend some time exploring the many parts of the property and hopefully some live music, before making your way back to San Diego.