Want to improve SEO on your website and generate more traffic, for free? Get found more easily by search engines like Google?  What about being referred to by users on YouTube, ChatGPT, or Claude?

Optimizing your website to be found in search and by AI tools is probably one of the easiest DIY digital marketing tips we can teach you today!  With so much competition in the outdoor recreation, travel, and lifestyle industries, improving your SEO will increase brand awareness and community engagement.  Let’s get started with a quick review of SEO!

What is SEO?

First things first, to improve SEO, you need to understand what it is.

Search Engine Optimization or SEO means designing or optimizing your website to be found easily by search engines, YouTube, or AI applications like ChatGPT and Claude, through natural, unpaid, or organic means.  The goal here is to boost traffic to your website.  And without paying for it.

Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo run billions of searches for people each day, often in a matter of milliseconds.  Add in ChatGPT, Claude, and even searches that begin on YouTube, and you can see how important being discoverable can be for your business!

So, how can you help these searchers find your products or services?  How do you land on the first page of Google or be mentioned by ChatGPT?

Of course, you can set up and run Google Ads to try and buy your way into those top spots.  If you have an interest in learning how to run Google Ads, check out our DIY Guide to Google Ads!  However, since we’ve managed SEO strategy for several clients without running ads, here are our top 10 SEO Best Practices!

Top 10 Ways to Improve SEO and Get Free Web Traffic

1. Install an SEO Tool on your website! Our favorite tool to improve SEO for a WordPress website is either Rank Math or Yoast SEO.  Plus there are free versions of both Rank Math and Yoast that are super easy to use!

Not on WordPress?  Use built-in SEO tools on Squarespace and Wix!

2. Select a Keyword or Keyphrase for each page on your website.  An example of this is below!

3. Update your SEO Title tag to include the keyword or key phrase.

4. Use Headings or Heading tags (H1, H2, H3…) that contain your keyword or keyphrase.

5. Ensure your key phrase is in the introductory paragraph! Use variations of your key phrase throughout your content.

6. Update your slug or URL to include that keyword or keyphrase.

7. Add internal and external links to related content that supports your keyword or keyphrase.

8. Update the Meta description to include the keyword or keyphrase.

9. Add ALT tags and image descriptions that contain your keyword or keyphrase.

10. Ensure your keyword or key phrase is different for each page, product, or blog.  

If some of these tips to improve SEO do not sound familiar, or you are unsure where to find them on your website, drop us a line, and let’s see if we can help.  Now let’s dive deeper into examples of keywords and key phrases below!

Help people find you through search engines by improving SEO across your website- whether its a Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify or Wix website.

Improve SEO with Focused Keyphrases

The biggest way to improve SEO on your website, generate free web traffic, and become more discoverable is to identify the best keyword or key phrase for each page.  Whether this is your blog page, services page, product page, or the about us page.  How can people find your products or services if you don’t turn up in search?

Therefore, each page of your website must have a keyword or keyphrase to help readers find your content through organic search on Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, or on YouTube.

SEO Keyphrase Example

Okay great, so you know what SEO is, and what a keyword or keyphrase is, but you are unsure how to select the right keyword or keyphrase.  As an example, let’s say you choose ‘San Diego outdoor activities’ as your key phrase.  This might be something we’d use for our Top 8 Summer Activities in San Diego blog!

But, how then do we weave this key phase into our content?  Do we just repeat’ San Diego outdoor activities’ through our blog post?

In truth, keyword or keyword phrase density is not the complete answer.  Repeating your keywords a dozen times throughout your blog post or webpage is not the best way to get your content ranked.  

My favorite slide from ‘The Agency Guy’ gives you a hint as to what keywords or keyphrases might be used for a ‘bar’.

Keyphrase Ranking in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) and AI Tools

Google, Bing, and Yahoo use topic modeling and semantically relevant terms to return your SERPs (search engine results pages).  In addition, ChatGPT and Claude act as conversational engines and autonomous research assistants.

Showing up in search and being referred to by AI tools requires a mix of:

• • variations of your keywords or synonyms
  • context of search
  • perceived user intent
  • your current location
  • natural, conversational queries
  • long-tail keywords

Back to our keyword or keyphrase example: San Diego outdoor activities.  Google and ChatGPT know that the search entries and prompts below are all related to San Diego outdoor activities:

• Things to do in San Diego
• San Diego adventures
• Best outdoor activities near me (if you’re in the area)
• San Diego family-friendly activities
• Free activities in San Diego
• San Diego Zoo

So, we’ve included all of these terms and more in our Top 8 Summer Activities in San Diego blog!  Instead of keyword density alone, use relevant terms to boost your website content!

Build your client base and be more discoverable by Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and YouTube by improving your SEO.

Improve SEO: Resources That Can Help

Struggling to identify the best keywords or keyphrases for your blog, services, or products?  Or how to optimize your website to be found in search and referred to by ChatGPT or Claude?

Add the Rank Math or Yoast SEO plug-in.  In addition, there are several other SEO tools you can use:

• Moz
• Market Muse
• Ubersuggest
• SEMRush
• Google Search Console
• Answer the Public

More Help to Improve SEO and Get Free Web Traffic

Want more help to improve SEO and generate more website traffic?  We’ve written DIY blogs and case studies to help you increase traffic and create more brand awareness!

• How to Use Your Website to Generate Better Leads
• Easy Website Design + Maintenance
• Case Study: Web Design for Outdoor Outreach
• Case Study: Website Design for Rochelle Ballard, Online Surf Coaching

Until next time, take a few steps today to improve that SEO and get more traffic to your website for free!

Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media

The post How to Improve SEO and Get Free Website Traffic appeared first on Top Rope Media.

Searching for things to do in San Diego to enjoy the perfect weather?  Well, San Diego is America’s Finest City and the best destination for a family vacation or a romantic weekend by the beach!  There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy our sunshine or stay cool when the temperatures creep up!

In addition, with the cost of entrance fees at more popular destinations like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World, and Legoland being quite expensive, you might be searching for free or cheap things to do in San Diego to keep the kids cool and occupied.

Well look no further, here are our Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego outdoors so you can break out the swimsuits and bring on the smiles!

Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego

1. Visit Balboa Park’s Museums And Trails

Need to get some shade and cool off?  Balboa Park is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring over 15 different museums, botanical gardens, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. It’s also home to the San Diego Zoo!

Are you more interested in trail running and mountain biking?  Well then check out the miles of gentle rollers with wide-open trails or single track with rock gardens and steep switchbacks. You’ll cruise past oak groves, eucalyptus trees, dry stream beds, and lots of cactus gardens.  Balboa Park is also dog-friendly, so enjoy walking, running, or biking with your favorite pup, on a leash of course!

Parking is free and the best spots that are the least congested are near Morley Field or the Golden Hill Trails Gateway.  If you enter the park on Laurel, drive past the Prado and park in the large lot behind the Organ Pavilion.  Balboa Park is also home to the Morley Field Sports Complex and Dog Park and the Balboa Park Golf Course.  Here you will find a dog park, tennis, the San Diego Velodrome, Bud Kearns Pool, and a driving range!

Driving to San Diego?  Before you roll out of the driveway to start your vacation, here’s our checklist of road trip travel essentials!

Sunset beach stroll by the Hotel Del Coronado.

2. Pedal Or Stroll Across Coronado

Do you prefer to get around town by bicycle?  Well, it’s one of our favorite things to do in San Diego!  Pedaling the Bayshore Bikeway and along the Silver Stand lets you see downtown San Diego and the sleepy beach town of Coronado.  Start near Waterfront Park in Little Italy and head south on the Pacific Coast Highway to pick up the Bayshore Bikeway.  The trip is a flat 24 miles on a mix of bike paths and surface streets that finishes up at the Coronado Ferry Landing.  Ferries depart every 20-30 minutes for a 15-minute ride back to either the Convention Center or Broadway Pier.

Not too comfortable riding with traffic on surface streets?  Take the ferry across to Coronado first.  You can walk around by the harbor shops and restaurants, or catch a taxi to the Hotel Del Coronado.  Cruise the beach or stay on the bike path all the way down the Silver Strand.

Need a bike or a scooter?  Check out the dockless bikes and scooters from Bird, Lime Bike, and Ofo.  Just make sure not to abandon them in Coronado as it’s prohibited!

Here are a few more options in San Diego where you can scoop a bike, helmet, or bike lock.  And don’t forget lights if you plan to pedal until sunset:

• Deco Bikes or DiscoverBikes
• Stay Classy Bike Rentals
• Trek Bicycle Superstore

3. Be A Kid Again At Waterfront Park and Explore the USS Midway and Maritime Museum

Do you have childhood memories of running through sprinklers?  If so then you’ll love Waterfront Park.  Set amongst downtown San Diego’s landmark buildings, you can play in the fountains, the kid’s zone, or come down for a picnic on the lawn to catch the sunset.  Just perfect for summertime in San Diego.

In addition, Waterfront Park is within walking distance of the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum.

La Jolla Shores is a great spot to surf, snorkel, kayak or just relax!

4. Kayaking, Surfing, And Snorkeling At La Jolla Shores

We love spending days along San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline.  However, sometimes we want a little something more than sunbathing.  If this sounds like you, then La Jolla Shores is the place to be for some of the best snorkeling and kayaking in Southern California.  In addition, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding and surfing!

Here are a few of the best places to rent beach and surf gear:

• La Jolla Kayak
• Surf Diva
• Everyday California

While out on the water, be prepared to see California sea lions, brown pelicans, bat rays, bright orange Garibaldi, and harbor seals.  The Leopard sharks, which get their name from the spots on their skin, congregate in the calm, shallow waters on the south end of Kellogg Park.  Don’t worry, they feed on invertebrates in the sand and are harmless to swimmers and surfers.

For the easiest swimming and best visibility to snorkel, go at low tide and little to no wind.  Check the surf conditions and the tide before you go.

La Jolla Shores is also a great place for young ones as the waves are smaller than other spots in San Diego. In addition, it’s a fantastic place to learn to surf along with another favorite spot of ours to the south, Tourmaline Surfing Park!  All of the La Jolla Shores rental companies above can help you with everything you’ll need: wetsuits, surfboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear.  In addition, you can also book guided tours and surf lessons!   We love Surf Diva and the instructors are always top-notch.

You can park near the Marine Room Restaurant and walk down their beach access path.  Or parking is free at Kellogg Park, and it’s just a short walk down the beach!

Pedaling to Oceanside Harbor Village.

5. Cruise The Pacific Coast Highway in North County

Are you staying in North County or want to camp along the coast?  Well, first read our blog about camping at San Elijo State Beach!  Then enjoy another one of our top things to do in San Diego and cruise the Pacific Coast Highway!  The PCH, the 101, whatever you want to call it, it’s the best place in San Diego to pedal, jog, surf, and soak in the ocean views!

Start in at Torrey Pines or in Solana Beach and pedal north through Encinitas, Leucadia, and Carlsbad, and finish up at Oceanside Harbor Village.  You can turn around whenever you’re ready, or ride all the way up and back.  It’s 27 miles one way from Torrey Pines to Oceanside Harbor.

Even driving this stretch of San Diego’s coastline is incredible.  Just make sure to pack the beach essentials- sunblock, hat, water, bathing suit, and a towel. This way you can swim at Fletcher’s Cove, Moonlight Beach, or Swamis!

Are you interested in surfing in North County?  Well, Cardiff Reef, Swamis, and around Fletcher Cove all have good surf breaks!  Cardiff Reef is within walking distance of the Patagonia Cardiff shop, just in case you need to stock up on surf gear!

6. Hiking and Trail Running At Torrey Pines

One of our favorite things to do in San Diego is to run through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  The best part?  You can enjoy a swim after your run or hike!  Trails at Torrey Pines are a few miles or less and the difficulty is from easy to moderate.  We like hiking or jogging up to the Nature Center first, then making our way back down to the beach via the Razor Point Trail or the Beach Trail.

If you park in the North Beach Parking lot, off Carmel Valley Road, you can extend your hike to include the marshland trails around Los Penasquitos Lagoon.

Searching for more trails, especially for mountain biking?  Read until the end to see our recommendations that are less than an hour’s drive from downtown!

You can jog along Torrey Pines State Beach from Del Mar to La Jolla.  There’s also lots of hiking trails to explore within Torrey Pines State Reserve.

7. Visit Sunset Cliffs and Cabrillo National Monument

Sunset Cliffs is located south of Ocean Beach in the Point Loma area and is home to a gorgeous stretch of coastline!  Over 2 miles of ocean views where you can hike, bike, run, or surf.  Cliff jumping is also a thing when the tide is right.  It’s a bucket list thing to do in San Diego!

However, just sitting on the railing, listening to the waves, and watching the surfers might be more than enough for you.  However, if you want to get in the water and surf, the Sunset Cliffs area does have a few beach entrances.   Most are not suited for little ones, so it’s better to take them nearby to Ocean Beach.

Cabrillo National Monument is located at the end of Point Loma, and it’s where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed when he explored this area in 1542.  You can use your National Parks Pass to enter, or pay the day rate and explore the tidepools.  In addition, the views from the Point Loma Lighthouse are good enough for whale watching from December through March!

There’s a large Visitor’s Center with bathrooms, and one of our favorite things to do is to pedal to Cabrillo on a road bike or e-bike from Ocean Beach.  Why?  The climb through the naval base and then the sweeping descent down to Cabrillo’s coastal trails and tidepools are worth every drop of sweat!

8. Visit Mission Beach And Pacific Beach

Pedaling, running, or rollerblading along Ocean Front Walk from South Mission Beach to Pacific Beach is another one of our favorite things to do in San Diego.  Especially when we have visitors!  This beautiful stretch of beach, home to the most summer rentals in San Diego, goes all the way from South Mission Beach through Pacific Beach to Bird Rock in La Jolla.

Our favorite surf spot in the area is Tourmaline at the north end of Pacific Beach.  It’s perfect for sunbathing, learning to surf, SUP.  In addition, Tourmaline has its own free parking lot, showers, bathrooms, and is great for beginners to advanced longboarders.  If you’re seeking more shortboard action, try closer to the pier in PB.

In addition, beachfront fun is back at Belmont Park in Mission Beach!  Originally built in the 1950s, Belmont Park consisted of the Plunge pool and the Giant Dipper roller coaster, which still stands today.  The amusement park is filled with rides, arcade games, laser tag, mini-golf, and rock climbing.  Adjacent to the park are tons of shops, bars, and restaurants like Draft and Cannonball where you can grab a beer, a burger, and catch the sunset.

Did you forget flip-flops or feel like a new bikini?   Well then walk one block east of the beach, to Mission Boulevard, where you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, bike, and surf shops.  You’ll also find one of our favorites, Single Fin Surf Grill with the best bartenders at the beach serving up tasty breakfast burritos, craft beers, and cocktails.  As you make your way north you’ll find a few more popular San Diego summertime bars, like Lahaina’s Beach House and World Famous.

Catching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, nestled on the coastline between Ocean Beach and Point Loma, is one of the best ways to enjoy San Diego’s ocean views!

9. Go to Soccer Match at Snapdragon Stadium

One of our favorite things to do in San Diego is to go to a soccer match!  We are supporters of the NWSL women’s pro soccer team, the San Diego Wave FC, and Snapdragon Stadium is also home to the newest MLS team the San Diego FC!  Both teams play at Snapdragon between March through October.

If you’ve never been to a soccer (or football match for those of you reading that live outside of the U.S. and Canada), they are filled with chanting, singing, and lots of families wearing their home team scarves.  You will see LOTS of kids wearing their team soccer jerseys or the jersey of their favorite player!  In addition, going to a soccer match is nothing like going to an NFL match with drunken, rowdy fans.  Tickets are very reasonable.  Cheap seats start at around $26 each.  Buy online through San Diego Wave FC, San Diego FC, or Ticketmaster.  We have been long-time Wave FC supporters and season ticket holders and we try not to miss a match!

Pro tip: Park at McGregor’s down the street, have a pint or bite to eat before the match, and then pedal or walk over to the match!  We bring our bikes to make it easy to get back and forth, and of course save on stadium parking, which can be almost $40 a match!  In addition, the food and beverages at Snapdragon are not cheap, so stopping at McGregor’s before and after ensures you are well-fed and hydrated!  With kids in tow, Snapdragon Stadium parking might be your best bet, but then it’s easier to tailgate and enjoy the Fan Fest before the match!

10. Swim Laps in the Sunshine

While we’ve mentioned lots of beaches where you can get in a swim, if you are like us, you might be searching for a place to get in a workout without having to worry about the waves or marine life.  Here are our favorite places to swim laps in San Diego:

• Bud Kearns Pool- in Balboa Park
• The Plunge Pool- in Belmont Park, Mission Beach
• Open water swimming in Mission Bay (aim for the roped-off areas or where there are fewer boats), or at La Jolla Cove. If you’re new or still a beginner to open water swimming, go with a buddy!  Check out La Jolla Swim Club or the San Diego Triathlon Club!

Catch the sunrise at Kellogg Park near Scripps Institution of Oceanography at La Jolla Shores Beach where you will often find perfect conditions for snorkeling, kayaking and surfing!

Things to Do Near San Diego, Within an Hour’s Drive

If you’re searching for more adventure within an hour’s drive of downtown San Diego and potential camping, here are our favorites!

La Jolla Indian Campground + Luiseño Bike Park

Just northeast of the city, nestled in the shadows of Palomar Mountain lies La Jolla Indian Campground.  The nice bonus here is that in addition to camping by the river, the Luiseño Bike Park is located right in the campground.  The bike park offers daily shuttle service to the top at almost 6,000ft, the views are incredible, and there are miles of fun flowy downhill trails.

You can even rent tubes to flow down the campground’s river and there’s zip-lining!

Mount Laguna + Lake Cuyamaca

Other areas we love for outdoor adventures in San Diego’s local mountains include Mount Laguna and Lake Cuyamaca.  Both are about an hour’s drive east on the 8.  You’ll climb up out of the warm desert scrubland and into the cool breezes of the pine forest at 6,000ft.  There are several campgrounds including Laguna Campground, and dozens of trails for riding, hiking, or just relaxing with a view across Laguna Meadows!

If you love mountain biking, the descent down Noble Canyon is epic!

Things to Do in San Diego in the Summertime…Or Any Time of Year

There are a lot of things to do in San Diego outdoors year-round, so we hope this gets you excited!  Remember to check out the Visit San Diego website for current events, weather, travel tips, and tons of other ideas for summer activities in San Diego County.  If you are looking to plan an event here, whether team building, scavenger hunts, or walking tours, check out WhereTours.com for out-of-the-ordinary adventures!

We also invite you to share this blog with friends or check out some of our other travel blogs:

• Valle de Guadalupe, La Ruta del Vino in Baja, Mexico
• Costa Rica for the Adventure Traveler
• Oaxaca Mexico Travel Guide
• Adventure Travel in Spain
• Cuba Travel for Outdoor Adventurers

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy adventuring!

– Meredith McConvill

The post 10 Things to Do in San Diego: Summertime and Year-Round Activities appeared first on Top Rope Media.

Apply to Be a Speaker and Be Seen as a Leader in Your Industry

Speaking at conferences is a potent tool in the arsenal of modern marketing strategies.  Whether you’re an expert in your industry or a budding entrepreneur, presenting at conferences and trade shows can be a game-changer for your brand.  Both B2C and B2B businesses should include public speaking engagements as a part of their marketing strategy.

Yes, public speaking can be one of the hardest things to do.  So in this blog, we’re walking you through the benefits of putting yourself out there and how to improve your public speaking.  If you are ready to be seen as a thought leader in your industry, let’s go!

Speaking at Conferences and Events: Creative Mornings San Diego

Speaking at conferences is a multi-faceted opportunity that offers professional growth, networking, branding, and knowledge-sharing advantages.  Whether you’re an expert in your field or an up-and-coming professional, consider taking the stage at a conference to reap these benefits and make a positive impact on your industry.

As an example, I was thrilled to be part of the Creative Mornings crew to close out the 2017 season!  As one of the selected speakers, we were asked to share our story, keeping in mind the global theme of the day: Context.  To set the scene, there were over 700 people in the audience.  Most attendees were from start-ups, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives, just like me.  Some of my peers were present, but most people I did not know.

The recording below is of all the presentations.  Therefore, skip to 18:35 in the video to watch my talk! 

Tips to Improve Public Speaking at Conferences and Events

Now, to succeed in the realm of public speaking at your next event, consider these five tips:

1. Prepare: Research your topic and draft a speech that resonates with your audience. (More on building a presentation below!)
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and eliminate jitters.
3. Connect with Your Audience: Understand your audience’s needs and tailor your message.
4. Engage Through Storytelling: Use anecdotes and real-life examples to make your message relatable and memorable.
5. Master Non-Verbal Communication: Work on your body language, gestures, and eye contact to convey confidence and authority.

How to Make Your Presentation Memorable When Speaking at Conferences

When I found out I was selected to speak at Creative Mornings, I had less than 48 hours to prepare!  Hopefully, this does not happen to you when you apply to speak at a tradeshow or event.  Therefore, a quick tip before you apply is to make sure you have a slide deck, pitch deck, or presentation ready to go.  Often you might be asked to submit it when you apply!

Feeling stuck?  Try Canva to create your next presentation for speaking engagements!  Here’s a link to the slide deck that I used for this event.  Again, it wasn’t flashy or high-tech, but my slide deck helped me keep pace with my talk.  And allowed the audience to visualize and engage with my journey.  I created context, which was the theme of the day!

Before I move on, if you need help putting together your next presentation or pitch deck, drop us a line!

If you are at all familiar with SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, you’ll understand why this was one of the best slides in the Agency Guy’s deck!

Need More Reasons to Apply to be a Speaker at Conferences and Tradeshows?

Here’s a few more reasons why you should consider applying to be a speaker at conferences and tradeshow events:

1. Establish Authority: Speaking engagements position you as an authority in your field, enhancing your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness.
2. Networking Opportunities: Conferences and trade shows are hubs of industry professionals. Being a speaker allows you to connect with potential partners, clients, and collaborators.
3. Content Creation: Your presentations can be repurposed into blog posts, podcasts, and videos, boosting your content marketing efforts.
4. Audience Engagement: Engaging an audience face-to-face fosters a stronger connection than digital methods, leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.
5. Lead Generation: Speaking engagements provide opportunities to capture leads, expanding your email list and potential customer base.

Speaking at even small events, leading breakout sessions, or hosting a panel discussion can help you build confidence and connect more intimately with your audience.

Final Thoughts on Speaking at Industry Events and Tradeshows

Going back to the Creative Morning event.  Of course, I could have just attended the Creative Mornings event like hundreds of others.  But I put myself out there and made several great connections as a result.  And the lineup afterward of people wanting to share their stories with me, or work for Top Rop Media, was incredible!!

Attending industry events or tradeshows is a great tactic to add to any business’s marketing strategy.  Take it one step further and apply to be a speaker!

If you haven’t read our latest Industry Events and Tradeshows blog, we’ve outlined how to get the most engagement and generate leads!  In the blog, we’ve also included tips for B2B and B2C brands in the outdoor industry, however, these could also be applied to clean tech, renewables, automotive, you name it!

Attending Industry Events and Tradeshows

Lastly, if you’re wondering what the best outdoor industry events and tradeshows are, here are our favorites!  Want to hear more from us?  Sign up for our newsletter below and follow our daily adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Thanks for reading and until next time, get out there and start applying to speak at more conferences and events in your industry!

Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media

The post Speaking at Conferences: Why You Should Apply to be a Speaker appeared first on Top Rope Media.

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San Elijo Campground is one of the best beach camping spots on the California coast!  Picture yourself perched up on the bluff, overlooking the ocean, going to sleep with the sound of the waves.  If you’re planning a road trip, or just want a break from the inland heat, here’s everything you need to know about San Elijo State Beach and Campground!

Where is San Elijo Campground

The San Elijo campground is located at San Elijo State Beach, nestled in the coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, or just Cardiff if you want to sound more like a local.  It’s sandwiched in between the larger beach towns of Encinitas and Solana Beach.  Cardiff is not a large town, it’s mostly residential.  And, the shops and restaurants are actually located in a small cluster on San Elijo Avenue and not on the 101 or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).  This gives you miles of uninterrupted ocean views!

Beachfront campsites are hard to find in California, but San Elijo has several spots and a few with hookups!

When to Visit San Elijo Campground

Whether you’re coming for a few days to camp, or plan to stay a few weeks, the campground at San Elijo State Beach is open year-round!  The best months for camping along the California coast are July through October.  Then you can avoid the May gray/June gloom we typically experience when the fog rolls in and sticks around almost all day.  And, although the cooler winter months will see fewer travelers, you’d enjoy those months better if you have an RV or other hard-sided vehicle.

Keep in mind, California camping is popular all year round!  So, plan ahead by booking your campsite in San Elijo a few months in advance.  Check out our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a full list of what we bring!

Here’s the San Elijo Campground Map and San Elijo State Beach. Pay attention to where the bluffs and stairs are, as there is no handicapped accessible way to reach the beach from the north end of the campground (left side of image).

How to Book a Campsite at San Elijo Campground

Once you’re ready to book a campsite at San Elijo State Beach, use ReserveCalifornia.com to reserve a campsite.

Not seeing the campsites you want or finding the campground fully booked?  Try logging on at 8am each morning.  This is when changes/cancellations are applied.  And, it’s how we were able to score an oceanfront campsite less than 48 hours in advance!

Lower, Middle, and Upper Sections of San Elijo Campground

Camping is available in either the Lower, Middle, or Upper sections of San Elijo State Beach.  What’s the difference?  The lower section of the San Elijo campground is right near the river mouth, or the San Elijo Lagoon.  It’s the best spot if you want to surf Cardiff Reef.  More on the different surf breaks in a bit.  The lower section is also best for families with little kids who want easy beach access with no stairs.  There is a lifeguard station right here, and there are both oceanfront spots and inland sites.  No hook-ups or shore power.

The middle section lies just north and has both hook-ups and standard sites, but steep stairs to get down to the beach.  However, it’s easiest to get into the town of Cardiff from the lower or middle section, which is where you’ll head for groceries, shops, and restaurants.  The Upper section is high up on the bluff.  So you’ll have incredible views of the ocean and sunsets, but alas, lots of stairs.  No hook-ups here either, but it is a lot quieter.  And fewer kids.  And, good access to Pipes, another great surf break!

Note: During high tide, the middle and upper sections of the San Elijo campground’s beach become almost inaccessible.  The waves often crash right up against the cliffs!  So it’s great for getting out to surf without crowds, but not good for little kids.

Camping along the California coast at San Elijo State Beach means beautiful sunsets, s’mores around the campfire, and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the sea.

What to Expect at San Elijo Campground

After you check in at the ranger station around 3pm you can be out in the ocean in less than 10 minutes…unless you want to unpack!  Here are the amenities and things you should be aware of at the San Elijo campground:

• Picnic tables, fire rings with grills
• Full hook-ups at some middle section sites (see the San Elijo Campground map above)
•  Tokens are available at the ranger station kiosk for hot showers!
• Bathrooms and dishwashing sink
• Drinking water spigots in front of every other campsite.
• Noise: Ocean waves crashing on the shore can be gentle on some nights and downright mind-numbing on others.  In addition, expect frequent trains.
• Theft: Although we did not experience any, there are signs everywhere not to leave your surfboards or bicycles out.
• Lack of shade: most campsites do not have large, leafy trees, so bring a pop-up, umbrellas, or something to create shade.
• Cement camping pads and sandy sites. Bring a ground tarp/rug/pad to keep the sand and dust from getting unruly!

Camping with Dogs and Pets

We camp all the time with our hound dog, Lucy.  And yes, dogs are allowed in San Elijo State Beach Campground.  However, just as in most State and National Parks, your dog must be leashed at all times.  And, they cannot leave the pavement.

However, if you want to walk on the beach with your dog, head to the south end of the campground, adjacent to Cardiff State Beach, where dogs are allowed on the beach and they can go in the water!   Just make sure to keep them on a leash.

In addition, dogs cannot be left unattended while camping in San Elijo, so make sure you take turns surfing.  Or, it’s cool enough to leave them inside your camper.

You can camp with your pup at San Elijo, but you cannot bring them down the stairs and onto the beach, except by the river mouth on the south end.

Top 5 things to see and do at San Elijo State Beach and Campground:

1. Relax and Enjoy the View

Pack binoculars, a good camp or beach chair, and something for shade. Then, settle in and enjoy the ocean view!  From here, besides surfers, you can spot California brown pelicans and ospreys, and it’s great for whale watching!

2. Surfing or Stand Up Paddle Board

The surf breaks near San Elijo campground are some of the best in San Diego!  There are mostly rocky reef beach breaks, and honestly, most are not suitable for beginners.  The waves often break right over the reef, making the take-off challenging, especially at low tide.

Bring booties if you want to protect your feet. You’ll often have to walk over the reef a bit before you can begin to paddle in some sections. Board rentals and other gear can be found at Cardiff Surf Co or Patagonia Cardiff.

Not only can you check the surf right from your picnic table if you have an oceanfront spot, but lots of campers also put their chairs right up on their table for a better view!

Most popular surf breaks near San Elijo Campground from South to North:

• Seaside Reef: South end of Cardiff State Beach
• George’s
• Cardiff Reef: Far south end where the river flows into the ocean. Popular, and you’re likely to see some local pros in the lineup.
• Traps
• Pipes: Middle section of the San Elijo Campground.
• Tippers: Just behind the Cardiff Kook.
• 85’s/Bull Taco: There used to be an old taco stand and camp store within the park!
• Turtles: north end of San Elijo campground. There’s a paid parking lot, or you can go down the northernmost stairs.

3. Ride Bikes or Run Along the 101- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

California’s Route 101, also known as the PCH or Pacific Coast Highway is the best place in San Diego to pedal, run, walk, and soak in the ocean views! Start at the campground and head south towards Solana Beach, Del Mar, and then climb up Torrey Pines into La Jolla.  Or head north and pedal to Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and finish up at Oceanside Harbor Village.  You can turn around whenever you’re ready.  It’s 27 miles one-way from Torrey Pines to Oceanside Harbor.

Even driving this stretch of San Diego’s coastline is incredible!

Biking along the Pacific Coast Highway or the 101 rewards you with breathtaking views, especially in the southbound direction!

4. Try Cardiff Crack

No, we’re not talking about the local drug scene, but meat.  Burgundy peppered tri-tip beef to be exact.  Cardiff’s Seaside Market started making what the locals dubbed ‘Cardiff Crack’ in the ’90s.  And, it is definitely worth picking some up for dinner around the campfire one night.

5. Hike the San Elijo Ecological Reserve and Annie’s Canyon Trail

Leave the coast and walk inland to reach the San Elijo Lagoon for some easy hiking along flat trails.  The most popular trail is Annie’s Canyon Trail, where you can slip through slot canyons and scramble up sandstone.  Start on the south end of the campground, crossing the bridge over the Lagoon and dropping onto the trail behind Las Olas restaurant.  Or enter from San Elijo Avenue or in Solana Beach.  Check out All Trails for more details.

The whole stretch of coastline in California’s North County is perfect for beach cruising, and sunset watching.

Last Few Tips for Your California Camping Trip

Ready to go?  Take a peek at our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a list of what we pack!  For this camping trip, even in the summer, plan on bringing layers.  Temperatures vary and it can be quite humid in the mornings and evenings.  So much so that you might think it rained while you were sleeping!

Looking for more travel tips?

• Oaxaca, Mexico Travel Guide
• Cuba Adventure Travel
• Adventure Travel in Spain: Mallorca, the Costa Brava, and the Costa Blanca
• California’s Eastern Sierras and Yosemite National Park

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy camping!

– Meredith McConvill

The post California Beach Camping: San Elijo State Beach appeared first on Top Rope Media.

Baja Mexico Travel Guide: Tijuana, Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe

Seeking adventure south of the border?  Well, our Baja Mexico Travel Guide covers everything from your border crossing in Tijuana to Rosarito, Ensenada, and then inland to Valle de Guadalupe! We’ll take you to our favorite spots for street tacos, cervezas, and incredible Baja wines.

In addition, we’ve also included accommodations, activities, and tips for driving throughout the region.  So, let’s vámonos!

5 Things to Do Before You Go

 

1. Practice Your Spanish

 

As with traveling to any foreign country, you should familiarize yourself with the local language.  Yes, many people will speak enough English to help you out.  And you can use Google Translate.  However, if you’re traveling off the beaten path, you may not be as lucky.

Therefore, we use Duolingo daily to keep us speaking Spanish on the regular.  You can download Duolingo for free to your phone, and learn quickly with just 10 minutes of practice a day!

 

Ordering street tacos and cervezas in Baja will be much easier if you speak a little Spanish!

 

2. Pack Your Passport, Sentri, or Global Entry

 

Traveling in Baja Mexico comes with a few challenges.  But first, make sure you have a valid passport.  And your Global Entry or SENTRI card.  If you are within a few months of the expiration of either your passport, Global Entry, or SENTRI, reapply before you leave.

What are the benefits of registering for Global Entry or Sentri for travel to Mexico?  If you drive, you can use the Sentri lanes when crossing back from Mexico into the U.S.  If you fly, you can use TSA-Pre.  This can translate into a big time saver if you’re driving or flying home on a busy day.  How big?  10 minutes to cross the border vs. 3 hours stuck waiting in line!

 

3. Buy Travel Insurance

 

This blog is geared to those driving across the border from either San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or Tecate border crossings.  And, when we drive to Mexico, we always get auto insurance for our car.  Why?  Because your U.S. or Canadian car insurance will not cover any accidents or theft in Mexico.  And you can be arrested if you get in an accident and you do not have insurance, even if it’s not your fault.

Therefore, we use Baja Bound as it’s simple, easy, and inexpensive to pick up car insurance for Mexico for both short and long trips!

If you’re flying, you can always purchase travel insurance to cover your entire trip.  In addition, this can be added to your ticket price through the airline you’ve booked, like Volaris or AeroMexico.

 

4. Check With Your Bank + Cell Phone Carrier

 

Most Visas, Mastercards, and cell phone carriers will allow you to continue using your cards and your cell phone plan while in Mexico.  This includes talk, text, and data for your cell.  However, to avoid any extra charges, or have a hold placed on a credit or ATM card, check in with your bank, the main credit card you will use, and your cell phone carrier before departing.

Often you will need to turn on roaming to allow for connection to Telcel or Movistar.  In addition, check to make sure the place you are staying at offers wifi.  Then, you can connect easily to send emails or browse the web.

 

Make sure you have pesos on hand, especially at street taco carts!

 

5. Exchange Dollars for Mexican Pesos

 

Before we roll out, we always make sure to have some Mexican pesos on hand.  Typically $20 U.S. worth or 400 pesos.  Why?  First, and most importantly, you will need to carry cash to pay tolls on the drive south. 

If you are driving south from San Diego to Ensenada on the toll road, which is significantly faster than the free road (more on this in a bit), you will need about $10 US to get there.  The toll plazas will take American dollars, but do not expect to receive change in U.S. dollars.  And, wait for them to give you a receipt before you drive away.  Lastly, do not expect a friendly smile if you roll up with a $20 or larger bill.

The exchange rate between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar is about 20 to 1.  It does fluctuate, so check out the current exchange rate before leaving, and try to pick up some pesos before you go.

 

Driving to Baja Mexico

 

Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border

 

From either the 5 or 805 South, you can reach the border and enter Tijuana.  You’ll need to head further inland if you want to cross into Tecate.  The border wait times on the U.S. side are fairly short.  Unless it’s a Friday afternoon or holiday weekend.  In addition to driving, you can also walk across the border into Tijuana fairly easily.  And, this would be the preferred method if you are only visiting Tijuana, as you can hop in a cab after crossing to take you just about anywhere in TJ.

As you drive across, you will pass through 2 checkpoints, and then enter onto a highway in Tijuana.  99% of the time you will not be stopped, nor need to show any paperwork as you cross.  However, if you do get directed into Secondary, a secondary screening, follow the officer’s directions of where to park and remain in your vehicle until given instructions.  

Once you successfully cross the border, getting out of Tijuana can be challenging.  Therefore, map your route to your Baja destination in advance.  And pay attention to the highways you will need to exit onto after you cross the border.  Having a navigator in the car is also quite helpful!

If you are heading into Tijuana proper, bound for Revolucion Boulevard, or the Zona Rio, you will exit quickly onto the streets of Tijuana.  However, if you are heading towards destinations such as Rosarito Beach, Valle de Guadalupe, or Ensenada, you will stay in the 2nd from the right lane and follow signs for Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada or 1D, the Ensenada Cuota (toll road).  Upon exiting, the highway will take you west and slightly north, along the border wall.

 

As you cross the border into Mexico, make sure you already know which roads you need to take to reach your destination.

 

Visiting the U.S. – Mexico Border Wall

 

If you’ve never seen the U.S.- Mexico border wall, this is where you’ll first get a good glimpse of it.  Many who travel with us have taken photos of the border wall from the back seat of our car as we wind through TJ, but keep in mind, that this is not a tourist attraction.  And, there is absolutely no room to pull over on the road to Ensenada.

If you want to see, touch, and take photos in front of the U.S.- Mexico border wall, plan a side trip before crossing to Friendship Park in Border Field State Park on the U.S. side.

Back to driving!  Within minutes of driving alongside the U.S.-Mexico border wall, you will climb a small hill, and on the descent, there will be a fork in the road.  You will stay in the right lane, and head for Rosarito, Playas Tijuana, and Ensenada.  After a few minutes, there will be another slight turn to take the toll road, Ensenada Cuota, the 1D.  Unless you are bound for Playas Tijuana, take the toll road.  The coast will then come into view and you will begin the journey south, finally!

 

When packing for your trip to Baja, think casual, and be prepared for lots of walking.

 

What to Pack for Baja Mexico Travel

 

Besides the passports and pesos, what else should you pack for your Baja Mexico trip?  Well, if you’re camping, Clam Beach or Playa Saldamando are the best spots!  Also, you can refer to our Camping Road Trip Checklist for a printable PDF of what to pack!  Here’s a quick list of other essentials:

• Flip-flops: nothing fancy, you may end up walking on dirt or gravel roads, or leaving them on the beach when you swim
• Board shorts and bathing suits
• Jeans, the sweatpants look is less popular here
• Hoodie or sweater, it gets chilly in the evenings, especially along the coast
• Everything you need for surfing, including surf wax. Surf shops are hard to come by in Baja.
• Leave all the fancy jewels at home.  Expensive purses, big diamond rings, and even flashy cars indicate that you are indeed a tourist.

 

6 of the Best Places to Explore During Your Baja Mexico Trip

 

In this section, we’ll cover our favorite spots to eat, stay, and play in Northern Baja.

 

1. Tijuana

 

Tijuana used to be a very popular destination for those under 21, or for tourists looking to snap a photo with the donkey painted like a zebra on the corner of Revolucion Avenue.  However, nowadays, there is less foot traffic crossing for cheap tequila, vanilla, Kahlua, or Mexican blankets.

Instead, more visitors are crossing to enjoy the hottest new restaurant by Chef Javier Plascencia, or take in a Tijuana Xolos Futbol match, aka soccer.

 

Some of our favorite stops in Tijuana:

 

• Caesar’s: A stop along Revolucion is not complete without a cocktail or legit Ceasar salad prepared tableside at ‘the home of the Ceasar salad’
• Las Ahumaderas: aka Taco Alley, made famous by Chef Anthony Bourdain. Come hungry, and with lots of pesos!
• Verde y Crema: Located on Revolucion, a favorite place for tapas and Baja wines
• Border Psycho Brewery: Great craft beer selection. Not to be confused with Border X Brewery, which is in Barrio Logan.
• Cafe Saverious: The latest creation from Chef Javier Plascencia
• Telefonica Gastro Park: The best eats and drinks all in one hip spot!
• Sospeso: The best coffee roaster, and off the beaten path, so they cater more to upscale Tijuana residents than tourists

 

A bit hard to find, but worth the trek to Las Ahumederas for some of the best street tacos in TJ.

 

2. Rosarito Beach

 

As you begin your journey south you’ll pass Baja Malibu, home to a great surf break, and then reach the first touristy beach town of Rosarito.  Take one of the last exits in Rosarito, and from here you can see the Rosarito Beach Hotel towering over the coastline.

In Rosarito, you will find a nice section of shops, bars, beach clubs, and restaurants!  Besides bars serving up margaritas, chips, and guac, there is a fantastic steakhouse, El Nido that we stop at any time we’re in town.

 

Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride

 

Another reason we travel to Rosarito each year?  The Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride!  This is not a race, although years past may have proven otherwise when I was in ‘race shape’.

Rosarito Ensenada is a 50-mile fun bicycle ride.  It begins in Rosarito, and makes its way south along the coast, then turns inland to climb El Tigre, and finally descends down into Ensenada.

At the finish line, you are treated to a fiesta with food, music, vendors, and of course your finisher’s medal.  Then, once you can’t drink any more Tecates, catch a ride back to the start, or to your accommodations, with a taxi or shuttle driver.

We often have someone in our group who does not want to ride, so they’ll drive to Ensenada and meet us at the fiesta to shuttle us back.

The Rosarito Ensenada bike ride is classified as moderately difficult, but we have friends who have ridden it on mountain bikes, beach cruisers, and some carrying a full cooler of beer!  It’s typically held twice a year, in May around Cinco de Mayo, and then again in September.  There’s still plenty of time to register!

 

Hanging out after a surf session at Baja Malibu, waiting on my tacos and Tecate!

 

3. Popotla

 

A quick drive south on the free road from Rosarito is a little artisan area called Popotla.  Here you will find our favorite market, Mercado Del Mar.  They have some of the best selections of tequila, mezcal, and local Baja wines in their almost hidden wine cave.  We think this setup dates back to the years of prohibition!

Popotla is also a great place to stop if you want to purchase clay pottery, tiles, or have iron or woodwork done.  In addition, the small fishing village, Puerto Popotla is still just as charming as ever.  More so than its infamous neighbor, Puerto Nuevo.  Why?  You can still find fisherman pulling their small boats right up on the beach!  And, you can purchase fish right off their boat.  They’ll even prepare it for you if you want to sit at one of the small tables on the beach and enjoy a cerveza while you wait!

To get here, make a right under the large white arch, just south of Baja Studios, where the Titanic, Pearl Harbor, and the new Point Break were filmed!  Dining in Popotla includes Tapanco, another incredible steakhouse, and then TrentaQuattro, a pizza place with tables right on the ocean.

 

The coastline of Baja is 760 miles long, so be ready to spend lots of time outside watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

 

4. Las Gaviotas and Puerto Nuevo

 

Las Gaviotas

 

Not a town in Baja Norte, but Las Gaviotas is often where we stay when we head south of the border.  Why?  Las Gaviotas is an ex-pat community of dozens of Spanish colonial-style homes, complete with security, a private beach, pool, jacuzzi, and a stellar surf break.  You can find oceanview homes for rent on Baja Pro, Airbnb, or Vrbo.

A bit further north from Gaviotas, another great spot to rent a home or condo is at Club Marena!  And, as you may have guessed, there’s a great surf break right out front near K38!  Got questions about accommodations or safety while traveling in Baja?  Email us!  We stay in Baja several times a year.

Pro tip: Leave your pets at home.  The downside to Gaviotas and Club Marena is that you cannot bring pets unless you are an owner, or get the owner’s permission.  So, Lucy has to stay home.  But, the convenience of staying in a 3-bedroom house on the beach in Baja with friends, often for as little as $100/night?  And you can walk to surf every morning and again at sunset?  We’ll take it.

 

Puerto Nuevo

 

What once was a small fishing village where California spiny lobsters were brought up by the boatload, Puerto Nuevo is now more of a tourist trap.  There are still several restaurants that serve lobster, plus lots of souvenir shops.  But honestly, we have spent more time in the newly installed Calimax up the road from Puerto Nuevo as of late.  Pro tip: This Calimax is definitely one of the largest grocery stores on the coast between Rosarito and Ensenada!

 

With so many options for accommodations with an ocean view, like here at Club Marena, it’s worth spending a night or two.

 

5. Ensenada

 

Continuing south on the 1 from Puerto Nuevo will bring you to the port of Ensenada.  If you need a bite to eat on the way, want to stretch your legs, or hop in the ocean, stop first in La Fonda.  This 1970’s era hotel, bar, restaurant, and beach break has hosted everyone from high-end Hollywood celebrities to van-life surf rats.

As you continue south, you’ll see and smell the fishing port of Ensenada.  In addition, you will find the famed seafood market stalls where Chef Anthony Bourdain dined on the best fish tacos on the planet!  Bring your appetite for fresh octopus, oysters, and ceviche that taste as if it were pulled from the sea that morning.  And most likely, it was.

Don’t forget to pair your meals with local craft beers, or wines from Mexico’s wine country a few miles away in the Valle de Guadalupe.  Here are a few places to get you started in Ensenada:

 

• Cerveceria Agua Mala is a cleverly designed brewery housed inside shipping containers! And, their menu is inspired by Chef Drew Deckman (see below for more on Drew’s place in the Valle!)
• Wendlandt Cerveceria is located not far from Agua Mala, you’ll find both a brewpub and tasting room
• Ophelia’s is a beautiful little artisan-styled restaurant serving local everything
• Cafe Toya is located in the same parking lot as Ophelias and a great place for a coffee or pastry
• Tacos Lily has the BEST Fish tacos at Mercado Nergo, where inside you can also buy fresh seafood
• La Guerrerense, just a few blocks away from the Mercado, this taco cart is anything but ordinary. At the helm is Sabina Bandera, a world-renowned creator of extraordinary seafood dishes!
• Hussong’s Cantina, the oldest bar in Baja, is filled with locals and tourists alike!

 

Bring your appetite for seafood to Ensenada, and try new things from each stand!

 

6. Valle de Guadalupe: La Ruta Del Vino

 

I wrote an entire blog on why I love Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe.  I travel here more often than I visit any other wine region combined.  Why?  For the same reasons, I visit the rest of Mexico.  The winemakers and restauranteurs are humble, inviting, independent, and unique!

As you rumble down the washboard roads, often following a handmade sign that, hopefully, directs you to the vineyard of your choosing, you may begin to question if this was a good idea.  Sprawling hills covered in grapevines roll out before you.  Tiny taco stands along with those selling fresh local honey, avocados, and olives dot the main roads.

But then, you turn into a dirt parking lot and stroll up to a gorgeous oasis in the cactus-studded desert.  Think Palm Springs mixed with the Rioja region of Spain.  Mid-century modern and minimalist architecture combined with farmhouse chic.  Wild Baja, somehow tamed in neat rows of olive groves and cage-free piglets in the Campestre.  The Valle de Guadalupe is the finest farm-to-table you could imagine.  Perhaps the envy of U.S. restauranteurs and hoteliers who have been trying and often failing to master this simple yet elegant experience.

 

The rustic entrance to Chef Javier Plascencia’s Finca Altozano in Valle de Guadalupe does not prepare you for what’s to come!

 

Getting There: Driving to Baja’s Wine Country

 

To get to Valle de Guadalupe, start your journey inland from the coast at La Misión or La Fonda.  Or, head northeast out of Ensenada on Route 3.  You can also begin your journey in Tecate to reach Valle Guadalupe.

 

Where to Eat in Valle de Guadalupe

• Fauna at Bruma Think organic luxury with Chef David Castro Hussong creating sophisticated dishes with local ingredients.
• Finca Altozano A Chef Javier Plascencia establishment…order anything off the grill!
• Deckman’s en el Morgor Michelin Star Chef Drew Deckman creates a one-of-a-kind meal in a farmhouse setting.  Even the kitchen is outside!
• Cuatro Cuatros Overlooking Salsipuedes Bay, Cuatro Cuatros wins for the best place to surprise and delight your eyes…and your palate.  It’s also a great place for date night!

 

Wander around most restaurants in the Valle and you will find the farm where they grow almost all the grapes for wine, livestock for meat and dairy, and all the produce that you’ll be enjoying at lunch or dinner.

 

Where to Drink Wine in Baja

 

Baja’s wine country is now home to almost 200 wineries!  Here you can treat your palate to the finest Nebbiolo, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, or Cab Franc.  Winemakers here can comfortably go head-to-head with the great vineyards of Napa and Bordeaux.  Here’s a very small list of where we typically stop to sample Baja’s finest wines:

• Vinos Paoloni at Vila Montefiori
• Vena Cava
• Adobe Guadalupe
• Mount Xanic
• Casa Magoni

 

From wine tasting to meals, you’ll be dining al fresco. Come hungry, and try a few new things from each menu!

 

Where to Sleep in the Valle

 

Planning to stay in Valle de Guadalupe for a couple of days?  Road trips can always be extended, and there are plenty of beautifully crafted villas, B&Bs, and uniquely designed living quarters that will make it easy to say yes.  Here are a few we love:

• Encuentro Guadalupe
• Casa 8 at Bruma
• Adobe Guadalupe
• Agua de Vid

 

Resource Guide: Baja Mexico Travel Made Easy

 

We hope this gives you lots of ideas on how to visit Baja for a day.  But we recommend lingering a bit longer.  We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible, so we’ve included even more resources below!

Surfing: Want more tips on surfing in Baja?  A must-read is The Surfer’s Guide to Baja by Mike Parise.  

Rock Climbing: We have also found great rock climbing in Baja! The two spots we love are Valle Azteca, near La Misión, and then the climbing and camping at Guadalupe Canyon Oasis.

Border Crossings: What You Can and Cannot Bring Home from Baja

 

Want to read more about visiting Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe?  Our latest blog has all the details.  And here are a few articles we love:

• Your Next Big Mexico Trip is a Drive Across the Border– Conde Nast Traveler
• An Unexpected Wine Sanctuary in Baja California– New York Times
• The West’s New Hottest Wine Region is South of the Border– Sunset Magazine

 

Loved this and want more travel tips for road trips and camping?  Check out the rest of our blog posts.  Until next time, adios amigos!

Meredith McConvill

The post Baja Mexico Travel Guide: Tijuana, Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe appeared first on Top Rope Media.