Jennifer Kramer - Moon Tijuana, Ensenada & Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country

outdoor dining in wine country.

Northern Baja has a unique flavor. The influence of the United States, just over the border, can be felt everywhere as the region balances the two cultures with a subtle finesse. While many peninsula road-trippers skip this region in favor of destinations farther south, just as many make it their final destination thanks in part to a thriving culinary scene whose food, craft beer, and wine are being recognized worldwide.

The five regions that define this areaTijuana, Tecate, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Valle de Guadalupeare as different from each other as they are from the rest of the peninsula. Tijuana is the big city (the largest on the entire peninsula), with a population of 1.7 million. The infamous party town of yore has reinvented itself in recent years as a culinary and cultural destination that should not be missed. Young creative types and entrepreneurs are turning vacant dance clubs into tech offices, art galleries, and craft breweries. Regional chefs are leading a food movement emulated around the world by renowned chefs such as Rick Bayless.

To the east of Tijuana, the tranquil border town of Tecate is a designated Pueblo Mgico. The small town is set amid the mountains and ranchland that characterize the region. Down the coast past Tijuana on Mexico 1 is the beach town of Rosarito, popular for a weekend of sipping margaritas at sunset, feasting on seafood, and relaxing. An hour south of Rosarito, the port town of Ensenada is a destination for road-trippers and cruise travelers with a sophisticated culinary scene.

Baja California cuisine, made with fresh local ingredients

beer in Ensenada with ocean views

Valle de la Grulla

Just east of Ensenada, the serene Valle de Guadalupe is home to over 150 wineries and quickly becoming the new tourist draw for Baja California. The restaurants have followed the wineries, and many of the well-known chefs from Tijuana and Ensenada have opened their own campestre restaurants in the valley. While the valley has grown incredibly in the past few years and is gaining worldwide recognition, it remains a tranquil destination marked by dirt roads, boutique wineries, and specialty accommodations.

Come enjoy the unique flavor of northern Baja. Youll find yourself returning for another taste.

inventive dish at Tras/Horizonte in Tijuana

oak trees at Casa Magoni winery.

casual outdoor setting at Troika restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe

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Savor the local cuisine: Tijuana is famous for its street at outdoor campestre restaurants in wine country.

and tasting rooms of Tijuana and Ensenada.

spots and milder waves for beginners.

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Where to Go

Tijuana

Tijuana is undergoing a cultural renaissance with exquisite restaurants, street food, craft breweries, and art galleries taking over the spaces where the nightclubs and bars used to be. The large, buzzing city attracts adventurous foodies in search of the best street tacos and beer aficionados who frequent the craft breweries along Avenida Revolucin.

Tecate

The small town of Tecate is a sleepy destination where visitors can relax around the town plaza, check out the growing culinary scene, visit the nearby cave paintings of El Vallecito, or enjoy a stay at one of the regions ranches. As the gateway to the Ruta del Vino, many travelers pass through Tecate for the easy border crossing, stopping for a meal or to get some goodies at the towns famous bakery.

Rosarito and the Northern Baja Coast

Rosarito is most famous for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed vibe. The region sprawls along the picturesque coastline and comprises a number of smaller communities, each with their own offerings. Convenient to Tijuana, Valle de Guadalupe, and Ensenada, Rosarito can be used as a