Tasty Mexican Food Stops On A Baja California Road Trip

Loreto, Mexico, is just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles, with direct service also available from Phoenix and Dallas. That easy accessibility makes it the ideal starting point for a road-tripping food tour along the Baja California peninsula. Rent a car at the airport (U.S. travelers can drive with a U.S. license), stopping for regional bites like Baja-style ceviche and chocolate clams. The journey ends with a bucket-list experience: seeing (and possibly petting) the friendly gray whales of Guerrero Negro.

Loreto

This friendly and laidback coastal town is known for its marine park, sport fishing, and, increasingly, its food scene.

Hotel Oasis

This beachfront hotel makes an ideal overnight stop, with a restaurant serving standout regional dishes. Guests staying over on Saturday night at Hotel Oasis can enjoy a festive beachfside BBQ buffet, including the region’s famed chocolate clams, cooked almejas tatemadas style—buried in sand and roasted over hot coals. Also exceptional is the Talega-style coffee, traditionally brewed and prepared tableside. Another highlight is the Domingos de Rancho farm-to-table dinner with options of roasted suckling goat, organic chicken and pork. Stop by the bakery for fresh Mexican pastries before hitting the road.

Orlandos

Before leaving town, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this beloved local spot. Orlandos is known for its festive atmosphere, massive margaritas, extensive drinks menu and traditional Mexican food. Enjoy tried and true favorites like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, or specialties of the house, such as their flaky cilantro fish— served with handmade tortillas.

Mulegé

​​About two hours north of Loreto, stop by the sleepy town of Mulegé. Take a short detour to explore Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé, a historic stone church.

Hotel Serenidad

Located at the mouth of the Mulegé River, Hotel Serenidad is this area’s most iconic stay. Its on-site restaurant serves traditional Mexican comfort food with cozy indoor vibes (with multiple fireplaces) and a breezy patio. On Saturday night, don’t miss the famed pig roast buffet, complete with dancers, mariachis and flowing margaritas.

El Kaluly

This seafood shack with river views is the go-to spot for affordable, fresh eats. At El Kaluly, chocolate clams are the most popular menu item, but fish tacos and ceviche tostadas also shine. Diners can customize their order with a generous selection of tasty toppings and salsas.

Guerrero Negro

It’s another three hours up to Guerrero Negro where travelers usually want to spend a minimum of two nights. This town is best known for its gray whale-watching tours from January through April. Other draws include the massive open-air salt mine, bird sanctuary and open landscape. Overnight at Alma Viajera Hotel.

Restaurant Mario´s

Mario’s Tours is both a popular tour operator and their Restaurant Mario’s is one of the most popular in town. Most entrees come with the delicious house fideo soup. Seafood is the star here—order grilled local lobster, massive grilled brochettes and some of the town’s best guacamole.

Malarrimo Restaurant

A solid, upscale dinner option is Malarrimo, which offers a mix of international dishes and traditional Mexican fare. Scallops are among the most popular menu items, including breaded abalone, grilled carne asada and seasonal specialties.

Santa Rosalia

On the way back to Loreto, head to Santa Rosalia, a great pit stop for lunch, about three hours north of Guerrero Negro. Santa Rosalia is designated a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) because of its French colonial architecture, black sand beaches, and the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel).

Tacos Sicodelicos

This affordable and tasty taco has ocean views with generous portions and handmade tortillas. Try a sampler plate with a choice of stews, including cochinita, chamorro (red wine braised beef) and barbacoa. Each table gets a garnish plate filled with fresh pickled onions, guacamole, salsa and cilantro. Other solid menu picks include their super quesadillas and gorditas

Tercos Pollitos

This spot is known for barbacoa crispy-skinned roasted chicken and surprises with its Americanized sides such as mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw and garlic bread. There are plenty of traditional Mexican picks on the menu also. It’s a filling spot before the final two-hour stretch to Loreto.