The Best Walking Tours to Take in Baja California, Mexico

Arguably once an unappealing destination for travellers, today Tijuana is undergoing an impressive cultural revival. Craft breweries, hip coffee shops and outdoor food markets are just some of the things drawing crowds over the border. But the biggest sell here remains what Tijuana has always done best: street food tacos. Considered amongst Mexico’s best, there are several tour operators running Tijuana taqueria crawls showcasing the best tacos the town has to offer whilst giving you an interesting insight into Tijuana’s unlikely history. Tijuana Walking Tour and Wild Foodie Tours come highly recommended.

Following in the tracks of its brewing neighbour San Diego, Tijuana is slowly establishing itself as a big player on the craft beer scene. While many breweries in the city serve the ever-popular hoppy IPAs, they’re also experimenting with their own ingredients and techniques to create beers with a true Mexican flair. To really get involved, take one of Tijuana Tour’s Mezcal and Beer walking tours, where you’ll be sampling some of Tijuana’s best brews and Oaxacan Mezcals around Plaza Fiesta.

With its incredible fresh fish and nearby wineries, Ensenada is a foodie’s heaven – and has even started to attract some of Mexico’s best chefs. A great way (maybe even the only way) to explore this city is through its amazing street food flavours: think mouth-watering fish tacos, fresh ceviche tostadas and piping hot churros. Juan More Taco Tours offer fantastic walking tours, where you’ll explore downtown Ensenada by sampling all the best street food stalls, markets and locals-only restaurants whilst learning about the city’s culinary and broader history. They also offer similar tours in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and Playa del Carmen.

Located just an hour and a half’s drive from La Paz, Todos Santos is considered to be one of Baja’s most picturesque towns. Dainty coffee houses, artisan shops, independent galleries and beautiful colonial boutique hotels have been drawing travellers and expats here since the early 90s – and is today a highlight of any Baja South itinerary. What many visitors don’t know, however, is that Todos Santos guards a fascinating history spanning almost 400 years. The best way to learn about it is by taking one of Todos Santos Eco Aventures’ (TOSEA) Historical Town Tour. Expert guide Sergio Jauregui takes you on a two-hour walk around the town’s most historic buildings and sights, as well as a peek into the coolest galleries and artists’ studios in town. Tours only depart on selected days and are subject to group numbers, so email or call up ahead of time.

Every Thursday evening (5 – 9 pm) between the months of November – June, San José’s busy Obregon Street is closed to traffic, allowing tourists to stroll the pretty, art-filled Gallery District backstreets at ease – an initiative created by the government to encourage visitors to explore beyond San Jose’s main square. Every week there are various events, including gallery openings, ‘artist in attendance’ sessions, and lively performances. There are also plenty of hip wine bars and delicious farm-to-table restaurants lining the lively streets, so make an evening of it

When people think of the Cabos corridor, crazy conga lines and strong margaritas come to mind. However, what not many know is that San San José del Cabo, the laid-back, artsy sister of party town Cabo San Lucas, is full of fascinating history, legends and culture. The best way to explore the quaint cobbled streets here is on a guided walking tour with Free Tour Cabo, where, during a 1.5-hour walk, they’ll tell you everything from how the Indians lived here almost 7,000 years ago, to how pirates and the Spanish conquistadors ransacked the town and made it what it is today. The tour is completely free to attend (the normal custom is to tip the guide at the end what you think the tour was worth). Just turn up at their meeting point on Álvaro Obregón Street, between Jose Maria Morelos and Miguel Hidalgo Street.