The ability to flee the country quickly, if necessary, is not the only reason to live in Southern California…its proximity to the US-MEX border positions it perfectly for the one day baja surf vacation. Why? Baja California is characterized by it’s raw freedom, variety of waves, gastronomy, good people and lawlessness. Well, not quite “lawlessness” contrary to what most people would think Baja Mexico is very safe and makes for one of the most epic surf vacations few will ever get the chance to experience. Whether you live in San Diego or are in Southern California on a surfing vacation you may regret not going or not going enough.

While there are a bounty of different itineraries that one could concoct…the following are some notable stops I find myself continually returning to on my baja surf runs

Breakfast:

Teresas – Mom and pop run cafeteria that serves breakfast and lunch. The food is prepared literally right in front of you in the bar of a diner like setting. Not on the menu but available and a preferred plate is Chilaquiles – fried corn tortilla chips, cooked with a hot red salsa with shredded jack cheese on top. The plate is usually accompanied by a side of two eggs, rice, beans and flour tortillas. Teresa’s is located right at K-38 (Kilometer 38) just next to Robert’s K-38 Surf Motel and just north of Club Morena (Club Morena often has surf vacation rental condos available for great rates). From Teresa’s you can check the surf break out front at the famous K-38 point or in front of Roberts. If its a no go continue on south….

 

La Mission – La FondaThis area offers up a consistent and forgiving stretch of beach break. Its great to stoop, check out the surf break and see if it makes sense…if not continue south

to San Miguel (Epic right hand surf break just to the north of Ensenada) and if it’s just to damn crowded for you at San Miguel head to the beach breaks south of Ensenada Centro.

Now that you are in Ensenada, consider grabbing some of the local seafood, like the Black Sea Bass (prohibited to fish on the US border side but completely legal and delicious “al mojo de ajo” aka garlic sauce). Staying at a surf vacation rental in Ensenada? Grab some fresh fish at the market located on the harbor and cook up anything from Black Sea Bass, Halibut, Mahi Mahi, Corvina 0 lo que sea. Also, Ensenada is known for it’s famous fish taco’s so it’s certainly worth a go.

Because cruise boats dock in the harbor Ensenada does cater toward tourists..so it is a place to find a relaxing massage which can be critical after take a few heavy waves on the head.

Now that all the kinks are worked out and you are drinking your ballena (“Whale” term for large 40 Oz. Beer Bottle) and watching the sunset…its time to head home and you are getting a bit hungry so you hit the Al Pastor Taco stand on the way out of town and you over do it by a few too many delicious tacos and a jalepeno pepper.

It’s ok you had a great day on a one day baja surf vacation, epic lets do it again