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Baja California North

Norte Baja Newsletter #2

End of Summer 2025

Area Highlight

Introducing La Mision

That Little Village between Rosarito & Ensenada

Already our second Norte Baja Newsletter and we've just barely launched the new Baja California North Business Directory and Tourism Web Portal. Wow - thankyou everyone who has supported us so far.

As anyone who has spent time in the beautiful and interesting state of Baja California North knows - September through mid November is really the nicest time of year.

While it's still hot in Mexicali and San Felipe, we approach the strategic cooling off time of year where the air temperatures are perfect and the Sea of Cortez water temperatures have been heating up all summer. On the Pacific side, warm summer days can extend through Thanksgiving, and in the middle of the state deserts - things are cooling off enough to go hiking and adventuring in the hills and mountains of places like the San Pedro Martir or off-roading to Mike's Sky Ranch.

Events and festivals abound, Live Music, Wineries and the finest restaurants are all in full swing and basically- if you are visiting any of these times would be a great time to sample any part of the state with a vacation rental.

They fight about who owns it. Rosarito insists La Mision is theirs, and Ensenada wants it too. The fact is, this historically significant little town sits exactly on the border between the Municipality of Rosarito and the very northern edge of Ensenada - one of the biggest cities in all of Baja California.

While it seems 'The River' is the dividing line between these two administrations (which is really the La Mision Estuary), lines may change in the future. Neighborhoods might have to pay their bills at different electricity department offices and taxes and water rights are issues worth having a dispute over is this special area - hey - it's Baja and they will take their own time to sort things out.

Anyone who visits the area, however will find a sleepy and slow paced relaxed vibe which is characterized by the influence of nature all around - mountains and cliffs, ranches and beautiful beach coastline and a large body of water cutting right through the middle.

La Mision is the area where the coastal highway 1 cuts inland to the Wine Valley - another nearby attraction. Distinct neighborhoods make up the La Mision area - from Plaza Del Mar along the beach to the north side of town to the more exclusive Punta Piedra with million dollar homes, to the La Loma area along the north edge of the Estuary to the Ejido managed Campo Turistico on the dramatic cliffs to the south.

The area is historic - and if you want to read about the early life here, the mission and indigenous peoples - checkout this link.

What's it like to spend some time here - either as a visitor or resident?

It's pretty groovy. Relaxed, natural, local equestrian culture, surf vibe, winery influence, live music, art, paragliding, hiking and rock climbing... I could go on. Any of these topics would be enough for a full article in the future, but let's zero in on the major benefit: Nature and Adventure!

Starting with the Pacific Coastline yes you can beach walk all day long, swim and surf - but did you know that La Mision is one of the few places you can go on a guided horseback riding tour and you will walk your horse through the crashing ocean surf? Pretty cool, that is after, by the way, the mountain chaparral trail along the estuary where you did three river crossings on your horse - Yup, pretty cool.

Free Camping On the Beach or Some Nice Paid Campgrounds

Yes you can set up your tent right at the public beach for free in La Mision and the public beach is very popular with locals just about every weekend. It might be noisy and there could be fireworks, but you can bring your dog and the price is right.

Las Palmas Campground along the south edge of the Estuary has it's own pool, cabins and grassy tent sites and borders the trail up the canyon with 150' rock climbing cliffs in the back yard.

Here's a website for Las Palmas Campground

Here are some other nearby campgrounds including El Palmar Paradise, just up the road , which has villas, cabanas, tent camping and multiple pools in a water park atmosphere. Local Surf Camping at Alisitos campground is always another option, with hot showers and nearby walkable restaurants.

RV Camping is available at Baja Seasons, one exit south on the highway with all of the expected amenities for your rig.

Kayaking is another fun local pastime as the estuary offers rentals 646 151 1780 and a 2 mile easy flatwater paddle with lots of scenery and bird life.

Visit our full la mision page

Paragliding in the area has a long history with some paraglider pilots traveling from far away to soar the famous La Salina Ridge to the south, and recently outfitters have begun doing Tandem Paragliding flights down to the beach in La Mision.

Ultra-Light Rides (motorized fixed wing hang glider type aircraft) are available right off the beach in La Mision where they can be seen taking off and landing all day long.

Surf Fishing and Off-leash dog runs are all welcome and wide open at the beach in La Mision. (Keep an eye out for some wild local dogs).

La Mision Expat Living could be one of the best places to retire and relax in Baja California. Nearby proximity to Ensenada and Rosarito without having to deal with the traffic and congestions of these cities, plus a really affordable lifestyle and real estate options for any budget- make La Mision the choice for many with one of the largest Expat communities around.

Live bands at the community market on Saturdays at the Puerta Al Valle Business Plaza provide an excuse every week for outdoor fun community gatherings where you can also find great deals at The 'Remix Shops' where unique restored and vintage items are offered, as well as accessing US Mail & Package Services if you become a longer term visitor or resident or need some office supplies at Baja Mail Services Etc. There are several restaurants and even a salon right there.

La Mision Hotels? Restaurants?

Visit Our Complete La Mision page

La Mision Performing Arts Center

Bringing participatory culture to the whole community

Who doesn't appreciate good show? Since it's inception just a few short years ago, the La Mision Performing Arts Center has delighted thousands with their musical and dramatic productions - utilizing local talents, volunteers and those who are passionate about performing for an adoring public.

This month's special attraction is actually the unveiling of a brand new original musical production. DAMMM (Dead Artist's Make More Money) is a musical comedy with a fun theme, more than 13 different actors and a totally original script and score by local musician Scott Haynes. Scott, a local resident of the area has been a professional guitarist and singer for more than 30 years with many other original works to his credit.

One of the best things about the La Mision Community is that everyone knows each other and when there is a new production like the recent 'Little Shop of Horrors' or 'Patsy Cline', many locals get involved with volunteering whether building sets, selling tickets or providing graphic design for the program. La Mision Performing Arts Center is truly a locals-driven and supported cultural benefit to the area.

Plans for 2025-26 include building out the existing facilities with a larger capacity indoor theater with new facilities to present everything from Broadway productions to orchestral symphonies. Your support of the shows here contributes to building out this long term vision.

DAMMM - The Musical will be running for two consecutive weekends and then following with a remote show at Punta Banda's Gertrude Pearlman Theater on October 10th. Be sure to catch one of these shows- Opening night is already sold out.

Hotel Options in La Mision include the ocean front Poco Cielo Hotel with 19 iconic themed rooms, restaurant and the Live Music- 'Lounge Bar' with spectacular views for every sunset.

Kelp Bass (Calico or Bull Bass, Paralabrax clathratus)

Often caught from reefs and kelp beds off Baja in shallow to mid-depth water, prized for fighting ability and taste. It ranges south to southern Baja and is a favorite of recreational anglers . The upper part of the Kelp Bass’ head has pale yellow spots, whereas the body has black, white, and/or olive green marks. You can also find they have rows of rectangular white spots across their back. Their ventral areas are often cream or white. To help distinguish Kelp Bass from other marine bass is by their calico-like spotting on the underside of their belly.

Looking for a good beer?

Check out Baja's many Micro Breweries

Puerta Al Valle -

(The Door To The Valley & La Mision Business Plaza)

The de facto community center of the Village of La Mision is the Puerta Al Valle Plaza. Proprietor's Monica and Leo have created a central destination along the road to Baja's Valle de Guadalupe- in fact, the first place you will want stop at KM 62.5 as you head inland from the coast.

The PAV Plaza features two restaurants, a Salon, Art Studio, Popular Local Dentist Office, the famous 'Remix' Vintage Shops and Expat Package Service headquarters - Baja Mail Services Etc.

Saturday's are the big thing at Puerta Al Valle with a weekly market from 10:30am till 4:00pm every week featuring vendors with fresh bread, jewelry, gourmet food, Olive Oil and Wine and live music bands every week.

The Saturday Market is a great chance to meet and interact with the local community, sample local eats, and hang out with a glass of wine or a margarita.

Check Out The Baja Gourmet Food Trailer with Home made Italian sausage, Sushi, The Best Cheeseburgers in the area and more!

SPLASH Restaurant Celebrates 16 years!

Everyone's favorite restaurant celebrates 16 years in business - from humble beginnings in Popotla to the current iconic destination along Baja's coast, Splash Restaurant continues to rate the highest when it comes to achieving Customer Return & Recommend Rates that make every other restaurant envious. Keep up the great work and CONGRATULATIONS!