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.
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?