There are so many things to do in Baja

Palacio del Mar offers luxury living without the heavy price tag; serenity, security, recreation, fine dining, and entertainment all wrapped up in the beautiful package that is Baja. No matter your interests, you are sure to find something just right for you. 

Do you like to play pickleball? There is a large active community of pickleball players all around the area – there are groups for all levels of skill and there are playing sessions several times a week in different places such as Punta Azul (public courts), La Salina (club), and some private communities like Club Marena, La Paloma, las Gaviotas, Mision Viejo, etc. They even host tournaments in La Salina, with players coming from across the border and other parts of Mexico as well.

There are two golf courses for those who enjoy this sport, which you can play on either BajaMar or Real del Mar.

If you’re seeking fun and adventure you can rent an ATV to ride the sand dunes of Primo Tapia, ride the waves at the world-famous K-38 surf, or maybe get some exercise on a hiking trail of El Coronel or El Descanso trail, rewarded by the beautiful views when you get to the top.

Delicious Cuisine

In addition, just South of the border the dining scene is exploding. There is a growing culinary movement called “Bajamed”, cuisine that relies solely on fresh and local ingredients from Baja California’s Mediterranean-like climate, all sourced straight from local fishermen and farmers. There are many delicious restaurants very close to  Palacio del Mar

Less than 10 minutes from Palacio del Mar is Puerto Nuevo, the self-described “Lobster Capital of Baja”. There are dozens of restaurants, shops, and arts and crafts stores. Puerto Nuevo was founded in 1956 with the opening of Puerto Nuevo II Restaurant, which is still an extremely popular place to dine in Puerto Nuevo. Most of the restaurants in Puerto Nuevo offer an opportunity to enjoy great lobster, cooked according to tradition while taking in the beautiful ocean views.

Guadalupe Valley is about 30 minutes driving in the opposite direction – It’s the Mexican wine country: amazing wineries and spectacular food from chefs who have trained all over the world. Do a day of wine tasting, or dine outdoors next to a vineyard and under the stars. Meals usually take over 2 hours so it’s an experience in itself. By the way, Palacio del Mar’s shuttle service can take you for a tour of the wine country, so you can enjoy your evening worry-free.

Community and Philanthropy

Volunteering for a good cause is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends! For anyone interested in giving back to the community, many groups in the area work to improve the lives of the residents of Rosarito:

For example, one of the largest volunteer organizations in the area is La Mision Children’s Fund, who provide fundamental necessities for at-risk adults, children, and youth, including food, shelter, clothing, educational scholarships, and medical care. They have several projects such as the food bank which provides basic food to over 650 families a month; BECA, a scholarship program for Rosarito’s youth, and a sustainable energy program which has helped install solar water heating units and ultraviolet water systems in select schools and orphanages. You can collaborate with the food packaging, delivering, organizing fundraising events, etc.

“El Club de Ninos y Ninas de Rosarito” (The Boys and Girls Club of Rosarito) is a non-profit organization that offers a safe space for kids in the afternoons, it was founded in 2013 and is currently a community of mentors, volunteers, and 50+ kids in an after-school program that includes Sports, Arts, and Human Development. Volunteer opportunities range from teaching music, English, and painting, or simply helping kids do their homework.

The Flying Samaritans, is an all-volunteer organization that operates a free healthcare clinic in Rosarito Beach. They see approximately 200 patients a month, and both the consultation and the medication are free for the patients. They also organize Bingo nights, auction brunches, and other fun events to raise funds to cover their costs.

Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization of volunteers who work to promote a love of reading among the community members of Rosarito. They have an amazing Bookmobile that visits selected communities in Rosarito every two weeks, and you can even donate books of your choice from Amazon to add to their selection. They also welcome volunteers to help with their many programs to promote a love of reading in the community of Rosarito.

If you love animals as much as we do, you can schedule a tour of the Pretty Horses Rescue ranch, and visit all the lovely horses and other animals that live there. They organize fundraising events such as their “Yearly Chilli Cookoff”, “The Pretty Horses BBQ Party”, etc.

Another amazing non-profit organization catering to rescuing animals is the Baja Animal Sanctuary, a non-kill shelter that houses dogs and cats rescued from the streets of Rosarito, treated, spayed/neutered, to eventually be put up for responsible adoptions. The Baja Animal Sanctuary accepts volunteers for their adoption events, fostering, and fundraising.

The Baja Scholarship Foundation is one more organization to get to know. Their mission is to provide academic scholarships to the highest potential children from the poorest neighborhoods in northern Baja and nurture them as community leaders. They host amazing, very fun activities to raise funds and awareness for the residents of Baja.

Social

There are other groups for easygoing social activities such as “Ladies, let’s lunch!”, which is a group of ex-pats and local ladies that rotate restaurants to get to know the area while meeting new people and revisiting old friends. There is a Red Hat Society in Rosarito, bingo, reading, knitting, painting, and craft-making groups as well.

In short, no matter your interests, you are sure to meet other folks who are interested in them as well!