Winter Travel Bargains: Baja, Mexico

Mexico's Baja peninsula features pristine beaches and an enchantingly pretty main town, Mulege. Mace Picken, CEO of Baja Verde, an eco-friendly development office, says that the peninsula is "paradise, naturally beautiful and peaceful, but still fun."

WHERE TO STAY: The Mulege Motel offers clean rooms at great rates and is just four short blocks from the town's central plaza, where the local shops and street vendors are set up. The Mulege Motel (011-52-615-153-0090) is a great bet for those traveling on a tight budget, while the slightly more upscale Hotel Serenidad (www.serenidad.com) is perfect for couples looking for privacy and ambiance.

WHERE TO EAT: Lynn Vojvodich, the COO of Baja Verde, says that there are a lot of great choices, but thinks El Candil is a sure bet. Vojvodich explains that, "For the past 30 years the family-owned and run El Candil has offered tourists and locals alike Mexican food and it is a great hang out." Open daily for lunch and dinner, including weekends, the courses range in price from $2-$28.00. El Candil is located at 8 Zaragoza in Mulege (no credit cards are accepted).

WHAT TO DO: Baja is perfect for those who live for activity or just lying on the beach. If you want to explore the town, Mulege is the central hub with its historic mission, plaza, and cobblestone streets." Picken describes Mulege as, "thankfully missing the over-the-top gauche element of the tourist-infested Mexican towns farther south and up north." You can still rent bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear, guide for sport fishing, diving, hiking and tours, and sip on a margarita or two. Just 14 miles south of Mulege, you'll find beautiful beaches, like Playa Cocos, known for its limestone, and Playa Escondida. For animal lovers, Baja Concepcion, one of Baja's bays and a national marine preserve, is home to whales, dolphins, countless birds and exotic aquatic life.