One of the most off-the-beaten-path destinations that still has a paved road to reach it, Bahia de Los Angeles, most commonly called “Bay of LA” or “BoLA” among travelers is one of our favorite places to get off-grid for a few days at a time.
Nestled on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Bahía de Los Ángeles is a hidden gem that beckons travelers seeking serene beauty and adventure. From Highway 1, you must follow a 40 mile (65 km) paved road that takes you through one incredible desert landscape to the next, starting with boojum trees near Highway 1 and leading to a hill that overlooks the town, surrounding bay and numerous islands that make the Bay of Los Angeles truly special.
With its stunning landscapes, diverse marine life, and rich history, Bahía de Los Ángeles offers a unique escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The history of Bahía de Los Ángeles is as captivating as its scenery. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Cochimí people, the area was later explored by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century.
Today, remnants of this rich past can be seen in the nearby mission ruins of San Borja and Santa Gertrudis, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past. This blend of indigenous and colonial history enriches the cultural tapestry of Bahía de Los Ángeles, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Mexico’s heritage.
The clear, calm waters of the bay are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, allowing adventurers to get up close with the vibrant marine life, including playful dolphins and majestic whale sharks. Fishing enthusiasts will find the bay to be a paradise, with abundant catches such as yellowtail and grouper.
For those who prefer land-based activities, hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape and the azure waters of the bay, while birdwatchers can delight in spotting a variety of seabirds and migratory species. Plus offroad adventures abound in the area.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Bahía de Los Ángeles is its pristine natural environment, largely untouched by mass tourism. The area’s remote location ensures a peaceful retreat where visitors can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet beach to relax on, an exciting underwater adventure, or a journey through history, Bahía de Los Ángeles provides a perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
Note that at time of writing, in 2024, there has been an increase in petty theft and crime, particularly with campers opting to boondock at La Gringa, a beach at the northern end of the bay. As such, we advise extra precaution when camping and do not advise you to camp alone.
Things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles
Although Bahia de Los Angeles is a bit off the beaten path of most travelers, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this charming seaside town. Here are a few of the top things to do in the area.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Glide over the calm, clear waters of the bay, taking in the stunning coastal views and getting up close with marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Our favorite place to paddleboard is from the pebbly shores along Playa La Gringa, a fifteen or twenty minute drive north of town.
Stare down at brightly colored starfish as you glide through clear, gentle water or keep an eye out for a variety of birds that will keep you company as you paddle. If you visit Bay of Los Angeles in the summer it is possible that you will have the chance to paddle or swim with whale sharks that migrate as far north as the bay.
But be mindful that the wind can pickup quickly and unexpectedly so we recommend that you check the wind conditions prior to paddling and limit your journey to safe distances from shore.
Fishing: Cast your line in one of the best fishing spots in Baja California, where you can reel in abundant species like yellowtail, grouper, and sea bass, ensuring a rewarding and thrilling fishing adventure.
Various friends of ours who have lived in Baja for decades claim that the Bay of Los Angeles has the best fishing in all of Baja. Bring your own boat or book a charter in town at any number of places advertising charters.
Swim with Whale Sharks: Bahia de Los Angeles has a great variety of underwater life and is a playground for dolphins, whale sharks, and grey whales. It is possible to swim next to whale sharks between June and November (when the water is warmest).
You can book boats from hotels and campgrounds to dive with the soft giants of the ocean. Moreover, you will also see dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles.
Go Whale Watching: In addition to the dolphins, sea lions and whale sharks that are abundant in Bahia de Los Angeles, both grey whales and fin whales will migrate through the area seasonally. Both whales are most likely to be present from November through April as they follow the warmer waters and abundance of food.
You can book tours to watch the magnificent creatures as they prepare for their long summer migrations.
Visiting the Museo de Naturaleza y Cultura: Dive into the local history and natural wonders at this small but informative museum, which showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse marine ecology. The museum is located two blocks off the main road just past Hotel Villa Vitta and has hours that tend to change regularly.
Exploring the Mission San Borja: Take a trip back in time by visiting this historic mission, founded in the 18th century, and marvel at its well-preserved architecture amidst the rugged desert landscape. If you are interested in visiting some of the lesser-known missions in Baja, San Borja is one to add to your list.
But getting there can be a bit of a challenge as you will backtrack from town toward Highway 1 approximately 12 miles (20 km) where you will turn onto a road that may require high clearance and 4WD. From there, the mission is around another 20 miles (35 km) down the road.
Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars and enjoy spotting a variety of bird species, including osprey, pelicans, and other migratory birds that make the bay their seasonal home, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. We spend hours at a time enjoying watching the various birds that frequent any of the campgrounds mentioned below or when we visit Playa La Gringa.
Hiking and Off-Roading: Discover the stunning desert landscapes and panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez by hiking the numerous trails or taking an exhilarating off-road tour through the rugged terrain surrounding Bahía de Los Ángeles. Some travelers come to Bay of Los Angeles just to spend most of their time offroad.
Campgrounds in Bahia de Los Angeles
Camping in Bahia de Los Angeles is as primitive as the town. While there are a few semi-formal campgrounds, these mostly offer dry camping with a few extra amenities to make your stay a little more comfortable.
Looking for campground contact and location information? Check out our 280-page paperback guidebook with everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your Baja camping adventure!
Campo Archelon
Campo Archelon is a beautiful beachfront campground with palapas and picnic tables. Once a sea turtle research center, it has since been converted into the most popular campground in Bahia de Los Angeles. Along with the campground, there are casitas to rent if you’d like a night or two out of your camper and they’ve recently added a coffee shop, Seven Filos, that offers delicious coffee and a few small munchies.
The campground is located around 5 minutes (1.5 miles/2.3 km) north from the roundabout as you come into town. You don’t actually go into town to reach Campo Archelon.
While most of the best spots on the beach have since been converted into higher-priced casitas, there are still a few spots where you can squeeze up near a casita for a beachfront view. Otherwise, there are only a handful of informal sites off the beach where you can fit however you can to make your stay comfortable. Note that spaces are pretty tight, so we do not consider Campo Archelon to be big-rig friendly.
However, despite dry camping, the campground offers hot showers, clean toilets, and access to water if you need it. And the Wi-Fi is as good as it gets in Bahia de Los Angeles.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | N | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 8+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | N | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | N | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | N | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Daggett’s Beach Camping & Sportsfishing
Daggett’s Beach Camping is another beachfront campground just past Camp Archelon. Like Campo Archelon, this campground does not have a lot of amenities to offer as you dry camp. Unlike Campo Archelon, the pricing has never been consistent from one visit to the next as if they are trying to charge whatever they think they can to guests who may not know any better.
Wi-Fi is very slow, showers are cold with low water pressure, and the camping situation is very informal. Some spots are indicated by palapas, but for the most part, you have to figure out a spot on your own.
A Personal Disclaimer: Daggett’s is not known for their exceptional customer service and for several years they have kept aggressive dogs on their property. If you do not have dogs and are not concerned about potentially being attacked by one, then Daggett’s may provide you the peace and quiet you like. But we must make every camper aware of the circumstances surrounding this campo that we hope may change, but also might not change anytime soon.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | N | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 10+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | N | Security | N |
| Electric Hookup | N | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | N |
| Water Hookup | N | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Hotel Villa Vitta
Hotel Villa Vitta is located in town about a half mile past the roundabout that guides you into the quiet fishing village. The hotel is on the right side of the road, offering standard hotel rooms, a pool and a full restaurant and bar. But camping is actually across the street.
Before you head off to camp along the water’s edge, you must stop by the hotel office and make payment. From there, you’ll drive literally across the street to a gate, which you must open (and close behind you). Then, you can follow a dirt path toward brightly colored RV pads, relics from better days gone by.
Camping at Villa Vitta is entirely dry. While you are welcome to squeeze between ancient RV pads and there are signs that there might once have been power and water, the reality is this is the best view you can have from an in-town campground and that is what you are paying for.
You can walk from here to everything in town, from small grocery stores adjacent and across the street, to several restaurants and even along the beach toward the lighthouse at the end of a sandy spit. Everything in Bahia de Los Angeles slows down and that’s precisely why you should consider camping here or anywhere else in the area.
| Price Range | $30+ | Sewer Hookup | N | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 30+ | WiFi | N | Pool | At hotel |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | N | Security | N |
| Electric Hookup | N | Shower | N | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | N | Toilet | N | Tent Friendly | Y |
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