Although there is not much reason to spend an extended period of time in Santa Rosalia, nor are there camping options within the small town anyway, it is worth considering a quick trip to check out a relatively unique destination known for its rich history and unique architecture. All campers passing through town on Highway 1 will see the rough, industrial front of the town as you descend along the sea and bounce around the roads through town.
However, Santa Rosalia, founded in the late 19th century by a French mining company, boasts a distinct European influence evident in its colorful wooden buildings and the iconic Iglesia de Santa Barbara, a church designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. Carlos La Frogue acquired the church and individually shipped metal plates from Europe. Then the church was reconstructed in Santa Rosalia in 1897. The beautiful church sits in the middle of the city and is easily accessible to everyone.
This historic town offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and seaside beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking history and natural charm. Most of the factories and industrial facilities were dismantled after the French left Santa Rosalia and were not accessible to the public. However, La Boleo’s main mining office has been converted into an industrial museum. It has a great collection of some of the machines with a detailed history of the region’s mining industry and time.
In Santa Rosalía, you can explore the fascinating Museo Histórico Minero, which delves into the town’s mining past and showcases artifacts from its copper mining heyday. The waterfront and malecón provide the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, while the nearby beaches invite you to relax and soak up the sun. Panadera El Boleo, a French-inspired bakery, is another big attraction for campers passing through.
Things to do in Santa Rosalia
Although the town is not a top destination in Baja, there are some interesting things to do in San Rosalia. The primary tourist attractions include the Iglesia de Santa Barbara, traditional authentic French baguettes and pastries and the Museum of Mining Industry.
Tour the Iglesia de Santa Barbara
The Iglesia de Santa Barbara, or Santa Barbara Church, is the highlight of the small seaside town. It was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in 1880.
Carlos La Frogue acquired the church and individually shipped metal plates from Europe. Then the church was reconstructed in Santa Rosalia in 1897. The beautiful church sits right in the middle of the city and is easily accessible to everyone.
Visit the Museum of Mining History
Most of the factories and industrial facilities were dismantled after the French left Santa Rosalia and were not accessible to the public. But the main mining office of La Boleo has been converted into an industrial museum. It has a great collection of some of the machines with a detailed history of the mining industry of the region and time.
Eat at the Panaderia El Boleo
Panaderia El Boleo is a French bakery in downtown Santa Rosalia. It is pretty popular among travelers and residents alike. They serve authentic, delicious French bread, pastries and other bakery items.
Camping in Santa Rosalia
As Santa Rosalia is not a top destination for travelers, there is very little by way of camping in or around town. In fact, there is really only one place that is worth the effort to stay in if you want to spend time in the area.
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!
San Lucas Cove
San Lucas Cove is an affordable campground just 10 minutes away from Santa Rosalia on the eastern side of Highway 1. The beachfront RV park is built near a small restaurant and a store is within walking distance. It takes a little while to get there once you pull into the dirt roads that lead away from the highway. Turn east before the Oxxo store when heading south and after the Oxxo store when heading north.
San Lucas Cove is basically a wide-open dirt lot with scattered trees and designated sites. There are no electricity and sewage hookups. But campers do have access to water and there is a dump station on site. The bathrooms and showers are pretty worn out but offer hot water. Further, the campground bay is often full of stingrays, so swimming is not a good idea here. Most campers that visit, including the relatively sizable Canadian and American long-term campers, do so to take their boats out fishing.
| Price Range | $15+ | Sewer Hookup | Dump | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 30+ | WiFi | N | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | N |
| Electric Hookup | N | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |