Located at the northern end of the Mexican Riviera, approximately an hour south of the Mexico-United States border, Ensenada facilitates surfing and swimming activities in the Pacific Ocean. Due to its close location, it is common to see southern Californians in Ensenada during the weekends. This beach resort city provides moderately priced and inexpensive hotel accommodations in its downtown area. Most of Ensenada's dining options are in the coastal area, within several blocks of the beach; these eateries sit within walking distance of most of the city's hotels. Visitors will find abundant shopping opportunities for Mexican-themed souvenirs on Ensenada's Juarez Street. Ensenada is accessible via a toll road from the national border.
Situated at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas offers chances for swimming on beaches in the Gulf of Cortez, but fishing and scuba diving activities are also a major draw for tourists. Los Cabos Corridor is in the eastern coastal region of Cabo San Lucas and where most of the area's resorts, bars and restaurants are located. A natural landmark near Cabo San Lucas is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a rock formation shaped like an arch in the Gulf of Cortez. During the summer, tourists can see sea lions gathered at El Arco. A frequent stopping point for major cruise liners, Cabo San Lucas also has an international airport for travelers arriving by plane.
Mazatlan is on the shores of the Gulf of California on western Mexico's Gold Coast area. This city features golden-sand beaches, including Cerritos--a tranquil sandbar in northern Mazatlan that sits away from the city's commercial hub--and Camaron, which is lined with luxurious hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. Mazatlan also features historic 19th century architecture, such as the Mazatlan Cathedral and Cannobio Portals, a house that once housed the "Fountain of Eternal Youth," according to local legends. Tourists can take bicycling trips on the Mazatlan Malecon pathway, or check out El Faro, a hill that was used as a lighthouse during the 19th century. This city also hosts an annual Carnivale festival in March. Mazatlan is accessible via flights into Rafael Buelna International Airport.
Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico's western coast, provides opportunities for swimming and fishing activities in the Bahia de Banderas. Tourists also have chances for mountain climbing and hiking in the surrounding Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. This mountain range is home to wildlife species, such as iguanas and ocelots, and fruit-bearing plantlife, including banana trees and orange trees. Most of Puerto Vallarta's hotels, shops and restaurants are on the city's Los Muertos Beach. Puerto Vallarta is a popular stopping point for cruise ships, and flights are offered from the United States to Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
