Planning a road trip from Montana to Southern Baja involves a lot of preparation. Here’s a suggested itinerary with stops at interesting sights, great restaurants, gas stations, boutique hotels, and swimming spots. I’ll also include tips for saving on gas and avoiding issues with police or other dangerous elements.
Day 1: Montana to Salt Lake City, Utah
Stops:
- Yellowstone National Park – Take a detour to see some of the most famous natural wonders.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Scenic town with great views and dining options.
Restaurants:
- Jackson Hole: The Kitchen – Modern American cuisine.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Jackson, WY.
Hotel:
- The Grand America Hotel – A luxurious hotel in Salt Lake City.
Day 2: Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada
Stops:
- Bonneville Salt Flats – Unique landscape for photos.
- Zion National Park – Stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
Restaurants:
- St. George, UT: Painted Pony – Upscale American cuisine with a southwestern twist.
Gas Stations:
- Available in St. George, UT.
Hotel:
- The Cosmopolitan – A boutique hotel in Las Vegas.
Day 3: Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona
Stops:
- Hoover Dam – An engineering marvel.
- Sedona, Arizona – Known for its red rock formations and artsy vibe.
Restaurants:
- Sedona: Elote Café – Known for its Southwestern cuisine.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Sedona, AZ.
Hotel:
- The Hermosa Inn – A charming boutique hotel in Phoenix.
Day 4: Phoenix, Arizona to San Diego, California
Stops:
- Yuma, Arizona – Historical sites and date farms.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Scenic desert landscapes.
Restaurants:
- San Diego: The Fishery – Fresh seafood in Pacific Beach.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Yuma, AZ.
Hotel:
- Pendry San Diego – Stylish and comfortable boutique hotel.
Day 5: San Diego, California to Ensenada, Baja California
Stops:
- Tijuana – Experience the border city (be cautious and avoid driving at night).
- Rosarito Beach – Beachside town with good food and fun.
Restaurants:
- Ensenada: La Guerrerense – Famous for its seafood tostadas.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Tijuana and Ensenada.
Hotel:
- Quinta Real – Luxury beachfront hotel in Ensenada.
Day 6: Ensenada to Loreto, Baja California Sur
Stops:
- Guerrero Negro – Famous for whale watching (seasonal).
- Bahía Concepción – Beautiful beaches for swimming.
Restaurants:
- Loreto: Mi Loreto – Traditional Mexican dishes.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Guerrero Negro.
Hotel:
- Hotel 1697 Loreto – Cozy and charming hotel in Loreto.
Day 7: Loreto to La Paz, Baja California Sur
Stops:
- Mulegé – Historic mission and picturesque river.
- Bahía de los Ángeles – Stunning bay and marine life.
Restaurants:
- La Paz: Nim – Contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Mulegé and La Paz.
Hotel:
- Palapas Ventana Resort – Luxury meets rustic with beach access.
Day 8: La Paz to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Stops:
- Todos Santos – Artsy town with the famous Hotel California.
- Cabo Pulmo – National Marine Park with excellent snorkeling.
Restaurants:
- Cabo San Lucas: El Farallon – Seafood restaurant with ocean views.
Gas Stations:
- Available in Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas.
Hotel:
- The Cape, A Thompson Hotel – Boutique hotel with stunning views.
Tips for Saving on Gas:
- Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations.
- Drive at steady speeds to improve fuel efficiency.
- Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained (tire pressure, oil changes, etc.).
Tips for Avoiding Issues:
- Stick to well-traveled routes and avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Be respectful and compliant with local laws and authorities.
- Keep your valuables secure and be cautious in areas known for higher crime rates.
This itinerary covers a mix of natural beauty, culinary experiences, and comfortable accommodations to make your family road trip memorable. Enjoy the journey!
By Beth Statton
