While the Summer months tend to bring smaller swells here in California, we seem to find ourselves dreaming of our next trip south of the border. “Being a surfer girl from the cold waters of San Francisco, California makes warm water surf vacations magical,” says Carve Designs ambassador, Beth Price Jeffris, who has a vacation home down in Baja. From the warm water to the vibrant culture to the tacos and margaritas, we heart everything about the East Cape of Baja, California. Here’s exactly how we’d spend a long weekend in one of our favorite areas to cruise.
If the trip is a boho-spirited girl’s trip, we’d check into upscale surf hostel, Drift, after landing in Mexico. A communal kitchen and living area allow for a more relaxed vibe than the myriad nearby resorts, and we love getting surf reports from like-minded travelers rather than just relying on the internet.
If it’s a family vacation that brings you down south, the eco-friendly Vida Soul Hotel, near Nine Palms, just north of San Jose Del Cabo, offers cushy amenities and kid-friendly accommodations. Sometimes after a morning spent chasing waves in the hot sun, a resort-style cabana and a friendly pool wait staff can be pretty appealing — we get it.
Lastly a new more lux spot opened up called The Cape. Great for a getaway with just your husband or a higher end girl’s trip. Surf at Monuments and get a massage after…. Doesn’t get better.
The winds on the East Cape tend to blow pretty steadily from 9am - 4pm, so after settling into our chosen home-away-from-home, we’d head out for an early evening surf session at Old Man’s closer to Cabo. Check out the surf report here. You can find a long, mellow right hand break that’s perfect for long boarding and sunset sessions.
There’s no better way to celebrate a successful first paddle out of your trip than with a taco plate at Guacamaya’s, a favorite local restaurant that always dishes up authentic Mexican flavors and ice cold drinks.
On day two, we’d hit up Zipper’s or The Rock for a slightly more serious surf session. Paddling distance from Old Man’s, The Rock is an A-frame break that you can ride in either direction. Home to many national surf competitions every year, this spot isn’t for beginners, so plan and dress accordingly. “On my last trip I often wore the Tamarindo top with the Sanitas bottom,” says Jeffris, “and I was super stoked on it.”
Afterwards, reward yourself with an unforgettable dinner at organic eatery, Huerta Los Tamarindos. It’s off the beaten path and a bit out of the way, but hey, “off the beaten path” is often our favorite destination, regardless of what city we’re in.
We’d round out our trip with some culture and sight-seeing, brunching at longtime local favorite, Tropicana Inn. We’d burn off those huevos rancheros with some retail therapy at Costa Azul Surf Shop, and then cool off with a flight of local cervezas at Baja Brewery.
Like usual, we’d return home slightly sunburned and with plans to look into some sort of detoxifying juice cleanse, but with our hearts full and our relentless need for adventure momentarily satisfied.
Where should we cruise next? Tell us where your next bikini destination is by tagging us at #CarveDesigns.