Explore Baja California This Fall

As autumn approaches, Baja California transforms into a serene paradise. Crowds have headed home to cooler temperatures, leaving the miles of pristine beaches along the Sea of Cortez with barely a footprint in sight.

Relatively unknown to many travelers is the town of San Jose del Cabo, an art community sandwiched between Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos International Airport. With breezy, yet warm, weather and prime beachfront locations, resorts become private retreats during the fall season with no wait for buffets, pool loungers or the swim-up bar. These same resorts are also cutting prices by up to 60% in the fall months. Check out these Travelzoo offers:

• $69 -- Hotel Riu Santa Fe, an upscale all-inclusive resort offers free stays for children
• $75 -- Hola Gran Faro, an all-inclusive resort where kids 12 and young stay and eat for free
• $119 -- Hilton Los Cabos, a AAA 4-Diamond resort

Due to strong currents it is not advisable to swim at the beaches here, but as the tide goes out between 3-5 p.m. the ocean and sand evens out, creating perfect wading conditions. Can’t wait until mid-afternoon to take a dip in the sea? Then head to the nearby calm waters of Medano Bay. Most resorts offer day shuttles for $15 per person and cab rides cost approximately $30 each way. Here you can book inexpensive snorkeling tours or visit the famous rock arches at Lover’s Beach, a $2 water taxi ride away.

Nestled among the rock-filled twist of the Sea of Cortez, August-November brings with it small, less crowded waves. Take cover under a palm frond umbrella or brave the waters with a surf lesson. Surfboard rentals are $20-$30 per day at local beach huts. These surf spots are never more than a 30-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the tip of celebrity-favorite One and Only Palmilla to the town of San Jose del Cabo.

Check with the hotel to see if they have telescopes -- here the night skies are crystal clear, perfect for stargazing.