Baja California is now considered the northern state of Mexico, previously known as North Territory of Baja California before 1953. Close to the United States border, if a stay of longer than seven days is being planned then a Non-Immigrant Fee of $20.00 is to be paid at any Mexican Bank. If the stay is less than 72 hours,or there will be travel beyond Maneadero on the Pacific coast or south of Mexicali on Highway 5—a tourist card is not needed. Nearby tourist locations include Ensenada,
Rosarito,
Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali, and San Felipe with private aircrafts connecting the locations.
The climate varies seriously from one city to another, with seasons clearly marked with every season offering a different look at the Baja scenery. Dress codes are in place for many restaurants and nightclubs, so it is advisable to call before dining out. A good rule of thumb is: "no shorts, t-shirt, no jeans or tennis shoes." But even during the summer it is advisable to take along a light sweater or jacket for evening nights out, as the weather becomes chilly when the sun goes down.
Prices are typically lower in Baja California, particularly with art objects, fragrances, textiles, jewelry, or cosmetics. Many tourists come down to this area as the best of all art objects come from Baja—blown glass, wrought iron or silver—in addition to visiting large shopping malls and pedestrian street shops in larger cities. Another fun thing is visiting a Mexican Market, or Mercado, an unbelievable experience for tourists from other countries, to find quality souvenirs, gifts, clothing, or even toys.
Top of the line for tourists are archeological riches in ancient cave paintings that are found along the peninsula. The "El Vallecito" is located north of a town called La Rumorosa in the northern part of the peninsula, the most well-known in Baja as it can be visited in just one day. Its painting that is the most famous is "little devil" or el Diablito, a figure in red with two horns coming out of its head.
