Twelve kilometers south of Ensenada, the Río San Carlos meets Bahía de Todos Santos to form an estuary environment. The beach here isn’t the prettiest that Baja has to offer (unless you’re into tidal flats), but it tends not to be too crowded, except in the middle of the summer. Turn off Mexico 1 7.5 kilometers south of the Gigante at Avenidas Reforma and Delante.

Hotels and Camping

There are a few motels near the beach, but the Estero Beach Resort or its attached RV park are the best options if you want to spend the night. The well-worn and family-oriented Estero Beach Resort Hotel (Km. 14, Carretera Transpeninsular, tel. 646/176-6225 or 646/176-6230, U.S. tel. 619/335-1145, www.hotelesterobeach.com, US$80–150) has 100 rooms and suites, most of which have views of the beach and are set amidst landscaped grounds of grass and palms.

This is a full-service resort, but think Super 8 more than Crowne Plaza, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Families who fall in love with the place tend to return every year until their kids are grown. Guest services include tennis courts, boat rentals, horseback riding, a swimming pool, playground, restaurant/bar, general store, and small historical museum.

The adjoining RV park has 60 spaces with full hookups and grassy campsites (US$35–45). This place is popular with caravans, so book early. Campers are allowed to use the hotel facilities. There are several less expensive campgrounds and trailer parks along the beach.

Getting to Estero Beach

City buses signed for the Chapultepec neighborhood run between downtown Ensenada and the estuary.