Girls Weekend in Valle de Guadalupe Itinerary
One of the best ways to spend a girls weekend in Southern California is to head to wine country. But while most head to the stereotypical spots like Napa, Sanoma, Paso Robles, or Temecula, why not go somewhere a bit more unique like Valle de Guadalupe? This up and coming wine region just south of the San Diego border is quite the hidden gem and the perfect spot for a weekend get away.
From the aesthetically pleasing wineries like Vena Cava or Finca La Carrodilla to the delectable restaurants like Fauna or Animalón a girls weekend in Valle de Guadalupe is a real treat!
In order to plan a smooth trip, there are a few things you need to know prior.
As a San Diego local, Baja Mexico is extremely accessible to me. I’ve taken many girls trips to Valle de Guadalupe so I’m here to share all of my insider knowledge with you to help ensure you have a smooth and stress free girls weekend.
In this post I not only share my recommended itinerary, I also share lots of tips that I’ve personally gathered along the way.
So round up the girlies and follow this planned for your Valle de Guadalupe Itinerary!
Some articles on Journeys In Focus contain ads and affiliate links. If you plan on buying or booking something I’ve recommended, please consider using my links, which help power this site at no additional cost to you! To learn more, read our privacy policy.
Girls Weekend in Valle de Guadalupe Itinerary
After visiting this area many times, I’ve put together what I think is the best way to utilize your time to get the most out of your girls weekend in Valle de Guadalupe.
Since I know everyone has different preferences, I’ve built this itinerary to be a bit plug and play so you can choose options for each section that aligns with your group’s preferences. You can use the table of contents to see the high-level itinerary and then go to each section to pick the recommended options.
So let’s get into it!
Day 1: Coastal Drive
Take Hwy 1 down the coast and stop for lunch
One of the great parts about taking a trip to Valle de Guadalupe is the scenic drive down the cost to get there! You will quickly see why when you do it yourself. You feel like you have been transported to Big Sur with its sweeping cliffside views over the ocean.
There are also a ton of great restaurants and places to stop along the way so definitely plan to get brunch or lunch on the coast while you make your way to Valle.
There is a wide range of food options along the coast with varying cuisines and ambiance to choose from. So there are plenty of options for every group’s preference. In deciding where to go, you will also want to take into consideration the timing of when you want to eat in relation to your drive down. Here are some of my recommendations in order of location from north to south to help you decide:
- Puerto Nuevo – this area is known for its seafood and specifically for cheap and delicious lobster. There are a lot of restaurant options serving up the local fresh catch but two favorites with ocean views include La Casa del Pescador or Restaurant Villa Ortega’s.
- Los Portales de Garcia – this place is serving up a movie set worthy romantic atmosphere. Built right on the cliff side overlooking the ocean with beautiful Mexican design elements throughout you want to make sure your phone is fully charged and ready for some picture taking. This is a great spot for brunch. I recommend sharing the chilaquiles and pancakes with a friend. (see video below)
- Bar Bura – if you’re looking for a place that’s a bit more of a scene, Bar Bura is your spot. This seaside restaurant is part of the Cuatro Cuatro group and not only is it beautifully designed, it also has great high-end cuisine and drinks. You have to have a reservation to visit and should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here if you decide to go.
Afternoon Activity
If you leave in the morning and have the afternoon available there are a lot of things that you can consider doing during that time. If wine is the whole theme of this trip, you can stop at your first winery for a tasting or you can do a non-wine related activity like going to a spa or a horseback riding adventure.
Day Spa and Pool Hang – For a nice relaxing start to your weekend, start with a spa day or a mellow hang by a pool. There are a few spa options you can consider.
- Montevalle Wellness Resort offers a number of different treatments including massage, holistic therapies, and infusions. With any service, you get access to their resort amenities like the pool and jacuzzi, reflexology pathway, or meditation labyrinth. They also have a restaurant on site if anyone wants snacks or drinks.
- Luna de Sol Baja is a spa and organic garden that offers many ways for you to relax and connect with nature. Their practices are rooted in wellness and natural remedies made directly from their organic gardens. They offer a number of different services including spa day passes, spa treatments, sound baths, yoga classes, and immersive experiences.
- Or if you have a pool at the place you are staying you can have the spa treatments come to you! Sereno Valle Massage is a mobile spa service that will come to your hotel for massages and facials. They even have a spa party package you can book for a group.
Horseback Riding or Ziplining – If your group is more interested in an adventurous afternoon there are quite a few things you can consider doing. Two of which are coastal horseback riding or ziplining over the desert.
- Desert Trails offers a number of different horseback riding options including including beach and trail rides. They also have the option of booking a picnic afterward for your group if you didn’t already eat lunch.
- Cuatro Cuatros has a highly rated zip line adventure. There are 5 ziplines in the course which includes the longest line in all of Baja. The tour takes about 2 – 2 ½ hours and includes some hiking and beautiful views.
Dinner
After your relaxing or adventurous afternoon, it’s time to get ready to indulge your taste buds because Valle de Guadalupe is just as known for its culinary scene as it is for being a wine region. There are a ton of great options for places to eat. From fancy multi-course tasting menus to amazing roadside food stands. Trust me, you’re going to be eating well!
For your first night, I recommend doing a fancier tasting menu dinner since the next day you will be full of wine and probably want something a little more low key. There are a number of great options to choose from, all serving up unique dishes in non-traditional restaurant atmospheres.
You will need reservations for any of these places so make sure to book in advance.
- Fauna – Named the best restaurant in Mexico and number 5 in all of Latin America in the 2023 ratings of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, a visit here is quite the experience. With a truly beautiful design seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors, they create a sense of community through its large communal tables. Chefs David Castro Hussong and Maribel Aldaco create changing experimental menus featuring local ingredients and family style meals. They have multiple different multi-course options to choose from or you can order ala carte (however, I recommend sticking to a tasting menu). Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.
- Animalón – Dine under the branches of a 200 year old oak tree on the flavors of a modern Mexican menu. The menu features fresh local ingredients with the option of a 4, 6, or 8 course tasting menu and the option to add a wine pairing. After your meal, you can head to their bar/lounge for an after dinner cocktail.
- Lunario – This female run restaurant is quickly becoming known as a must visit restaurant in the Valle de Guadalupe food scene. Her menu changes monthly and features 6 or 8 course tasting menus for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Situated within an organic farm and being a leader in helping to grow the area’s sustainable agriculture scene, you know you are going to be eating the freshest ingredients.
- Valle Omakase by Chef Quindere – Although having sushi for your first night in Mexico seems a bit odd, this place really delivers an amazing experience. Not only is the food to die for, I recommend taking the opportunity to sit at the sushi bar where you can interact with the chef while gazing out at the sweeping backdrop of wine country.
Day 2: Sippin’ All The Wine
Now for the main reason you planned your girls weekend in Valle de Guadalupe, wine tasting day! So put on your best winetasting outfits and get ready to sip wine at some of the most picturesque wineries.
Note: Since there will be a lot of drinking involved, I highly recommend you hire a driver for the day unless you have someone in the group who is open to being a designated driver.
Breakfast
It’s important for any day of wine tasting to start with a solid breakfast. If the place you are staying has a kitchen you can grab groceries the night before and cook at your place or you can go to one of the many breakfast places in the area.
If you plan on going out to breakfast, I recommend getting there early because lines can get long at a lot of the popular breakfast spots in the area. Or you can head to one of these smaller cafes/coffee shops for something a bit more low-key.
- Avéolo – Casa del Pan – this coffee shop/bakery is a favorite in the area. Make sure to pick up some of their beloved baked goods including fan favorites like the cinnamon rolls, conchas, and sweet cornbread.
- Aromas Coffee & Shop – if you are a coffee connoisseur, this is the place to go! They take their coffee game seriously, sourcing all of their beans from Mexico and really taking the time to craft excellent brews. If you need a little hair of the dog, they are known to have the best carajillo in all of Valle. Then head next-door to Cantera Restaurant for breakfast.
- Almarge Café & Deli – a beautiful place to grab some excellent coffee and breakfast. Nestled within the vineyards it’s a great place to start the morning while still enjoying the gorgeous wine country views.
Winery Tour
Since you have the entire day you can visit quite a few wineries or you can take your time at a select few.
Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe tend to stay open later than those in the US. Most open between 10 am and noon and stay open anywhere from 5 to 7 pm. So you have time to fit quite a lot in however in my experience most places have some heavy pours and leave you feeling good after just the first visit. I recommend picking 3-4 wineries for the day with Lunch in the middle.
There are tour options you can book through a third party or you can plan your day yourself and make your own reservations.
If you are DIYing your own day you will want to make sure you book reservations ahead of time. I find for a nice relaxing day, it’s best to plan around 2-3 hours at each winery but you can do a tasting in as little as 30 minutes if you want to get in and get out. If your group is on the fast train though make sure to let the winery know your timeline when you get there to make sure they’re not letting you take your time with the tastings.
It’s also important to consider drive time when planning out your day. The drive time on Google Maps can be deceiving because it doesn’t take into account the poor quality dirt roads that force you to go much slower. Most wineries give you a 15 minute window to get to your reservation but if you are running later, make sure to call and let them know.
Here are a few itinerary options you can pick from, or you can use them as an outline and fill it in with the wineries your group wants to visit.
3 Winery Day
- 11am – Rondo de Valle
- 1pm – Lunch at Troika (add on a wine tasting at Vena Cava or order by the glass with lunch)
- 3pm – Finca La Carrodilla
- 5pm – Burma Wine Garden
4 Winery Day
- 10 am – Clos de Tres Cantos (opens at 10 am but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
- 11:30am – Vinícola 3 Mujeres
- 1 pm – Finca Altozano
- 3 pm – Monte Xanic Bodega Vinícola
- 4:30 pm – L.A. Cetto (open until 6 pm Friday – Sunday)
Note: If you plan on buying wine at any of the wineries, it’s important to know that each person can only bring back up to 2 bottles of wine so plan accordingly.
Dinner
After a day full of drinking wine head back to your hotel and relax a bit before heading out to dinner. Or for an earlier night, you can head straight to dinner.
Since you had your fancy dinner the night before, tonight you can go somewhere a bit less formal. Or if you want round two of a fancy tasting menu, you can book a reservation for one of the places you didn’t go to the night before.
There are a ton of other great options to try but here are a few I recommend:
- Bloodlust – You may have seen this giant garlic bulb of a building throughout your day and now is your chance to see what it’s all about. They have food, wine, and cocktails as well as live music most nights. The food is still a bit on the fancier side but you don’t have to commit to a tasting menu like the night before.
- Taqueria La Principal – If you’re in the mood for authentic street tacos this no frills taqueria is your spot. This place serves up flavor without the high price point you see at a lot of the other restaurants nearby. These tacos rival the best tacos in Mexico City. Make sure to give their quesotaco a try. You won’t regret it! (unless you’re lactose intolerant, then you might 🙂)
- King and Queen Cantina – Although this restaurant has turned into a bit of a chain, they still serve up reliable modern Mexican food which makes it a great option for a more casual dinner out.
Day 3: Obviously, it’s Brunch Day
After a full day of drinking the day before, give yourselves a nice slow morning. Make some coffee and take in the beauty of the area. Or maybe even head to the pool if your hotel has one. After all, if you’re paying to stay in a beautiful place you should take the time to enjoy it.
If your place doesn’t have a coffee maker, you can head to one of the cafes/coffee shops I mentioned earlier. Just be aware if your hotel is down a bumpy dirt road like most are, it might be hard to transport coffee back.
Brunch
Did you even go on a girls trip if you didn’t do brunch? There are a lot of options all offering various menus and atmospheres. Some offer another opportunity to get a bit dressed up or others are perfect for showing up in your leggings for a comfier vibe.
- La Cocina de Doña Esthela – For authentic Mexican breakfast, this is your spot! I honestly still have dreams about this place and can’t wait to go back. The road there is a bit treacherous but worth the bumps. I highly recommend getting the machaca and eggs. And don’t be surprised if your group needs to ask for another round of their homemade tortillas. There is usually a bit of a wait but the place is huge so it goes pretty fast.
- Bruma Wine Garden – If you’re looking for a bit more of a scene, this is the place. Here you can expect a more vibey atmosphere and the opportunity to have a boozy brunch if your group is ready to keep going.
- Salvia Blanca – This is a nice in the middle brunch spot. A bit more laid back than Bruma but also offers more of a well-designed space compared La Cocina Doña Esthela. Known for their out of this world pancakes and offering live music on Saturdays and Sundays it’s a great option for any girls trip to Valle de Guadalupe.
Head Home
After finishing with brunch it’s sadly time to start making your way home.
Depending on what time you want to get back you can either head straight there or you can stop by any of the places you missed on the way down.
The border crossing times can be a bit long, especially on Sundays so make sure to check the wait times at both border crossings to see which option is fastest.
Or, I highly recommend getting Sentri which can make a 1 hour wait time quickly turn into just 15 minutes. Just remember though, that everyone in your car has to have global entry to use these lanes.
Best Time Visit Valle de Guadalupe
When planning your girls weekend in Valle de Guadalupe itinerary, it’s important to decide what kind of weather you want and how lively you want it to be with other visitors to help you decide when to go.
It’s pretty beautiful year round but the nicest weather is from June – October. If you’re looking to enjoy the pool while you’re there, aim for July – September for a better guarantee of hot weather. This time is also the high season with August being busiest due to it being the area’s harvest season. However, in my experience, I’ve never really seen crowds like we do in other wine regions in the US. But still, make sure to book your wineries and dinner reservations ahead of time.
Alternatively, spring offers the opportunity to see the hills filled with beautiful wildflowers but you may still have some cooler nights and not a lot of people at the wineries.
In the winter and shoulder seasons, you will find cooler weather and way less people but you will also find the best deals on lodging. I visited in February once and we got over a 50% discount on the villa our group booked! However, we didn’t dress warm enough so make sure to bring some layers if you visit during this time.
How to Get There
There are a few ways you can go about getting to Valle de Guadalupe for your girls weekend. If you are coming from the US you can drive from San Diego or you can walk across the border and hire a private driver to take you around for the weekend.
If you aren’t from SoCal and plan on flying there, the closest airport is Tijuana or San Diego. You can then rent a car or hire a private driver for the duration of your trip.
Check out my other post for more information on how to get to Valle de Guadalupe, get around, and get home.
Where to Stay
Valle de Guadalupe has some of the most unique boutique hotels and Airbnbs I’ve ever seen. They range from feeling like you’re in a Tuscan villa to glamping in an igloo dome to staying in a UFO. If you are going during the warmer months, I highly recommend booking a place with a pool to enjoy, but if you’re going when it’s colder a pool isn’t necessary.
It’s also important to research the road conditions to get to your accommodations to make sure the car you are taking can make it. I accidentally booked a place that required a small river crossing which my sport sedan definitely wouldn’t have made it. Luckily I realized this before we got there and was able to change things around.
Here are some great options you can consider for your girls trip:
Alma Liebre Viñedos del Valle
Booking.com Rating: 9.4
This is where I stayed for my most recent girls trip to Valle de Guadalupe and we absolutely loved it. It felt like we were transported to Tuscany. Rather than your typical hotel, the owners have created beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces with multiple bedrooms connected by outdoor communal spaces. They also have a communal pool for all guests on the property that features and outdoor kitchen and grill if you want to enjoy a pool side BBQ.
Rancho Cien Piedras
Booking.com Rating: 9.9
This property features beautiful views, a large pool, kitchens in each house, and can work for groups of all different sizes. Centrally located, this is a perfect home base for your girls weekend Valle de Guadalupe.
Boskenvid Hotel Boutique, Skypool
Booking.com Rating: 9.1
For something a bit more unique you can consider booking a few of the treehouse rooms at Boskenvid Hotel Boutique, Skypool which each have a king sized bed, bathroom and balcony. Or they have a large luxury villa on the property as well which is great for a group that wants to stay together. No matter what you pick there is a pool and restaurant on the property available for all of the guests to enjoy.
What to Pack
Snacks – One of the most important things to bring on any girls trip is plenty of snacks. No one needs a hangry friend ruining the weekend so I always make sure to bring snacks to share throughout the weekend. Slaty and carby are always best for a wine weekend too. Just remember you can’t bring any fruits or nuts across the border.
Tide to go pen – I don’t know how many wine tasting weekends I’ve been on where a glass goes flying onto someone potentially ruining their outfit. This is why I always make sure to bring a tide to go pen for any potential mishaps.
Electrolytes – Hydration is key while wine tasting and being in the sun. I always pack Nuun tablets and make sure to drink one before wine tasting and another one before going to bed.
Water bottle – Again… hydration is key. Remember not to drink the tap water! Most hotels and wineries have filtered water on site that you can refill your water bottle with
Sun protection – A lot of the wineries are outside so make sure to pack adequate sun protection. Although you aren’t swimming in the ocean, it’s still important to only use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the local biodiversity and waterways.
Layers – The weather can vary throughout the day so I always make sure to bring layers. With so many of the businesses being indoor/outdoor, this is key to making sure you stay comfortable.
Portable charger – This area is just so gorgeous you are going to want to take a lot of pictures and you don’t want to end up with a dead battery by the end of the day. A portable charger can be super handy to have just in case anyone’s phone is low on power.
Other Mexico Resources
This girls weekend in Valle de Guadalupe covers just about everything you need to know to planning the perfect weekend getaway. If you’re planning on heading somewhere else in Mexico as well, make sure to check out my other Mexico Travel guides.
