San Quintin National Park

San Quintin National Park is a protected natural area on San Quintin Bay along the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico. The park protects a short stretch of beach with coastal dunes and inland dry coastal brush that is home to 249 species of plant and animal, some endemic to the San Quintin area and some considered to be at risk. The San Quintin area is known for its extinct volcanic field with a number of volcanoes that last erupted 20,000 to 100,000 years ago.

Bahia de San Quintin

Understand

The park covers an area of about 86 hectares.

History

San Quintin became part of the Mexico national parks system by presidential decree, signed by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) on August 15, 2023.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

The San Quintin liveforever is endemic to the sandy coastal landscape and dormant volcanoes of San Quintin

249 species of plant an animal are known to make their home in the dunes and brush of San Quintin, including a large number of birds. Birdwatchers will want to keep their eyes open for peregrine falcons, savannah sparrows, and red egrets, among many others. Several species of reptile live in the park including large numbers of alligator lizards, which are cool looking but not exactly endangered, and less commonly seen, the Baja rattlesnake, which is endemic to the park. Naturalists will appreciate the various succulents that live in the park's volcanic sands, such as the San Quintin liveforever.

Climate

San Quintin has a climate that's usually described as Mediterranean, with dry, hot summers and temperate winters. The area gets very little rainfall, and what little it receives tends to fall during the winter months.

Get in

By car

San Quintin is 185 km south of Ensenada. It is an easy, direct drive on federal highway MEX-1 (the Pacific Coast Highway). The drive should take less than 3 hours. Be sure to start off with a full tank of gas because there is a stretch with a long distance between gas stations. You'll find hotels, restaurants and gas stations in the small town of San Quintin, which lies directly on the main highway. The park is southwest of the town.

By bus

ABC operates two buses per day from Ensenada to San Quintin. The 3-1/2 hour ride will cost M$345 (June 2024). Costa de Oro buses also stop in San Quintin.

Fees and permits

No park fees are charged.

Get around

You'll want a car, preferably a 4x4 with wide tires capable of driving on sand. Once in the park, walking is ideal.

See

  • Beautiful coastal vistas
  • Brilliant sunsets
  • Dormant volcanoes

Do

  • Hike
  • Swim
  • Get a sunburn

Buy, Eat, Drink and Sleep

All travel services that you might need are in the nearby town of San Quintin. You may be able to sleep on the beach in the park.

Stay safe

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