Mexico Destinations You Can Drive to Last Minute
- Last Updated: August 24, 2025 by Meagan Drillinger
- Categories:
- Baja, Destinations, Sonora
Looking for a quick getaway south of the border? Mexico offers some of its best adventures just a few hours' drive from the U.S. Skip the hassles of flying, and buckle up for wide-open highways, a weekend's worth of tacos, desert views, and a dose of culture. Whether you're craving the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, the mountain towns of Chihuahua, or the cultural heartbeat of Monterrey, these destinations, all within 300 miles of the U.S. border, offer everything you need for a last-minute escape. Plus, they're in areas that are not subject to any travel advisories, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip. From Baja's beaches to scenic canyon vistas, here are five great places to explore over a weekend or quick vacation.
San Felipe, Baja California
Distance from the U.S.: 122 miles south of Calexico via the Mexicali East border crossing
Best time to visit: October through April
San Felipe was the final stop on a recent Baja Road trip that began in Los Cabos. By the time I rolled into town, I was sun-crisped and dusty, but the moment I caught sight of the water, I perked right up. Broad ribbons of white, sandy beaches stretched out toward the sea, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding dunes and rugged mountains.
San Felipe buzzes with energy. On weekends or during the high season it draws a diverse crowd: retirees in RVs, off-roaders towing dune buggies, and others looking for a beach break. The Malecon, the town's main artery, is always bustling with activity—Banda music blaring from passing trucks, kids zooming by on scooters, vendors selling coconut ice cream, and fishermen unloading their boats. Parking near the beach can be tricky during peak hours, but many establishments along the Malecon offer parking for their customers.
This destination is ideal for travelers seeking a safe, accessible Mexico weekend escape, with a lively beach vibe and easy access from Southern California.
What to Do
Taquería Adriana
Fish tacos in Baja are a dime a dozen, but if you have time for only one, make it at Taquería Adriana. Tucked beneath a bright red awning, this open-air restaurant on the Malecón is run by Maria Soledad, who's been perfecting fish tacos for nearly three decades. The tacos come one way: a golden, perfectly crisped filet in a warm tortilla. Add your own toppings. And the view of the sea is unmatched.
Laguna Percebu
About 20 miles south of town, down a rutted, bone-rattling dirt road, Laguna Percebu hosts calm, shallow waters, teeming with crabs, sponges, starfish, and shorebirds. This is the highest point in the Gulf of California. Camp right on the beach for unparalleled stargazing or opt for nearby villas and beach houses at Rancho Percebu.
Local Tip: Bring pesos. While some places accept U.S. dollars, the exchange rate is usually worse. Many of the best spots are cash-only.
San Carlos, Sonora
Distance from the U.S.: 264 miles from Nogales, Arizona
Best time to visit: Late fall to early spring
Where the parched desert meets the glassy Sea of Cortez sits the small town of San Carlos. This off-the-radar beach town has a raw, natural beauty, almost like the backdrop of an old Western film—except for the modern marina.
Unlike La Paz or Los Cabos, San Carlos isn't a resort town. The pace here is much slower. Instead of towering hotels, you'll find cozy boutique inns and beach condos, offering just the right number of amenities without compromising the town's rough-edged charm.
For travelers craving a Mexico escape that delivers epic scenery without the crowds, this remote destination stands out thanks to its low-key, family-friendly vibe.
What to Do
Hike Cerro Tetakawi
For a vertical challenge, hike the iconic Cerro Tetakawi, also known as "Goat's Horn." This volcanic peak towers over San Carlos, with two trails to the top: one from the beach and one from KM 15 in Sector Bahía. The roadside trail is more well marked.
The first half of the hike is steep but manageable, offering great views of the marina and hidden coves. After that, the climbing is more difficult. Guided tours are provided by San Carlos Adventures.
Festival de la Calaca (Early November)
Día de los Muertos is celebrated much like the rest of Mexico, but with the added tradition of the Festival de la Calaca. Altars honoring deceased loved ones, adorned with marigolds, candles, and tamales, can be found throughout town. The festival adds a parade, traditional costumes, street performers, and live music in the plaza.
Local Tip: San Carlos is very safe but avoid leaving your phone or bag unattended on the beach. Petty theft is rare but not unheard of, especially when tourism spikes in winter.
Chihuahua City, Chihuahua
Distance from the U.S.: 285 miles south of the Santa Teresa border crossing near El Paso, Texas
Best time to visit: March through May or October through November
Chihuahua isn't the tropical Mexico you might see in travel magazines. You won't find palm trees or ocean views. Instead, the city sits in a high desert region surrounded by wide, open valleys and pine-covered mountains. The streets are lined with grand colonial mansions, and you'll find a blend of modern city conveniences with old-world Wild West culture. Cowboys and students mingle in the same cafe. Modern museums are set in historic Art Nouveau mansions. And the smell of mesquite-grilled meats drifts through the city's historic plazas.
I arrived in Chihuahua on my way to Copper Canyon, but realized the city is a destination on its own. The architecture, the food, and natural beauty offer a glimpse of Mexico that often gets overlooked.
Those seeking a Mexico road trip focused on culture and history, Chihuahua delivers in spades.
What to Do
Get Burritos in Villa Ahumada
When driving south from El Paso or Ciudad Juárez, your first taste of Chihuahua comes from the burritos in Villa Ahumada. This small town, popular with locals and truck drivers, serves up sizzling burritos on flat-top grills. The thin, crispy tortillas are filled with everything from carne con chile to barbacoa. Try the ones at El Palomar Burritos Y Gordas.
Visit Distrito Uno
In Chihuahua's capital, Distrito Uno blends old and new with its mix of modern buildings, sidewalk cafes, splashy murals, and trendy restaurants. It feels worlds apart from the cobblestone streets of the Centro Histórico. This neighborhood is where young professionals meet for drinks in minimalist wine bars and couples enjoy craft coffee in outdoor green spaces. If you want to experience modern Chihuahua, this is the neighborhood.
Ride Le Chepe and Explore Creel
Of course, no trip to Chihuahua is complete without a ride on El Chepe, the legendary train through Copper Canyon. On your way to the Sierra Tarahumara, stop in Creel, a small mountain town known as the gateway to the canyon. Visit Casa de las Artesanias Museum to see exhibits on Rarámuri (Tarahumara) life, or shop for woven baskets and handmade crafts at Artesanías Misión, a co-op supporting Indigenous artisans.
Local Tip: Be sure to keep your gas tank full, as distances are long and gas stations can be few and far between.
Monterrey, Nuevo León
Distance from the U.S.: 138 miles from Laredo, Texas via the Colombia or Nuevo Laredo border crossings
Best time to visit: March to May and October to early December
Tucked in a valley, and surrounded by mountains, Monterrey is Mexico's thriving northern financial hub. I came in expecting glass towers and industrial grit, of which there is an abundance, but what surprised me most was how well the city wears its contradictions. Colonial plazas sit in the shadows of Mexico's tallest skyscrapers. Former steel plants are now sculpture gardens and tech museums. You can enjoy artisanal beer one moment and a mesquite-grilled cabrito the next. Monterrey may be built on business, but culture is catching up fast.
This is a standout option for Mexico travelers seeking urban adventure with scenic beauty, just a few hours from the Texas border.
What to Do
Parque Fundidora & Horno3
Monterrey's past and future collide at Parque Fundidora, a sprawling park created from a defunct steel mill just east of the city center. Smokestacks, rail lines, and blast furnaces stand like sculptures, now surrounded by jogging paths, paddle boats, cafes, and open-air art installations.
At its heart is Horno3, a preserved steel furnace turned interactive museum. It's one of the most striking museums in Mexico, equal parts industrial relic and hands-on science center. Take a guided tour up to the catwalk, ride a glass elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city, or catch a molten metal demonstration that simulates what steelworkers did here daily.
Palacio del Obispado
West of downtown, the Palacio del Obispado sits atop a mountain with a commanding view of the city. Built in the 1780s as the bishop's residence, it later played a role in the Mexican-American War and became a museum in the 20th century.
Inside, you'll find colonial artifacts, religious art, and Porfiriato-era furnishings. The highlight is the mirador (lookout point), which offers panoramic views of Monterrey, from the glass towers of San Pedro to the sprawling urban neighborhoods nestled against the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. Visit around sunset for a breathtaking view of the city bathed in pink and gold.
Local Tip: Monterrey's taxi apps (like Didi or Uber) work well, but prices can spike around events or festivals.
Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California
Distance from the U.S.: 323 miles south of the Mexicali border crossing
Best time to visit: July to November for whale shark season; October through April for camping, hiking, and fewer bugs
Bahía de los Ángeles, nestled between the Sierra de la Borja mountains to the west, Isla Angel de la Guarda to the east, and Punta la Gringa to the north, is a secluded village on the Sea of Cortez. With little cell service and few tourist amenities, it's the epitome of an off-the-grid destination for travelers chasing unspoiled nature and total solitude.
What to Do
Visit Misión San Francisco Borja de Ádac
If you've got a 4x4 and are looking for adventure, take the rocky drive west into the desert to visit Misión San Borja, an 18th-century Jesuit stone mission. Its caretaker, Jose, will give you a guided tour of the stone church and nearby adobe ruins.
Punta la Gringa Hike
Seven miles north of town, Punta la Gringa, or Peninsula Campo La Gringa, is a quiet, secluded spot for camping, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and a short 2-mile hike. The trail climbs from the sandy beach through rocky terrain dotted with hardy desert cacti to a bluff overlooking the water. From the top you'll enjoy panoramic views of coral-colored cliffs, the deep blue Sea of Cortez, nearby islands, and the arid Baja landscape. Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be uneven, but the vistas make it worth the effort.
Local Tip: Cell service is very limited. Some campgrounds and accommodations have slow internet, but don't count on being connected.
Whether you're chasing beach sunsets, desert solitude, mountain culture, or big-city buzz, these Mexico road trips near the U.S. border prove that a last-minute escape doesn't mean settling for the familiar. In just a few hours, you can be exploring in a safe destination, discovering a new world of food, music, and breathtaking landscapes.