San Diego to San Diego

This magical city is festive and friendly, from its legendary zoo to Balboa Park everyone here seems to be living that quintessential California lifestyle – sun, sand and surf. Between ocean and desert, the near perfect weather here is ideal for exploring charming neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and of course, the beach.

Topolobampo is a port on the Gulf of California in northwestern Sinaloa, Mexico. It is the fourth-largest town in the municipality of Ahome.

Sitting on the east coast of Baja, Loreto provides all the diversions of a small, seafront town, including diving, kayaking and fishing. There is also a chance to play a game of tennis at the Tennis Center or a round of golf on the greens carpeting a special spot by the Sea of Cortez. Then there is the tempting excursion of boating five miles from shore to the Islas Coronado, where you can spot sea lions basking in the sun. All these features are certainly enough to make Loreto an appealing destination on this maiden call for Crystal Cruises. But what makes the town even more interesting is its mission history. Loreto was founded in 1697 as the head of the Jesuit missions to California and for 130 years, served as the territory’s capital. Stop in the original mission church, which appears much as it has for centuries. Then wander through the small museum next door and learn more about Baja’s missionary history.

Cradled between the stark sands of Baja and the fertile waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz offers a host of challenging opportunities. Dubbed “the World’s largest fish trap,” the area is home to over 800 species of fish and 2,000 species of invertebrates. Giant manta rays and whales navigate the depths while dolphins and sea lions frolic on the surface. Deep sea fishing, diving and sightseeing boats are available for charters.

This magical city is festive and friendly, from its legendary zoo to Balboa Park everyone here seems to be living that quintessential California lifestyle – sun, sand and surf. Between ocean and desert, the near perfect weather here is ideal for exploring charming neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and of course, the beach.