If you ask me, Baja's white beaches and craggy Sierra de la Giganta mountains look best from offshore: The Sea of Cortez is a kayaker's paradise. Sign on for an eight-day trip with Oregon-based Tofino Expeditions ($1,250; tofino.com), starting out of the fishing-cum-vacation port of Loreto. You'll explore coastal islands and mangroves; paddle near sea lions in Loreto Bay National Marine Park; and weave through pastel-colored volcanic-rock formations at the Sierra de la Giganta coast, 16 miles south of Loreto. Nights are spent camping on beaches and in one of 48 waterfront rooms at the Desert Inn at Loreto. Around the corner, Mike's Bar serves a mean michelada—local beer mixed with clam juice, lemon, and salt. (Tastes like iced tea but better.)