San Quintin has two faces: One is a valley with a population around 60,000. Modern commercial farms produce tons of tomatoes, strawberries, celery, peppers and other vegetables. Workers come from throughout Mexico to this fertile region.

The other San Quintin is the Bay, probably the most popular tourist destination between Ensenada and Mulege. The sheltered waters of the u-shaped inner bay separate the cultivated fields, with a backdrop of volcanic cones, from narrow sand dunes to the south of the outer bay, which is open to the changing winds of the Pacific Ocean.

In the late 19th century, an English land company was authorized by the Mexican Government to colonize the eastern side of the bay. Crops were planted, a mill was built, a custom house and a pier. A prolonged drought caused the colony to fail.

Evidence of the past can be seen at the Old Mill Motel, which contains some of the original machinery. A poignant reminder of the colony's struggle is a collection of wooden English crosses in the lonely, windswept cemetery.

Bahia San Quintin is a seasonal paradise for sportsmen. Hunting and fishing are excellent. Although the bay offers species and size comparable to southern California, both the abundance of fish and lack of of anglers provide a perfect opportuinty for the visitor. Good surf fishing and clam digging enhance the appeal.

The inner bay provides a fine protected anchorage for small boats. Four wheel drive and heavy duty vehicles can make the drive to the western shore of the bay and the Pacific coast where good primitive camping sites can be found and beaches with beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

You'll also find comfortable, small hotels and cabins, RV parks, great seafood restaurants, gas stations, medical clinics, stores and a tourism office (Hwy 1, Km 178).