A Local’s Guide to La Ventana: Where to Eat, Chill, and Explore Between Sessions
- laventanacamps
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Introduction
La Ventana, a small fishing village and kitesurfing mecca on the shores of the Sea of Cortés in Baja California Sur, has captured the hearts of adventurers from all over the globe. With steady winter winds, sunshine, and a friendly, laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why it has become the most beloved kiteboarding destination in Mexico. But beyond the water, La Ventana offers a unique culture, incredible food, and many opportunities to explore and relax.
In this guide we take you behind the scenes with a local’s perspective, highlighting our favorite places to eat, unwind, and hang out in between kite sessions. Whether you’re here for a week or an entire season, these tips will help you make the most of your time in this windy corner of Baja California Sur.
Where to Eat in La Ventana
Local Favorites for Authentic Flavor
La Ventana’s food scene is surprisingly vibrant to many! From hearty breakfasts to super fresh seafood dinners, with a few culinary gems, the town’s eateries deliver the authentic Baja taste, traditional Mexican food, and some modern twists. Each spot has its own character, some rustic, some modern.
For breakfast, we love to start our day at Pólvora, a cozy place known for its freshly baked goods, specialty coffee, and hearty plates with a modern Mediterranean twist. Its creative, artsy desert setting is a must!
Another great choice is El Anzuelo, at Palapas Ventana, which serves traditional Mexican breakfasts with a beautiful view of the bay and Cerralvo Island, a perfect way to watch the early risers setting up their kites, enjoying a great plate of huevos rancheros or traditional chilaquiles.
Midday, we love Ibeyis for a tasty torta (Mexican sandwich) in a hidden roadside corner. Our favorite is the torta de milanesa. (Cash only!)
For another chill lunch spot, Rancho La Ventana has very good classic Mexican lunch dishes, and some say the best chilaquiles in town! And, if you’re craving something fast yet satisfying, Baja Bites has some of the best fish tacos in town, making it ideal for a quick stop.
Dinner is where La Ventana truly shines in its diversity!
Mariscos El Cone is famous for its shrimp tacos and grilled fish; this family-run restaurant is a beloved institution favorite among all. (Cash only!)
Cebollajo is a new culinary offer in town, its set menu delivers bold Oaxaca-inspired flavors with traditional Mexican dishes, great cocktails, and non-alcoholic cocktails too! (By reservation and cash or transfer only!)
La Guayaba Tostada is our latest obsession! Sergio, the chef, cooks right in sight in his cozy palapa, offering a creative twist to traditional seafood dishes. His delicious ceviche and sashimi blend local and innovative flavours that we love. (Cash or transfer only!)
Pólvora: Very cool spot! Specialty coffee, great breakfast/brunch dishes, and fresh pastries. Also open for dinner!
El Anzuelo: Traditional breakfast with breathtaking sea/island views.
Rancho La Ventana: Classic Mexican lunches.
Ibeyis: Fresh tortas and other Mexican “antojitos” for a great midday meal.
Baja Bites: Quick, super delicious fish tacos for kitesurfers on the go.
Mariscos El Cone: Renowned for grilled fish and shrimp tacos. A local staple not to miss!
Cebollajo: Modern Mexican cuisine and great ambiance and cocktails (both alcoholic and not!).
Guayaba Tostada: Creative, refreshing seafood not to miss!
Best Places to Chill and Recharge
Good Hangout Spots
When the wind slows down or you need a break, we have some spots perfect for unwinding, and soak in the scenery while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Our favorite spot for a coffee and pastry moment, Silvestre Café! Locally owned and run, they have the best coffee in town and amazing fresh baked pastries. Try the lemon cheesecake and their cookies! It's also a good spot for some reading, or working.
La Tuna offers a laid-back atmosphere, great cocktails and very good food. It also has some of the best beach views in town and live music Sunday evenings!
If you’re looking for something cool and cozy, Aqua Ventana is a spot with a comfortable setting and a welcoming ambiance. The beachfront terrace and bar with its cozy firepits make it a great choice for both chilling and socializing.
For a more refined vibe, Casa Tara delivers a touch of elegance with its chic beachside lounge and creative cocktails.
Silvestre Coffee & Bakery: great atmosphere, coffee and baked goods.
La Tuna: Chill beach bar with great views and relaxed vibes.
Aqua Ventana: Boutique hangout with cozy seating and friendly service.
Casa Tara: Upscale lounge with cocktails and stylish atmosphere.
Wellness & Recovery Spots
Sometimes, La Ventana’s active outdoor lifestyle makes us look for moments of recovery and self-care. The town offers excellent wellness experiences.
At Baja Joes, KayKay has become a go-to yoga wellness figure, offering yoga and stretching sessions that help kiters stay strong and injury-free. Casa Tara is another yoga haven, combining its serene beachfront setting with yoga classes, spa treatments, and meditation practices designed to restore balance.
Yogalina by KayKay at Baja Joes: Yoga and stretching classes tailored for kiters.
Casa Tara: Yoga, spa treatments, and wellness retreats by the beach.
Adventures Beyond the Kiting
Nature and Outdoor Exploration
La Ventana is a playground for the outdoorsy and it offers a lot of opportunities for exploring beyond kiteboarding.
Mountain biking
We have great mountain biking trails for beginners and advanced riders! You can ride through the beautiful cactus forest and be surprised by the desert’s magic and sweeping views of the bay. Find the trail system on Trailforks: La Ventana Trail System for beginner-friendly rides and El Sargento Trail System for the advanced.
Snorkeling adventures
The Sea of Cortés (or Gulf of California) has amazing and biodiverse marine wildlife. We love going on boat trips with María Salinas Adventures to explore the Bay of La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo. Fish, dolphins, sea lions, and sometimes whales! It’s a very fun way to be out in the water, exploring, and learning.
Hiking and trail running
Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the trails and explore hidden arroyos and desert canyons. Follow the same trails on Trailforks (links) to find a trail that suits what you’re looking for.
Mountain Biking: Scenic trails with varying difficulty levels.
Snorkeling at Isla Cerralvo: abundant marine life and ocean exploration.
Desert Hiking: Trails through unique landscapes.
Cultural and Community Experiences
Connecting and respecting the local culture is very important for us. For those looking for that, we have a couple of tips!
If you visit in late October, it’s when the traditional “Fiestas del Ejido” take place, with a fair, street food, and amazing traditional Mexican live music! It’s the best way to experience and connect with the regional traditions.
From November to April, we have the weekly Farmers’ Market. It offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, gifts, and great finds. It’s also a good way to meet people and be social.
You can take part in local initiatives and non-profits. These experiences enrich your stay, support local causes and ensure the sustainability of the place we love!
We suggest connecting with No Bas Basura, a local non-profit that organizes the recyclables’ collection in the Farmer’s Market, beach cleanups, and educational talks about waste and sustainability. Or reach out to Azul Cerralvo, a local charity with focus on well-being of kids and families in the rural area. They organize activities for disabled kids, collect goods and medicine for the sick, amongst other things.
Fiestas del Ejido: A lively festival with food, games, music, and traditions (late October).
Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday with fresh produce, crafts, baked good and much more.
No Más Basura: Local non-profit leading beach cleanups, recycling, and sustainability education.
Azul Cerralvo: Donate or volunteer supporting local kids or families in need.
Nightlife and Social Scene
Live Music and Dancing
La Ventana’s nightlife may be very low-key compared to other beach towns, but it has a charm of its own. There are a few spots that come alive with music and dancing.
La Tuna is the hotspot for live reggae every Sunday evening, or salsa nights on Tuesdays for those who love to dance! For bigger shows, Baja Joes regularly hosts live concerts that bring together locals, visitors, Mexicans and foreigners. And if you’re in the mood for something fun and interactive, Benson’s is known for its karaoke nights on Thursdays, an evening of music, laughter and unforgettable performances.
Conclusion
La Ventana is so much more than a kitesurfing destination. Its authentic flavors, beach lounges, desert trails, and a warm community makes it a place where visitors feel at home. This little village by the Sea of Cortés offers experiences that go well beyond the water.
Whether you’re kiteboarding, seeking a peaceful getaway, or wanting to connect with nature and local culture, La Ventana offers many opportunities.
Between sessions on the water, take time to explore and immerse yourself in all that this unique Baja gem has to offer. You’ll leave not only with sharper kite skills but with unforgettable sunsets, shared meals, and connections that stay with you beyond your stay.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit La Ventana? November to March offers the most consistent wind for kiteboarding.
Do I need to rent a car? It’s recommended if you want to explore town, though many places are walkable or bike-friendly.
Are there beginner-friendly kite spots? Yes, the main bay offers wide sandy beaches perfect for learning.
Is La Ventana safe? Yes, it’s considered a safe and welcoming community!
What else can I do besides kiteboarding? Snorkeling, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, and exploring local culture are popular options.