Baja Legends: The Historic Characters, Events, and Locations That Put Baja California on the Map

by Greg Niemann

The author of Baja Fever shares his extensive knowledge of the peninsula its colorful past and booming present in this easy to read reference book. History, lore, and amazing stories make it a must have for Bajaphiles as well as armchair travelers.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kristen Suver · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very shallow overview of the history and characters who shaped Baja California. I say shallow not in the sense that it's poorly written or unserious, but it's just very, very brief. I enjoyed learning about some of the areas I visited on a recent cruise, but I suspect I only read maybe 5k words on those towns over the course of the book. It was fantastic to use as a jumping-off point for further research, and has a nice bibliography. It's a lot of reviews of hotels and restaurants that read like a Travel Channel script: pleasant, never critical, nothing below the surface, no truly hidden gems. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't pay for this, but it's worth skimming through the sections you care about if you find it at a library.

[Angie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few people get to go to Baja and Experience the off-road races first-hand. For those who will fall in love with the sport and the area, this is your first step off a precipice of no return. Baja calls!!

[Wendy Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend this book to anyone who has spent some considerable time in Baja. You either love Baja or hate it..really no in between. I have spent many years camping and surfing up and down this coast and have run into many of the characters/sites the author describes. Good times!
I would not use this book as a guide for place to stay etc. rather for history and stories of the area.

[Mikel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my Amazon review: One of the best (a golden oldie) books about the Baja peninsula, from a great writer. It's full of stories about legendary people and places that helped make the Baja a favorite destination for many. I've read it more than once, and keep it handy as faithful companion for background information when I travel back to the Baja.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories, but a little dated with regard to hotels, etc.

[Terry Flaherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoped for more. Most of the "legends" we're a who's who of the founders of hotels, inns, and lodging spots. While interesting, I thought it would be legends of a broader nature.