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San Felipe is a quiet fishing village along the Sea of Cortez, popular with North American expats and adventure seekers. Famous for its incredible desert scenery, and off-roading, San Felipe is a perfect place to get a taste of authentic Mexico.
Although San Felipe is only 118 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, it’s still somewhat off the beaten path for an average traveler.
While you won’t find big chain restaurants and luxury resorts here, you will enjoy a more low-key setting where you can grab freshly prepared seafood at local restaurants and see the clear dark skies at night.
If you are considering a trip to San Felipe, but have questions about this up-and-coming destination, this article is for you.I visited San Felipe several times, and will share everything about this town with you.
What is San Felipe known for?
San Felipe is known for the annual Baja 250 race, a popular off-roading event. Many people come to San Felipe from the United States and Mexico to partake in off-road racing and ride sport cars, ATV’s and buggies in the desert.
Where is San Felipe, Mexico located?
San Felipe sits on the eastern coast of Baja California, along the Sea of Cortez. It’s over 120 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and 223 miles from Tijuana.
San Felipe Baja California map
Best things to do in San Felipe Baja California
From climbing the dunes to taking photos with the giant cacti to off-roading and soaking up the sun, there are many cool things to do in San Felipe.
1. Wander around the cacti in Valle De Los Gigantes
Located 14 miles from San Felipe, Valle De Los Gigantes (Valley of the Giants) is one of my favorite places in Baja California. Dotted by dozens of Cardon cacti, the tallest in the world, Valle De los Gigantes makes you feel like can feel like you just walked into one of Dr. Seuss’s stories!
There are no marked hikes in the area, but you can still see the trail meandering between the tall cacti.
This place is especially popular with photographers thanks to its spectacular desert scenery, but regardless of whether you want to take photos or not, you can enjoy the gorgeous desert.
Entrance to Valle De Los Gigantes costs 200 Pesos per vehicle and has to be paid in cash.
If you are traveling in a standard vehicle, you can drive up to a palapa near the sign that says only 4X4 vehicles can proceed. If you have a 4X4 car, you can drive the scenic loop and adore the giant cacti.
Renting a car for your Baja road trip
As many other scenic places in Baja California, Valle De Los Gigantes requires a 4X4 vehicle if you want to do the full loop. A good place to find car rentals for your Baja road trip is DiscoverCars, which offers tons of great deals on many types of vehicles.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR BAJA ROAD TRIP
I’ve booked my cars with DiscoverCars and always had a good experience, so I highly recommend their services.
GOOD TO KNOW: The US car rental insurance is not valid for rental cars in Mexico. But the good news is that you can get Mexican car insurance from DiscoverCars online ahead of your trip.
Do I need Mexican insurance for driving to San Felipe?
If you are going to drive to San Felipe, you will need to get a Mexican car insurance, which is required for all vehicles entering the country.
The most popular option with travelers is Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, that specializes in coverage for cars, RV’s, camper vans, boats and motorcycles for Baja California. You can get a quote from them ahead of your trip.
2. Take photos at El Salar
El Salar is a large salt flat along Highway 5 about 1 hour, 20 minutes north of San Felipe. El Salar doesn’t have an overlook or a marked point where you can stop, but you will notice on the left side of Highway 5 when you drive south toward San Felipe from Mexicali.
Although El Salar is not one of the most popular places in the area due to its remote location, it makes for a perfect stop if you are driving to San Felipe from Mexicali.
You can pull up to the side of the road and take some photos of this gorgeous place. There are a couple of places where you can walk on El Salar, and see the incredible salt crystals that form this place.
✅ LEARN ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TODOS SANTOS
3. Walk along San Felipe Boardwalk
Walking along the San Felipe Boardwalk (or Malecon in Spanish) is one of the most popular things to do in San Felipe. This is part of the downtown where you can find the most action, especially on weekends, when you can listen to bands singing and participate in events.
✅ San Felipe vs Puerto Penasco: which beach town should you choose?
Located along the stunning Sea Cortez, Malecon is a 2-mile-long boardwalk where you can take in the views of the town and grab a bite in one of the waterfront restaurants.
If you are looking for an epic sunset spot in San Felipe, you can cross the bridge on foot north of the Malecon and walk toward the lighthouse and the nearby Virgin De Guadalupe Chapel.
4. Take a photo with the San Felipe sign
When you explore the Malecon (aka San Felipe Boardwalk), you will find the colorful San Felipe sign that makes a perfect backdrop for your photos. Many tourists come here to snap a shot, so get in line!
5. Find colorful photo spots
If you like photography, you will enjoy walking San Felipe’s streets. While the town might not seem very photogenic at first, it has colorful streets and cool murals perfect for taking a photo from your trip.
6. Enjoy Baja food at San Felipe restaurants
Since fishing is one of the main industries in San Felipe, most restaurants in town serve all kinds of seafood (mariscos in Spanish) including Baja’s specialty – fish tacos.
Some of the most popular ingredients are shrimp, calms and fish which can be found in many dishes. As a vegan, I was still able to find some food in San Felipe, with many Mexican restaurants serving typical fares like tacos, burritos, and chilaquiles.
7. Grab a snack on the street
When you walk the San Felipe Malecon, you will find some local vendors selling snacks and street food. You can grab a quick snack like elote, Mexican corn that comes with different toppings, or fruits.
Always carry cash, because most street vendors don’t accept credit cards.
8. Have a drink at one of the local bars
Although San Felipe is a relatively quiet town, it has some nightlife, with several waterfront bars and restaurants where you can have a drink and enjoy a bite. The most popular bars in San Felipe are Bar Miramar and Al’s Backstreet Cantina.
9. Relax at the beach
While you can spend your day enjoying the outdoors, you can also have a lazy beach day. The most popular beach in San Felipe is by the Malecon, but there are also many other beaches along the Sea of Cortez, where you can take in the views with the margarita in your hand or enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Can you swim in San Felipe?
Many beaches in San Felipe have low tides and gentle waves which are perfectly safe for swimming.
Still, you should always check what the conditions are like on a given day, because they could be affected by a variety of factors.
10. Climb San Felipe sand dunes
San Felipe boasts several cool dunes within driving distance. It’s a perfect place to take photos and get away from town if you are looking for a more quiet atmosphere.
I especially loved the dunes along the Highway 5, which leads toward Valle De Los Gigantes. They overlook the Sea of Cortez and provide a stunning backdrop for your photos.
11. Take a tour of Isla Konsag
Named after Jesuit Missionary Fernando Consag, Konsag is the closest island that you can see from San Felipe Malecon.
Some local fishermen offer boat tours of the island where you can spot adorable sea lions and watch seabirds. A tour of Isla Konsag makes for a perfect escape if you are looking to get away from town for a couple of hours and spot wildlife.
12. Soak up in hot springs at Los Puertecitos
A popular mini trip from San Felipe, Los Puertocitos is home to hot springs where you can soak up healing minerals. Puertocitos is a small town, but it has a couple of hotels and restaurants.
13. Spot wildlife
You can see wildlife like birds and different types of desert animals all around San Felipe including coyotes, and deer.
14. Rent an ATV
There’s no better way to enjoy the surroundings of San Felipe than renting an ATV from one of the local shops like BARO ATV Rentals.
You can also book an off-road tour with Desert Adventure Tours San Felipe, one of the best tour companies in San Felipe that’s very popular with traveleres.
15. Go camping
Camping in the desert is a one-of-a-kind experience, and San Felipe is a perfect place to try it thanks to the clear dark skies and tranquil atmosphere. There are numerous campgrounds in San Felipe, likeClub de Pesca RV Park,Kiki’s RV Park.
You can also check outBungalow Seaside Hotel & Victors RV Park, which has an on-site restaurant, beachfront bungalows and close proximity to town.
✅ IS IT SAFE TO CAMP IN BAJA CALIFORNIA?
16. Rent a kayak
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in San Felipe during warmer months. You can rent a kayak for a couple of hours from one of the local vendors along the beach and paddle around the bay.
Laguna Percebu is a popular kayaking place about 30 minutes south of San Felipe.
17. Visit Shell Beach San Felipe
Shell Beach is one of the highlights of San Felipe that offers a tranquil setting in the nature. To get to Shell Beach, head south toward San Felipe Airport before getting on Highway 1 toward Puertecitos. Keep driving until you reach marker KM 12. There, you will also see the big sign to Punta Estrella Beach. Make a left and drive toward the Shell Beach.
I haven’t visited Shell Beach during my stop in San Felipe, but heard very good things from other traveleres about it.
18. Or check out South Beach San Felipe
South Beach refers to the group of beaches that extend along the coastline south of San Felipe and have clear shallow waters and soft white sand. Some of the most popular beaches are Punta Estrella, Rancho Percebu and Isla Consag.
How to get to San Felipe, Mexico?
The fastest and most convenient way to get to San Felipe is by car. You can also take a bus to San Felipe from Mexicali and Tijuana, but you will not be able to get around the area, as public transportation in San Felipe is limited.
By car
The easiest way to get to San Felipe is by driving. You can take Highway 5 from Mexicali, or cross the U.S.-Mexico border in Tecate and Tijuana.
If you are traveling to San Felipe via Tijuana, take the coastal road to Ensenada and after that take Highway 3 east which will bring you to Highway 5 about 30 miles north of San Felipe.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP TO SAN FELIPE
How many miles is San Felipe Mexico from the US border?
San Felipe is 120 miles south of the US border, which makes it a perfect getaway if you are looking for a warm, sunny climate and affordable prices.
Do you need a passport to go to San Felipe Baja California?
To go to San Felipe, you need to cross the U.S.-Mexico border which requires a valid passport.
Mexico’s FMM Tourist Permit
If you are driving to San Felipe from the U.S., you will need to getFMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) tourist card which is valid for up to 180 days. When it comes to traveling in Baja, even if you are not driving from Baja Norte all the way to Baja Sur, you are still required to have the FMM for traveling anywhere within the state.
Here is more information about Mexico’s FMM tourist permit:
- You can get Mexico’s FMM tourist permit at the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office at the U.S.-Mexico border oronline.However, even if you get it online, you still need to stop at an INM office to get an entry stamp at the U.S.-Mexico border. You will also need to have a copy of your payment receipt.
- You will need a valid passport or passport card to get an FMM tourist permit, which gives you access to traveling throughout Mexico.
✅ Apply for Mexico FMM tourist card online
By bus
If you are traveling on a budget, you can take a bus to San Felipe from major destinations in Baja Norte like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali. There are usually a few buses per day, but you should always check the schedule as hours can vary.
By plane
The biggest airport near San Felipe is Mexicali International Airport (MXL) about 113 miles north. If you fly to Mexicali Airport, you will need to rent a car or take a bus to San Felipe.
Is there an airport near San Felipe, Mexico?
San Felipe International Airport (SFH) is a small airport about 6 miles south of town which is served by charter flights.
The closest international airport to San Felipe is Tijuana (TIJ), about 230 miles away which has flights from the United States, and domestic flights from Mexico City, Tulum, and Cancun.
San Diego to San Felipe
The distance from San Diego to San Felipe is approximately 170 miles (274 km). Take Interstate 5 south from San Diego to the US-Mexico border, cross into Mexico, and continue on Mexico Federal Highway 2D through Mexicali toward San Felipe.
The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions and border crossing times.
✅Read: Is Tijuana worth visiting?
Is San Felipe Mexico safe?
San Felipe is relatively safe, because it hasn’t been affected by drug violence, exercise caution. Stick to well-lit areas and popular tourist spots. Never leave your food and drinks unattended and always lock your car or RV.
Also, it’s a good idea to stay off the beach at night and keep an eye on your belongings if you are camping or going to public places.
San Felipe Mexico safety tips
1. Wrap activities before dark
As anywhere else, most crime in San Felipe happens at night.
2. Keep a low profile
Don’t flash expensive clothing or jewelry in public.
3. Stay around areas frequented by other tourists
Avoid remote parts of town, and empty streets, especially after dark.
4. Don’t reveal your travel plans to strangers
Stay polite but don’t divulge all your plans to the people you don’t know. Get an eSIM to stay connected on the road, and keep your family and friends posted. I recommend Airalo, which can be managed through the app to manage and top up your account at any time.
5. Limit your driving to daytime
Baja is a popular destination for road trips with many visitors from the United States and Canada coming here to enjoy outdoors. While driving at night in this part of Mexico is more common, it’s best to drive during the day.
Getting health insurance for your trip to San Felipe
To stay on the safe side, get travel insurance for your trip to Baja California, regardless of whether you plan to visit only San Felipe, or want to continue your trip further south.
Safety Wing is perfect for long-term travelers who plan to spend at least a few weeks in Baja California. I’ve used Safety Wing insurance several times and always had a great experience with them.
Getting car insurance for your trip to San Felipe
Mexico car insurance is mandatory for driving in the country, and you can get one thorughBaja Bound, a company that offers comprehensive insurance plans for cars, RV’s and motorcycles.
Baja Bound is popular with many travelers from North America, because they offer flexible plans for many types of vehicles and good protection.
Register for the STEP program
If you are a U.S. citizen and plan a trip to Baja California, consider enrolling inSTEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens abroad to register their trip with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in the STEP program ahead of your trip:
- Get updates from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
- Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or anything else.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
What is the weather like in San Felipe?
The weather in San Felipe is nice throughout the year, with hot and dry summers and cooler winters. Winter temperatures hover in the lower to mid-60s, while summer sees lower 90s, thanks to the breeze coming from the Sea of Cortez. Spring in San Felipe has the most pleasant climate with temps staying in the 70’s.
Best restaurants in San Felipe, Mexico
San Felipe has a decent food scene, and aside from the classic Mexican dishes and seafood, you will find plenty of options with Italian and Asian places. Here’s a quick summary of the best restaurants in San Felipe, Mexico:
1. El Padrino Pizzeria y Restaurante
The best place to for pizza and pasta, El Padrino is one of the most popular restaurants in San Felipe. Their chef makes incredible marinara sauce and dishes from fresh seafood.
2. Alfredo’s Restaurant at Las Palmas Hotel
Located at Las Palmas Hotel, Alfredo’s offers an exciting mix of seafood and Italian dishes and a nice ambiance. It also has reasonable prices and friendly staff.
3. El Kikiriki
Located along Malecon, EL Kikiriki offers a fun taco street food scene with views of the Sea of Cortez.
4. La Vaquita
I haven’t visited La Vaquita, but the restaurant boasts stellar reviews with many customers saying that it has some of the best seafood in town.
San Felipe Baja California Hotels
- Hotel Las Palmas – located less than 5 minutes from the beach by walking, Las Palmas is one of the most popular hotels in San Felipe with an outdoor pool, private parking, and an on-site restaurant.
- Stella Del Mar – Stella Del Mar is one of the most popular places to stay in Felipe with a private beach with palapas and free private parking. Visitors love the on-site restaurant and there’s also tea and coffee maker in all rooms.
- Hotel La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja – Located along Calzada Chetumal, the main avenue in San Felipe, La Hacienda de la Langosta Raja offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and amenities like cable TV and golf course. It also has a special deal for “Las Caras de México,” a popular gold club in San Felipe.
✅ FIND MORE HOTELS IN SAN FELIPE
Things to pack for your trip to San Felipe
To make sure your trip to San Felipe goes, well, don’t forget to pack these these things:
- Reef-safe sunscreenwill protect you and also keep marine animals safe, as it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals.
- Hat – A good hat will protect you from the harsh desert sun.
- Sunglasses– Wear sunglasses to void harmful UV rays.
- Hiking shoes– If you want to hike and spend time in the desert, you need a pair of good hiking shoes to keep your feet protected from the harsh terrain. On my first visit to San Felipe, I hiked in regular shoes, and got a lot of spikes which hurt my feet.
- Layers– When visiting San Felipe, you will need light sweatersorlong-sleeve shirtsas well as T-shirtsand Shortsfor warm, sunny weather.
- Backpack– You will need it if you want to spend time enjoying outdoors and carry all the basics with you.
- Waterbottle– Make sure you stay hydrated, as it’s very dry in the desert.
- Swimsuit– If you are visiting San Felipe in summer, you should bring a swimsuit with you to enjoy the beach.
Best Things to do in San Felipe: FAQ’s
Is San Felipe a good vacation spot?
San Felipe is a good vacation spot if you want to experience authentic Mexico, enjoy outdoor adventures and avoid big tourist crowds, all without having to drive too far from the U.S. border.
Is it safe to swim in San Felipe?
San Felipe is a safe place for swimming. It has calm waves, and you stay buoyant most of the time thanks to the high concentration of salt in the Sea of Cortez.
What are the beaches like in San Felipe Mexico?
San Felipe boasts gorgeous wide beaches with gentle waves and low tide along the Sea of Cortez.
Can you drink the water in San Felipe?
Drinking water in San Felipe is not recommended. Always buy bottled water or fill up your bottle with filtered water if you are staying at one of the hotels or camgrounds in San Felipe.
Which is better San Felipe or Puerto Penasco?
Puerto Penasco and San Felipe are both located along the Sea Cortez and while they offer similar types of activities, San Felipe is quieter and less developed than Puerto Penasco, which has been a popular mainstay for tourists from the United States for many years.
Is the water clear in San Felipe?
Unlike the Pacific side of Baja California, San Felipe boasts calm, clear waters which is perfect if you are looking for a place to swim and enjoy water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing.
Does it get cold in San Felipe Mexico?
San Felipe can get cold in winter, especially at night, when temperatures plunge into the low 50s. Still, winters in San Felipe are generally mild thanks to the dry and sunny desert climate.
Is the water warm in San Felipe Mexico?
Water in San Felipe is generally warm in summer when the temperature stays about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter sees the coldest water temperatures in San Felipe with an average of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is San Felipe Mexico a good place to retire?
San Felipe is a popular destination with American and Canadian retirees, as it offers a mild climate, affordable real estate, and a relatively low cost of living. It’s quickly becoming popular among those expats who are looking to escape high prices north of the border and enjoy a place that’s free from tourist crowds.
How expensive is it to live in San Felipe Mexico?
San Felipe is one of the most affordable destinations in Baja California where you can live on just over $1,000 a month including housing, groceries, and transportation.
What ocean is in San Felipe?
San Felipe is located along the Sea of Cortez just over 120 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Things to do in San Felipe Mexico: Final Word
San Felipe is an incredible destination that’s less commercialized than other popular places in Baja California and offers tons of outdoor opportunities including hiking, paddle boarding, and off-roading. If you like a taste of adventure and want to enjoy an authentic Mexican town, you will love this place.
Baja California Travel Guide
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisa a website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use Hostels.com to find hostels. VRBO.com is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.
