San Felipe, also known as the Gateway to the Sea of Cortez, is famous for two things – their fish tacos and their sparkling beaches. Nightclubs and bars dot the beach areas. Some visitors enjoy camping on the beaches or off-roading on ATVs and dirt bikes in the adjacent desert. Several hotels, ranches, camp sites and RV parks in or near the town boast volleyball, tennis, pools, bathing areas and fishing. A popular visitor attraction is the hot, sulfurous, geothermal springs at Puertecitos on the Sea of Cortez, cooled somewhat by sea water.
One of the lesser known sightseeing trips in San Felipe is a boat ride to Konsag Island. This is a rock, visible from the San Felipe coast line, and about an hour out to Sea. The area around the rock has lots of marine life and makes for great fishing. Discover San Felipe and all it has to offer, besides the beautiful beaches. For San Felipe beach locations and information on each beach, click here.
San Felipe Weather – When to Visit
February is the best time to visit when temperatures are still warm but hotels are more affordable. Temperatures hover in the mid 70s, just a bit cooler than what you would get during high season. Most visit San Felipe in the spring. This is the busiest time, so book your accommodations well in advance. If you’re on a budget, try avoiding the Easter 2018 week (March 27th to April 2nd), the Christmas week (December 21st to January 3rd) as well as the Memorial 2018 week (May 25th – 29th) as rates at this time will be at their highest.
San Felipe Attractions
South Beach
South BeachIf you do anything here, you must go to South Beach and enjoy all of the birds here. It is absolutely beautiful and a place worth not missing. The beach is filled with large rocks and sea shells, so don’t go barefoot. It is a great place for jogging or strolling, but not swimming.
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San Felipe Malecon
San Felipe MaleconThe 4 block waterfront area in downtown San Felipe is very active, and where most of the tourists hang out, known as the Malecon alone is dotted with almost a dozen fresh shrimp and fish taco stands, which also specialize in fresh seafood cocktails and freshly dug, steamed clams. The Malecon in San Felipe offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and San Felipe Bay. If you want to charter a fishing boat the malecon is where you will find a captain to take you on either a tour of the islands or fishing.
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Konsag Island
Konsag IslandKonsag island is clearly visible from the bay of San Felipe. It takes about a forty-five minute boat ride to reach the island; locals and visitors go here to enjoy watching sea lions and seals. The island is also popular with ornithologists as it’s home to a colonies of seabirds.
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Puertecitos Hot Springs
An easy 50 mile drive from San Felipe is Puertecitos, where you’ll find natural hot springs that are said to soothe and heal. The town has a number of small motels, restaurants and is also host to some retirement communities populated principally by Americans and Canadians.
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Valley of the Giants
Valley of the GiantsThe ‘Valley of Giants’ is one of the most frequented attractions here. The area is a natural reserve of the tallest cactus species in the world, the Cardon Cactus, with some specimens over sixty-feet in height and over 1,000 years old. The area is especially popular with photographers who delight in capturing shots of these gentle giants as well as the outstanding natural beauty that surrounds them.
Things to Do in San Felipe
Horses in Baja
Improve your riding skills, learn to lunge, work on a discipline or increase your general knowledge as an equestrian! Unwind on the picturesque trails and enjoy beautiful Sonoran desert scenery. With mountain and ocean backdrops, trail rides in Baja are something special. Telephone: 52 686 526 2912 , or visit them on the web at Horses in Baja.
San Felipe Off Road
Whether first time off roader or Baja veteran SFOR is the place to begin your adventure vacation. We boast the area’s only dedicated Desert Quad Park, private desert access to world class routes and an equipment fleet unmatched anywhere in San Felipe. San Felipe Off Road can arrange all aspects of your adventure from arrival to departure, or simply stop in or call when you get to town and they can schedule you for one of our daily activities. For more information call 52 686 577 3022 , or visit them on the web at San Felipe Off Road.
Tony Reyes Fishing Tours
Fishing starts at sun up and ends at sun down. On those six -day trips you will get between four and one half and five days of actual fishing time. Trips depart from San Felipe on Sundays at approximately 10:00 AM. The Tony Reyes will return to San Felipe at approximately 2:00 AM Saturday, where your catch will be packed in your ice chests for the trip home. For more information call 52 714 538 8010, or visit them on the web at Tony Reyes Fishing Tours.
Best San Felipe Restaurants
Mariscos La Morena $11 – 30
Consistently the best seafood found in San Felipe so far. Good variety of shrimp dishes. Great shrimp and seafood cocktail. Moderate prices. Excellent Margaritas. Telephone: 52 686 577 0915 Web: Mariscos La Morena.
Baja Mar Restaurante $11 – 30
Baja Mar is a great place to meet up with friends and have great food and drinks. Located right across the street from the water, the great location is matched by the service and the food. Well worth the price! Telephone: 52 686 221 1359 Web: Baja Mar Restaurante.
La Vaquita Marina $11 – 30
Dinner and atmosphere were lovely. Staff attentive and friendly. Food is a bit pricey, but well worth it. The service and food is always good. One of the best restaurants in San Felipe. Telephone: 52 686 221 1359 Web: La Vaquita Marina.
Chumpo’s Restaurant Under $10
They have great breakfast and one of the few places that you can get chiliquile
Rice & Beans Under $10
Get the fish tacos and a fantastic margarita. The food is always very good, as well as the salsa and chips. The service is outstanding, and prices are reasonable for the quality of food. Also has great breakfast. Telephone: 52 615 154 0283 Web: Rice & Beans.
Best San Felipe Bars & Nightlife
The Distillery
The Distillery is the first artisan distillery in the Baja Sur region. Here visitors can enjoy drinks such as Baja Midnight vodka, chocolate moonshine, and various house blends of tequila, while they can also learn about how alcohol is fermented, distilled, and bottled. The moonshine is made from sweet white corn, and sugarcane is used to make their vodka. The Distillery also serves traditional and local wines, the house favorite is Jamica. Customers will be able to enjoy their drinks while dining at the bar or picnic area, and visitors . Additionally, special events are often held at The Distillery, such as movie nights, community benefits, and weddings. Telephone: 52 612 145 0213 Web: The Distillery.
El Faro Beach Club and Spa
El Faro Beach Club and Spa captures Todos Santos’ luxury lifestyle. A wonderful aspect of this restaurant is its promotion of healthy living and sustainability. Since it is close to the beach, visitors can sample healthy entrees and tasty drinks after enjoying the waves. With its elegant atmosphere this is an ideal place to end an adventuous day. El Faro Beach Club and Spa is a part of Guaycura Boutique Hotel, but you don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit the restaurant. Anyone can savor their cocktails, ceviches, tacos, empanadas, and sashimi. The wine is delicious and is produced in the Baja California Sur region. Telephone: 52 612 175 0800 Web: El Faro Beach Club and Spa.
Tequila’s Sunrise Bar and Grill
Tequila’s Sunrise Bar and Grill is a Todos Santos’ colorful open restaurant and bar. The bar has pigskin covered chairs and a long dining room. The bar also features an outdoor dining area. Before or after visiting the bar, visitors can take a stroll along the adjacent shopping plaza. Due to its proximity to many shops, Tequila’s Sunrise Bar and Grill is highly popular among locals. Patrons can sample appetizers, soups, salads, shrimp or lobster chiles rellenos. The chef uses fresh sauces and creates tasty dishes, yet no meal is complete without a margarita. This drink is the house specialty and is worth trying. Telephone: 52 612 145 0073 Web: Tequila’s Sunrise Bar & Grill.
La Copa Cocina
A famous bar and restaurant, La Copa Cocina is proud to serve delicious dishes and drinks. Chef Patricio and his team cook with passion and aim to deliver excellent creations. Chef Patricio allows visitors to witness his preparation of the food in the kitchen. If visitors wish to sample their food they should reserve a table, since La Copa Cocina fills up quickly. There are two seating areas and the gorgeous garden patio is ideal for couples who want to have a romantic evening. The hip Iguana lounge is ideal for parties and for those who love to have dinner while enjoying a show. Telephone: 52 612 145 0040 Web: La Copa Cocina.
La Esquina
La Esquina translates to ‘the corner’. The restaurant provides an impressive beer list, and patrons usually choose the famous draft beers Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo. This off-the-beaten-path venue offers healthy food choices including sandwiches, salads, soups, smoothies, and juices. The fruits and vegetables are local and organically grown behind La Esquina. Telephone: 52 612 145 0851 Web: La Esquina.
Best San Felipe Hotels
Stella Del Mar
Stella Del Maracing the beachfront in San Felipe, Stella del Mar has a private beach area. Guests can dine in the restaurant or a drink at the bar and free WiFi is available. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, and some rooms at the hotel have a sea view. At Stella del Mar, all rooms include air conditioning and a private bathroom. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Stella Del Mar.
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Hotel La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja
Hotel La Hacienda de la Langosta RojaHotel La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja is located on Calzada Chetumal, the main avenue in San Felipe, and offers free WiFi, free parking on site, and special deal at the golf course ‘Las Caras de México’. Rooms at the La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja are air conditioned and have cable TV, private bathroom and offer free toiletries. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit Hotel La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja.
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CLER Villas – Eldorado Ranch
CLER Villas – Eldorado RanchProviding garden views, CLER VILLAS in La Ponderosa provides accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a bar, water sports facilities and a tennis court. Each unit includes a kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, each unit also comes with a cable flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, closet and a seating area with a sofa. For more information, pricing, or to resverve your room visit CLER Villas Eldorado Ranch.
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Upscale Condo San Felipe
Upscale Condo San FelipeUpscale Condo San Felipe is located in a gated community withing a golf course. The property has 24 hour surveillance and offers several swimming pools and a private beach area. For more information, pricing or to reserve your room visit Upscale Condo San Felipe.
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Hotel Las Palmas
Hotel Las PalmasHotel Las Palmas features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a fitness center and bar in San Felipe. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service. The property provides free WiFi, as well as a terrace and a restaurant. For more information, pricing or to reserve your room visit the Hotel Las Palmas.
As usual, another great post from you.
San Felipe sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I would be particularly interested in visiting the hot springs while I was there. I love anything natural like that.
El Faro beach club and spa is certainly my kind of place. I would enjoy sipping delicious drinks there.
You pack so much information into your articles, they are a pleasure to read and I can almost feel that I am there.
All the Best
Louise
Thank you Loiuse, I am glad you enjoyed reading my San Felipe Travel guide.
Hi can you recommend how to approach the captains to go on a day fishing trip to Konsag island, or how to find other tourists to reduce costs? I read that going to the malecon the evening prior often works, but I’m worried that going on memorial day weekend may mean the malecon will be crazy crowded.
It will be crazy crowded that is no lie, LOL. In my experience … I have fished there at least four times, is to make the reservation for the fishing trip thru the hotel (they all will do this for you). Tell them you are looking to go with a group, I always did, and then you can all split the cost. Actually, most fishing charters are done by group and allow so many on each trip. So best to plan the fishing trip ahead. Please let me know if I can help you with this.
Hi can you recommend any RV parks there? Also is there an expat community there? Thanks!
Hi, and thank you for stopping in to read about San Felipe Travel. The best RV parks are Kiki’s RV, Pete’s Camp, and Reubens Campground. And yes, there is most definitely an expat community in San Felipe 🙂 Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for stopping by San Felipe Travel.
Great post.
I’ve been looking for a holiday destination with great beaches like you’ve mentioned. I’m from Australia and have a family with 3 young kids. Do you think San Felipe would be a good holiday destination for a young family? If so, is there anywhere that you’d recommend for the kids?
I believe your kids would have a ball. Besides making sand castles, romping in the sand, and just playing on the beach with beach toys, they can go horse back riding, on boat rides, atv tours, etc. There is lots of fun things for them to do 🙂 Lots of kids also fly their kites on the beach. Thanks for visiting and let me know if you have any other questions.
Ugh can someone take me away there like NOW?! I just love the scenery and all things you wrote we can do. The El Faro Beach Club and Spa sounds a place I would visit since I’m all about healthy eating and I can’t stand feeling bloated and icky after eating out heavy foods. I rode a horse in Cayo Coco, Cuba so riding horses in Horses in Baja would be another thing I would love to do. I was wondering if there are groups that do yoga on the beach?
We can pack our bags and leave together! It is beautiful in San Felipe for sure. I have seen yoga groups in the Baja, I just can’t answer for San Felipe in specific. I know that in San Jose del Cabo and in Cabo San Lucas, there have been yoga groups on the beach. So I am thinking that yes, there probably is 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Sounds like an beautiful and fun place to visit. The restaurants and bars sounded great too. Thanks for all the helpful and direct information. I feel like I would be afraid to rent a car there though. I know you said finding a hotel might be troublesome. Why is that? Is it because there aren’t many and they are all booked up, or because they are scary or something?
No, finding a hotel is troublesome because there just are not very many there, and the ones that are there will fill up quickly. If you book in advance (I’d say a month or more), you will not have any problems finding hotel accommodations in San Felipe. Thanks for reading Jamie.
Great article! Lots of information for me to take in about a place that I’ve never heard of before. I always thought that Baja was this abandoned desert area, but apparently it is very nice.
The restaurant recommendations are something that very few bloggers have and something I always like to know, so thank you 🙂
It would be more of a winter trip for me, because I don’t think my body could handle 100+ degrees.
Yes, I have been during the summer months and it is hot. I find I spend a lot more time at the pool sipping margaritas when I am there during the summer. The winters are awesome! The weather and the water is still warm, and I find this the best time of year to travel to Baja California.
Thanks for the article, living in Arizona, I travel to Mexico a lot, but have never been to San Felipe. Looks like I’ve got another place on my bucket list! I noticed you didn’t mention Hotels, what are the accommodations like?
thanks in advance
David
There was an issue with my hotel link and I have fixed it. Thank you for letting me know! However, there are not very many hotels in San Felipe and it is best to book at least a month in advance to secure your accommodations. Traveling to Baja California is a wonderful way to enjoy a beach vacation. I think you will find it quite the contrast to Arizona, but you will love it!
Hello! Your pictures are beautiful! So inviting. You offered a lot of information about San Felipe. From how close the airport is, the temperature to areas to visit and things to do. It is a one stop research! And when I’m ready to purchase my ticket there’s Expedia right there on the side. How convenient!
Everything you need 🙂 Between personal experience and research, I really do believe I list the best there is for San Felipe Travel. I am glad you enjoyed! Come back and visit beachtraveldestinations.com again sometime.
I have been looking to visit Mexico for some time now, and I just finished reading you article about San Felipe Travel.
This place looks amazing! I also found the perfect place here on your site. The Hotel Aqui es Mexico sound like it would be a perfect place to stay, and not to hard on my budget.
Of course I have to run this all by the boss and see what she thinks! LOL
Cheers,
Brendon
Yes, always run it by the boss 😀 I don’t think she will quibble too much as it is so beautiful, with picture perfect beaches, perfect weather, and not too crowded. San Felipe is a wonderful beach destination!
Hi there,
I have read your post with great interest and just going by the images that you have shown, this place looks like paradise.
There is so much to do and see, one would need a year to see this place and travel all the scenic locations.
Well done on outlining all the important issues like insurance, car hire and the best restaurants to visit.
With all year round sunshine, its a really great destination to put into our bucket list.
Cheers and thanks again,
PB
Yes, you are right on everything. It is like a little slice of heaven in the Baja. But of course, there are many to be found. What is nice is that you won’t see all the crowds here and the weather, for the most part, always cooperates. Thanks for visiting!
This looks so beautiful. You have provided me with everything to expect if I were to visit this place. I have seen a couple of the locations you featured and you always give plenty of good information. Thanks.
You are most welcome Ronnie. I am glad you came back and enjoyed visiting my site again. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Thanks for the post, I did wonder if you could give me some insight into where some quiet beaches might be around this area? Me and my partner were thinking of going to South Beach but if you could recommend another beach that might be a bit more quiet that would be great!
Thanks again,
Sam
South Beach is going to be better than hitting the beach at Malecon. Malecon is where most folks tend to go because of all of the shops and restaurants there. San Felipe is not super large, so it doesn’t have as many beaches. With that being said, it is also not as crowded as other beach towns along the Baja. You might also try heading to La Hacienda and Jenny’s Beach resort, both of which are on the beach and fairly quiet 🙂 Please let me know if you need any other information.