San Felipe Travel Guide

Discover all the must-see places, activities, and cultural experiences in San Felipe with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to San Felipe

San Felipe is a charming and laid-back seaside town on the northeast coast of the Baja California Peninsula, in Mexico. Located just a four-hour drive from the U.S. border, it’s a popular destination for both American and Mexican travelers, thanks to its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, San Felipe has plenty to offer. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, things to do, and local customs to help you make the most of your trip to San Felipe.

List of Places to Visit in San Felipe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Felipe has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The town was an important trading center for the indigenous Cucapah people, whose legacy is still visible in traditional crafts like pottery and basket weaving. Today, visitors can explore a number of historical sites and museums that showcase San Felipe’s rich cultural heritage.

  • The Museum of Anthropology and History: Located in the heart of San Felipe, this museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that explore the region’s history, from the indigenous tribes to the Spanish colonization and beyond.
  • The Old Town: Take a stroll through San Felipe’s charming historic district, which features a number of beautifully-preserved colonial-era buildings and colorful murals depicting the town’s cultural heritage.
  • The Malecon: San Felipe’s lively boardwalk offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. You can find here stands selling souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.

Natural Attractions of San Felipe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

San Felipe’s picturesque natural surroundings are one of its biggest draws. From the rugged mountains and desert landscapes to the sparkling Sea of Cortez, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in and around San Felipe.

  • El Valle de los Gigantes: Located just outside of San Felipe, this otherworldly desert landscape is home to a variety of unique rock formations, including giant boulders and cacti that date back thousands of years.
  • Mount Signal: This challenging hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding desert landscape from the summit.
  • San Felipe Beach: San Felipe boasts a number of stunning beaches, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other watersports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Felipe

Hiking and biking enthusiasts will delight in San Felipe’s rugged natural surroundings, which offer a variety of challenging and scenic trails to explore.

  • The El Dorado Ranch Nature Trail: This four-mile loop trail winds through the desert landscape surrounding the El Dorado Ranch high-end residential development, offering stunning views of Mount Signal and the Sea of Cortez.
  • The San Pedro Martir National Park: Located about 150 miles from San Felipe, this national park boasts miles of hiking trails that traverse dramatic mountain terrain and offer awe-inspiring views of the Baja California landscape.

Best Things to Do in San Felipe: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor adventures, San Felipe offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to all interests and ages.

  • Off-Roading and ATV Tours: San Felipe is a haven for off-roading enthusiasts, with a variety of rugged trails and dunes to explore on four wheels.
  • Fishing Charters: The Sea of Cortez is famous for its rich marine life, including a variety of game fish like tuna, dorado, and yellowtail. Book a fishing charter for a chance to reel in a big catch!
  • Cultural Tours: Learn about San Felipe’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour through the town’s historic streets and museums.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Felipe

Day 1: Arrive in San Felipe, settle into your accommodations, and explore the historic town center.

Day 2: Spend the day enjoying San Felipe’s renowned beaches, such as Playa San Felipe and Playa Las Almejas.

Day 3: Take a hike in the surrounding natural areas, like Mount Signal or the El Dorado Ranch Nature Trail.

Day 4: Book an ATV tour or go off-roading through the Baja desert and dunes.

Day 5: Enjoy a fishing charter in the Sea of Cortez.

Day 6: Take a cultural tour through San Felipe’s museums and historic sites.

Day 7: Spend your last day in San Felipe enjoying any activities you missed throughout the week, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of San Felipe

San Felipe boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with a variety of delicious local dishes and beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Tacos: San Felipe’s location on the Sea of Cortez means that fresh seafood is a staple of local cuisine, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than in a crispy fish taco.
  • Horchata: This refreshing, sweet drink made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar is a popular beverage in San Felipe, and goes perfectly with a spicy meal.
  • Ceviche: Made with fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and onions, ceviche is a light and refreshing way to enjoy San Felipe’s diverse seafood offerings.

Local Beverages

  • Cerveza: Beer is a popular drink in San Felipe, with a variety of local and imported brews available in bars and restaurants throughout town.
  • Tequila and Mezcal: These distilled spirits made from agave are a Mexican specialty, and San Felipe offers plenty of opportunities to sample top-quality brands.

Where to Stay in San Felipe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Felipe offers a range of accommodation options to fit any budget or travel style.

  • Hotels: San Felipe boasts a variety of popular hotel chains, including the Holiday Inn Express and the Hotel Corazon de Cortez, as well as a number of smaller boutique hotels like La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja and The Palapa del Sol.
  • Hostels: Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate San Felipe’s various hostel options, such as the San Felipe Hostel, which offers affordable dorm-style rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
  • Guesthouses: For a more intimate and authentic experience, consider staying in a guesthouse like Casa de la Alegria, which offers cozy rooms in a charming setting.

What to Buy in San Felipe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pottery: San Felipe’s indigenous heritage is reflected in a variety of handmade pottery and ceramics, which make for beautiful and unique souvenirs.
  • Jewelry: From traditional silver earrings to modern designs inspired by the natural surroundings, San Felipe offers a range of locally-made jewelry.
  • Hot Sauce: Spice up your meals back home with a bottle of locally-produced hot sauce, which comes in a variety of flavors and heat levels.

Local Culture and Customs of San Felipe

San Felipe’s friendly locals are proud of their cultural heritage and enjoy sharing it with visitors. Some basic customs and etiquette include:

  • Respect for Elders: In Mexican culture, elders are often given greater respect and deference than in other cultures. When meeting someone older than you, it’s customary to use formal titles like “Señora” or “Señor.”
  • Punctuality: While San Felipe is a relaxed and laid-back town, it’s still considered polite to be on time for appointments and meetings.
  • Gratitude: Expressing gratitude and appreciation is an important aspect of Mexican culture. Don’t be shy about saying “gracias” or leaving a small tip for excellent service in a restaurant or cafe.

Best Time to Visit San Felipe

The best time to visit San Felipe depends largely on your individual travel preferences. San Felipe enjoys a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate year-round, with occasional rainfall in the winter months. Peak tourist season runs from December through April. However, those who prefer fewer crowds and more mild temperatures may enjoy visiting San Felipe during the spring and fall.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Felipe

Do:

  • Do Try the Local Cuisine: San Felipe’s cuisine is one of its biggest draws, with a variety of delicious seafood dishes and refreshing beverages to sample.
  • Do Respect Local Customs and Traditions: San Felipe’s locals are proud of their cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
  • Do Practice Responsible Travel: San Felipe’s natural attractions are delicate ecosystems that must be protected. Be sure to practice responsible travel behaviors, like disposing of waste properly and avoiding disruptions to local wildlife.

Don’t:

  • Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English: While many locals speak English, it’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to communicate with them.
  • Don’t Overpack: San Felipe’s warm climate means you’ll need little more than lightweight clothing and a swimsuit. Stick to essentials and bring comfortable shoes for hiking or exploring town.
  • Don’t Forget Sun Protection: San Felipe’s sunny climate means you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Felipe

San Felipe is a generally safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still exercise common sense safety behaviors like keeping valuable items out of sight, not walking alone at night, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth or affluence.

Health in San Felipe

San Felipe’s drinking water is generally safe, and there is a hospital and several clinics in town that cater to medical needs. Visitors should take basic precautions like staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and practicing good hygiene to avoid illness.

Getting to San Felipe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Felipe

The nearest international airport to San Felipe is the San Diego International Airport, which is about a four-hour drive away. From there, visitors can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle or taxi service to take them to San Felipe.

Bus Stations Near San Felipe

San Felipe has a bus station that offers transportation options to and from nearby cities like Mexicali, Tijuana, and Ensenada.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to drive to San Felipe, either from the U.S. border or from other parts of Baja California. San Felipe is conveniently located on Highway 5, which runs the length of the Baja peninsula.

How to Get Around in San Felipe

San Felipe is a small and walkable town, and most visitors choose to explore on foot. Taxis and car rentals are also available for those who prefer to travel further afield or venture into the surrounding natural areas.

Where to Go Next from San Felipe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Felipe is conveniently located near a number of other popular tourist destinations in Baja California, including:

  • Ensenada: This bustling port town is famous for its wineries, seafood, and nightlife, and is about a three-hour drive from San Felipe.
  • Valle de Guadalupe: Located just outside of Ensenada, this scenic valley is home to a variety of top-rated wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.
  • La Rumorosa: This mountain range, located about an hour’s drive east of San Felipe, offers stunning views and a variety of hiking and outdoor recreational activities.

Conclusion

San Felipe is a hidden gem on the Baja California Peninsula, offering a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your trip to San Felipe. From must-visit attractions to insider tips on local customs and cuisine, this guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable vacation in this charming Mexican town.