There is no shortage of fun things to do in San Felipe, Mexico. Admiring the beauty of the world’s tallest cactus species. Spending a day on a picturesque beach and swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Going for a stroll along a beautiful promenade and trying delicious fish and shrimp tacos from local food stalls. These are just a few activities that you can look forward to when visiting the charming seaside town of San Felipe.
Situated between the Sea of Cortez and the Colorado Desert, San Felipe used to be a sleepy fishing village. Nowadays, it is one of the fastest-growing resort towns in Baja, California. A popular place among tourists, US college students, and people searching for a place for retirement in Mexico, San Felipe is one of the best holiday destinations on the northwestern coast of the Gulf of California.
If you wish to escape the busy tourist spots in Baja and experience the authentic Mexican lifestyle, a visit to San Felipe is simply a must. You will be staying minutes away from a gorgeous beach and a stone’s throw away from local shops, bars, and restaurants.
Whether you wish to ride an ATV over the sand dunes, enjoy water activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing, or experience the healing powers of natural hot springs, this list of things to do in San Felipe Mexico has got you covered.
What to Do in San Felipe Baja California
Go For a Walk Along the Malecón
San Felipe’s Boardwalk, Malecon is the central meeting point among tourists and locals alike. It is a seawall that fronts the main beach area. Here, you will find many souvenir shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants where you can have a memorable dining experience.
Travelers will also have an opportunity to see several fishing charter boats that offer different day trips. There are also vendors with food stalls selling everything from shrimp tacos and freshly caught fish and coconuts to a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
See the Valley of the Giants
Located about 30 minutes south of San Felipe, Rancho Punta Estrella is a beautiful area that is home to El Valle de Los Gigantes (Valley of the Giants). Here, you will find the Cardon Cactus, the tallest cactus species in the world. Some specimens of Cardón Cacti are over 17 meters in height and over 1,000 years old.
This reserve houses approximately 1,200 of these gentle giants that grow on the desert sand. In addition to cactuses, the reserve is also home to carpinter birds. Recognized photographers are in love with this area. You can observe the cactuses from your car or pay the entrance fee which will set you back around 100 pesos.
Hop on a Boat to the Consag Island
Going to Consag Island is one of the most popular day trips from San Felipe. A tiny island that is visible from San Felipe Bay, Consag Island is an extraordinary place to spend a few hours.
The island was named in honor of Jesuit Missionary Fernando Consag, a traveler who went on multiple cartography expeditions in the region. The easiest way to reach the island is by hopping on a 45-minute-long boat ride.
Once you reach the island, you will have a chance to swim in the turquoise waters and spot seals and sea lions. Birdwatchers will be pleased to hear that Consag Island is home to a colony of seabirds.
Enjoy Sports Fishing in San Felipe
Sport fishing is, without a doubt, one of the most popular water activities in San Felipe. While going for a stroll on the waterfront boardwalk, vacationers will find plenty of operators offering their small boat fishing services, also known as “Panga”.
These charter fishing trips typically start early in the morning between 6 and 7 AM, so it’s best to book your fishing trip for the next day. Expect to catch fish like grouper, corvine, sole, flag cabrilla, comber, white snook, and catfish.
See also: Best San Felipe Mexico Hotels
Don’t have fishing experience? The good news is that these local fishing trip guides aka Pangueros offer additional services like providing bait, coolers, and fishing rods. We should also mention that the best season for sport fishing here in San Felipe is between December and March.
Check Out the Hot Springs at Puertecitos
Next on our list of the best things to do in San Felipe is visiting the soothing and healing natural hot springs. You will find the Puertecitos hot springs about 40 minutes south of the town.
Located right off the highway in a residential area, these hot springs can be visited both in the daytime and at night.
The entrance fee will set you back 500 pesos per car. Travelers can also use the campsite for an additional cost of 100 pesos. The name, Puertecitos translates to “little ports”.
Have Fun at the Las Caras de Mexico Golf Course
Wish to enjoy golfing while vacationing in San Felipe? Pay a visit to one of the finest golf courses in all of Baja, California.
Located inside Playa y Golf Resort de la Ventana el Mar, Las Caras de Mexico is an amazing 18-hole course with panoramic views of the mountains and the sea.
An interesting fact is that the golf course is named “Faces of Mexico”, providing it with an authentic Mexican character.
Spend a Day on the Beach
Baja, California is home to many amazing beaches. Ideal for swimming and jogging, the beach in San Felipe is known for its blue shallow waters and fine white sands. It’s an ideal place to spend a hot summer day, especially if you are traveling with your little ones.
The main beach in San Felipe is located at the Malecon and offers a variety of facilities ranging from beach bars and food stalls to showers and toilets.
There are many activities that you can enjoy on the beach in San Felipe. For example, clamming is one of the most popular activities on the beach. Thanks to the extreme tides, clams make their way right to the shore. Spend a few hours looking for these sea creatures and prepare them in your apartment in the evening.
You can also book a kayaking tour, hop on one of the inflatable bananas or sombreros towed by a speed boat, and launch a jet ski from the port of San Felipe. Some of the other beach activities include paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
Go on an Ultralight Flight Adventure
To see the coastal town of San Felipe from a totally different perspective, book a trip with Raphael and his Ultralight Flight adventure.
There is definitely no better way to enjoy the town’s beaches and desert terrain than from the air.
From this ultralight aircraft, you will have mesmerizing 360-degree views of both the mountains and the sea. A pair of binoculars will definitely come in handy when going on this Ultralight Flight adventure.
Ride on the Sand Dunes with an ATV
San Felipe is famous for its challenging and diverse formations of white sand, also known as sand dunes. Travelers will find miles of sand dunes on the road from Mexicali to San Felipe.
One of the best ways to discover these sand dunes is by renting an ALL-Terrain Vehicle from one of the local shops and going on an off-roading adventure. Feel the adrenaline and enjoy spectacular ocean views while going down these cool mobile mountains on an ATV.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Foodies visiting San Felipe will be delighted to hear that this coastal town is well-known for its authentic seafood and fish cuisine.
Whether you wish to try the signature shrimp tacos or sample local favorites like burritos and quesadillas, the cuisine in Baja, California offers something for everyone.
For juicy steaks and roasts, book a table at Marios Patio and Grill. If you are craving fresh seafood, we definitely recommend paying a visit to La Vaquita Marina or Dos mares marisco urbano. Burger lovers will want to head out to Coyote Burger and Ensalada.
Conclusion
From picturesque beaches with shallow waters and delicious food to a wide range of activities to enjoy, San Felipe has it all. This laid-back resort town may be tiny, but it offers plenty of interesting and fun things to do for tourists. Instead of spending your days in a resort, you will have an opportunity to enjoy activities like seeing large cactuses, trying sport fishing, exploring sand dunes, and admiring the beauty of natural hot springs.
