San Felipe is a small coastal town of roughly 20,000 people on the northern shore of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Located about 125 miles (200 km) south of the US-Mexico border at Mexicali — a quick 2 to 2.5 hour drive — it has long been a favorite getaway for Southern Californians, Arizonans, and adventurous travelers from across North America.
Known for its dramatic tidal changes — up to 7 meters (23 feet) during spring tides, among the largest in the world — San Felipe offers a unique beach experience where the sea can recede over a kilometer at low tide, revealing vast sandy flats perfect for clamming, beach driving, and exploration. When the tide returns, the warm, calm waters of the Sea of Cortez are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
The town sits where the Sonoran Desert meets the sea, creating stunning landscapes of rugged mountains, giant cardon cacti, and pristine coastline. The malecon (boardwalk) runs along the beach and is the heart of the town, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops where you can enjoy fresh shrimp tacos while watching a spectacular sunset over the water.
San Felipe has an airport (San Felipe International Airport) that is undergoing renovation with plans for expanded commercial service, which could make the town even more accessible in the coming years. The Mexican government's FONATUR tourism development agency has also identified San Felipe as a priority area for tourism investment, signaling an exciting period of growth while the town retains its authentic small-village character.
Whether you're looking for a weekend beach getaway, a fishing adventure, an off-road expedition into the desert, or a peaceful place to retire, San Felipe has something for everyone. The warm, friendly locals and the relaxed pace of life make it easy to understand why so many visitors end up calling San Felipe home.