Driving from the US
The most common way to get to San Felipe is by driving, and honestly it's the best way. The drive from the Mexicali border crossing takes about two to two and a half hours, depending on how fast you're moving and how long you spend at the border. From San Diego, you're looking at roughly four hours total. From LA, figure five to six hours on a good traffic day.
Most people take Interstate 8 east to the Mexicali border crossing, though you can also come down through Calexico on the California side. Once you're across the border, you'll pick up Highway 5, which runs south through the desert all the way to San Felipe. It's a straightforward drive - basically one road the whole way.
If you're coming from Arizona, you can cross at Algodones (also called Los Algodones) west of Yuma, then drive across to connect with Highway 5. It's a slightly longer route but the Algodones crossing is usually quicker and less hectic than Mexicali.
The Mexicali Border Crossing
The main Mexicali crossing is the busiest one, but it's also the most direct route. There are actually two Mexicali crossings - the downtown crossing (Mexicali I) and the newer one to the east (Mexicali II, also called the Mexicali East crossing). Mexicali II tends to be faster and less congested, and it puts you right on the highway heading south. That's the one most San Felipe-bound travelers use.
Going into Mexico is usually quick. You'll drive through the border checkpoint, and most of the time they just wave you through. Occasionally they'll stop you for a random inspection, but it's nothing to stress about. Coming back into the US takes longer - expect 30 minutes to an hour or more, especially on Sunday afternoons when everyone is heading home from the weekend.
If you're staying more than 72 hours or traveling beyond the border zone (roughly 20 miles from the border), you'll need an FMM tourist permit. San Felipe is well beyond the border zone, so technically you need one. You can get the FMM at the immigration office near the border crossing, or you can apply online before your trip. The cost is around $35 USD and it's good for up to 180 days. Don't skip this - if you get stopped at a checkpoint without one, it's a hassle.
Highway 5 Through the Desert
Highway 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe is about 125 miles of two-lane desert highway. The road is generally in decent condition, though you'll hit the occasional pothole or rough patch. It's been repaved and improved a lot over the years, but it's still a Mexican highway, so stay alert.
The drive itself is pretty spectacular. You'll cross flat agricultural land south of Mexicali, then climb into the desert mountains before dropping back down toward the coast. The last stretch as you come over the hills and see the Sea of Cortez spread out below you is genuinely beautiful.
There are a few gas stations along the way, but don't count on them always being open or having fuel. Fill up before you leave Mexicali and you won't have any issues. There's also a military checkpoint about halfway down where soldiers will ask where you're going and maybe look in your trunk. Be polite, answer their questions, and you'll be on your way in a minute.
Drive this road during daylight if you can, especially your first time. The highway doesn't have shoulders in many spots, and cows and other animals sometimes wander onto the road at night. It's not dangerous during the day, but nighttime driving adds some risk you don't need.
Mexican Auto Insurance
This is non-negotiable - you absolutely need Mexican auto insurance before you cross the border. Your US or Canadian car insurance does not cover you in Mexico. If you get in an accident without Mexican insurance, you could end up in jail while things get sorted out. That's not an exaggeration.
The good news is that Mexican auto insurance is cheap and easy to get. You can buy it online from companies like Baja Bound, Lewis and Lewis, or COTA before you even leave home. A day of coverage runs around $15-25, and a full year is usually $150-300 depending on your vehicle. Buy it before you go - the insurance shacks at the border work fine too, but you'll pay more and it eats into your travel time.
Make sure your policy covers the full value of your vehicle and includes liability coverage. Print out a copy to keep in your car, and save a digital copy on your phone just in case.
What to Bring
Here's your packing checklist for a San Felipe trip:
- Passport - Required for crossing back into the US. A passport card works for land crossings. Don't even think about trying it with just a driver's license.
- Mexican pesos - While many places in San Felipe take US dollars, you'll get better prices with pesos. Hit an ATM in Mexicali or use your bank's ATM in San Felipe.
- Cash in general - San Felipe is still very much a cash town. Some restaurants take cards, but don't count on it everywhere.
- Water - Bring a few gallons for drinking. You can buy more in town, but it's good to have some for the drive.
- Sunscreen and hats - The desert sun is brutal. SPF 50 minimum, and reapply often.
- Printed insurance documents - Keep your Mexican auto insurance and vehicle registration easy to grab.
- Cooler - For bringing food and drinks down, and for hauling back fresh shrimp and fish.
- Basic first aid kit - There are pharmacies in town, but having basics on hand is smart.
- Flashlight - Street lighting is spotty in some areas.
Flying Options
San Felipe doesn't have a commercial airport, but you've got a couple of options if you'd rather fly. The closest major airport is in Mexicali (MXL), which has flights from several Mexican cities and occasionally from the US. From the Mexicali airport, you can rent a car and drive the two hours south to San Felipe.
Some people fly into San Diego or Tijuana and drive from there. The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge lets you walk from the US side directly into the Tijuana airport terminal, which opens up a lot of cheap flight options on Mexican airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus. From Tijuana, it's about a five-hour drive to San Felipe via Highway 5.
There's also a small private airstrip in San Felipe that some pilots use. If you've got your own plane and the right permits, you can fly right in. But for most people, driving is the way to go. It's part of the experience, and you'll want your car once you're there.