Major city · Mexico
San Felipe
Go for 2 nights if you drive: fish tacos on the malecón, the 7 m tide flats and the Baja 250. No car, no town — skip it.
San Felipe is a small fishing port on the Gulf of California that turned into a weekend resort for drivers from Mexicali, California and Arizona. The malecón is walkable, the beach camps sit a few km north, and the sea pulls back about a kilometre at low tide. It is a driving destination: without a car you are stuck on one strip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jul–Sep (heat and humidity, storm season)
- Airports
- SFH · TIJ · MXL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Felipe911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Felipe, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyThe town is calm and the malecón is fine at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 078 Tourist assistance (SECTUR) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSFH San Felipe International (general aviation) (Small field a few km south of town; mostly private and charter traffic…
- Getting aroundWalk the malecón; everything else needs a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeMXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealFish tacoMXN 35–70 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerbottle at a bar / case at a distributorBottle deposit applies on cases.MXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4)MXN 350–500 (≈ US$19–30)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMXN 250–500 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedBeach camp pitch (own tent or RV), a night, per personMX$150 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room in town, a night, per roomMX$1,600 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedMotel double room in town, a night, per roomMX$3,000 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,500 (≈ US$85) · High MX$3,000 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFH San Felipe International (general aviation) (Small field a few km south of town; mostly private and charter traffic — check current commercial service.) · TIJ Tijuana (Cross the border and drive; about 4–5 h via Mexicali or Ensenada.) · MXL Mexicali (Closest crossing for the short desert run south on Highway 5.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Jul
Avoid
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
Aug
Avoid
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
Sep
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (2 rain days), driest May (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Felipe: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Jun
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
0 rd
Jul
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
1 rd
Aug
39°C (102°F)102°F (39°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
2 rd
Sep
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
2 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the malecón; everything else needs a car. There are no local buses. Long-distance buses from Mexicali drop you in town but do not serve the beach camps. Beach driving is a bad idea: soft sand and a fast tide will bury a 4x4.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Valle de los Gigantes (cardón cactus reserve)
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive south on Highway 5, then the signed turn-off
Old cardón cacti on a desert reserve; go early, carry water, no shade.
Puertecitos
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Paved Highway 5 south along the gulf
Small hot-springs village; the last stretch is rough in places — check road conditions.
Bahía de los Ángeles
overnightDoor to door: 5–6 h each way
Highway 5 south, then Highway 1
Too far for a day return; sleep there and continue north or south.
Mexicali
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Highway 5 north through the desert
Useful for the border, fuel and a bigger city; not a sightseeing day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Malecón / downtown
Bars, restaurants and motels within walking distance; best if you want to park once.
Beach camps north of town
Campos and playas with palapas, bathrooms and some showers; a few km out, so you need a car to reach the malecón.
South of town near the harbour
Larger hotels and condos with pools and beach frontage; quiet, car needed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MXN 700–1,200 (≈ US$40–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- MXN 1,200–2,200 (≈ US$65–120) excl. bed
- High
- MXN 2,200 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room in town1 × 2 nights × MX$1,600 | MX$3,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,500 | MX$6,000 |
| Fish taco lunch on the malecón2 × MX$150 · check | MX$300 |
| Boat fishing trip with a local skipper2 × MX$1,200 · check | MX$2,400 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$350 | MX$700 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,260 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,465 per person per day, bed included | MX$13,860≈ US$750 |
2026 estimate in pesos; fuel and border costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Fish taco | MXN 35–70 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Plate of shrimp (camarones) | MXN 180–320 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Beer: bottle at a bar / case at a distributorBottle deposit applies on cases. | MXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4) / MXN 350–500 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Coffee | MXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Beach camp pitch, per night | MXN 150–400 (≈ US$9–25) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | MXN 250–500 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not park on the beach. The tide comes in fast and can reach a car or bike within minutes.
- Fill the tank before leaving Mexicali or San Felipe; fuel stops on Highway 5 are few.
- Carry extra drinking water for the desert drive.
- Expect Mexican Army checkpoints on Highway 3 and around San Felipe; keep ID and vehicle papers handy and state your destination.
- Highway 3 has potholes and a poor reputation after dark — drive it in daylight.
- Fishing from a boat needs a permit; collecting clams and shellfish is for locals only.
- Most vendors take US dollars, but pesos usually give a better rate.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San FelipeSan Felipe
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Tourist assistance078
- Green Angels roadside help078
Embassy
No US or other consulate in San Felipe; the US consulate general is in Tijuana and embassies are in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Mexicali → San Felipe: about 2 h; fare check with the operator
- Drive Tijuana → San Felipe: about 4–5 h via Mexicali or Ensenada; tolls and fuel extra (check)
- Boat fishing trip, half day: from about MXN 1,200 (≈ US$65) per person (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; MXN 20–50 for porters and boat helpers.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Felipe. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jul–Sep (heat and humidity, storm season) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 7 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SFH and the Tijuana and Mexicali crossings: border wait times, last fuel, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: malecón, downtown, north beach camps, south harbour.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (malecón, harbour, Valle de los Gigantes) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tide and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Baja California
- officialMexico tourism (SECTUR)
- secondaryWikivoyage: San Felipe, revision 5191507 (CC BY-SA 4.0)