San Felipe brings together the history of a tourist harbor founded by fishermen, activities on the water, local cuisine, and nearby scenic destinations. A walk along the Malecón, sport fishing, and views of the places to the south give your trip a variety of highlights.
Harbor, Malecón, and Chapel
San Felipe is a tourist harbor founded by fishermen. The lively Malecón is a pleasant place to explore on foot at sunrise. At the end of the Malecón, on a hill, stands the Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe: a small white chapel overlooking the harbor and sea. The town’s origins with fishermen and its harbor character give it a strong connection to fishing; at the same time, walks and a visit to the chapel are among the other ways to get to know San Felipe.
Activities on the Water
The Gulf of California offers opportunities for water sports in San Felipe. Visitors can kayak and paddleboard in the calm coastal waters. Other water activities include sailing, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing. This range includes both activities on the water and ways to enjoy the coast by swimming or fishing.
Sport fishing is also one of the area’s signature activities. Species caught include Curbina, Baqueta, Cabrilla, Cochito, Merluza, Sierra, and Cazón. Fishing activity in San Felipe peaks from December through March. This provides a seasonal reference point for planning your trip, while the listed species give an idea of the variety available for sport fishing.
South of San Felipe: Hot Springs and Cardón Cacti
Nearby, south of San Felipe, lies the town of Puertecitos, known for its natural hot springs. Also south of town, on the way to Puertecitos and within Punta Estrella Ranch, is the Valle de los Gigantes. You can explore it by car or on foot. The Cardón cacti grow up to 17 meters tall; the cacti and sunsets offer photo opportunities.
Puertecitos is known for its natural hot springs, while the Valle de los Gigantes offers a different kind of experience, with its cactus landscape and photo opportunities. San Felipe also has off-road tracks and routes through desert, mountain, and coastal landscapes. The scenery ranges from the specifically named destinations south of town to the varied terrain along the off-road routes.
Festivals and Local Cuisine
The traditional San Felipe Carnival takes place once a year and features music and dancing. A shrimp festival is also held annually to celebrate a dish characteristic of the town. The two festivals have different cultural and culinary focuses: music and dancing are at the heart of Carnival, while the shrimp festival celebrates a local dish.
Cuisine also plays a role beyond the festivals. Fishermen prepare freshly caught seafood for visitors to enjoy. San Felipe also offers locally brewed craft beer to sample. Both seafood dishes and beer are culinary highlights to consider on your trip, without needing to plan for a particular venue.
Season and Dates
If you plan to travel for Carnival or the shrimp festival, check the specific event dates before booking. Both take place annually, but a specific date is not included in this travel overview. Fishing activity reaches its seasonal peak from December through March; the festivals and the seasonal fishing cycle offer different points of reference for planning when to visit.
Discover more destinations: San Juanico, Vizcaíno, Todos Santos, El Sauzal, Las Delicias, Tecate, El Pescadero, Los Barriles.
For the broader travel overview: Baja California.
