San Felipe
San Felipe
Activities
The prime reason that most people come to San Felipe is to relax. Bring plenty of good books with you and put your feet up. A small library can be found on Calzada Chetumal near the electricity plant but you will not be able to take books out unless you go through a lengthy application process and get a local guarantor. If you want something more active, stop in at the tourist office which has now relocated to the very center of town by the single traffic light, or call from any telephone by dialing (686) 577-1155. They can tell you how to go on a fishing trip, visit the valley of the giant cacti, or possibly take a trip out into the desert to see the springs and waterfalls. If water sports are your fancy, bring your Kayak, SeaDoo or Pedal Boat.
Transportation
First things first: Most tourists do not need a passport or tourist visa to enter Mexico and visit San Felipe, but since September 2015, the Mexican Government is asking all visitors to get a tourist card (FMM) – see below. Also, since June 2009, the U.S. Government requires you and every member of your party to have a PASSPORT or SENTRI card to re-enter the USA. Citizens of other countries should verify with their consulate or embassy that they can enter Mexico and also re-enter the U.S.A. See this US Government website for details and online application information. Virtually every visitor to San Felipe comes here by road. The most popular route from Southern California and points north is to take Interstate 8 (San Diego-Yuma) to El Centro and then head south on California Route 111 to Calexico where you cross the border into Mexicali, continuing south to San Felipe (about 2.5 hours drive on Mexico route 5).
Food & Drink
Most of the old fish taco stands have been moved off the Malecon. A collection can be found in the Plaza Maristacos at the south end, towards the Costa Azul Hotel. The very first shop on the left hand side as you face the plaza, La Morena, does a great fish and shrimp soup. Stroll a few steps along the Malecon to the north and you will find The Sweet Spot serving drinks and food with football Monday night specials.
Unfortunately there are no self-catering offers at this location at the moment.