San Felipe vs Puerto Penasco: Which beach town is right for you?

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Trying to choose between Puerto Penasco and San Felipe? This article is for you! I visited both towns, and I will give you my take here. While Puerto Penasco and San Felipe are located along the Sea of Cortez in Northern Mexico, they have a very different flair.

Also known as Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco is a popular getaway for many residents of Arizona who come here to enjoy water activities and escape the heat, while San Felipe is a quieter town that’s perfect if you are looking for a place off the beaten track.

Each town has its pros and cons, and each of them has great things that you will enjoy depending on what kind of experience you are looking for.

With all the information we have to cover, let’s get to it!

Where is San Felipe?

San Felipe, Mexico is on the eastern coast of Baja California, along the Sea of Cortez. It’s over 120 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and 223 miles from Tijuana.

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Where is Puerto Penasco?

Puerto Penasco is the most popular place in the state of Sonora, located along the Sea of Cortez about 100 miles from the U.S. border.

Puerto Penasco vs San Felipe: which one should I choose?

If you like good amenities and prefer varied food options, choose Puerto Penasco, but if you want to get away from the crowds, and visit a more authentic Mexican town, go to San Felipe, where you can enjoy a quiet lifestyle.

Puerto Penasco is one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities catering to tourists. While it was a quiet fishing village, it’s become commercialized, with many visitors from the United States coming here every year.

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While Puerto Penasco is a great place to visit if you have limited English skills, and are looking to stay in a more familiar environment, it can get very busy and feel somewhat inauthentic since tourism has become its main economy.

San Felipe is less developed than Puerto Penasco and still maintains its rugged charm. While you can find some bars and restaurants along the boardwalk (aka Malecon), San Felipe doesn’t have as many options as Puerto Penasco.

San Felipe has many uncrowded beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for off-roading. It’s also becoming a popular destination for North American retirees, thanks to its low-key vibe and low cost of living.

✅ Read: Is Baja California safe?

My take on travel to San Felipe and Puerto Penasco

I visited both San Felipe and Puerto Penasco, and while I enjoyed both destinations, I felt more at home in San Felipe. While I liked Puerto Penasco, it felt like the town caters mostly to American travelers, which takes away from the whole experience if you want to see more authentic Mexico.

Puerto Penasco is a popular vacation getaway for many travelers from the United States

Puerto Penasco pros

Proximity to the US – Puerto Penasco is located close to the United States and within driving distance from Phoenix and southern Arizona.
Good tourist infrastructure – Plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels
More familiar feel – With many visitors from the United States coming here, you will feel less like you are in a foreign country.
Great outdoor opportunities – If you like more established places where other people go, you can find plenty of them near Puerto Penasco.

Puerto Penasco cons

Crowds – If you are going to Puerto Penasco, be prepared to share your space with many other people
Commercialization – Puerto Penasco has a decent tourist infrastructure, but it can inevitably feel very commercial, with all the development like stores, condos, and houses popping up on every corner.
Higher prices – Thanks to continuous tourism from the United States, Puerto Penasco has higher prices than many other destinations in the region.
College parties – It’s not uncommon for big college groups from Phoenix to go to Puerto Penasco beaches.

San Felipe pros

More authentic feel – Although San Felipe is becoming more popular, it’s still a remote town along the Sea of Cortez with a quiet atmosphere that feels like a typical Mexican pueblo.
No crowds – Compared to Puerto Penasco, San Felipe sees far fewer crowds, and while you can see more people here in summer, it has fewer visitors from the U.S.
Lower prices – San Felipe hasn’t quite yet reached the level of popularity of Puerto Penasco, so prices here are more friendly to your wallet.
Incredible outdoor opportunities – If you are looking for a place to get off the beaten track, San Felipe is for you. The place offers access to pristine beaches, trails, and dunes where you can go hiking and off-roading.

San Felipe cons

Fewer amenities – San Felipe has decent options when it comes to hotels and restaurants, but if you are looking for variety like in Puerto Penasco, you will not find it here. If you plan to visit San Felipe for a popular off-roading event Baja 250, which takes place every year, book your accommodations in advance, as they get booked up very quickly.
More remote location – San Felipe takes longer to get to than Puerto Penasco if you are traveling from the United States.
Quiet atmosphere – San Felipe can be very quiet, especially in winter when you will see mostly snowbirds and RVers stopping in town. If you are looking for a lively scene, San Felipe might not always be a good option.
Less English – If you don’t speak Spanish, you might want to pick up a few words ahead dot your trip to San Felipe, because not many people here speak English.

Best things to do in San Felipe vs Puerto Penasco

San Felipe and Puerto Penasco are both located along the Sea of Cortez and offer similar activities like sunbathing, off-roading, boating, kayaking, and hiking. The main difference between the two destinations is that Puerto Penasco sees way more visitors, and prices on many activities in San Felipe are much lower, as it doesn’t have mass tourism from the U.S.

Best things to do in San Felipe

Valle De Los Gigantes – Located 14 miles from San Felipe, Valle De Los Gigantes is home to the tallest cacti trees in the world.

El Salar – El Salar is a large salt flat along Highway about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Felipe that’s incredible for stargazing at night and taking photos during the day

Isla Konsag – Named after Jesuit Missionary Fernando Consag, Konsag is the closest island to San Felipe where you can spot many types of birds and colonies of sea lions.

Los Puertecitos – A popular mini trip from San Felipe, Los Puertocitos is a small town that’s also home to natural hot springs.

Explore the dunes – You will find several dunes in the San Felipe area where you can hike, off-road and enjoy the stunning views of the desert and hike.

Best things to do in Puerto Penasco

Visit Sandy Beach – You can’t miss Sandy Beach when visiting Puerto Penasco, one of the most popular beaches in the area popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Go snorkeling – Puerto Penasco is a perfect destination for snorkeling thanks to its location along the Sea of Cortez (aka the Gulf of California.)

Explore Old Port (Malecón) – When visiting Puerto Penance, you can’t miss Malecon (aka waterfront) lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy the local atmosphere, buy souvenirs, and indulge in delicious food.

Take a Sunset Cruise – Experience a breathtaking sunset over the Sea of Cortez by taking a sunset cruise. Several tour operators offer boat trips with stunning views, music, and sometimes dinner.

Visit El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve – Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique landscapes, including volcanic craters and the Gran Altar Desert, where you can glimpse into the region’s ecology and geology.

Beaches in San Felipe

Playa San Felipe (San Felipe Beach) – The main beach of San Felipe, Playa San Felipe, offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline with calm waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The Malecón (boardwalk) runs along this beach, providing access to shops and restaurants.

Playa Las Almejas – Translated as Clam Beach from Spanish, Playa Las Almejas is famous for its abundance of clams. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores and may even try their hand at clam digging during low tide.

Playa de Oro (Gold Beach) – Playa de Oro is a picturesque beach with golden sand and gentle waves. It’s a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.

Playa la Joya (Jewel Beach) – Playa la Joya is known for its serene atmosphere and clear blue waters. This beach is a less crowded option, providing a peaceful setting for visitors seeking tranquility.

Beaches in Puerto Penasco

Sandy Beach (Playa Arenosa) – Sandy Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Peñasco, offering a long stretch of golden sand along the Sea of Cortez. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.

Playa Hermosa – This beach, translating to “Beautiful Beach,” lives up to its name with its clear waters and picturesque setting.

Playa Bonita – Playa Bonita is a family-friendly beach with calm waters, surrounded by resorts and restaurants, which is great if you are looking for convenience.

Las Conchas Beach – A residential area with beautiful beaches, Las Conchas is known for its tranquil ambiance and scenic landscapes. The beach is less crowded, offering a more private experience.

La Cholla Beach – La Cholla offers a quieter beach experience, making it a favorite for those seeking a more secluded setting. The beach has soft sand and is surrounded by rocky formations.

Restaurants in San Felipe

Although San Felipe doesn’t have as many restaurants as Puerto Penasco, it has decent options with several popular restaurants offering Mexican, Chinese, and Italian food. There are also plenty of places where you can try seafood, with fish tacos being a specialty from Baja California.

El Padrino Pizzeria y Restaurante – The best place to grab pizza and pasta in San Felipe, El Padrino is one of the most popular restaurants in San Felipe. It has incredible meat sauce marinara, and fresh seafood.
Alfredo’s Restaurant at Las Palmas Hotel – Located at Las Palmas Hotel, Alfredo’s offers an exciting mix of seafood and Italian dishes and a nice ambiance. It has reasonable prices and friendly staff.
El Kikiriki – Located along Malecon, EL Kikiriki offers a taco street food scene with views of the Sea of Cortez.

Restaurants in Puerto Penasco

Puerto Penasco has many great restaurants ranging from vegan and vegetarian meals to upscale dining options. I didn’t find any vegan options in San Felipe and had to improvise when I bought veggie wrap and fries. Puerto Penasco, on the other hand, has several vegan restaurants like La Maria, Avocato, and Chef Mickey’s Place.

La Maria – La Maria is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Penasco that offers breakfast items like omelet poblano, pancakes, and chilaquiles.
Avocato – One of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Penasco that has delicious and reasonably priced options for breakfast and brunch. Their dishes are healthy, creative and all made in-house from scratch.
Chef Mickey’s Place – If you are looking for a great dinner in Puerto Penasco, look no further than Chef’s Mickey Place, which offers a variety of dishes like seafood, vegetarian and vegan options. While their prices are higher than average, many customers praise their outstanding customer service and food flavors.

Safety in San Felipe

San Felipe is a quiet place where most things revolve around outdoor activities. The town hasn’t been affected by cartel violence and is mostly safe to visit. Still, you should always be cautious, especially around beaches and popular places. Stay away from remote areas and avoid the beach after dark.

Safety in Puerto Penasco

Because of the rise in tourism, petty theft, and property theft have become more prevalent in Puerto Penasco.

Get a travel insurance for your trip

Regardless which one of these popular Mexican beach towns you wnat to visit, it’s a good idea to get a travel insurance for your trip.

➡️ Safety Wing is one of the best insurance plans for long-term travelers and digital nomads that covers you in the event of stolen and lost luggage, hospital visits, and other unforeseen circumstances.

➡️ WorldNomads is one of the most popular travel insurance options that offer an option for long and short-term travel.

How to get to San Felipe

The easiest way to get to Mexicali is by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Mexicali and driving down south along Highway 5. If you are traveling to San Felipe from Tijuana, take the coastal road to Ensenada and hop on Highway 3 east which will bring you to Highway 5 about 30 miles north of San Felipe.

✅ BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO TIJUANA

Driving to San Felipe

The easiest way to get to San Felipe is by driving. Most visitors come here by taking Highway 5 from Mexicali, but there’s also a small airport about 6 miles away which is served by charter flights.

If you are traveling to San Felipe via Tijuana, you can take the coastal road to Ensenada and after that take Highway 3 toward the east which will bring you to Highway 5 about 30 miles north of San Felipe.

How to get to Puerto Penasco

To get to Puerto Penasco, you need to cross the border in Nogales and drive down south. You can also get to Puerto Penasco from Baja California, but it’s going to be a much longer drive. It takes 5 hours to get from Mexicali to Puerto Penasco, and 8 hours to get from Tijuana to Puerto Penasco.

Driving to Puerto Penasco

The most common route from the U.S. is to take Interstate 10 (I-10), and then head south on Highway 85 to Gila Bend.

From Gila Bend, take Highway 85 south to Interstate 8 (I-8), and then continue west toward Yuma. In Yuma, take Highway 95 south to San Luis, and then continue to the border at Lukeville.

How long does it take to get from Phoenix to Puerto Penasco?

The travel time can vary depending on your starting point, but the drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco typically takes around 3-4 hours. The most common border crossing for Puerto Peñasco is at Lukeville.

Puerto Penasco vs San Felipe: final word

Puerto Penasco and San Felipe are beach towns in Northern Mexico, each with its flair and atmosphere. While Puerto Penasco offers close access to the United States and plenty of amenities, San Felipe boasts a more relaxed atmosphere, small-town charm, and superb opportunities for outdoor adventures.