San Felipe, nestled on the stunning Sea of Cortez in Baja California, is famous for its main beaches and waterfront malecón. But beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lie hidden coastal gems that offer tranquility, natural beauty, and authentic Baja experiences. For RV travelers and adventure seekers staying at Vee's RV Ramada, these secret beaches provide the perfect escape into unspoiled desert-meets-ocean paradise.
This local's guide reveals San Felipe's hidden beaches, how to find them, what makes each special, and tips for making the most of your secluded beach adventures.
Why Seek Out San Felipe's Hidden Beaches
San Felipe's main beaches are beautiful and convenient, but hidden beaches offer something different—solitude, pristine conditions, and the feeling of discovering your own private slice of Baja paradise. These lesser-known spots provide:
Peaceful Solitude: Escape crowds and enjoy beaches with just a handful of visitors or sometimes no one at all.
Pristine Conditions: Less traffic means cleaner sand, clearer water, and more natural wildlife encounters.
Authentic Experiences: Hidden beaches feel more like the "real" Baja—untouched, wild, and connected to nature.
Photography Opportunities: Dramatic landscapes without crowds make for stunning photos and memories.
Adventure: The journey to reach these beaches often becomes part of the adventure itself.
Playa San Luis Gonzaga: The Remote Paradise
Located about 80 miles south of San Felipe, Playa San Luis Gonzaga (often called Gonzaga Bay) is technically not hidden—but its remote location keeps it wonderfully uncrowded.
What Makes It Special: This stunning bay features calm, turquoise waters protected by surrounding mountains. The beach stretches for miles with soft sand and incredible views. It's a favorite among serious Baja travelers who appreciate its pristine beauty and excellent fishing.
Getting There: The drive takes approximately 2 hours from San Felipe via Highway 5, then a well-maintained dirt road. Most RVs can make the journey, though high clearance is recommended.
What to Bring: This is remote territory—bring all supplies including water, food, and fuel. Cell service is limited or nonexistent.
Best For: Multi-day camping trips, fishing enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking true solitude.
Puertecitos: Hot Springs Meet the Sea
About 50 miles south of San Felipe, Puertecitos offers a unique combination of beach access and natural hot springs right at the water's edge.
What Makes It Special: Natural hot springs emerge along the rocky shoreline, creating warm pools that mix with cool ocean water at high tide. The surrounding beaches are quiet and beautiful, with interesting rock formations and tide pools to explore.
Getting There: Drive south on Highway 5 for approximately 1.5 hours. The road is paved most of the way, with some rougher sections near Puertecitos.
Timing Matters: Visit during low to mid tide to enjoy the hot springs. High tide covers them completely. Check tide schedules before heading out.
What to Bring: Water shoes for rocky areas, towels, snacks, and plenty of water. There's a small community with limited supplies available.
Best For: Day trips, unique natural experiences, families looking for something different, and anyone who loves hot springs.
Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach): Living Up to Its Name
True to its name, Playa Escondida requires local knowledge to find, but rewards adventurous visitors with stunning seclusion.
What Makes It Special: This small cove features protected waters, interesting rock formations, and exceptional snorkeling. The beach is tucked away from main roads, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions.
Getting There: Access requires a 4WD vehicle and local directions. Ask at Vee's RV Ramada for current route conditions and guidance. The final approach involves sandy tracks that require experience driving in soft sand.
What to Bring: 4WD vehicle, recovery gear (shovel, boards), snorkeling equipment, shade (umbrella or tent), and all supplies for the day.
Best For: Experienced off-road drivers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and adventurers seeking true hidden gems.
Punta Estrella: Starfish Point
Located north of San Felipe, Punta Estrella (Starfish Point) offers beautiful beaches with the bonus of starfish sightings in shallow waters.
What Makes It Special: The shallow, calm waters here are home to numerous starfish, making it perfect for families with children. The beach is wide and sandy with gentle waves and beautiful desert mountain backdrops.
Getting There: Head north from San Felipe on Highway 5, then take the marked turnoff toward the coast. The road is generally accessible to most vehicles, though sandy sections require caution.
Wildlife Watching: Besides starfish, you might spot rays, small fish, and various shorebirds. The shallow waters make wildlife viewing easy and safe.
What to Bring: Snorkeling gear, water shoes, sun protection, and respect for wildlife (look but don't touch the starfish).
Best For: Families with children, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking easier access to less-crowded beaches.
Playa Percebu: The Clam Digger's Beach
South of San Felipe's main area, Playa Percebu is known among locals for excellent clamming and peaceful beach days.
What Makes It Special: Long stretches of uncrowded sand, good surf fishing, and productive clamming during low tide. The beach has a wild, natural feel with minimal development.
Getting There: Accessible via sandy roads south of town. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended, though not always essential depending on recent weather and sand conditions.
Clamming Tips: You'll need a Mexican fishing license for clamming. Dig during low tide, and respect catch limits. Local regulations apply.
What to Bring: Clamming gear if interested, fishing equipment, shade, and beach essentials.
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts, beachcombers, and those who enjoy productive beach activities.
Essential Tips for Hidden Beach Adventures
Vehicle Preparation
4WD Recommended: Many hidden beaches require 4WD or at least high clearance vehicles. Sandy tracks can be challenging.
Tire Pressure: Lower tire pressure (to about 15-20 PSI) improves traction in soft sand. Bring a portable air compressor to reinflate before returning to paved roads.
Recovery Gear: Carry a shovel, traction boards, and tow straps. Getting stuck in remote areas is serious.
Fuel Up: Always start with a full tank. Remote beach access can consume more fuel than expected.
Safety Considerations
Tell Someone: Always inform someone at your RV park (like the staff at Vee's RV Ramada) where you're going and when you expect to return.
Cell Service: Assume you'll have no cell service. Bring maps, GPS, and emergency supplies.
Water and Supplies: Bring significantly more water than you think you'll need—at least one gallon per person, plus extra.
First Aid: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit. Help may be hours away in remote locations.
Weather Awareness: Check weather forecasts. Sudden storms can make sandy roads impassable and create dangerous ocean conditions.
Environmental Responsibility
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Carry all trash back with you. These beaches remain pristine because visitors respect them.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Don't disturb nesting birds or touch marine life.
Stay on Established Tracks: Avoid creating new roads or tracks through desert vegetation.
Leave No Trace: Take only photos and memories. Leave shells, rocks, and natural features undisturbed.
Best Times to Visit Hidden Beaches
Early Morning: Arrive early for the calmest conditions, best light for photography, and first pick of the day's beach real estate.
Weekdays: Hidden beaches are even more secluded on weekdays when local weekend visitors are absent.
Spring and Fall: These shoulder seasons offer perfect weather—warm but not scorching—and the smallest crowds.
Avoid Summer Midday: Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. If visiting in summer, plan for early morning or late afternoon beach time.
Planning Your Hidden Beach Adventure from Vee's RV Ramada
Staying at Vee's RV Ramada provides the perfect base for exploring San Felipe's hidden beaches. Here's how to plan your adventure:
Get Local Intel: Ask the staff and fellow RV travelers for current conditions, recent experiences, and insider tips about hidden beaches.
Start Small: If you're new to Baja beach exploring, start with more accessible hidden beaches like Punta Estrella before attempting truly remote locations.
Buddy System: Consider teaming up with other RV travelers for remote beach trips. There's safety in numbers, and it's more fun to share adventures.
Day Trip Strategy: Most hidden beaches work perfectly as day trips from your comfortable RV base, allowing you to explore during the day and return to amenities at night.
The Reward of Discovery
San Felipe's hidden beaches offer something increasingly rare—the genuine thrill of discovery and the peace of unspoiled natural beauty. Whether you're soaking in hot springs at Puertecitos, watching starfish at Punta Estrella, or finding your own private cove at Playa Escondida, these secret spots create the memories that define authentic Baja adventures.
From your home base at Vee's RV Ramada, you have the perfect launching point for exploring these coastal treasures. Pack your sense of adventure, respect for nature, and spirit of exploration—San Felipe's hidden beaches are waiting to reveal their secrets to those willing to venture beyond the ordinary.
The best beach in Baja might just be the one you discover yourself, with nothing but sand, sea, and endless desert sky surrounding you. That's the magic of San Felipe's hidden coastal gems.