The fishing town of San Felipe, Baja California is famous for turquoise tides, shrimp tacos, and a laid-back vibe you won’t find in crowded resort zones farther south. What many visitors learn only after arrival, however, is that San Felipe sits at the heart of an outdoor playground packed with desert canyons, hot springs, and empty beaches—all within an easy drive. In this guide you’ll discover the best trips around San Felipe and see why Vee’s RV Ramada makes the ideal launchpad for every excursion.
Why Choose San Felipe as Your Baja Base?
- Central Gulf Location
San Felipe hugs the northern Gulf of California, placing you within two hours of both sea-and-desert wonders. - Milder Crowds, Lower Prices
Compared to Cabo or Ensenada, restaurant lines are shorter, room rates friendlier, and beaches blissfully uncrowded. - Four-Season Playground
Winter mornings hover around 68 °F (20 °C), while summer afternoons invite tubing or paddle-boarding in bath-warm water.
With that in mind, let’s map out the standout day trips—and the hidden gems—waiting just beyond town.
1. Valle de los Gigantes (22 km south)
Picture a Dr. Seuss forest of 60-foot columnar cacti, and you’re close to Valle de los Gigantes. The dirt road is flat enough for passenger cars, but high-clearance helps after rare rains. Pack water, sun gear, and a wide-angle lens; these cardóns are among the tallest cacti on Earth. Early morning and late afternoon light brings out stunning shadows—prime time for photographers.
2. Puertecitos Hot Springs (90 km south)
Where else can you soak in 100 °F geothermal pools as gentle Gulf waves lap the rocks a foot away? The hot-spring “baths” fill only at mid- to high tide, so check charts before departure. A small fee at the gate covers pool access and restroom facilities. Snorkel gear is handy—warm water attracts colorful reef fish.
Driving note: Highway 5 is newly paved, and Vee’s RV Ramada maintains a printed tide timetable at reception so guests can leave at the perfect hour.
3. Gonzaga Bay + Alfonsina’s (160 km south)
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Yes, it’s a longer haul, but the payoff is postcard-blue water and a beachfront cantina famous for fish burritos. Bring cash (no ATMs), sunscreen, and your sense of wonder—the surrounding Sierra de San Pedro Mártir peaks create cinematic backdrops. Many travelers lunch at Alfonsina’s, then kayak the calm bay before heading back north.
4. Canyon de Guadalupe (186 km northwest)
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A high-clearance 4×4—and a taste for adventure—land you in this palm-filled canyon dotted with natural tubs and waterfalls. Night skies are inky-black, making Guadalupe a stargazer’s dream. Because sand washes shift, it’s smart to convoy or join a guided run. Vee’s RV Ramada partners with local off-road clubs to coordinate safe, fun trips.
5. Shipwreck Snorkel at Percebu (32 km south)
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Low tide exposes a rusted shrimp boat half-submerged in luke-warm shallows—home to sergeant majors, urchins, and starfish. Even novice snorkelers can fin around the wreck in waist-deep water. After swimming, grab coconut shrimp at the beach bar and watch kite-surfers harness afternoon winds.
6. Bird-Watching at Rio Hardy (60 km north)
Fed by the Colorado River delta, Rio Hardy hosts pelicans, herons, and the occasional osprey. Sunrise paddles in a rented kayak reveal mirror-flat reflections and nonstop birdcalls—nature therapy at its finest. Pack insect repellent and binoculars; Vee’s Ramada can store them for you if you tackle multiple outings.
7. Half-Day Fishing Charter (departing downtown marina)
Local pangas zip you to reef hot spots teeming with triggerfish, spotted bay bass, and the prized yellowtail in cooler months. Many skippers fillet the catch dockside; bring it back to Vee’s communal grill for a fresher-than-farm-to-table dinner under starry skies.
Why Vee’s RV Ramada Is Ground Zero for Every Excursion
1. Location, Location, Location
The park sits just off Highway 5, so you can head north to Rio Hardy, south to Puertecitos, or east into downtown San Felipe in minutes.
2. Full-Hookup Comfort
Wide pull-through sites supply 30/50-amp power, pressurized water, sewer, and blazing-fast fiber-optic Wi-Fi—ideal for digital nomads uploading drone footage.
3. Security & Serenity
A gated entrance, night lighting, and friendly on-site hosts let you sleep easy after long trail days. Palm trees and desert blooms create a peaceful vibe without the party-crowds of nearby beach camps
Sample 3-Day Itinerary Using Vee’s RV Ramada as Your Hub
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valle de los Gigantes photo safari | Shrimp-taco crawl in downtown San Felipe | Bonfire + grilled clams at Vee’s |
| 2 | Puertecitos hot-spring soak | Snorkel the Percebu shipwreck | Stargazing marathon in park loungers |
| 3 | Half-day fishing charter | Beach siesta at Playa del Sol | Catch-and-cook party, swap stories with fellow travelers |
Travel Tips for Seamless Excursions
- Carry cash & small pesos – Remote beaches rarely accept cards.
- Download offline maps – Cell service can glitch south of Km 50.
- Hydration is king – The desert’s dry heat surprises newcomers; load a YETI before departure.
- Respect tides – Many Baja mishaps stem from parking below the high-water line. Vee’s tide chart is your best friend.
Sustainable Travel: Leave No Trace
Baja’s fragile desert ecosystem rebounds slowly. Pack out trash, stick to marked trails, and never drive on salt flats wet with winter rain—your tire ruts can last for decades.
Final Word: Adventure Starts at Vee’s
From cactus cathedrals to warm-water hot springs, the best trips around San Felipe, Baja California radiate like spokes from town—and Vee’s RV Ramada sits right at the hub. Whether you’re craving desert solitude, reef snorkeling, or simply hammock time between outings, this welcoming RV park provides the comfort, security, and local know-how every explorer needs. Book your pad today, fuel up the rig, and let Baja’s sun-bleached horizons do the rest. Adventure is officially in season.