Getting to San Felipe
Easy driving directions from the US border to San Felipe, Baja California. Just a few hours from San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, or Yuma.
Two Routes to Paradise
San Felipe is easily accessible by car from the United States. Two primary border crossings connect you to the highway that leads straight to San Felipe. Choose the route that best fits your starting point.
Route 1: Old Crossing (Calexico)
This is the traditional route via Calexico, ideal for travelers coming from San Diego, Los Angeles, or the Imperial Valley via Highway 111.
Head to the Border
Take Imperial Highway (Highway 111) south to the Calexico border crossing. Follow signs for the international border.
Cross into Mexicali
After crossing the border, turn left onto Avenida Madero. Continue for approximately one mile past Calle K.
Turn onto Calzada Justo Sierra
Turn right onto Calzada Justo Sierra. This road will transition into Calzada Benito Juarez heading southeast.
Follow Signs to San Felipe
Continue on Calzada Benito Juarez heading southeast. Follow the signs directing you to San Felipe. You will cross railroad tracks along the way.
Pass Key Landmarks
As you continue, you will pass Kenworth Trucks and Costco on your route. These are useful landmarks to confirm you are on the right path.
Reach Highway 5
You will reach Highway 5, the main highway to San Felipe. Follow Highway 5 south all the way to San Felipe. The drive from Mexicali to San Felipe takes approximately two hours.
Route 2: New Crossing (Garita II from Yuma)
This newer crossing is ideal for travelers coming from Yuma, Arizona and points east. It offers a more modern border facility with typically shorter wait times.
Start from Yuma
From Yuma, Arizona, take Highway 8 West toward the California border.
Exit onto Highway 98
Exit south onto Highway 98. Continue heading south toward the border area.
Exit onto Highway 7
Exit south onto Highway 7. Follow this highway to the Garita II border crossing (New Crossing).
Cross the Border
Cross the border at Garita II. After clearing customs, continue onto Avenida Colon in Mexicali.
Connect to Highway 5
Follow signs from Avenida Colon to Highway 5 South. Take Highway 5 all the way to San Felipe, approximately two hours from the border.
Travel Tips
Mexican Auto Insurance
Purchase Mexican auto insurance before crossing the border. US auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Policies are available online or at the border.
Travel Documents
Bring a valid passport or passport card. If staying beyond the border zone or longer than 72 hours, obtain a tourist permit (FMM) at the border.
Gas Stations
Fill up your tank before leaving Mexicali. While there are gas stations along Highway 5, they can be spaced far apart.
Drive Time
The drive from the border to San Felipe takes approximately two hours on Highway 5. The road is well-maintained and offers beautiful desert and mountain scenery.
Military Checkpoint
There is a military checkpoint approximately 30 miles before San Felipe. This is routine -- simply stop, answer any questions, and you'll be on your way in minutes.
Ready to Visit San Felipe?
Contact us to schedule a tour of La Hacienda and see our available beachfront properties in person.
Plan Your Visit