Beachfront Retreat on Sea of Cortez

100%

1 review

· Big Bear City, San Bernardino, California · 5 acres

Hosted by Mike C.

Vacation rental

· 6 guests max · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 toilets

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

Beachfront Home Offers Spectacular Panorama from Veranda and Huge Living/Dining Room. Enjoy Total Relaxation. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Popular North End of Town, 5 Miles from Downtown San Felipe. Our Beach Is Virtually Private. ——- As you can see, the setting of this home is out of a dream. Of all the world's oceans, Jacques Cousteau favored the Sea of Cortez, calling it "The Aquarium of the World." His favorite body of water is the panorama you'll enjoy through two walls of glass in this expansive home. Stunning views...empty white-sand beaches...ultra-clear skies. And the only sounds you're likely to hear are the gentle surf and ocean breezes. There's really no other place like Baja California. This land has changed little since Fernando Cortés first saw it in 1533. And dawn over the sea begins each day in spectacular fashion. Our huge front room combines living, dining, and kitchen into one 700-square-foot space, with four sets of doors which open to a broad Spanish-style veranda. Spend the day reading in lounge chairs, mixing a drink or two at the hand-carved bar, or walking on miles of secluded beach. The kitchen area offers 20 feet of counter space, while a massive wooden dining table easily accommodates your entire group for memorable meals. Each of the spacious bedrooms features one large bed, while the two bathrooms feature large showers. If you want to bring an airbed, there’s plenty of space in the living room. The town of San Felipe is completely safe and friendly -- and unlike a Cabo or Cancun, it offers an *authentic* Mexico experience. (If anyone in your group has concerns about Baja, search the following for a great Lonely Planet article: "Are Americans Safer in Mexico than at Home?") ------------------------------- ESSENTIAL READING: Baja is all about nature and freedom. The houses range from humble one-room shacks to desert palaces. As you can see in the photos, our home is nicer than average, yet still simple and casual. It's a true Baja beach house -- not a designer bungalow on Nantucket. San Felipe doesn't offer the manicured beach resorts that you find in Hawaii or Cabo. This is a more traditional place to be. In short, we'd say that if you're the kind of person who would never go camping, this probably is not the ideal spot for you. We encourage everyone to scan a half-dozen reviews, to get the full range of guest reactions. Please note that this house has electric service, with a rooftop tank holding mountain spring water, plus propane for the stove and water heater. If you require a concierge to manage your holidays, or can't stand dust from the desert, you may want to consider another destination. This is a place for hearty living -- a place Steinbeck would have loved. ------------------------------- It takes only 5 to 10 minutes to travel from this isolated beachfront retreat to all the shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, and other attractions of North San Felipe and the Malecon. Dining options range from casual to fine. Regardless of which you choose, you'll love the freshness, taste, and purity of San Felipe's seafood-focused cuisine. (Arid Baja has none of the "issues" of mainland Mexico.) At your doorstep await unforgettable wilderness adventures, in untouched desert backcountry where mountains soar 10,000 feet over huge dry lakes. The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Mar de Cortés and Vermilion Sea) offers kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, boating, fishing, and more. And after sunset, clear air and virtually no ambient light ensure some of the finest skies left on this planet. All just a 5 1/2-hour drive from Los Angeles...4 hours from San Diego. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Additional Notes: * Mapping for Mexico is a bit difficult. You can enter "San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico" in the most popular mapping program, zoom out till you see El Dorado Ranch and Playa Hawaii north of San Felipe. Our home overlooks the beach in this area. * Biologically speaking, the Sea of Cortez is the richest body of water on the planet. This diverse sea supports more than 900 varieties of fish, and more than 2,000 species of marine invertebrates. * Spring water is trucked in, and stored in a 1,000-gallon tank. The first tanks of water and propane are included. If a water refill is required, you pay the $50. The cost of a propane refill is about $20. * There is no landline phone, but we do have wifi, and most cell phones work. * Note that Baja can be HOT, especially from mid-June through the end of August. In Summer, typical temperatures are high 90s or low 100s during the day, and 70s to 80s at night. * Pets are welcome. * Please smoke on the veranda — never inside. * Sheets are provided for the three beds. You should bring bath and beach towels, as well as your favorite toiletries. * Kitchenware is provided, but if you're particular, you may want to bring your favorite gear. * There’s a small tabletop BBQ grill, and a big old one. * A 600-square-foot garage with RV doors may be available at extra cost with advance arrangements -- but there's plenty of easy parking outdoors on approx. 1 1/2 acres. * If you have kids, please note that the bluff in front of the house is about 30 feet above the beach. * The closest path to the beach is in the arroyo just south of the house. There is also another road to the beach which begins about 150 feet above the entrance to the property. The beach itself is fine sand, and deep in places. Motorcycles and ATVs are welcome. For four-wheeled vehicles, 4WD is essential. * Kayaks and other small watercraft can be launched easily from the beach. Kitesurfing is popular. Be aware of the tides! The Gulf of California has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and at low tide, the ocean recedes far from the beach for a few hours. * PWCs and boats on trailers can also be launched from the beach. A 4WD tow vehicle is essential. Again, be aware of the tides. * There is a wood-burning fireplace. * There are large supermarkets in central San Felipe (such as Calimax, on the main drag). You can get fresh food and everything else you might need at reasonable prices. * Wheelchair access to the home is fairly easy. The showers are very large, but otherwise of standard design. * There can be dogs roaming free, but we've never seen an aggressive one. You may also encounter a mosquito or two, little desert critters, etc. * Snowbird? Looking for a long-term retreat? Low rates are available to quality candidates.Beachfront Home Offers Spectacular Panorama from Veranda and Huge Living/Dining Room. Enjoy Total Relaxation. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Popular North End of Town, 5 Miles from Downtown San Felipe. Our Beach Is Virtually Private. —- As you can see, the setting of this home is out of a dream. Of all the world's oceans, Jacques Cousteau favored the Sea of Cortez, calling it "The Aquarium of the World." His favorite body of water is the panorama you'll enjoy through two walls of glass in this expansive home. Stunning views...empty white-sand beaches...ultra-clear skies. And the only sounds you're likely to hear are the gentle surf and ocean breezes. There's really no other place like Baja California. This land has changed little since Fernando Cortés first saw it in 1533. And dawn over the sea begins each day in spectacular fashion. Our huge front room combines living, dining, and kitchen into one 700-square-foot space, with four sets of doors which open to a broad Spanish-style veranda. Spend the day reading in lounge chairs, mixing a drink or two at the hand-carved bar, or walking on miles of secluded beach. The kitchen area offers 20 feet of counter space, while a massive wooden dining table easily accommodates your entire group for memorable meals. The master bedroom offers a king bed, while the second bedroom offers a queen, Both bathrooms feature large showers. If you want to bring an airbed, there’s plenty of extra room. The town of San Felipe is completely safe and friendly -- and unlike a Cabo or Cancun, it offers an *authentic* Mexico experience. (If anyone in your group has concerns about Baja, search the following for a great Lonely Planet article: "Are Americans Safer in Mexico than at Home?") --- ESSENTIAL READING: Baja is all about nature and freedom. The houses range from humble one-room shacks to desert palaces. As you can see in the photos, our home is nicer than average, yet still simple and casual. It's a true Baja beach house -- not a designer bungalow on Nantucket. San Felipe doesn't offer the manicured beach resorts that you find in Hawaii or Cabo. This is a more traditional place to be. In short, we'd say that if you're the kind of person who would never go camping, this probably is not the ideal spot for you. We encourage everyone to scan a half-dozen reviews, to get the full range of guest reactions. Please note that this house has electric service, with a rooftop tank holding mountain spring water, plus propane for the stove and water heater. If you require a concierge to manage your holidays, or can't stand dust from the desert, you may want to consider another destination. This is a place for hearty living -- a place Steinbeck would have loved. --- It takes only 5 to 10 minutes to travel from this isolated beachfront retreat to all the shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, and other attractions of North San Felipe and the Malecon. Dining options range from casual to fine. Regardless of which you choose, you'll love the freshness, taste, and purity of San Felipe's seafood-focused cuisine. (Arid Baja has none of the "issues" of mainland Mexico.) At your doorstep await unforgettable wilderness adventures, in untouched desert backcountry where mountains soar 10,000 feet over huge dry lakes. The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Mar de Cortés and Vermilion Sea) offers kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, boating, fishing, and more. And after sunset, clear air and virtually no ambient light ensure some of the finest skies left on this planet. All just a 5 1/2-hour drive from Los Angeles...4 hours from San Diego. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Additional Notes: * Mapping for Mexico is a bit difficult. You can enter "San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico" in the most popular mapping program, zoom out till you see El Dorado Ranch and Playa Hawaii north of San Felipe. Our home overlooks the beach in this area. * Biologically speaking, the Sea of Cortez is the richest body of water on the planet. This diverse sea supports more than 900 varieties of fish, and more than 2,000 species of marine invertebrates. * Spring water is trucked in, and stored in a 1,000-gallon tank. The first tanks of water and propane are included. If a water refill is required, you pay the $50. The cost of a propane refill is about $20. * There is no landline phone, but we do have wifi, and most cell phones work. * Note that Baja can be HOT, especially from mid-June through the end of August. In Summer, typical temperatures are 90s or low 100s during the day, and 70s to 80s at night. * Pets are welcome. * Please smoke on the veranda — never inside. * Sheets are provided for the three beds. You should bring bath and beach towels, as well as your favorite toiletries. * Kitchenware is provided, but if you're particular, you may want to bring your favorite gear. * There is an old charcoal barbecue grill. * A 600-square-foot garage with RV doors is available at modest cost with advance arrangements -- but there's plenty of easy parking outdoors on approx. 1 1/2 acres. * If you have kids, please note that the bluff in front of the house is about 30 feet above the beach. * The closest path to the beach is in the arroyo just south of the house. There is also another road to the beach which begins about 150 feet above the entrance to the property. The beach itself is fine sand, and deep in places. Motorcycles and ATVs are welcome. For four-wheeled vehicles, 4WD is essential. * Kayaks and other small watercraft can be launched easily from the beach. Kitesurfing is popular. Be aware of the tides! The Gulf of California has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and at low tide, the ocean recedes far from the beach for a few hours. * PWCs and boats on trailers can also be launched from the beach. A 4WD tow vehicle is essential. Again, be aware of the tides. * There is a wood-burning fireplace. * There are large supermarkets in central San Felipe (such as Calimax, on the main drag). You can get fresh food and everything else you might need at reasonable prices. * Wheelchair access to the home is fairly easy. The showers are very large, but otherwise of standard design. * There can be dogs roaming free, but we've never seen an aggressive one. You may also encounter a mosquito or two, little desert critters, etc. * Snowbird? Looking for a long-term retreat? Low rates are available to quality candidates. Guest access Veranda, beach, sunset...repeat. Other things to note 1. Don’t worry about the troubles you may have read about, as the gang conflicts (equivalent to Mafia battles in the U.S.) have largely stopped, and there never was any of that in San Felipe or smaller Baja towns. 2. You should note that even at the height of the troubles, any foreigner has been safer in Mexico than in any U.S. city. A lot safer. But don't take our word for it. Search the following Lonely Planet article on the web: Are Americans safer in Mexico than at home?

What to expect

Vacation rental

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

6 guests max

Campfires allowed

Toilet available

Flush toilet

Pets allowed

Showers available

Hot water

Bins available

Cooking equipment present

Bbq, oven, freezer, cookware, cooking utensils. * Kitchenware is provided, but if you're particular, you may want to bring your favorite gear.

Picnic table present

Wifi available

Laundry present

No potable water

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Super Strict

Minimum nights: 3 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 4 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

100% Recommend1 ratings · 1 review

Jon B.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2023

Group trip

Place was amazing…host very communicative. Great stay.

Location

Big Bear City, San Bernardino, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking