Beach Retreat on Sea of Cortez

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 three spacious bedrooms features a king or queen 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 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?")

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.

The home has grid electric service, with a rooftop tank holding mountain spring water, plus propane for the stove and water heater.

It’s a place Steinbeck would have loved.

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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.

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Notes:

IMPORTANT: The location shown by VRBO is rough. These are the exact GPS coordinates of the house:

31°06'09.9"N 114°52'36.0"W

It overlooks the beach, and the adjacent road goes straight down to the sand.

Contact me a week in advance for detailed driving directions and house manual.

* 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 two rooftop tanks. Don’t leave any faucet running, or you’ll be out of water in no time.

* There is no landline phone, but we do have wifi (that works most of the time), 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/vape 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 charcoal grill, and a big old one.

* 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.

* There is a vehicle-friendly road to the beach which begins about 150 feet above the entrance to the property. We don’t recommend driving on the beach, however. Much of it 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 absolutely essential. Again, be aware of the tides.

* There is a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor fire ring. Bring wood or buy at the local market.

* 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 somewhat 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.