If you love RV travel adventures, you’re going to want to explore San Carlos—and the opportunity for endless beach walking right across from your RV park. Yes, this Mexican RV paradise is the perfect place to find your inner child, toes in the sand, strolling alongside the shimmering Sea of Cortez.
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Welcome to the final post in our San Carlos RV Travel Adventures series—where we explore the best ways to stay active, get outside, and experience the natural beauty of this Sea of Cortez gem.
From hiking rugged desert peaks to paddling quiet estuaries to biking desert trails, we’re now wandering miles of sandy shoreline. Each post in this series is designed to help you build your own active adventure itinerary in San Carlos.
In this post: We’re slowing things down and heading to the coast for one of the simplest—and most rewarding—outdoor activities of all: beach walking.
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RV Travel Adventures: Beach Walking in San Carlos
The first afternoon of our recent RV travel adventure, friends took us out for a short stroll to get the lay of the land. Right across from Totonaka RV Park, we caught our first glimpse of what the next few weeks would hold—an expansive sandy shoreline stretching into the distance.
It was the kind of view that instantly slows you down. Warm air, gentle waves, and that irresistible pull to just start walking.
San Carlos, Sonora is home to a surprising variety of beaches—from long, soft sandy stretches perfect for walking, to rocky coves ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Some beaches are lively and social, while others offer quiet corners where it feels like you have the coastline to yourself.
If beach walking is your thing, you’ll find no shortage of options here.
Playa San Francisco (San Francisco Beach)
Best for: long, uninterrupted beach walks
This is the ultimate beach walking spot in San Carlos.
Stretching nearly two miles from Estero El Soldado to Hotel Playa San Carlos, Playa San Francisco offers long, uninterrupted strolls on soft, cream-to-grey sand. The backdrop? The iconic silhouette of Cerro Tetakawi rising dramatically behind the shoreline.
The section near the Pilar Condos and Bahia Delfin is especially well maintained, with smooth sand and easy walking conditions. The water here has a sandy bottom, making it great for wading if you want to cool off mid-walk.
You’ll often spot dolphins cruising surprisingly close to shore—an unforgettable bonus on an early morning or evening walk.
Good to know:
- No natural shade—bring an umbrella
- Watch for occasional ATV traffic (more on weekends)
- Public access with nearby parking
- Restaurant access and washrooms available when open
- Close to the Soldado Estuary (great for kayaking and birdwatching)
La Manga Beach
On our second day, we were treated to a full tour of San Carlos, making our way toward the small fishing community of La Manga for an early lunch at Mariscos Doña Rosita.
This stretch of beach is lined with seafood restaurants, and the bay is often busy with local fishing boats. There’s an easy, social atmosphere here, with quick access to amenities.
Although we didn’t walk along the beach this time, we lingered over lunch watching pelicans dive into the clear water—a reminder that sometimes beach walking is as much about slowing down as it is about distance.
Best for: A casual beach walk paired with a meal or drinks.
Playa Los Algodones
Next up on our tour as we head back towards camp was Playa Los Algodones. Known for its soft, dune-like sand (hence the name “Algodones,” meaning cotton), this is one of the most beautiful—and popular—beaches in the area.
The wide-open shoreline makes it excellent for walking, especially if you head further away from the main access points to escape the crowds.
We walked for half an hour down to the ithmus of land that separates Algodones beach from Playa La Manga.
On windy days, you’ll find kiteboarders dancing across the waves.
Highlights:
- Soft beige sand and turquoise water
- Great swimming conditions
- Long walking potential if you wander north
- Popular but easy to find quieter sections on mid-week walks
Marinaterra Beach
This beach is a popular launch point for kayaking and SUP adventures.
We drove from the RV park to the launch, passing the colourful mural along the neighbouring resort wall as we carried our gear to the water.
A local fisherman stood nearby in gumboots, hauling in a hand net stretched across a narrow channel. After pulling in his catch, he casually shared a fish with a nearby group before slinging the net over his shoulder and walking off.
The shoreline here is made up of small grey pebbles. It’s not ideal for long barefoot walks, but it’s a great place to launch—or simply watch the activity on the water.
Tip: Head toward Marinaterra Beach Resort. Just before the entrance, take the dirt road on the right. Follow it slowly through potholes to a hidden parking area.
Playa de Acuario (Aquarium Beach)
With crystal-clear water and abundant marine life, this area lives up to the nickname “Aquarium of the World,” a term made famous by Jacques Cousteau for the Sea of Cortez.
You’ll have hike a couple kilometres to reach the beach, but it’s worth the effort. Pair a short beach walk with a snorkel session (you might want to bring a light wetsuit in winter months), and you’ve got the perfect half-day outing.
Note: the beach, the bay and the hike are all popular. A man now stands by a gate at the entrance to the path, collecting money for entry. Another friend said it was 50 MXP per person. The man at the gate said 30 MXP per person, but as we were rustling around in pockets for change, he took the 100 MXP note and said that was good. Bring a variety of change.
Playa Piedras & Piedras Pintas
If you’re looking for something a little more rugged and adventurous, these neighbouring coves offer a different kind of beach walking experience.
Access is via the signed turnoff along the road to the scenic overlook, Mirador Escénico. From there, a dirt road leads down past new construction to two small pocket beaches.
The first beach is modest at first glance, but it’s a popular swimming and kayak launch spot (we launched from here ourselves).
The second beach—Piedras Pintas—is longer and better suited for beach walks and picnics, set beneath the dramatic double peaks of Tetakawi Mountain.
Local tip: Bring water shoes and shade—there are no facilities except for trash cans here.
Posada Beach
Tucked into a protected cove, Posada Beach is a favourite for relaxed evening walks.
The setting is beautiful, especially at sunset, and the beach is lined with palapas and nearby restaurants. Apparently at low tide, you can walk to a small cave at the far end of the cove—but we were there just as the sun was sinking behind Cerro Tetakawi.
You can settle in – as we did – for the coconut shrimp at El Mar or venture off to find some live music at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Best for: Couples, relaxed evenings, and post-dinner walks.
Playa La Manga Dos
Best for: a walk on the wild side
If you’re craving a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head past Playa Algodones and La Manga to La Manga Dos.
About a 15-minute drive beyond the main tourist areas, this stretch of coastline feels wilder and less developed. After some washboard road and a few signposted turns, you’ll reach a small parking area. From there, a short walk over low dunes reveals a more rugged side of San Carlos.
On most days, you can leave the crowds behind and wander along the shoreline undisturbed.
We visited on our final night during a full moon potluck beach party that happened to coincide with a motorized hang-gliding meetup and a gender reveal party! It was anything but quiet—but it was still a magically fun way to wrap up our time in San Carlos.
5 Tips for Beach Walking in San Carlos
Before you head out, here are a few practical tips to make the most of your beach walks:
- Protect yourself from the sun: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential—especially midday.
- Wear water shoes if needed: Some beaches have rocks or the occasional stingray in shallow water.
- Time it right: The best beach walking is in the cooler months from December to early March.
- Know your access points: All beaches in Mexico are public, but you must use public access routes.
- Stay hydrated: The desert-meets-ocean climate can be deceptively drying.
Why Beach Walking in San Carlos Belongs on Your RV Travel List
What makes San Carlos special isn’t just one perfect beach—it’s the variety.
One day you can wander for miles along a sandy shoreline with dolphins offshore. The next, you’re exploring quiet coves, watching pelicans dive, or catching sunset with your feet in the water.
And when your RV is parked just steps away from it all? That’s when these simple beach walks become something truly memorable.
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