El Dorado Ranch

El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Baja California Location

El Dorado Ranch is located 187 kilometers south of the border town of Mexicali in the State of Baja California the on the U.S. - Mexico border.  El Dorado Ranch is approximately a two 10 minutes drive from Mexicali via higway 5 (Mexicali-San Felipe/Carr Federal 5). El Dorado Ranch spreads across the East and West sides of highway 5, about six miles north of downtown San Felipe.

About El Dorado Ranch
Established in 1989, El Dorado Ranch San Felipe is perhaps the best known resort in Baja California Norte for its amenities, activities and events.  In fact, people often refer to all of surrounding communities such as Playa de Oro and Vista del Mar as part of "El Dorado Ranch" even when they are referring to another community simply because El Dorado is expansive. El Dorado covers over 35,000 acres, so it's not hard to see why it is difficult to figure out where it starts and where it ends.

'Mexicali-San Felipe/Carr Federal 5' splits El Dorado Ranch into two broad sections; the beach side of the ranch and the mountain side of the ranch.  The beach side of El Dorado ranch goes by the name "La Ventana del Mar."  As you are driving South on Highway 5 from the Mexicali, pay attention to the highway markers, when you reach marker 176, you will have arrived at the main entrance to the ranch.  A big brick sculputre on the right side of the highway announces your arrival at El Dorado Ranch. 

The mountain side of El Dorado Ranch has been carved into 13 residential communities, each with different levels of development and facilities  The communities on the mountain side of El Dorado are: Buen Vista (BV), Hacienda Del Sol (HDS), Los Medanos South (LMS), Los Viajeros North (LVS), Palos Verdes South (PVS), Paseo Del Sol (PDS), Puerta Del Sol (PuertaDS), Vista Del Mar (VDM), Vista Del Sol (VDS). If you plan to stay on the mountain side, it's important to ask whether you are renting a solar home or an electric home.  Generally, the recommendation is not to rent a solar powered home during the hotter months.

The beach side of El Dorado ranch (La Ventana del Mar) tends to be more popular with short term visitors, particulary folks vacationing for a few days or weeks. There are is an abundance of activities in La Ventan del Mar.  These activities are often not well publisized, so it is recommended visitors inquire about this to ensure maximum enjoyment. The 18-hole Las Caras de Mexico (Faces of Mexico) golf course is located on the beach side of El Dorado.  Of course, the private beach is also here.  Looking up from the beach, first are the condos which have all been built around the golf course and all offer views of the beach or golf course and often both.

While in El Dorado Ranch, a visit to the Pavilion building is a must.  The structure features a strikingly beautiful architecture which houses the golf shop, restaurant and convention center.  From the Pavilion, there is a clear view of the Sea of Cortez which creates a beautiful backdrop - don't be surprised to find a wedding reception or some other event in progress when you visit.  Thursday nights is movie nights, it's free and all residents and visitors are welcome.  It's a great time to meet and mingle fellow residents and vacationers.

Most of our visitors say this is best place in Baja California.

• Location: San Felipe
• Distance to Beach: 0.01 mile
• Distance to Downtown: 6 miles