The Magic of San Carlos

The perfect stay in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, starts with oceanside accommodations. I recommend The Hotel Fiesta Real, as shown above. The rooms aren't luxurious but look at the view! It's quiet, affordable, and conveniently located, and you won't be spending much time in your room anyway. One nice thing about San Carlos is that they cater to Americans, so most often, you will find someone who speaks English, at least to some extent.

Three famous movies were filmed in San Carlos, at least in part. Catch-22, Lucky Lady, starring Liza Minnelli, and The Mask of Zorro. Jimmy Buffet was known to do beach concerts there.

After you check in, quickly get into your swimsuit and run - don't walk - to the beach. Jump in and wash away all of the sweat, grime, nerves, and worries away. The water of San Carlos Bay is often a perfect temperature. There is an open, outdoor shower by the pool, so you can rinse off on your way back to your room.

Next, choose a place for lunch. Rosa's Cantina, Jax Snax and Chihuahua's are all good choices, and there are lots of taco places, but if you favor American cuisine, you can also find restaurants which specialize in hamburgers and hot dogs.

After lunch, visit El Mar Dive Shop. They will hook you up with boating, fishing, and/or diving opportunities. I had my own boat, but I sold it after my SCUBA buddy passed away. On my last trip, El Mar got me hooked up with a nice snorkeling excursion to Martini Cove.

We always made a habit of picking up any trash we found, so when I saw a black bag at the bottom of the bay, I dove down and grabbed it. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was a big, black sea slug!

If you go snorkeling, you will see beautiful king angelfish, clownfish, sergeant majors, surgeonfish, and many others. Don't forget the sunblock!

If you choose to dive, try San Pedro Nolasco, if you are brave enough to dive with hammerhead sharks. My buddy and I dove a sunken ferryboat on the way there and saw a young whale shark once.

Fishing is another option. We didn't do a lot of it, but the most memorable time was when I hooked a sailfish. Our boat was like what the Navy Seals scoot around in - an RIB (rigid inflatable bottom). We were lucky that the sailfish jumped and threw the hook. We wouldn't have wanted it puncturing our hull.

Keep watch for dolphins! You may find a super pod. We did a few times.

If you linger around San Nicholas Island just before dark, you may be treated to a swarm of bats, going out for a nightly insect hunt.

After a quick rinse in either the room or the outdoor shower, head out to dinner. I highly suggest Charly's Rock. It's oceanside and the food is good. Be sure to have a margarita or two. There will be some roaming minstrels who will play a song for a fee. You can choose a song if you know one to request, or tell them, "Play a happy (sad, fun, etc.) song." I always enjoy supporting the local musicians.

In the morning, after a quick bite, plan to hike Tetakawi, formerly known as Tetas de Cabra, "Goat Tits." There are some nice hiking trails there.

After another swim to cool off, go visit some of the gift shops. You can find jewelry, shirts, and all manner of Mexican curios.

If you have time, go swimming and then lounge by the ocean one last time.

It was the perfect 24 hours - so much so that you're not going to want to leave. I would never go for just one day.

Your next 24 hours could include kayaking, sailing, and skydiving for a price.

The magic of San Carlos is not the place itself. It's not necessarily the many activities that you can engage in. It's that you become a different version of yourself when you're there. Calmer, happier, perhaps healthier.