San Carlos, home to several thousand American and Canadian retirees and beautifully immersed in Mexican culture and tradition, is a relatively new resort.
The history of San Carlos is inextricably tied to nearby Guaymas - a seaport city of 150,000 residents, just 11 km (seven miles) southwest of San Carlos. Guaymas was a very busy port during Spanish colonialism in what was known as "Nueva Galicia" (the west of Mexico). A result of Guaymas importance was that it became a target for pirates, with various sackings taking place.
San Carlos has been the stage for various Hollywood productions. The beach in front of Marina Real, for example, is known as Catch 22 Beach for the film that was made there. More recently, The Mask of Zorro was produced in San Carlos. The Hollywood presence, in combination with the rich marine-life of the Sea of Cortes, has played a large part in the growth of modern San Carlos.
San Carlos, home to several thousand American and Canadian retirees and beautifully immersed in Mexican culture and tradition, is a relatively new resort. 
