Since its beginnings, San Carlos was composed mostly of American and Canadian population.

San Carlos is a relatively new resort, officially becoming a commissariat of Guaymas in September, 1963. And, as such, its history is significantly tied to the city of Guaymas discovered by Spanish explorers in 1539, a seaport city of 150,000 residents, 7 miles southwest of San Carlos.

The Guaymas area was occupied by the fierce Guaymenas native tribe, which created enough resistance for the Spanish that they were not able to actually occupy the Guaymas area until the 18th century.

Before the Spaniard arrival, the Yaqui, Guaimas and Seri natives lived in this natural habitat, sustained by the waters of the Sea of Cortez, Sonora desert, which provided an abundance of food and resources.

In 1701, Padres Salvatierra and Kino founded a short-lived mission settlement in Guaymas. The mission was soon destroyed by the Guaymenas natives, but another attempt took place in 1769. This proved to be successful, and the new town was named San Jose de Guaymas. Numerous camps were located around the area, and the largest still remains inhabited and is located about 12 miles to the south of Guaymas with a population of 200 persons.

Guaymas was a desirable treasure and strategic point for pirates and foreign military forces.

In the 1960's, San Carlos caught the eye of the Hollywood movie industry.

Movies filmed:

Catch 22 - based on Joseph Heller's book.
The Mask of Zorro - Starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins & Catherine Zeta Jones
Lucky Lady - Starring Liza Minelli
Camaroneros - Mexican production starring Erick del Castillo
Spanish language Soap Opera - Por Tu Amor