Why Rocky Point, Mexico? For the Best Vacations!

Rocky Point, Mexico’s sandy beaches, variety of affordable lodging, great food, and abundance of activities make it perfect for all sorts of vacations. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to unwind and have fun only an hour from the U.S. border. Located in the Sonoran Desert, on the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez, Rocky Point is an easy 4-hour drive from both Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. Thus, it’s been dubbed “Arizona’s Beach.” Here are six reasons to visit Rocky Point, Mexico, for all your vacations.

1. The Best Beaches

Rocky Point has some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Mexico. With year-round sunny skies, it is hard to find a place that looks this good all the time.

Sandy Beach, Rocky Point’s most popular beach, offers a wide expanse of sand, gentle waves, and a variety of activities. Visitors can rest on the beach, play sand volleyball, and explore tidal pools. Vendors stroll the beach, selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. During the warmer months, banana boats offer thrilling rides along the bay.

Nestled near the bustling malecón, Playa Bonita and Playa Mirador offer convenient access to various restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations. These beaches provide the ideal blend of relaxation and entertainment, with everything you need just a stone’s throw away.

For a more secluded and tranquil experience, consider visiting Playa La Joya, Playa Encanto, or Playa Pelícano in Cholla Bay. These less crowded beaches offer a serene escape to bask in the sun and waves.

2. Endless Activities

Beachfront

The possibilities for fun and adventure in Rocky Point are limitless. Besides lounging on one of the many stunning beaches, you can snorkel, boogie board, paddleboard or kayak, or tour the beach on horseback.

Other Recreation

There is also a wealth of non-beach activities. You can tee off at one of the three championship golf courses, fish in the Sea of Cortez (see below), go whale watching (January-March), ride a Pirate boat or take an evening sunset cruise, and explore the area by bicycle or ATV. If you’re more daring, rent an ATV and ride the big dunes between Sandy Beach and Cholla Bay or down “Competition Hill,” where you can also sandboard for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Food

Rocky Point offers a diverse culinary scene, with many local restaurants and bars serving traditional Mexican cuisine. There are several seafood restaurants and other dining options, as well, including (but not limited to) The Blue Marlin, Al Capone’s Seafood & Pizzaria, and Mare Blu Ristorante.

If you visit Rocky Point between mid-September and March, you’ll be in luck because it’s shrimp season! You can enjoy shrimp dishes at local restaurants or buy fresh shrimp from fishermen on the one-way road into the malecón (to cook in your rental or when you get back home).

Night Life

Rocky Point hosts an array of clubs, bars, and live music venues. The malecón is a bustling hub of activity, with its numerous restaurants, cafes, discos, and hotels that cater to the thousands of tourists who flock to the area each year. The more off-the-beaten-path but popular spots include Manny’s, Banditos, and Wrecked at the Reef.

3. Fishing

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, Rocky Point offers a fantastic fishing experience, with many fish species, including dorado, marlin, snapper, yellowtail, grouper, mackerel, and sea bass. Visitors can enjoy shore and pier fishing or book a deep-sea fishing charter.

When to Go

The best time to fish in Rocky Point is during the spring and summer months, when many of the most popular catches are in season.

Shore Fishing

Shore or beach fishing can yield sea bass, pompano, and triggerfish. The optimal time of day for pier or beach fishing is during incoming or outgoing tides. The west side of Sandy Beach is a prime pier fishing location. Additionally, ports and estuaries offer excellent fishing opportunities. A fishing license is not required for shore fishing.

Charter Boats

Those who embark on a deep-sea experience commonly catch dorado, mackerel, skipjack, marlin, and mahi-mahi. When using a charter service, be sure to inquire about what they provide. If you’re fishing by boat, you’ll need a fishing license unless the charter provides one.

What to Bring

Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and shoes that can get wet, and pack snacks and water. The best clothing for a fishing experience is light and loose-fitting, made from quick-drying, non-cotton materials.

4. Shopping

Rocky Point may not have a lot of shopping options, but there are a few interesting and enjoyable areas to explore.

Just north of the malecón area in Old Port, on 16 de Septiembre drive (named for Mexican Independence Day), you’ll find Curios Sofía Pottery Shop, a vast establishment offering every kind of Mexican-made pottery and glassware you can think of, and more.

The rest of Old Port is better known for its curios, trinkets, and other souvenirs. There are, however, a few specialty shops with high-end jewelry, clothing, and other items.

Cholla Mall, also known as Rodeo Drive, offers diverse shopping options. You’ll find Mexican pottery, tile, ironworks, modern artistic works, and handmade goods. Whether you’re browsing or on the hunt for something specific, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

5. Affordability

Rocky Point is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. With its wide range of affordable accommodations, including reasonably priced hotels and local Airbnb options, and several RV Parks, visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

There are many inexpensive dining options, from restaurants and bars to street vendors, offering delicious food and drinks at wallet-friendly prices. To maximize your savings, exchange your dollars for pesos, as you’ll get a better exchange rate.

6. An Interesting History

Rocky Point was named after the hill above the malecón by an English Navy officer in 1926. Shortly afterward, Spanish maps of the area called it “Punta Peñasco,” meaning Rocky Point in Spanish. Later, the name was changed to “Puerto Peñasco,” meaning “Rocky Cliff Port.”

Rocky Point was not much of a settlement for a long time due to the absence of a reliable source of drinking water. However, in the 1970s, the Mexican government installed water lines, transforming the area into the popular tourist destination it is today.

Rocky Point has a fascinating history, including its connection to the Mob. During the prohibition era, Al Capone was known to frequent Rocky Point, producing moonshine in a local hotel and smuggling it to San Francisco.

Envision a destination where stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and a wealth of family-friendly activities await, all at prices that won’t break the bank. That’s Rocky Point, a destination that caters to travelers of all types and interests. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Rocky Point has something for everyone.