Best Family Activities in Rocky Point, Mexico

Boy eating mango on a stick on Sandy Beach in Rocky Point, Mexico

Rocky Point or Puerto Peñasco is a beautiful seaside city located just 60 miles from the Arizona border in Sonora, Mexico. Nestled in a warm cove along the Sea of Cortez, Rocky Point offers a host of activities for families, from hiking UNESCO world heritage sites, learning about the ocean from the CEDO organization, viewing giant whale bones, to swimming and making sand castles at one of the many beaches. There's plenty for the entire family to do in Rocky Point.

On your next trip to Rocky Point, make sure to try the activities listed below:

  1. Go Hiking in El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve

    El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve - often shortened to just El Pinacate - is one of the largest and most important biosphere reserves in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches over 7,000 km in the Sonoran desert, and offers stunning natural landscapes and pristine wildlife to the intrepid hiker. Just a short drive from Rocky Point, it is the perfect place to go camping with your family. Highlights include the massive Crater Elegante, the lava formations along the Pinacate Mountains, and endangered wildlife such as the Sonoran pronghorn.

    Fun fact: NASA sent its astronauts to this reserve to train them for walking on the moon, since it closely resembles the lunar surface.

  2. Spend a Lazy Afternoon in 'Old Port'

    Rocky Point, Mexico malecon

    The Old Port area stretches for three blocks along the Rocky Point seaside. It is the oldest developed area in the city and the hub of its tourist and commercial activities. Spend an afternoon sampling the Mexican fare at one of the many restaurants along Old Port. You will also find many souvenir shops, quaint jewelry boutiques, and a very large ceramic store. Stroll along the malecón watching the shrimp boats heading out to sea or watch the best sunset in town from the promenade. There's no shortage of things to see and do in Old Port.

  3. Learn About Local Conservation Programs at CEDO

    Whale Bones at CEDO conservation in Rocky Point, Mexico

    CEDO (Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans) is an organization that works to promote conservation programs along the Sea of Cortez and Gran Desierto regions. It regularly conducts educational kayaking tours that take you through the spectacular marine life and natural landforms along the Morua Estuary. These tours are a great way to have a fun and educational time with your kids. They also have a giant whale skeleton on the grounds surrounding their property that would facinate any kid (and adult too). Inside you will find information and preserved plant and animal life telling the story of Rocky Point. It is a great learning experience for all! Check out the CEDO website now.

  4. Swim with Sea Lions in Isla San Jorge

    Seal on rock at Bird Island Rocky Point, Mexico

    Isla San Jorge, popularly called 'Bird Island', is home to a large population of nesting birds and sea lions. The waters around the island are calm and clear, making it a great place to go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The sea lions are friendly to humans and will often join you for a swim. You can take a boat from Old Port and then take the kids on an exploration of the Sea of Cortez and the island.

  5. Relax at the beaches

    There are many beaches to choose from in Rocky Point, stretching from Sandy Beach on the city's north side to Playa Encanto along Morua Estuary. Playa Hermosa and Playa Bonita are the most popular and part of what is known as Sandy Beach. Las Conchas and Mirador Beach are also popular. Playa Encanto is the most secluded of the Rocky Point beaches.

Rocky Point – sometimes even called "Arizona's Beach" – is the best place to go on a marine adventure with your family. Just buy the right Mexico auto insurance, make a reservation in one of the many hotels in the city, and drive down to Rocky Point for an experience you and your family will never forget.