Rocky Point Wasn't the Plan - But It Worked

Here's what I experienced on my first visit to Rocky Point, no checklist, just my story.

We weren't supposed to end up in Rocky Point. We were aiming for the Gulf of Mexico, missed the mark (by a lot) thanks to an incorrectly labeled Google map (Gulf of America!), and somehow landed at the Gulf of California instead. Classic road trip chaos. No one complained.

If you live in Arizona, someone has probably tried to talk you into going to Rocky Point. I've lived in Flagstaff for 25 years, and I'd heard it all - "It's only eight hours!", "You can eat shrimp tacos on the beach!", "There's a guy who sells tamales out of a cooler and they're better than anything I've ever had!" But somehow, the timing never worked out.

This time, it did. I drove to Vegas to visit a friend, and before I could say no, we were on the road, headed south. No itinerary. Just curiosity and a full tank.

The Scenic Way In

One thing that really stood out was how easy and scenic the ride down turned out to be. I've driven to Tijuana and Rosarito many times, but the drive to Rocky Point winds through stunning desert landscapes along empty highways. You pass through rugged hills, volcanic outcrops, and an ever-evolving mix of desert cacti - each stretch more striking than the last. And then there's the clouds! The Lukeville border crossing is also much smoother and less chaotic than what I've encountered entering the Baja Peninsula. The trip felt effortless.

The Heart of Rocky Point

Rocky Point doesn't try to impress. It just is. The town feels like a place people actually live, not just visit. It's a place where kids ride bikes through neighborhoods and old fishermen still fix their boats by hand. The pace is slow - so slow it dares you to match it. And I did.

The people were my favorite part. Everyone we interacted with was wonderful-friendly, helpful, and easy to talk to, even when I didn't fully understand the language. Their warmth really made the experience special.

I also love to eat, and Rocky Point did not disappoint when it came to fantastic food! My favorite spot was El Barco Ostionera Restaurante (The Oyster Boat restaurant), which overlooked the estuary where the oysters are raised. It was a beautiful place to bird-watch, soak in the calming views and sounds, and enjoy incredibly fresh food. We stayed so long we enjoyed both low and high tide and ate two meals. The oysters were great, but the shrimp tacos were the best I've ever had.

If you stay a minute, and are quiet, you might get to see the little "juancitos" (Mexican prairie dog). It was a real treat because these little cuties are endangered and very skittish.

I also really enjoyed our visit to the CEDO Intercultural Center - part science center, part environmental hub. They help protect the highly unique desert and ocean in the region. When sea turtles come to lay their eggs, CEDO helps close off beaches and keeps poachers away (whether animal or human). They also offer many educational programs to visitors and the community. Their gift shop is exceptional, with a lot of local art.

Overpacked and Underprepared

We did some basic prepping - mostly scrolling through Rocky Point/Puerto Peñasco social media accounts. We got new tires, an oil change, and picked up an FFM tourist permit (which we forgot to get stamped at the border, not what you're supposed to do). We also brought way too much: clothes, snacks, drinks - all things we didn't need.

Next time, I'll pack less. Rocky Point has plenty of great places to shop for groceries and beverages. Plus, the local restaurants are amazing and affordable. You can easily find delicious tamales on the beach, grab tacos from local shops, fresh flour tortillas at Super Ley grocery, or enjoy beautiful sit-down meals without breaking the budget.

No Fear, Just Curiosity

I didn't have any fears about visiting Rocky Point. Having traveled to many other Mexican destinations, I knew that as long as I treated the people and the place with kindness and respect, there was nothing to worry about. It's unfortunate that so much fear is spread in our society, often keeping people from experiencing incredible places and the warmth of the communities there. I have always felt welcome in Mexico. And in Rocky Point, that welcome felt especially real.

Not Done With This Place Yet

Would I go back? Absolutely! I can't think of anything I didn't like, except having to leave! I loved how accessible a trip to Mexico feels now. Knowing I can simply drive to Rocky Point makes vacationing in Mexico easier and more affordable, compared to flying to other destinations.

Crossing back into the U.S. was just as smooth as the trip down. There was no drama, no long wait, no extra scrutiny. I don't take that ease for granted. It made the whole trip feel that much more doable - and worth repeating.

I fell in love with Rocky Point and am already planning to spend a few months there in my RV next winter. I'm also excited to take the time to learn more Spanish and connect with the local community. Getting to know the people and culture on a deeper level will make the experience even more special!

Rocky Point didn't blow my mind. It did something better. It moved in without asking.