Rocky Point History and Fun Facts

Welcome to Rocky Point, Mexico! Also known as Puerto Peñasco, this sunny beach town sits where the Sonoran Desert meets the Sea of Cortez. The town offers beach amenities alongside the captivating natural beauty of the Altar Desert—all in one place.

Over the decades, Rocky Point transitioned from a humble fishing village into a vibrant tourism hub. It has significantly modernized, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern comforts that cater to varied interests that visitors love.

Its past is packed with fascinating stories—how it got its name, why it was a retreat for Al Capone, what brought NASA astronauts train in the nearby desert, and plenty more.

Whether you're drawn by the history, scenic landscapes, food, or just kicking back by the water, Rocky Point has something for everyone. There's way more to this town than just sand and sunshine (though those are pretty great, too).

Keep reading for some fun facts you probably didn't know!

How Rocky Point Got Its Name

Rocky Point was officially founded in 1928, but its story starts two years earlier. In 1926, an English Navy officer passed through, noticing the big hill in the area now known as Old Port. He called it "Rocky Point," and soon Spanish speakers translated that into Punta Peñasco, and put it on the maps (literally). Later, it became Puerto Peñasco, which means "Rocky Cliff Port."

Wild Times During Prohibition

Back in the 1920s, lots of Americans came to Rocky Point to enjoy the spirits illegal in the U.S. during prohibition—including the famous gangster Al Capone! He frequented Rocky Point, enjoying the climate, gambling, and deep-sea fishing, in addition to the liquor. Capone even operated a still in a local hotel, producing moonshine that was smuggled to San Francisco. Visitors can explore Al Capone's Seafood and Pizzeria Place or the La Posada La Roca Hotel in Old Port to learn more about his time there.

From Desert to Fishing Boomtown

Even in the 1800s, fishermen from Arizona came to Rocky Point, despite its initial lack of drinking water. But when the price of shrimp skyrocketed in 1965, everything changed. Hundreds of fishermen flocked to Rocky Point, transforming the quiet town into a busy fishing destination. Rocky Point is famous today for its fresh local harvest. Shrimp season runs from September through March, and it's still a big deal there!

Fresh Water and High Rise Hotels

The city didn't get running water until 1975, and there weren't any towering beach hotels until around the year 2000. (If you've been visiting for a while, you might remember those wide-open beaches!) Now, Rocky Point is full of high-rise resorts and modern comforts.

Why It's Called "Arizona's Beach"

Because it's only about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson, many Arizonans or Zoners love vacationing there. That's why people started calling it "Arizona's Beach." You'll see lots of Arizona license plates in town!

Astronauts Trained for the Moon Landing Near Rocky Point

The El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, about 15 miles north of Rocky Point, is stacked with giant sand dunes and volcanic craters. This protected desert covers over 600 square miles. It so closely resembles the moon that Apollo 14 astronauts trained there before they landed on the real thing! In 2013, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its one-of-a-kind landscape and diverse plant and wildlife species.

Alive in the Desert

It might only rain 10 days a year, but Rocky Point's desert is teeming with life. More than 800 species of plants and animals call this area home—from spiky cacti and colorful lizards to desert and sea birds, and sneaky reptiles. It's proof that even dry places can be full of surprises!

What to Do

Like everything else, Rocky Point has a surprising array of recreation and amenities.

• Beaches and Water Sports: The beaches are calm and safe, so it's great for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding.
• ATV Riding: It's easy to rent ATVs and cruise the streets or race up Competition Hill.
• Modern Amenities: Rocky Point now has golf courses, shopping, loads of restaurants of all types, and a fun nightlife scene.

A Dry Heat: Enjoy the Weather

Even though Rocky Point is in the middle of the desert, the weather is usually warm and pleasant—not humid and sticky. With an average high of 81.5°F, it's just right for beach days, and exploring year-round.

Why You'll Love It

Rocky Point is more than just a beach town. It's a place full of stories, nature, and loads fun things to do. Whether you come for its unique history, natural beauty, shrimp tacos, or just the beach and sunshine, you'll leave with great memories—and probably a bit of sand in your shoes.