A Glimpse into the History & Natural Wonders of Rocky Point, Mexico
- Last Updated: July 9, 2024 by Roxanna Brock McDade
- Categories:
- Destinations, History, Rocky Point
Nestled on the coast of the Sea of Cortez, with the Sonoran Desert as a stunning backdrop, Rocky Point, Mexico (officially known as Puerto Peñasco), has evolved into a sought-after destination for travelers. This beautiful seaside town is a cosmopolitan destination that still cherishes its origins as an old fishing port.
Rocky Point possesses a rich and varied history, beginning with its naming in 1928 by an English Navy officer. During Prohibition, it became a notable retreat, attracting figures like Al Capone. Over the decades, Rocky Point transitioned from a humble fishing village into a vibrant tourism hub. The town offers beach amenities alongside the captivating natural beauty of the Altar Desert. In the past 30 years, it has significantly modernized, seamlessly blending historical charm with contemporary comforts to cater to diverse interests. Whether drawn by its storied past or scenic landscapes and modern attractions, Rocky Point promises an unforgettable experience.
Historical Roots
- Founded in 1928, Rocky Point got its name from an English Navy officer. When visiting the town in 1926, he dubbed the hill in Old Port "Rocky Point." Shortly afterward, Spanish maps added Punta Peñasco, which translates to "rock point," to their maps of the area. The name was later changed to Puerto Peñasco or "Rocky Cliff Port."
- Prohibition Era: During the 1920s, Americans, including the infamous criminal Al Capone, visited Rocky Point to "get lit." Capone 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 Capone's history at Al Capone's Seafood and Pizzeria Place or at the La Posada La Roca Hotel in Old Port.
- 19th Century Fishermen: As early as the 19th century, fishermen from Arizona visited Rocky Point despite its initial lack of drinking water.
- Fishing Trade: When the price of shrimp skyrocketed in 1965, hundreds of fishermen flocked to Rocky Point, transforming it into a center of Mexico's fishing trade. Rocky Point is famous today for its fresh local harvest, and shrimp season lasts from September through March.
- Fresh Water: The Mexican government undertook a large-scale development of the area, and in 1975 water lines to the city were completed.
- The Year 2000: Before 2000, there were no high-rises on the beach (I remember this!). Today, visitors can choose from various high-end hotels and resorts.
- Arizona's Beach: In more recent times, Rocky Point has been coined "Arizona's Beach" due to its proximity to Arizona and the large crowd of "Zoners" that drive down to get their beach fix.
Natural Attractions
- Altar Desert: Rocky Point is part of the Altar Desert, a sub-ecoregion of the Sonoran Desert.
- The El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve features the world's highest concentration of maar volcanic craters (shallow volcanic craters with steep sides) and the largest active dune field in North America. Covering over 600 square miles, the area boasts mile-wide craters, lava tubes, black pumice soil, and dormant volcanoes. It so closely resembles the moon's landscape that it was used to train Apollo 14 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong. Because of its vast uniqueness, UNESCO declared the reserve a World Heritage Site in 2013.
- Bird Island (Isla San Jorge), located 28 miles off the coast, is home to a large colony of sea lions, a variety of dolphin species, over 237 bird species, 49 reptile species, and 41 native mammal species. Snorkelers can explore the diverse marine life in the rocky reefs near the island.
- Flora & Fauna: Although the dry desert climate only averages 10 days of rain per year, the area has over 800 species of plant and animal life.
Recreation and Amenities
- Beaches and Water Sports: Calm waters and no rip tides make swimming and water sports on Rocky Point's beaches exceptionally safe. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, banana boat rides, fishing, and more, just about anywhere there is access to the sea.
- ATV Riding: ATV riding is very popular in Rocky Point, where you can ride the dunes, summit Competition Hill, or just zoom through the streets.
- Modern Amenities: Today, Rocky Point offers many modern amenities, including shopping, nightlife, golf courses, upscale dining, and more. The city's urban walkway connects visitors to restaurants, bars, and shops.
- A Dry Heat: Despite being in a desert climate, Rocky Point enjoys an average high temperature of 81.5°F, making the weather ideal for most activities year-round.
Why Visit Rocky Point?
Rocky Point, Mexico, offers something for everyone. Whether you're intrigued by its unique history, captivated by its natural beauty, drawn to its modern amenities, or excited by the countless activities available, Rocky Point promises an unforgettable experience.
Learn More
Learn more about the history of Rocky Point, Mexico by visiting the links below.