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Located in the Mexican state of Sonora, Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point features a beautiful, white sand beach nestled along the Sea of Cortez. As it is the beach closest to Phoenix, Arizona residents often travel there on weekends or holidays. This fishing town lies only an hour from the border. Retirees also favor the town and enjoy its vacation rentals on longer, more relaxed stays.
Don’t forget that you will need an American passport to enter Mexico. And if you are driving, travelers are advised to purchase Mexican auto insurance as American insurance will not cover accidents. Traveling to and in the town is not difficult as the roads are generally well-maintained on both sides of the border.
Some long-time visitors claim that Rocky Point has become very touristy in recent years, with unfinished hotels dotting the landscape near the beach. The town remains aware of its status as an American travel destination, and, amusingly, the word “Arizona” pops up quite a bit in the names of local businesses. Many accept American dollars. Still, the ambience remains definitely Mexican. Residents do not speak much English, and you may not hear much of it outside of the local hotels and bars. Learning some basic Spanish will certainly help you get around.
Besides Sandy Beach, Rocky Point Mexico offers many other attractions. As one might expect, an abundance of great seafood, including fresh shrimp, exists. Locals buy their seafood at the malecón or pier area of the town. One can also enjoy great food in one of Rocky Point’s many restaurants. Downtown features the sorts of venues frequented by college kids and may be too raucous for some. Locals can tell you where to find the quieter eateries. Here, you can grab a cold beer and sample some of the local cuisine.
Whether you prefer fishing, hitting the sand dunes, shopping or just walking around and enjoying the weather, Rocky Point has retained the feel of a real Mexican town. Once you visit once or twice, you may get the bug to purchase a rental property for longer stays. If you do, consult a property management company to secure expert advice.
