by Angie Mohr

Created on: April 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 25, 2008

Puerto Penasco, known also as Rocky Point to American visitors, lies on the northwest tip of Mexico in the state of Sonora. Located only 216 miles from Tucson, Arizona and 360 miles from San Diego, California, Puerto Penasco is a popular tourist, and in particular, spring break getaway. But it is so much more than that. From its fishing village roots, Puerto Penasco still maintains its sea town charm. Fishing, golfing, and scuba diving are all popular pastimes here. If your style is more laid back, the beaches at Puerto Penasco offer unique opportunities for beach combers and sun worshippers.

Getting to Puerto Penasco is relatively easy. Although an international airport will be opened later in 2008, currently it is easier to fly into Tucson or Phoenix and rent a car to drive there. If driving from Tucson, cross over at the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing. Puerto Penasco is 63 miles south of the border on Highway 8. This border crossing is closed from midnight to 6 am. Keep in mind that in June 2008, you will require a passport to return to the United States from Mexico. Apply for your passport early as there will be backlogs as the deadline draws near. US car insurance is also not valid in Mexico so check with your local office of the AAA for instructions on purchasing Mexican car insurance.

There are accommodation choices for all tastes and budgets, from renting a condo to staying in a luxury resort on the beach. There are also several beach front RV parks. The La Mirador area is home to many budget hotels and is only 15 minutes away from the main town.

Puerto Penasco boasts two main beach areas: Sandy Beach to the west of the Old Port area and several beach communities to the east including La Mirador, Playa del Oro, and Las Conchas. Sandy Beach is the best beach to see and be seen but nearby restaurants and bars can be expensive. Playa Hermosa is the best bet if you are bringing children. At low tide, the tide pools provide endless fascination for kids, frequently containing fish, shrimp, crabs and squid.

Golfers will love the three main golf courses in the area: The Mayan Palace, an 18 hole, par 72 Jack Nicklaus course, Laguna del Mar, also an 18 hole course and The Links at Las Palomas near Sandy Beach, a semi-private course.

If water activities are more your style, you can charter a fishing boat to trawl the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez or simply fish from shore for rock bass and triggerfish. There are also several scuba diving outfits in Puerto Penasco to choose from though the surrounding waters are shallow.

Nightlife in Puerto Penasco consists mostly of late night clubs pumping out ten year old techno beat similar in nature to what you can find in most popular tourist destinations. Save your money, go to bed early and walk on the beach at sun rise instead.

Puerto Penasco is a quick and inexpensive vacation and one not to be missed.

Learn more about this author, Angie Mohr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.