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•What About Rocky Point?
Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Mexico is the closest real beach to Phoenix. Residents of Arizona drive over the border to get to Rocky Point beaches, fishing, seafood and relaxation. Keep in mind that even though Rocky Point is close enough to stop by for the weekend, it is still another country with their own customs and laws. Before you go, make sure you know what documentation is required for you to return to the U.S. and what kind of insurance you need for your vehicle. These and other tips and information can be found in my photo tour about going to Rocky Point.
The following responses were submitted between 2006 and 2014. The most recent comments appear first; you might want to start at the end and work your way to the front!
I am no longer accepting submissions on this topic. I have not verified any of the anecdotes submitted. I may have done some minor editing if the response wandered off topic, or where a specific business was being promoted. I did not correct spelling or grammar errors.
Note: The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to other countries, and Mexico often ends up on that list. Check here for current warnings. Puerto Peñasco is located in the Mexican state of Sonora.
•Not for American Comforts
Rocky Point has painted itself a tourist town. If you research you will find that most "tourist towns" in Mx. fail. The greatest revenues come from the U.S. and people are looking for safety, of course, as well as good prices and services.. These will not be found in Puerto Penasco. You can buy medical, Dental, eyeware,clothing, almost all food stuffs cheaper in the U.S. than in Rocky Point. To me, it seems that this city is doing everything to drive U.S. dollars OUT of Penasco and very little to promote bargains like you find everyday in Algodones, Mx. You cannot live cheaper in Rocky Point, Mx. unless you can totally abandon most of your routine needs and desires in way of food products as Mx. does very little in way of providing American products in Penasco. There are some dangerous beach activities that go unchecked on a daily basis. It seems to be all about getting theAMERICAN BUCK regardless of safety and at the cost of polluting the Sea of Cortez. Sad
•Do Not Get Injured
***WARNING DO NOT GO TO ROCKY POINT ** Just know if you get hurt in rocky point it will not turn out well for you! A couple had some friends riding in the back of a truck and they took off too early and the friend fell out.. NO DRINKING NO NOTHING a pure accident! He broke both collar bones and at the time they had no idea he had a head injury even thought he never gained consciousness... 4 HOURS later they thought they better take an x-ray and they discovered a 7 inch fracture in his skull and bleeding in the brain. Then it was living hell for these people they would not release him from the hospital without $1000 cash then all the friends where following the ambulance to the boarder and they got pulled over and tried to get $400 dollars from them and they were going to throw them in jail! They pulled together 100 bucks and the police let them go! 10 hours later the friend was finally in a phoenix hospital!! Rocky Point relies on our american money to function and this is crazy I WARN YOU NEVER TO GO !!! Happily and miraculously this man survived his head injury!
•Fishing
My husband and i have a fishing charter business here in Rocky Point. this is a cool place to live, work and visit. sandy beaches, great food, fun entertainment every week end, 1st class accommodations and good friendly people. so if you're looking for some great fishing on the Sea of Cortez on nice safe boats and if you're just looking to relax sunbath and have fun I highly recommend Rocky Point. our motto is to respect that it's "their country" and we use the word "gracias" alot.
•Very Impressed
Our family drove from Yuma to Rocky Point on Dec 28. We had no issues with the police or other drivers. I felt safe in spite of all the propaganda on the Internet.
We stayed on Sandy beach and had a very comfortable stay. We liked it so much we are looking at buying a condo for retirement in the future. Overall, I was very impressed and had a great time
•Bad, Bad, Bad
Bad, Bad, Bad. And NOT SAFE! Town is overbuilt and abandoned, 80% vacant I would guess--all construction came to a screeching halt when the US market collapsed. On the beach there is a strip of abandoned hotels and condos. Many were never finished so there is rebar and construction that stopped midstream, leaving ugly rusted buidlings everywhere. There is also a definite lack of anything to do. The few restaurants there were tourist traps with bad service, bad food, and bugs...
If you want to sit and look at the beach for your entire trip, you may like it. But if you actually want to do something other than sit and look at the beach, forget it. There is absolutely nothing to do. Save your money and go to Hawaii, or to a proven winner like Puerta Vallarta. [I am sorry I risked driving through a known drug trafficking area for this place, hoping for a nice vacation, hah!]
•Great Beach Vacation
Rocky Pt. has always been and still is the best little vacation spot, week end get away, beach and ocean retreat, Spanish town, beautful fishing village anywhere in the world. My family and friends do rent a private beach home in playa encanto just a few miles from the main town. But, we go into town at least once. Whoever has second thoughts about travel to Puerto Penasco, please check the facts, we did. The local people are accomodating, they haven't harmed us in ten years. Relax amigos, there is an ocean of fun just over our border, bring your trust and passport. By the way, did forget to mention all the new and state of art resort just 20 minutes from the town with pool, oceanfront mayan palace, golf course, entertainment? As with any travel, caution is needed. Enjoy.
•17th Visit
I disagree totally with the reviewer who said that the police in Rocky Point are corrupt. In fact, there is an excellent program within the city, city hall, and the police department that ensures that the local police are honest and helpful. My husband and I have traveled to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) for years, and we've never run into -- or heard of -- any problem with the police. Also, the reviewer said that it's best to travel to Penasco in groups. This isn't necessary. It is very safe to travel solo. I wouldn't advise traveling at night, but I wouldn't travel at night any unfamiliar place. The 60-mile road from the border to Penasco is excellent. Follow the speed limit and other driving laws, and all will be well. When you get to Penasco, you have your choice of many, many excellent restaurants and shops. The vendors on the beach are friendly and honest. Border crossing is easy if you go and return during the week. There can be a 40- to 60-minute wait when returning to the U.S. on the weekend. Be prepared to have a great time. Enjoy the beautiful beach. Eat lots of good food, and drink lots of excellent margaritas -- just make sure you have a designated driver. Oh -- another thing -- the 18-hole golf course is a lot of fun.
•Shakedowns With Guns
terrible, shake downs with police holding machine guns. bad weather, terrible felt like i was being stalked. Mexico is not the united states which has some laws. with mexico you are on your own. I felt horrible hearing about the drugs and the drug lords and the shooting s and killings and all the illeagal activity in Mexico. I will never leave the usa. I am now afraid of all mexicans
•Four or Five Times Per Year
I love Rocky Point. Been going a few times a year for 20 years. Only experience I had with the police was when they helped my friend get out of a potentially bad situation with a local. Went out of their way, as a matter of fact. And didn't cost us a dime!
We have been all over Rocky Point at all time of day and night and never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. Mexico has laws. It seems to me that people forget that sometimes, based on their behavior down there If you don't break the law here, don't break it there. If you don't go to certain areas here after dark, or where you feel uncomfortable, don't do it there. Most people who get in trouble there deserve it. All of these stories of being randomly stopped and forced to go to an ATM to pay a bribe just don't ring true to me. And because Mexico differs in how they handle the law, it adds to the Police corruption stories.
As for the locals, they are usually warm, friendly, helpful, and humble. Rocky Point has changed dramatically over the past few years, so the citizens are a little more wary now. As RP has grown, a lot of young people from other cities have come to town to work and have brought a little different attitude with them. Maybe they have finally learned to act like some of America's rowdy youth. I read a comment about some youths throwing rocks at his family from a car. That never happens here? Please!
Look, common sense, common courtesy, respect for the laws, and respecting the local citizens work wonders everywhere.
People also complained about the local citizens just caring about making money. Huh? They have a right to eke out a modest living. And most of Rocky Point is very poor. If it offends you to have beach vendor, who has walked a long way, try to sell you something while you are sitting on the beach drinking, you need a different kind of vacation. Also true for the guys who tell you they can get drugs, pot, girls, etc. Just say no and move on. Why begrudge them for trying to make a buck offering the vices many people go to Mexico for. Let's be real.
You can stay in Luxury, stay in hotels, or camp. You can feel safe and secure and never go to town or you can stay in town and enjoy the restaurants, bars, and nightlife. And of course during the day, enjoy the unbelievable weather, beaches and ocean. Amazing place.
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