Puerto Penasco, Mexico, or as most of its adoring fans call it, Rocky Point, offers a quick and easy escape from the daily grind. Its convenient location, in the neighborhood of four hours drive from Phoenix or Tucson, AZ - has made it a favorite bolt hole of beach lovers from the Arizona area. With wide sandy beaches and spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez, this Mexican hideaway is a sure winner.

There are plenty of resort hotels in Puerto Penasco to choose from. Ranging from the luxurious spa retreats of the super rich, to the sometimes seedy spring break hangouts of all those wild young things. Fortunately, there are also plenty of spectacular beachfront condos and vacation homes for rent. Renting a private, spacious vacation villa is the way to go if you are looking for that touch of luxury but want to avoid the crowds. Most of the vacation rentals in Puerto Penasco are really well appointed. The most charming homes and condos manage to successfully blend traditional Mexican craftsmanship, such as hand crafted painted tiles, with state of the art kitchens and bathrooms. There is little to beat relaxing on your own terrace watching the sun slip down into the Sea of Cortez with a margarita in hand.

With a name like Rocky Point, you may not expect much of a beach. However, there is a clean wide beach of soft golden sand. It is the perfect beach to build sand castles with the kids, and to search for shells or buried treasure. Your little pirates may not find much in the way of treasure buried on the beach, but the whole family will love all the beach side activities. Everything from a sunset pirate themed cruise, to the cheesy old banana boat ride or the excitement of kite surfing is there for you to enjoy.

There are plenty of locations to rent kayaks to explore the Sea of Cortez on a calm day. If you are lucky, you may spy the dolphins playing or encounter those noisy sea lions. If you want to pick up the pace a little, try renting wave runners or exploring the area by parasailing for a thrilling birds eye view.

On land, there are activities to amuse everyone, even those that are just big kids at heart. Rent an ATV or dune buggy and zip along the trails through the towering Dunes. Be smart, wear the safety equipment, as a trip to the emergency room rarely improves any vacation.

The stark black volcanic landscape of Sierra Del Pinacate Reserve offers a sharp contrast to the neighboring vast golden sand dunes. This is an outdoor lovers dream. With plenty of great hikes of all lengths and intensity, the stunning scenery makes it well worth the effort. Pinacate Reserve takes its name from the skunk like pinacate beetle, and the area is home to a diverse collection of intriguing and wonderful creatures. Watch where you step!

February and March see the floor of the Sonoran Desert burst to life, as a sea of desert flowers bloom. The effect is spectacular, making this wonderful time to visit the area. However, if your taste is more for relaxing by the pool admiring a parade of cocktails decorated with flowers, then pick a time of year when the mercury is a little higher and the water has had time to warm up.

Puerto Penasco, Mexico has something for everyone and for every season. Pack your swimsuit, snorkel and a good pair of walking shoes and head south of the border - where the sun shines, the Mariachi bands play and the margaritas beckon.

Ole! This advice for traveling to Puerto Penasco Mexico was contributed by our resident sun seeker Julie Wood.