Puerto Penasco, Mexico, formerly a small fishing town nestled against the Sea of Cortez, has been best known as a spring break party spot for college students in Arizona and New Mexico. But the secret of what was once called Arizona's beach is out. Development in Puerto Penasco is booming and attracting many more tourists, of all ages. Other than the weather, with temperatures averaging in the 90's in summer and 60's in winter, the big appeal of Puerto Penasco (or Rocky Point as the gringos call it) is the short distance from the southwestern United States. Only 65 miles south of the border from Arizona, it's a three hour drive from Tucson, and less than five hours from Phoenix. There's a small airport three miles outside of town with charters to and from Phoenix and Los Angeles, and a larger airport capable of accommodating jets is scheduled to open in 2009.
Lodging accommodations in Puerto Penasco are as varied as they are plentiful. From beachside condos to beachside homes to beachside resorts, whatever your need or budget desires is available. Over 70 restaurants in the area range from fine dining to family dining, street side cafes to a Burger King. There's plenty of fresh fish and seafood, poultry and Mexican fare. There are nightclubs galore, both beachside and in town.
The beaches in Puerto Penasco are exquisite. Visit Playa Hermosa Beach at low tide to view the shrimp, crabs, seaweed and coral that collect in the rock rimmed tide pools. North of the rocky area, Sandy Beach has miles of sand and dunes perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just enjoying the sun. There are a multitude of fishing charters, as well as boating, jet skis, scuba diving, and parasailing.
Besides the beaches and water sports, Puerto Penasco offers a variety of dry land attractions as well. There are two 18 hole golf courses, including the Mayan Palace golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. La Spa De Penasco at Sonoran Spa Resort is a full service spa with manicures, pedicures, facials, mud and paraffin treatments, and massages. There is shopping galore from beachside souvenir shops to quaint boutiques to upscale art galleries. Feeling a need for a little education on your vacation? Visit CEDO (Center for Deserts and Oceans). There are tours and history lectures (in English and Spanish) on Tuesdays and Saturdays. And if it's adventure you crave, CEDO also offers a variety of educational excursions to learn about the geography, geology, and ecology of the region. The CET-MAR aquarium has a variety of local marine life, such as sea turtles, manta rays, eels, octopi, sea lions. You can also visit the near by Gran Desierto dunes North America's largest sand sea, or the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve 600 sq. miles of dormant volcanic craters and ancient lava flows.
Puerto Penasco definitely has it all. Whether you're looking for a spring break destination, a weekend beach getaway for the family, or even a nature excursion, children and adults of all ages will find what their hearts desire in Rocky Point.
This guide to Perfect Puero Penasco was brought to you by Tamara Ianello (who is pretty perfect herself!)
Why are you sitting at your desk reading this guide to Rocky Point when you could be sitting in your gorgeous Puerto Penasco vacation rental home readying yourself for a spa visit and then a whale watching tour? Why? Seriously--why? Get up and pack your bags!