Whether called Rocky Point (the name given by Lt. Robert William Hale Hardy of the British Royal Fleet) or Puerto Penasco, this fast-growing city in Sonora, Mexico is known for beautiful beaches, exotic marine life, and hearty partying.  Though originally a fishing village, Puerto Penasco, situated along the northeast shore of the Sea of Cortez, now teems with resorts, nightclubs, and frolicking Spring Breakers.  But there is more to do in Puerto Penasco than drink $1.00 shots and pass out in the sand.

The Rally de Motociclismo, or Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally, held in November, raises money for charity.  In its first year, the rally only had 325 riders; in 2007, 10,000 participated.  Drinking is included-last year, the "Party on the Point" was hosted by Dos XX and Tecate Beer, but you could also listen to bands, play dice games, or have Tecate Girls wash your Harley.

Twice a year, for the past 16 years, "Circus Mexico", an outdoor concert, happens.  Arizona alternative band Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers rock and roll into town, this year performing on May 17 and hosting a "Hangover Brunch" at J.J.'s Cantina on May 18.

Now back to plain straightforward drinking.  Many nightclubs and bars are clustered on the strip in the El Mirador section of town, such as the Pink Cadillac Diner and Cantina.  The Pink Cadillac has domestic beer for $3.00, $1.00 shots, an in-house D.J., and a swim-up bar.  Also in El Mirador is the Pithaya Bar, known for the loudness of its music, the wildness of its dancing, and notorious beachfront "activities".  Said to be older than Puerto Penasco itself, J.J.'s Cantina in Cholla Bay mixes margaritas by the 55 gallon drum.

Before and after reveling, sustenance is required.  If you want to see the sky bathed in an orange glow as you eat, there is the American-friendly Casa Del Capitan, on top of the highest hill in Puerto Penasco.  Taquerias, or taco stands, are considered by some to be the safest food to eat in Mexico, and are available early or late.  El Poblana starts selling tacos at 6 p.m., while Taco Luis, a family business popular with the locals, operates from 6-10 a.m.

American gangster Al Capone was said to have considered Puerto Penasco his favorite beach town.  In various accounts, Capone co-owned a hotel in Puerto Penasco which sold alcohol during prohibition, built a dock and casino which he then blew up before leaving town, or used Puerto Penasco as a base for smuggling mescal into the United States.  Today, Al Capone is memorialized in Al Capone's Pizza and Beer, which opened in 2007.

Fireworks are legal in Mexico and can be purchased at roadside stands; if you have been drinking, though, remember to let the fireworks go after you light them!  A final note to remember-Puerto Penasco, which used to  be part of the "Free Zone", will require a passport after June 2008.  But to drink Sex on the Beach,  on an actual beach, the cost of a passport is a small price to pay. 

This guide to the Harley-Washing Tecate Girls of Puerto Penasco was brought to you by Andrea Kreidler

We know that no blurb is going to take your attention away from Harley-Washing Tecate Girls.  So in the back of your mind, just remember that there are lots and lots of other things to do in Rocky Point.  And there are lots and lots of amazing, beachfront homes waiting to let you sleep one off inside their doors.