Puerto Peñasco, undiscovered? Hardly, in fact, the residents of Arizona have long enjoyed this shining jewel of vacation joy located just 60 miles south of the U.S. Border. Fondly known as “Rocky Point” to the many Arizonans who travel there to unwind from their desert lives in Arizona, including the residents of Nevada and California who are never far behind. Though Puerto Peñasco is a desert oasis, it offers the beauty and cool breezes from the Sea of Cortez which visitors and residents enjoy.
Getting to Puerto Peñasco
While Puerto Peñasco does have an airport, there is no major commercial service offered at this time. The easiest way to fly in is arriving at the Phoenix International Airport where you can rent a car to make the 215 mile trip across the border to Puerto Peñasco in as little as 3 1/2 hours.
If you are driving from California, the most common route is through Yuma, to the town of Gila Bend where you then turn south on State Highway 85 until you reach Lukeville at the Mexican border. Just follow the signs from there. From San Diego, it is only 425 miles to Puerto Peñasco.
For those of you looking to make the drive from Bangor, Maine it is only 3,158 miles or an easy two-day journey to escape from the winter blues!
Where to stay in Puerto Peñasco
There are plenty of places to stay in Puerto Peñasco, from RV parks to luxury resorts and many places in between. Looking to get pampered, then have a look at some of the largest resorts such as the Las Palomas, La Princesa, Sonoran Sun or many others you can find in Puerto Peñasco.
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- Sunset view from Peñasco Del Sol Hotel
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- Peñasco Del Sol Hotel pool
There are plenty of hotels with amazing amenities also such as the Peñasco Del Sol Hotel and Conference center, where I enjoyed a couple of nights, with its beautiful views, access to the beach, and spacious pool area. They offer a full restaurant, swim-up bar, outdoor games and even beachside weddings.
Dreamweaver Inn
One hidden gem for those that are looking for something a bit different is the Dream Weaver Inn just a few blocks from the beach, located in the Malecon (Old Port) area of Puerto Peñasco, offering an eclectic selection of rooms with an abundance of charm. During my exploration of the area, a few in my group received a tour of the property by the new owner Diane. She was a delight, and so are the rooms!
If RV camping is your thing, then Puerto Peñasco has you covered with a growing list of RV parks available: RV Parks
Things to do in Puerto Peñasco
The fun in Puerto Peñasco almost never stops! No matter what your favorite activity may be, Rocky Point probably has it covered, from outdoor to indoor, rain or shine, you will have multiple options available to you.
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- Javie’s Atv Rentals
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- Quads and 4×4 rentals at Javie’s
If you are the high energy type, try out the ATV / four wheeling adventures from Jave’s rentals (663) 109-8555, 18 holes of golfing at The Club Golf Course at Laguna del Mar, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, hiking or even ultralight flights!
Senorita Rita Cruises
Looking to slow things down a bit? How does dancing until the wee hours of the morning sound? Perhaps whale watching on the Senorita Rita Catamaran Cruises or just a sunset cruise? Shop till your feet scream stop or just lounging at the beach or pool is more your style? How does kayaking at a golf course sound? Puerto Peñasco has you covered there too!
Nature is calling in Puerto Peñasco
From beachcombing to world heritage sites, Puerto Peñasco just screams nature and outdoors. Take a short boat ride (28 miles from Puerto Peñasco), and you will find Bird Island or Isla San Jorgeto awaiting you. One of 898 protected islands in the Gulf, teaming with birds (such as boobies, cormorants, red-billed tropic birds, and brown pelicans,) a colony of about 2500 California sea lions and during the winter months, you can enjoy the company of whales.
El Pinacate Biosphere
The El Pinacate biosphere is one of the 13 wonders of Mexico and the fourth largest biosphere reserve in Mexico, covering over 30 square miles, and includes several large craters. Hiking, biking, camping, and sightseeing by car are just a few of opportunities to experience the biosphere. Explore the Pinacate biosphere, and you will find one of the largest concentration of maar craters in the world, just 20 minutes from Puerto Peñasco.
You can also enjoy the many tide pools of Rocky Point or get adventurous and explore Morua estuary by kayak. Morua estuary (Estero Mourua) with about 2700 acres, hosts over 140 species of resident and migratory birds, a favorite of bird watchers and kayakers.
Gastronomical Delights in Puerto Peñasco
It will come as no surprise to anyone, a city on the shores of the Sea of Cortez offers some amazing opportunities to enjoy the bounties of the sea and land anywhere. There are dozens upon dozens of dining destinations to choose from in Rocky Point.
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- Peñasco Del Sol Hotel Restaurant
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- Breakfast Buffet Peñasco Del Sol Hotel 1
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- Breakfast Buffet Peñasco Del Sol Hotel
Start your day off with the breakfast buffet at the Peñasco Del Sol Hotel where you can enjoy traditional Mexican specialties and American cuisine.
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- View of Puerto Peñasco from La Casa del Capitan Restaurant
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- Appetizers from La Casa del Capitan
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- Chips, Salsa and Guacamole from La Casa del Capitan
Then take a short drive to the lighthouse where you will find La Casa Del Capitan restaurant and its spectacular views overlooking the Sea of Cortez and enjoy their Margarita and appetizers.
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- Culinary Craft of El Oktopus Restaurant
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- Tuna plate from El Oktopus
Head back down the hill for a bit of shopping on the boardwalk of “El Malecón”, then enjoy lunch at El Oktopus restaurant for more breathtaking views on their second-floor balcony while enjoying the creative menu of fresh seafood.
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- Drinks and Taquitos from Ola Mulata Restaurant Mayan Palace resort
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- Sample plate from Ola Mulata Restaurant at the Mayan Palace resort
Perhaps a poolside lunch is more to your liking, then take a quick drive to the Mayan Palace resort to enjoy their spectacular chef creations at Ola Mulata restaurant.
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- Paella from El Tapeo Winebar
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- Open Patio of El Tapeo Restaurant
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- Salsa Night at El Tapeo Wine Bar
Dinner is just a warmup for the night activities in Rocky Point with a number of casual and fine dining options available. For music lovers try Salsa night over at Tapeo Winebar where you can dance the night away while enjoying their wine selection, Tapas, Paella, and fresh sea breezes.
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- Tortilla soup from Citron Restaurant
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- Desert from Citron Restaurant
Perhaps slow things down a bit for Jazz night at the Citron restaurant Los Palomas Resort where you will find yourself enjoying their exquisite menu.
Whatever you choose to do, Puerto Peñasco has what you are looking for!
Full disclosure, Puerto Peñasco Tourism hosted Never to Old To Travel for a three-day all expense paid media trip to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico with no stipulations. All thoughts, opinions and photos in this article are my own.
