Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), Mexico
Vacation in Your Backyard - Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco)
Puerto Peñasco was a small fishing village on the Mexican Cortés Sea that became an American tourism hot spot due to its close proximity to the border. Visitors to the town gave it its second, English, name: Rocky Point. The exotic beaches could have ended up as an Arizona seaport - the land bridge to Baja California (which the area that would eventually become Puerto Peñasco is near) - was a subject of the border negotiations after the 1840s-era territorial conflict between the United States and Mexico. However, Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna insisted on not losing any land between the Mexican mainland and the Baja California peninsula.
Fishing and tourism are Puerto Peñasco’s biggest industries and most of the 26,100 residents are employed by one of the two. The city is just three or four hours from Arizona, which is what helped to make it such a popular vacation spot. Because Puerto Peñasco has the Sonora Desert on one side and the Sea of Cortés on the other, the city has some unique topographical elements. For instance, the difference between high and low tides is more than 20 feet, and it is sunny throughout the year - Puerto Peñasco gets very little rain.
The tourism boom has created a variety of hotels and resorts to stay in. Esmeralda Resort (www.esmeraldaresort.net/) has a day spa inside of it, but Casa Blanca ((http://www.casablancagolfvillas.com/cyber.html) sports an 18-hole green. Hotels in Rocky Point, like Penasco Del Sol and Playa Bonita, usually have their own on-site restaurant. However, just like in most tourist cities, accommodations are usually cheaper the further from the beach you are. Off season is considered August and September, so this would be the best time to look for a deal.
While in Puerto Peñasco, most people enjoy the local atmosphere by lounging seaside, taking a sunset cruise, or shopping in the mercado. Playa Hermosa and Sandy Beach are the two public beaches. Several charted fishing boats are available. CET-MAR Aquariums marine study center is open to the public and has lots of ocean residents to see up close. Additionally, CEDO (Center for Deserts & Oceans) has educational tours and natural history walks. Near Puerto Peñasco is the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, a 600-square-mile national park that features lava tubes, craters and dormant volcanoes.
Since Rocky Point is a popular spring break spot, there are plenty of restaurants, nightclubs and cantinas to enjoy. JJ’s Cantina (www.jjscantina.com/) has drinks, food and activities. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar (www.mostvacations.com/mvpenascolight.htm) is an upscale dining experience. The Watering Hole (desertoasisresort.com/restaraunt.html) is a more casual place, with live music and Mexican cocktails. The Pink Cadillac diner (www.pinkcadillacmexico.com/) is a cantina, diner, sports bar and nightclub all in one.