— Puerto Peñasco, Mexico — Fondly referred to as “Arizona’s Beach,” Puerto Peñasco is so nicknamed as it happens to be the closest coastal beach town to major Arizona cities, sitting only-66 miles south of the U.S. border. The drive from Tucson and Phoenix takes approximately four hours, making this the most popular seaside oasis from these desert cities. And it’s only a mere 5 ½ hours from San Diego.
Many Americans refer to this region by its English name ‘Rocky Point,’ given by a retired Royal Navy lieutenant for its rocky landscape jutting out into the ocean. The small fishing village located on the Sea of Cortez has transformed itself into a popular destination, while still retaining an off-the-beaten-path laid-back vibe. And that’s the magic of vacationing here.
I love it for a long weekend of fun in the sun, mouthwatering Baja cuisine, and loads of pleasant surprises. And here are some of my favorite things to do here.
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1. Stay at Las Palomas
Warm and welcoming, Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort features fully-furnished villas that provide guests that home-away-from-home feel. Our well-appointed villa with balcony overlooked infinity pools, a lazy river, and the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. Not a bad way to wake up each morning.
Activities at the resort (other than the many fun water sports) and beautiful, seductive Sandy Beach include a piñata-making program, sandcastle competition, and fresh ceviche and guacamole cooking classes. Spanish instruction is also available for those wishing to become better acquainted with or more conversive with the local language.
2. Stroll the Malecon
In Mexico, every beach city has a Malecon. Puerto Peñasco’s is a vibrant, easily walkable oceanfront promenade along the Sea of Cortez located just 10-minutes from our resort. It’s well-known as a market for fresh fish where fishermen hawk their daily catches directly to the local residents and businesses.
But other vendors here sell everything from street food, ice cream, and local drink specialties to Mexican art and handcrafted jewelry and pottery.
3. Spend Time in the Water
Water activities reign supreme in the aquamarine Baja sea Jacques Cousteau adoringly called “the aquarium of the world.” Miles of waterfront provide visitors with a great choice of beaches to throw down a blanket with toes in the sand or splash and play in the warm, sparkling waters.
From Puerto Peñasco’s soft, sandy beaches to its rocky reefs—whether its tide pooling, crabbing, snorkeling, gathering shells, jet-skiing, parasailing, or all of the above, we found this area to be a rich water wonderland with no shortage of amazing activities.
4. Dine in Paradise
I am a lover of Mexican cuisine, but add in daily fresh catches from the sea, and you have me at “hello.” And Puerto Peñasco delivers with some of my favorite restaurants, many with spectacular ocean views.
The thatch-roofed palm-fringed El Oktopus is situated just across from the Malecon. It’s the perfect place for people watching. Seafood and service are outstanding, and their seafood tacos and seafood paella are some of the best around.
La Casa Del Capitan sports magnificent views to forever overlooking the Sea of Cortez. This colorful restaurant perched high on Whale Hill features a wonderful representation of Sonoran Mexico cuisine. Sangria here is outstanding, and their mixed seafood plate was incredibly flavorful.
5. Off-Road in an ATV
In a place where the desert meets the ocean, off-roading in 4X4 vehicles is one laughter-producing hub-bubbin’ adventure. We loved hitting the sand dunes surrounded by fascinating rock formations, jagged mountain ranges, and ocean shimmering in the near distance.
Buggies and four-wheelers are available for rental and provide for one exhilarating high action-adventure through these parts of the Sonoran Desert.
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6. Kayak and Paddle Board at Laguna Del Mar
There’s nothing more serenely enjoyable than paddling a kayak through a 40-acre saltwater lagoon surrounded by bluebird skies and breathtaking scenery. While an emerald-green Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is the highlight of the beautiful property, Club at Laguna Del Mar, kayaking and paddle-boarding are popular sports, and it’s not hard to see why.
As we paddled through the picturesque, tranquil lagoon, it’s almost as if there’s an unspoken rule of conversing in hushed tones. Sounds of the chirping birds, splashing ducks, and fish jumping in the water are the universe’s way of saying, “Take note. Today is your day to be one with Mother Nature.”
7. Take a Sunset Cruise
Sunsets in Puerto Peñasco are dazzling, and there’s no better place to view them than on the water itself.
Señorita Rita’s catamaran docked in Marina Peñasco takes passengers to the open Sea of Cortez for the best possible vistas. Their welcoming, joyous, and courteous staff served tropical drinks and tea sandwiches as smooth jazz serenaded the setting sun. Margaritas and stunning sunsets—what a perfect combination in Mexico.
8. Learn about and Taste Tequila
“When life gives you lemons, break out the tequila and salt,” exclaimed our fun, engaging host at the Tequila Factory.
Tequila and Mexico go hand in hand, and while there, it’s a fun, and informative experience to not only learn about the different tequilas but also to taste them to see the differences in quality. And the best part is the tasting is absolutely free.
The factory carries several types of 100% Blue Agave tequila as well as some that are really fun flavored like vanilla, fruits, and chocolate. We also learned the famous four-part tequila toast that’s gleefully shared among friends: “Arriba (glasses up), Abajo (glasses down), Al Centro (glasses to the front) and Y’Padentro (inside).
9. Visit the Pinacate Biosphere
“El Pinacate” as the locals call it, presents itself as a surreal and unique landscape in the Mexican Sonoran Desert. The biosphere reserve and UNESCO world heritage site happens to be one of the most significant visible landforms in North America seen from space.
Comprised of two distinct parts, the dormant volcanic Pinacate Shield of red and black lava flowing eastward contrasts with the western Gran Altar Desert containing ever-changing and varied sand dunes that reach a height of over 600 feet.
Ten enormously deep volcanic craters formed by a combination of eruptions and collapses contribute to the immense almost bizarre magnificence of this place.
As one of the few archaeological and geological areas in the entire Southwest that remain mostly untouched by human hands, nature, or development, it was here, in 1970, that Apollo 14 astronauts trained for their moon landing. El Pinacate’s rough, barren landscape provided the closest match NASA could find to the lunar surface.
Conclusion:
As I was heading back to the states from Puerto Peñasco, I couldn’t help but ponder on the surprises this region gifted during my four-day visit. Its many delightful offerings more than met my expectations. From its exotic desert landscapes to crystalline azure waters with magnificent beaches to stunning sunsets, friendly locals, and delectable cuisine, this area is worthy of a repeat performance. La vida es buena. Yes, life is good.
