Why Choose Rocky Point, Mexico?

ABOUT Rocky Point, MEXICO

Puerto Penasco, known by Americans as Rocky Point, is a wonderful choice of destination for Spring Break, as proved by the increasingly large crowds of American students, mostly from ASU and University of Arizona, drawn to its party atmosphere year after year. Easy to reach from the US (only 60 miles south of the border, just a few hours drive from Tempe and Tucson), this popular Spring Break zone is at its liveliest in March, when somewhere in the region of 60,000 students come from Arizona, New Mexico and California to enjoy a hard-earned break.

So, what's the attraction? Well, there's the glorious sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches, and sparkling water for a start. There's the hiving  nightlife with bars that stay open until the sun rises. And of course, it's legal to purchase and consume alcohol at age 18 in Mexico!

Rocky Point has become a firm favorite with young Americans looking to let their hair down and have some fun. Make sure that you organize your Spring Break in Rocky Point well in advance, and book your hotel early, as most of them are completely full at this peak time of year. This is party central – you'll love it! 

HISTORY

The vibrant town of Puerto Peñasco or "Rocky Point"  was settled as late as the 1920s, but it quickly became a popular and successful area thanks to the abundant supply of flying fish in its nearby waters, which drew in large numbers of American fishermen. Then, during Prohibition, northerly Mexican cities took advantage of their proximity to the US border to lure in all those alcohol-deprived Americans, by setting up bars, hotels, clubs, and casinos. A major hotel owner by the name of John Stone decided to set up a hotel/casino further south and combine the lure of alcohol with the excellent fishing opportunities – and so Rocky Point was born.

Unfortunately, things went downhill for the townspeople when they had a falling-out with Stone, and he left, destroying much of what he had created as he went. However, in the 1930s, General  Lázaro Cárdenas (president of the Republic) happened upon the unfortunate town, and took pity on its impoverished people. He put in place a wharf, and a railroad connecting Baja California with the rest of the country.  Puerto Peñasco was saved. The railroad created other sources of employment such as shops and new hotels, which in turn drew in tourists as the town became more developed and economically important.

Nowadays, Rocky Point is a thriving and vibrant town full of Mexican charm and lots of activity. Join the thousands of other students who've gone to see what all the fuss is about, and find out for yourself why this busy little fishing town has evolved into such a popular Spring Break destination!

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Let's start with the beaches, because let's face it, that's one of Spring Break Rocky Point's main attractions. There are miles of beaches. Miles and miles of powdery sand and sparkling blue water that's so warm you just can't keep out of it. Laze on the beach with your iced drink and soak up those rays of sunshine as you recover from all your partying the night before. Or, if you're feeling more energetic, dive into the water for a variety of exciting watersports like jetskiing, windsurfing, and boating. It's also worth checking out the sand dunes for dune buggies and dirt biking, which are great fun if you like that sort of thing! And while we're extolling the virtues of Rocky Point's beaches, don't forget that they also make a pretty good alternative to a hotel if you find that everywhere's fully booked – the beaches are ideal for camping out if necessary.

Away from the beach and the water, Rocky Point has Plenty more to offer throughout the daylight hours, including some great shopping districts. You'll find several shops that specialize in handmade jewerly and trinkets, and there is no shortage of places selling traditional crafts and souvenirs to take home with you.

THE NIGHTLIFE

Whatever you want from your Spring Break vacation, you're sure to find it at Rocky Point, Mexico. Do you want an all-night party? Do you enjoy Mexican fiestas? Do you prefer to relax in a quiet bar? Rocky Point provides something for everyone, with a vast selection of cantinas, bars and clubs that are pulsing with energetic Spring Break crowds at this time of year. You can dance the night away at a beach party with a bonfire, party until dawn in a classy downtown estabishment, relax with a cold drink while watching a sports event via satellite TV in one of the nightclubs, or seek out some wonderful local musical talent in one of many bars offering live music.
Check out JJ's Cantina or Manny's Beach Club, two of Rocky Point's better known and most popular nightclubs. However, there are lots of places to chose from, and you're guaranteed to find good music, cheap drinks, lots of people, plenty of dancing, and a whole lot of fun during your Rocky Point Spring Break.

DRESS CODE

The dress code during Rocky Point Spring Break varies from venue to venue. To be on the safe side, check each individual club or restaurant's policy before you go, as some of the more upmarket places do have some kind of “dress to impress” rule in place.

THE WEATHER

With temperatures around 80°F pretty much all the year round, Rocky Point is always a reliable choice for a sundrenched vacation. The sun hardly ever stops shining, and there's only around 2 inches of rainfall per year. The only water you're likely to feel is that sparkling, warm sea water...

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

As of January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. A tourist card (provided at the airport) must also be completed, presented upon entering Mexico, retained during one's stay, and surrendered upon leaving the country. The tourist card is available at Mexican Consulates, travel agencies, or airline check-in counters.

LANGUAGE

While the official language in Rosarito Beach, Mexico is Spanish, many people have an understanding of the English language. Most service employees speak both English and Spanish

TRANSPORTATION

If you are in the Old Port, Calle 13, or Playa Mirador areas, you'll be able to find pretty much everything you need within easy walking distance - restaurants, bars, shops etc. are all very conveniently located for pedestrians. Staying in areas like Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay and Las Conchas will require you to either have a car or use taxis. Taxis are readily available in Rocky Point – just make sure you get the driver to tell you upfront what the fare for your journey will be.

MONEY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso, but because Rocky Point is so close to the border, you'll find that a great many of the shops, bads and restaurants will readily accept the US Dollar. If you do need to change money, there are plenty of banks and exchange houses downtown, as well as ATMs if you just want to withdraw the cash from your account.  A passport is needed to change traveler's checks in most banks. You've also got the option of paying by credit card in most major hotels, shops and restaurants.

ELECTRICITY

The typical set up in the U.S.A. and Canada: 110 Volts, 60 cycles, A.C.

TIME ZONE

The time zone of Rosarito Beach, Mexico is MST (UTC-7).

TIPPING

Especially on Spring Break, make sure to take care of the bartenders. The general custom is to tip 15% on restaurants and bar bills, $2 (U.S.) per person for bellboys, and $2 (U.S.) per room/per night for maids.

DINING AND DRINKING

Legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years (most bars and clubs will ask for ID). The quality of Rocky Point restaurants in terms of service and food is superb, and it's difficult to find a bad meal during your stay here. Whatever your taste, it'll be provided for by the overwhelming selection of eateries – from traditional Mexican and American to European and Asian. Seafood is a particular speciality in Rocky point.
Restaurants are generally very well-run and keen to offer a complete dining experience – atmosphere as well as dining. One of the most famous restaurants in Rocky Point is La Casa del Capitan, whose hilltop location overlooking the sea makes for a fantastic sunset view as you enjoy exquisite food and excellent cocktails. And it's just one of many – there are plenty of great, reasonably priced eating establishments in Rocky Point.

ABOUT THE WATER

The water in Rocky Point comes from fresh water wells, 14 miles inland. Although considered to be safe, it does contain a lot of minerals, so while it's fine for things like brushing your teeth, it's generally better to stick to bottled water for drinking. Most restaurants and hotels serve bottled water. There is also Mexican federal law requiring restaurants to serve purified, "drinkable" water for drinking and for ice – this water is tested and certified as safe.