Arizona's Beach

Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) sits on the Sea of Cortez, just 3.5 hours from Phoenix and 1 hour from the Arizona border. It's the closest ocean beach to most of Arizona and a beloved weekend escape.

Getting There

Driving from Arizona

• From Phoenix: Take I-10 West to AZ-85 South through Gila Bend, then continue to the Lukeville border crossing. ~3.5 hours.
• From Tucson: Take AZ-86 West to AZ-85 South. ~3.5 hours.
• Border crossing: Usually 5-15 minutes going south, 30-90 minutes returning to the US (weekday vs. Sunday afternoon).

Documents Needed

• Valid US passport (or passport card for land crossing)
• Mexican auto insurance — mandatory. Buy online before your trip ($25-40/day).
• Your US car insurance does NOT cover you in Mexico.

Best Beaches

Sandy Beach (Playa Arenosa)

The main tourist beach. Wide, sandy, and lined with resorts. Best for families and first-timers.

Cholla Bay

Quieter, more local feel. Amazing tide pools at low tide. Less developed infrastructure.

Playa Bonita

Between Sandy Beach and the old port. Good mix of restaurants and beach access.

Where to Stay

• Las Palomas — Beachfront condos, multiple pools, the most popular resort
• Sonoran Sea/Sonoran Spa — Luxury condos, great amenities
• Peñasco del Sol — Budget-friendly, right on the beach, old-school charm
• Airbnb/VRBO — Great condo options starting around $80/night

What to Do

1. Tide pools at Cholla Bay — Visit at low tide for incredible marine life
2. Old Port (Malecon) — Fish market, restaurants, souvenir shopping
3. Jet skiing/parasailing — Available on Sandy Beach, $40-60
4. El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve — UNESCO site, volcanic craters, 30 min north of town
5. Seafood dinner at the Old Port — Fresh catch of the day for $10-15

Safety Tips

• Rocky Point is generally very safe for tourists. It's a small beach town that depends on Arizona visitors.
• Don't drive at night on the highway — livestock on the road is the main danger.
• Drink bottled water. Ice at restaurants is typically purified, but ask if unsure.
• Keep your Mexican auto insurance document accessible — police may ask for it.