Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, is located on the northern tip of the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez. Temperatures most of the year average a delightful 72 degrees. The temperature is usually about the same as it is in Tucson. Hotels, motels, RV parks, trailer parks, and campsites are available to suit every taste and budget.
Puerto Peñasco has beautiful beaches open to the public. The best swimming is from May through October. Boating and water sports are also popular.
Puerto Peñasco is just over four hours by car (map) from either Tucson or Phoenix. Since it's in a free zone, no visas or special immunizations are required. Border officials conduct routine spot checks of vehicles entering Mexico. Usually this takes only a few minutes.
Mexico auto insurance is recommended. You can get it at insurance agencies in Phoenix, Tucson, Ajo, and Lukeville, or at the two service stations in Why on the way to Mexico. It's also sold at other agencies just across the border in Sonoyta, as well as in Puerto Peñasco.
Once you cross the border, you're in the town of Sonoyta. Excellent restaurants, campgrounds, curio shops, and pharmacies are available there.
From Sonoyta a straight, well-paved road leads to Puerto Peñasco, about 65 miles southwest. A little past half way to Puerto Peñasco, a small, unpaved road leads off to the right to the Pinacate National Park and Wildlife Refuge. This is where the U.S. astronauts trained for moon landings.
Tourism is the major industry in Puerto Peñasco. You will be treated with care and friendship during your stay. We've eaten in many restaurants and hotels and can honestly say we've never had a bad meal there. Fresh seafood, brought in daily, is on every menu, as well as Mexican specialties. You can buy fresh shrimp and seafood to take home at any of the fish markets along the ocean front in the Old Port. (Map of Old Port). Some of them have small outdoor restaurants.
Most hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Puerto Peñasco have English-speaking personnel, but don't be shy about trying out your Spanish.
It's not necessary to convert your dollars into pesos; virtually all businesses use U.S. dollars, and the exchange rate is usually posted. However, there are places on both sides of the border where you can change your money.
Water in Puerto Peñasco is considered safe for drinking, although bottled water is widely available for those who prefer it.
Mexican gasoline is sold (in liters) at Pemex stations. It is fine for American cars.
Puerto Peñasco has a number of hotels, with room rents ranging from $40 to $150 a day. To call any number in Puerto Peñasco, dial 011-52-638 and then the 5-digit number.
The Costa Brava is in the low-to-medium price range. It is located in the Old Port, where its upper stories have views of the ocean. Costa Brava's restaurant, overlooking the ocean, opens at 7 a.m., with a wide range of American and Mexican breakfast entrees. It also serves lunches and dinners with seafood and Mexican specialties. Meals are from $2 to $10. There's a cozy cocktail lounge with live music that's open in the evenings. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-41-00 or 3-31-31
Motel Peñasco offers low-cost accommodations. Rooms start at $20. The motel has air conditioning, satellite TV, exclusive parking, and free coffee. The telephone number is 011-52-638-3-31-01.
Paraiso del Desierto is in the low price range. It is located just off Blvd. Juarez, the main street of Puerto Penasco. Rates are lower during the week. It has a pool and a bar & (Paraiso del Desierto's) restaurant called Aladino's, [which] serves a delicious breakfast for $2.75, as well as other meals. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-21-75
Puerto Peñasco has a number of RV parks and campsites. At most of them you can either pitch a tent or hook up an RV.
Playa de Oro is located on El Mirador Beach. It has 280 spaces with full hookup, a restaurant, a recreation room, security, storage, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a boat ramp, fishing tackle, and a market with beer, wine, liquor, and ice. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-26-68.
Cyndi's Sea of Cortez Rentals is located on the west side of Blvd. Juarez near the outskirts of town. Cyndi does vacation rentals and property management. If you want to vacation on the beach call Cyndi's at 011-52-638 3-51-45.
El Gato Negro Vacation Rentals are located close to Mirador Beach ( see map). These rental homes are new and fully equipped for the carefree vacationer . The two bedroom homes rent for $100.00 during weekdays . Call 1-800-252-9231 in the U.S.A. or 011-52-638 3-60-99 in Puerto Peñasco.
El Mirador Village is located on Calle Matamoros across from the Pink Cadillac. It has seaside rentals. Call Norma for reservations. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-63-33, or in the U.S. 1-800-463-3155.
Rocky Point Reservations takes reservations for all major hotels and select condos. It is the original Rocky Point travel agency, established in 1987. The telephone number in Phoenix is (602) 587-0345 or (800) 42-ROCKY. In Puerto Peñasco it is 011-52-638 3-20-07.
Puerto Peñasco has many restaurants that vie with each other for quality of service and excellence of cuisine. All of them feature seafood and Mexican entrees, and almost all have bars.
Aladino's Restaurant is in the Paraiso del Desierto Hotel. It offers tempting food at reasonable prices. Fish dishes are a specialty, and the restaurant has a complete breakfast for $2.25. The hotel has a full bar, and there's another karaoke bar called Oasis. The telephone number is 011-52-638-3-21-75.
Costa Brava's restaurant, overlooking the ocean, opens at 7 a.m., with a wide range of American and Mexican breakfast entrees. It also serves lunches and dinners with seafood and Mexican specialties. Meals are from $2 to $10. There's a cozy cocktail lounge with live music that's open in the evenings. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-41-00 or 3-31-31
El Delfin Amigable (The Friendly Dolphin) is located in the Old Port, overlooking the harbor and the fishing boats. The building is elegantly decorated with ceramic tiles and colorful dolphins along with other sea life. Once inside, you're surrounded by Mexican history. The owner, Gaston Rochin, a former history teacher, has his extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia displayed on the walls and will often be available to give you a personal tour. The restaurant features fine seafood dishes at reasonable prices and a bar. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-26-08.
Gaby's is located on Blvd. Juarez in the park just in front of the baseball stadium. Their specialty is giant 4x4 sandwiches, but they also have super hamburgers and lots of different Mexican food items, as well as fresh juices and sodas. Look for the brightly colored awnings.
Keno's has a fast food restaurant and convenience store on the ground floor and a fine restaurant on the second. It's on Calle 13, near Plaza las Glorias. It's open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The telephone number is 011-52-638) 3-60-42
La Cita Cafe has been located in the heart of the Old Port since 1957. The cafe is surrounded by numerous small businesses and shops. It features seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine. Mexicans--and Americans who are in the know--eat here. Everyone feels at home. There's room to dine outside on the terrace or inside. Breakfasts at La Cita are superb, and the prices are very reasonable. Freshly squeezed orange juice is a specialty. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-22-70.
The Lighthouse is located on top of the hill in the Old Port, just below La Casa del Capitan. It has a magnificent view of the ocean. Happy hour is from 2:00 to 5:00 every day and dinner from 5:00 on. The restaurant's specialty is live music--two of the owners are musicians--and dancing in a romantic environment. They play 40's and 50's music, blues, and jazz. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-23-89
The Pink Cadillac is located on Avenida Matamoros, which runs parallel with the beach in the Mirador area. There's a view of the ocean from its top floor. It has 4 bars, 2 downstairs and 2 upstairs, and a gift shop. The restaurant features classic American cooking as well as traditional Mexican food. Its decor recalls a 50's diner. There's a soda fountain, a sports bar, and a cantina with dancing. The diner is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cantina is open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Happy Hour is from 4 - 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 4 - 6 p.m. The telephone number is 011-52-638-3-58-80.
Pizza on the Beach is on Avenida Matamoros in the Mirador area, across from the Pink Cadillac. In addition to pizza, it offers cheese crisps, enchiladas, and burritos. Breakfast is served from 7:30 - 11 a.m. and Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m. Iced buckets of beer for $5.00 are a specialty.
Rocky Point Restaurant serves Chinese food and features a bar also. It is owned by the Fierro brothers, both of whom have years of experience in cooking Chinese specialties. The restaurant is located on Avenida Sinaloa north of Fremont Blvd. and offers both eat-in and take-out service. The telephone number is 383-59-40
Thrifty Ice Cream has three locations, one in the Old Port, just across from the Catholic church, one on the Malecon, and one on Calle 13. It offers American ice cream specialties--32 flavors of ice cream and sherbets, yogurt ice cream, sundaes, ice pops, and ice cream sandwiches. The telephone number is 383-63-03.
Xochitl's Cafe is located in Cholla Bay. In addition to offering espresso, cappucino, and other coffee shop specialties, it is a center for cultural resources for women--books, magazines, games, and Mexican cooking classes.The telephone number in the U.S. is (520)323-9778. Ask for Sally or Jennifer.
The Better Edge is located in the Old Port across from the church. It specializes in blinds and floor coverings and offers a payment plan. Free estimates are given. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-62-09.
Casa Bonita offers the finest in handcrafted Mexican furniture, featuring genuine antique pine, also known as wormwood, in exquisitely finished heirloom-quality pieces for every room in the home.Visit Casa Bonita in Historic Old Port and browse the tempting assortment of dining tables, chairs, bookcases, bedsteads, and fine accessories. Custom orders are invited. The telephone number is 011-52-638-3-35-72.
Muebles Coloniales is located on Ave. Madero. It has a wide range of furniture: bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room furniture, desks, and appliances. Prices are reasonable. The telephone number is 011-52-638-3-53-10.
Victoria's Hormiga features fine craft items, hand-painted Mexican furnishings, Huichol art and custom pine furniture. It is located in the Old Port next to the Friendly Dolphin, Ave. Alcantar #52. You will recognize it by the decorative ants (hormigas). The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-37-07.
Cookie Cutters is a full service American-owned beauty salon for men and women. It specializes in manicures, pedicures, and hair care. It is located on Ave. Alcantar east of the Friendly Dolphin. the telephone number is 011-52-638 3-30-11.
El Futuro Marketing has an office at #24-A Calle Sonora, next to Salmo's. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-60-99.
El Futuro Print Shop is located at the same address. Fernando Reyes, the printer, can do all kinds of jobs, from flyers to business cards to T-shirts. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-60-99.
Holistic Massage by Lorena Olivares will rejuvenate your body and your spirit. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-20-92.
Infotech is an Internet service provider. The office is located on Blvd. Juarez, and the telephone number is 011-52-638 3-64-60.
Portugal Insurance sells all kinds of insurance--for autos, homes, boats--and offers different liability policies at very reasonable rates. The office is located on Blvd. Juarez at the corner of Calle Morua. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-23-90.
The Red Cross offers services to those in need, whatever their nationality. The office is located on Blvd. Fremont. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-22-66.
Tapiceria Muñoz does upholstery for homes, boats, and cars. It's located on Blvd. Kino between Campodonico and Gonzalez Bocanegra. The telephone numbers are 011-52-638 3-39-67 and 3-34-71.
Time=Money Translation Service offers help with translation, FM3 preparation and renewal, and business advice. It is located across from Thrifty Ice Cream in the Old Port. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-62-09.
Ultramarinos Estrada located on the road to Cholla Bay, in addition to groceries, offers a wide range of wines, beers, tequila, and cigarettes. It also sells ice.
Adventures in Rocky Point is located on Calle Matamoros across from Pizza on the Beach. Willy, the owner, rents golf carts and quads, beginning at $20 an hour. The telephone number is 3-64-11.
Pablo's Old Town Kites is located in the Old Port. It features kites, gliders, streamers, windsocks, flags, toys, and gifts. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-35-45.
Sand and Sea Rentals is located on Calle 13, on the way to Plaza las Glorias. It specializes in ATCs (All Terrain Cycles). These are simple to operate, completely automatic, built for safety and comfort. If you can drive a car, you can drive one of these. Sand and Sea also arranges escorted ATC tours to Pinacate or other places and will soon have an oversized tractor-pulled wagon for hayrides. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-58-24
Parasailing is available from the boat Natividad at the marina near Plaza las Glorias. Customers have a bird's eye view of the city without getting wet. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-58-34
Santiago's Fishing offers sport fishing, cruises, wedding receptions, and other special occasion programs. It has a 30-ft. American boat with lots of deck space. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-58-34
Farmacia San Andres has two locations, one at Calle 14 and Constitución, open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., the other at the Jim Bur shopping center on Blvd. Juarez near the railroad tracks, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. English is spoken. Both locations offer prescription medications, perfumes, gifts, suntan lotion, sunburn relief, and natural medicines. The Jim Bur location also offers long distance telephone service , FAX, and photocopies. At the Calle 14 location, a physician is available. Dr. Alvaro Morales has a clinic right behind the pharmacy. The pharmacy's telephone number is 011-52-638 3-44-53, Fax 3-29-02.
Botica Lux is a full-service drug store located on Calle Melchor Ocampo #146. It is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-28-81.
Farmacia Zygle is located at Juan de la Barrera and Simon Morua #97. It offers a modern drug store, cosmetics, and a new lingerie department. English is spoken. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-22-11.
Farmacia San Martin is located on the Cholla Bay Road not far from Blvd. Juarez. It has a wide range of products available in addition to a full pharmaceutical department--clothing, housewares, toys, gifts, sunglasses. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-56-10.
Llantera Torres (Tire Shop) is located on Ave. Constitución & Blvd. Kino, in front of Rocky Tile. It's open 24 hours and sells used tires for all kinds of automobiles and trucks.
El Amo Carpinteria is located on Calle Escutia, just off the Cholla Bay road. Francisco Morales, the owner, is experienced at making closets, cabinets, doors, and special projects and guarantees his work. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-58-85.
Maderera Peñasco is a complete lumber store that sells all kinds of building materials. One of Puerto Peñasco's largest building material companies, it is located on Ave. Altamirano #148. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-27-27.
Mexican Tile Company is located one block from the intersection of Blvd. Juarez and the Cholla Bay Road. It has a wide selection of tiles and excellent prices. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-58-39.
Refri-Equipos de Sonora sells air conditioners, coolers, compressors, electric motors, hoses, connectors, ducts, and all equipment necessary for installing systems. It is located at the corner of Blvd. Kino and Calle Sinaloa. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-62-82.
Rocky Tile is located on Blvd. Kino. It has a wide range of plumbing supplies, fixtures, appliances, tiles, and water heaters. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-22-00 or 3-44-54.
Sonora Solar, established since 1972, sells and services gas refrigeration systems and solar power systems. It is an authorized dealer for VestFrost refrigerators and freezers. Prices are very reasonable. The telephone number is 011-52-638 3-53-95.
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