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Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a small coastal city in the Northwest corner of the state of Sonora. Perched on the glittering Sea of Cortez, this old-world fishing town provides visitors with the ideal balance of authentic Mexican culture, modern amenities, and spectacular natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, ultra-fresh seafood, otherworldly adventures, or international-standard golf, you’ll never be short of enjoyable activities to enjoy.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Rocky Point or you embark on a Mexican adventure as often as possible, here are our 11 must-see attractions in Puerto Peñasco.
1. Puerto Peñasco Malecon
Photo Credit: Aberu.Go
The Malecon is a top pick for a sunset stroll with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. This 450-meter boardwalk is a vibrant strip of bustling stores, local restaurants, and welcoming bars.
Grab a refreshing drink or a portion of authentic Sonoran tacos, pick up some souvenirs, or relax and watch the fishing boats coming and going. Speaking of which, there are also several fish markets in this area where you can pick up the day’s catch to cook in your rental accommodation.
2. Old Port
- Address: Circunvalación y o Malecón Kino, El Puerto, 83554 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 24 hours / most stores operate from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
The Old Port shopping district spans four blocks and is a popular attraction for visitors looking to pick up local handicrafts and other reminders of their time in Rocky Point. This area is also popular after the sun has set — it boasts vibrant nightlife where locals and tourists drink tequila side by side. Don’t miss Boo Bar and its stunning ocean views.
3. Puerto Peñasco’s Beaches
Photo Credit: Hugh Hull
Puerto Peñasco is renowned for its stunning stretches of powdery white sand and has been playfully nicknamed “Arizona’s Beach” because it’s the closest beach to U.S. cities, including Phoenix and Tucson. No trip to this charming beach town is complete without visiting one or two of these sunny spots:
Sandy Beach
This beach is a watersports paradise, and you’ll find parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and banana boating here. The calm waters are ideal for families to splash around in, and for an unforgettable adventure, it’s also possible to go horseback riding along the sandy shore.
Playa Bonita
A long, sandy stretch of coastline located next to Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort. Locals and tourists love this spot for its relaxed vibe and spacious sandy stretches where you can spread out in peace.
Mirador Beach
This beach is close to the historic Old Port area and is best known for its tide pools. These pools are popular with kids who love exploring them when the tide is low.
Cholla Bay
The shoreline of Cholla Bay is rockier than the other options on our list, but it’s extremely popular nonetheless. The calm waters and laid-back atmosphere are huge draws for families who are looking for a tranquil place to swim and play.
Las Conchas
This six-mile-long beach stretches the length of the Las Conchas community and is our top pick for getting away from the crowds. The shallow waters mean you can wade out far into the sea — even during high tide!
4. Whale Watching
Photo Credit: Maridav
- Website: rockypointadventures.com
- Address: C. Lenguado y Recinto Portuario, Av. Luis Encinas, 83554 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm daily
If you time your visit during the winter, you may well be rewarded with a majestic whale sighting. That’s because during this time of the year, whales migrate from the Bering Sea to the warmer waters of the Sea of Cortez.
It’s sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants from the shoreline, but booking a whale-watching excursion is recommended for the best chance of spotting them. There are several tour operators offering trips from Rocky Point who know the best spots to get up close to pods of whales.
Tip: Many tour operators also offer romantic sunset cruises and boat tours to local beauty spots, so it may be worth trying to strike a deal if you plan on booking more than one boat trip during your stay.
5. Tequila Factory
- Website: facebook.com/tequilafactory
- Address: Blvd. Benito Juarez Entre Calle 12 y 13, Centro, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
Did you even go to Mexico if you don’t sip a tequila or two? The best place to explore this national Mexican drink is at the Tequila Factory. This distillery is owned by a three-generational family that prides itself on the artisanal, small-batch tequila that they create here. No chemicals are used, and every bottle is made with 100% blue agave that’s native to Mexico.
When you visit Tequila Factory, you’ll be treated to a presentation that teaches you everything you need to know about tequila production. You’ll then taste up to 23 different types, so you can choose your favorite and take a bottle home with you.
6. Manny’s Beach Club
- Website: facebook.com/mannysbeachclub
- Address: Av. Coahuila S/N, Benito Juárez, 83554 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 11.00 pm Sunday to Thursday / 8.00 am – 3.00 am Friday & Saturday
If tequila isn’t your thing, don’t worry — you’ll find plenty of alternative options at Manny’s Beach Club. This popular beachfront establishment is a popular spot thanks to its friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and gorgeous ocean views. There are multiple bars serving expertly mixed drinks, plus a swimming pool and a live music stage that keeps the party going until late into the night.
7. El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
Photo Credit: JuanAriza1
- Website: puerto-penasco.com/pinacate.html
- Address: Carretera Sonoyta-Peñasco km 52, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
For a unique adventure in an otherworldly destination, El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve cannot be beaten. This volcanic field in the Sonoran desert is home to a series of ten vast craters that can be explored on foot or on an off-road ATV tour.
This UNESCO site is also home to the largest sand dune fields in North America (shared with Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve), as well as diverse flora and fauna. The entrance to the park is 30 miles from Puerto Peñasco, making it an ideal day trip.
8. Rocky Point Golf Courses
Photo Credit: Joel Hensler
Puerto Peñasco is a popular spot for golfing, and there are several fantastic courses in and around the city. If you’re looking to play a round or two, check out these three spots:
The Links at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort
- Website: laspalomasresort.net/eng/the-links/
- Address: Blvd. Dr. Ernesto Guevara del Campo 150, Playa Arenos, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm Wednesday to Monday
The Links is a world-class 72 par 18-hole world class championship golf course and is the only true ‘links golf course’ in Northwest Mexico. This stunning course is part of the Las Palomas Resort and was designed by renowned architects Forrest Richards and Arthur Jack Snyder. You’ll love playing a round here — if you can tear your eyes away from the incredible views!
Vidanta Golf Puerto Peñasco
- Website: vidanta.com/en/web/puerto-penasco/golf
- Address: Km. 24 Carretera Peñasco Caborca A2 Ejido, Miramar, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
This Nicklaus Design Course has been voted “One of the 20 Best and Most Fascinating courses in the World”. Tackle the 18-hole course — including nine exhilarating oceanside holes — then head to the 19th-hole restaurant for post-game refreshments.
The Club at Laguna del Mar
- Website: islasdelmar.com/golf-islas-del-mar
- Address: Carretera Entronque Cerro Prieto km 6.5. S/N, Centro, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 4.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Check out The Club at Laguna del Mar for a shorter game without losing any of the wow factor of the other two courses on our list. This nine-hole course is as exciting as it is challenging and delivers breathtaking views of Rocky Point’s saltwater lagoons and the Sea of Cortez.
9. Isla San Jorge
- Website: delmarcharters.com
- Address: Calle 4ta y, Recinto Portuario, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
- Opening Hours: Tour times vary
Isla San Jorge is otherwise known as Bird Island and is a can’t miss adventure while in Puerto Peñasco. Located 27 miles off the coast, this rugged destination is home to more than 3,500 sea lions as well as 20 different types of birds (hence the island’s nickname). It’s also possible to spot stingrays, dolphins, and whales around the island at certain times of the year.
The best way to visit the Bird Island is as a guided boat tour. Excursions typically include the chance to swim with sea lions which is a unique experience you won’t soon forget. Other exciting activities on and around the island include scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
10. CEDO
- Website: cedo.org
- Address: Edif. Agustín Cortés S/N Fracc, Las Conchas, 83550 Las Conchas, Sonora
- Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Wednesday to Sunday
The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) is located in the Las Conchas and is a fascinating place to learn everything there is to know about Rocky Point’s unique ecosystem.
The team at CEDO is committed to the conservation of the upper Gulf of California and the surrounding Sonoran desert, and they also organize a wide range of activities. The CEDO Xperiences tourism program takes visitors on exciting excursions to connect with nature and learn about Mexico’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Popular trips include kayaking tours, boat tours to Bird Island, natural history talks, and night tidepool expeditions.
11. Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is Puerto Peñasco’s ultimate shopping destination, with more than 70 stores to spend your pesos in. This street has been the top choice for shoppers since the 1980s, you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for here – and lots more to boot.
Whether you’re in the market for locally-made Talavera pottery, silver jewelry, hand-made furniture, glassware, or leatherware, you can shop for it here in Rodeo Drive’s famously low-pressure atmosphere.
Get to Know Rocky Point’s Best Attractions
Puerto Peñasco’s attractions entice millions of visitors each year, and once you become one of them, you’ll understand why. What will you do first on your next trip to Rocky Point?
