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The city of Puerto Peñasco is a charming Mexican fishing city and resort on the Gulf of California. Also known as Rocky Point, this vibrant city is less than four hours from the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tuscon and just 62 miles from the U.S. border. This makes it ideal for long, sunny weekends soaking up Mexican culture and enjoying a whole host of adventures.
Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, has something to offer every type of visitor. Beach enthusiasts will love the unspoiled stretches of powdery sand, outdoor adventurers will appreciate the many thrilling al fresco activities on offer, and foodies will look forward to sampling seafood, tacos, and some of the country’s best tequila to wash it all down.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a regular visitor, read on for the 19 best things to do in Puerto Peñasco.
1. Go Beach Hopping
Photo Credit: Fotos593
Puerto Peñasco is perched on long stretches of sandy beaches that transition into the crystal clear Sea of Cortez. No trip is complete without at least one day of beach hopping — here are our recommendations for a day by the ocean.
- Playa Hermosa – this family-friendly public beach boasts calm, shallow waters and is also popular for jet skiing and banana boating.
- Playa Mirador – a serene spot to relax and unwind. The pristine beach is immaculate and rarely gets crowded. You’ll find lots of great seafood restaurants nearby to fuel your beach day.
- La Jolla – a picturesque place to sunbathe, swim, and collect pretty seashells. This beach is usually pretty quiet, so it’s a good option for a peaceful day on the coast.
- Sandy Beach – head here for an exciting range of watersports, including paddleboarding and scuba diving.
2. Stroll Along The Malecon
Photo Credit: Aberu.Go
The Malecon is the main strip of Puerto Peñasco’s downtown area, and it makes a great place for an evening stroll. You’ll discover an eclectic collection of restaurants, bars, and markets as you walk — stop in at whichever place catches your eye for a drink or a bite to eat as the sun sets over the Sea of Cortez. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the huge Puerto Peñasco sign!
3. Go Snorkeling
The Sea of Cortez is so rich with marine life that it’s earned itself the nickname “the Aquarium of the World.” This makes Puerto Peñasco a highly rated place to scuba dive, but you can also spot lots of colorful sea creatures by snorkeling near the shore.
Don’t miss these top snorkeling areas in Rocky Point:
- Sandy Beach – you’ll see lots of colorful fish near this beach that’s just 20 minutes from Puerto Peñasco.
- Tucson Beach – this spot is located close to Cholla Bay and Playa Mirador, and its calm waters are ideal for families and beginners.
- Golden Beach – a beautiful beach offering tranquil waters to explore — the pristine sand is ideal to relax on once you’ve finished your snorkeling adventure.
4. Spot Whales in Their Natural Habitat
Photo Credit: Maridav
There are around 80 species of whales in existence, and around one-third of them can be found in the Sea of Cortez. This makes whale watching a hugely popular activity in Rocky Point. If you visit Puerto Peñasco between December and March, don’t miss your chance to spot these gentle giants.
It’s sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of whales from the shore, but booking a boat tour will give you a better chance of spotting them.
5. Hit the Links
Golf is another popular pursuit here, and there are three fantastic golf courses to choose from. Whether you’re an amateur, a pro, or somewhere in between, you’ll love spending time on these courses:
- Vidanta Golf Puerto Peñasco – this award-winning 18-hole Nicklaus-designed course has been voted one of the best in the entire world. There’s also a pro shop and a social house where you can drink and dine post-game.
- The Club at Islas Del Mar Golf Course – this is another 18-hole Nicklaus course not to be missed. The surrounding saltwater lagoons give you course provide players with a unique golfing experience.
- The Links at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort – a 72-par, 18-hole, world-class championship claims to be “the only true links golf club in Northwest Mexico.” There’s also a driving range and putting green to practice on.
6. Take a Trip to Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
Photo Credit: JuanAriza1
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an otherwordly experience not to be missed. There are three main activities to enjoy when you take a day trip to this attraction:
- See the craters – there are several volcanic craters to go off-road and explore, but two are of particular interest: Elegant Crater and Cerro Colorado Crater.
- Schuk Toak Museum – watch videos and see exhibits about the Sonoran Desert, the Pinacate volcanic field, and the local indigenous Tohono O’odham culture.
- Hike to the dunes – this medium-difficulty hike takes around three hours and is only accessible from October to May due to extremely high summer temperatures.
7. Embark On A Sunset Cruise
For a romantic evening in Puerto Peñasco, join a picturesque sunset cruise. Rocky Point looks beautiful at night as the area is lit up by local businesses, and you’ll have the best possible vantage point when you book an evening boat ride. You might even spot some local marine life like turtles and dolphins!
8. Taste a Tequila or Two
Mexico is famous for its tequila production, and Rocky Point’s Tequila Factory is a popular place to sample some of the many varieties they have on offer. The knowledgeable team will talk you through the different varieties of tequila while you taste them.
You’ll also get the chance to try some smoky mezcal, which is also produced from the agave plant but only in nine of Mexico’s 32 states.
9. Take to the Skies on a Parasailing Adventure
Photo Credit: CHUYKO SERGEY
For a unique vantage point of Puerto Peñasco and its glittering coastline, fly high on a parasailing experience. No previous experience is needed — the fully qualified team takes care of all the technical aspects so you can simply relax and admire the incredible view.
10. Dine on Fresh Seafood
With its enviable oceanfront location, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Puerto Peñasco is home to countless seafood restaurants. Be sure to swing by the following spots for the freshest fish and seafood in the state.
- Wrecked at the Reef – enjoy spectacular sunsets on the spacious patio while dining on perfectly cooked, ocean-fresh fish and seafood. There are regular live music performances to look out for, too.
- La Casa del Capitan – the views from this popular seafood restaurant are the perfect accompaniment to the tasty food and drink on offer. Grab a table on the terrace for the best views.
- El Barco Ostionera y Restaurant – this oyster farm is a fabulous spot for Pacific oysters and shrimp ceviche. Don’t miss the stingray tacos.
- Jessy’s Fish Market – If your vacation condo has cooking facilities, grab yourself some fresh seafood to prepare yourself. Jessy’s Fish Market comes highly recommended for both quality and price.
11. Explore the Puerto Peñasco on Horseback
Rocky Point’s long, pristine stretches of sand are perfect for horseback riding, and beginners and experienced riders alike will cherish the memories of this magical experience.
There are several routes and packages to choose from, depending on your desired length and difficulty. The sunset experience is a romantic option, or you can opt for a thrilling adventure through the Sonoran desert.
12. Enjoy a Day Trip to Bird Island
Isla San Jorge (also known as Bird Island) is a spectacular island just 30 miles off the coast of Puerto Peñasco. Take a guided tour here to experience some of the best wildlife in this region of Mexico.
There are approximately 3,000 sea lions living here, and you’ll have the opportunity to see them frolicking in the sea and sunbathing on rocky outcrops. There are also many species of birds and fish to be seen — consider adding a kayaking or snorkeling trip to your day trip to see all that the island has to offer.
13. Check Out the Nightlife
This vibrant city truly comes alive after dark and you’ll have no trouble finding nightlife to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for live music, rooftop cocktails, or a relaxed beach bar atmosphere, you’ll want to bookmark these three venues:
- JJ’s Cantina – there’s always something exciting going on at JJ’s, from music festivals to fishing tournaments. Delicious food and drinks, plus a vibrant atmosphere, are always on offer, no matter when you visit.
- Elixir Bar – this gem in the Las Conchas neighborhood is popular among expats for its live DJs, energetic crowds, and incredible rooftop views.
- Manny’s Beach Club – chill out by the pool and enjoy generous daily happy hour deals at this laid-back spot by the beach.
14. Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
Rodeo Drive is known for tacos, mariachi, and tequila, and it’s also the best place in Rocky Point to enjoy some retail therapy.
There are more than 70 stores on this strip selling artisanal Mexican wares, including pottery, leather goods, glassware, jewelry, and clothing. If you’re planning on picking up some Sonora-themed souvenirs for loved ones back home, this is the place to do it.
15. Take An Ultralight Flight
For a thrill in the skies, take an ultralight flight over the city’s scenic coastline. Riders are paired with an experienced pilot to ensure the flight is safe from start to finish. After taking off from the beach, your pilot will guide the light aircraft over Rocky Point for between 8 and 15 minutes while you take photos and soak up the views.
16. Hang Out at the Old Port
The old port is still in operation today, and many local fisherman operate their small fishing businesses from this area. This area has enjoyed some regeneration over recent years, and it’s now a hotspot for shopping, drinking, and dining. The old port area is conveniently compact, and you’ll find all the best places within four blocks of one another, making it an easy area for tourists to explore.
17. Discover Treasures in the Tide Pools
If you’re traveling with young children (or you’re a big kid at heart), you’ll love discovering the many hidden gems of Puerto Peñasco’s tide pools. These rocky areas by the ocean’s edge are full of exciting marine life, such as hermit crabs and sea anemones.
18. Kayak the Morua Estuary Ecosystem
There are said to be over 10,000 species of birds worldwide, and Mexico is home to more than 10% of them. If you’re a birding enthusiast, don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Morua Estuary Ecosystem. This area is located just 15 minutes outside Puerto Peñasco and is home to over 140 species of migratory and endemic birds. Join a kayak tour to see the best of this incredible ecosystem.
19. Explore Sand Dunes on an ATV
Photo Credit: Drepicter
ATV rentals are the most thrilling way to explore the dramatic sand dunes in the Sonora desert. Climb to the top of the towering dunes and zip back down to enjoy the dramatic desert views alongside a huge adrenaline rush.
Discover the Many Amazing Things to Do in Puerto Peñasco
As you can see, there’s so much to do in Rocky Point that you’ll want to return again and again. Which exciting activity will you tick off our list first?
