Puerto Peñasco summer vacation planner: Passports, safety and the best things to do
When oppressive Phoenix summers prove hard to handle, some desert dwellers flock south to an escape with sugary white sand and crystal blue water.
Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, also known as Rocky Point, is the closest beach to Arizona. It's about 213 miles from metro Phoenix, a shorter distance than San Diego or Los Angeles.
A trip to Puerto Peñasco is easy to plan. But unlike a Southern California beach trip, you'll have to factor in border crossings on the way. Travelers must have proper documentation to legally cross the border, and are advised to follow safety precautions.
Lodging options for Rocky Point travelers include Encantame Towers, a condominium resort that continues to expand, as well as resorts along Sandy Beach, Playa Hermosa and Playa Bonita. If you'd rather fly than drive, here's why airlines are adding more flights to Mexico (and Canada) from Phoenix.
Here's how to plan your Puerto Peñasco summer vacation.
Is it safe to travel to Puerto Penasco right now?
The state of Sonora, Mexico, which includes Puerto Peñasco, remains under a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. Department of State, which means reconsider travel. This is because of violent crime and kidnapping in the state.
Puerto Peñasco has a reputation as a safe destination. However, people must still use caution on their visits.
For instance, the State Department advises people not to use taxi services, public buses or rideshare applications in Rocky Point because of a lack of secure dispatching procedures and the potential danger of kidnapping and violent crime.
Do you need a passport to go to Rocky Point?
Yes. A passport is required to cross any international border.
You can use a passport book or a passport card to enter Puerto Peñasco by car and return to the U.S. Here's the difference between a passport book and a passport card:
Passport books are good for all forms of international transportation. They cost $130 plus a $35 application fee.
Passport cards are cheaper — $30 plus a $35 application fee. But they are only valid for land and sea entry to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean countries. They are not valid for international air travel.
Do kids need passports to go to Mexico?
All children, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel internationally. Passports for adults are valid for 10 years; passports for children 15 and younger are valid for five years.
To find out how to apply for passports for minors, go to travel.state.gov.
Can US citizens drive to Puerto Penasco?
Yes. Driving is the most common way tourists get to Puerto Peñasco, according to the city's convention and visitors bureau.
The State Department says drivers should only use Federal Highway 8 via the Lukeville Port of Entry to travel to Puerto Peñasco and to only drive during daylight hours. Highway 8 was designated a "safety corridor" by Arizona and Sonora officials in 2016 and has bilingual signs, security cameras and locations where drivers can seek roadside assistance.
The Lukeville-Sonoyta crossing is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To get there from central Phoenix, head west on Interstate 10 and take Exit 112 for State Route 85 south. Continue through Gila Bend, Ajo and Why to get to the Lukeville crossing. You can check border wait times at bwt.cbp.gov.
Posted speed limits along Highway 8 to Puerto Peñasco range from 40 to 90 kilometers per hour, or 25 to 55 mph. Observe all traffic laws. Enforcement is intense.
Drive especially carefully and mind your speed in Sonoyta, just inside the Mexican border. Watch for stop signs (alto in Spanish) and expect to encounter people who want to wash your windshield or ask for donations that are said to bless your trip. Just slow down and wave if you don't want to contribute.
Do you need Mexican car insurance for Rocky Point?
Yes. You must buy Mexican car insurance for your Rocky Point trip, as U.S. auto insurance policies won't cover driving in Mexico.
Many insurers, including Mexpro, AAA, Geico and Progressive, offer Mexican car insurance that you can buy online in advance. Prices are based on the value of your car, your travel dates and the type and amount of coverage.
You also can buy a Mexican car insurance policy in towns along the way to the Lukeville Port of Entry, including Gila Bend and Ajo.
What is the difference between Rocky Point and Puerto Peñasco?
Rocky Point and Puerto Peñasco refer to the same place in Mexico.
Rocky Point is a common English translation of Puerto Peñasco, with "puerto" roughly translating to port and "peñasco" meaning boulder, crag or pointed rock in English, according to Google Translate and SpanishDict.com.
Where is Puerto Peñasco?
Puerto Peñasco is a fishing village in Sonora, Mexico, on the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez.
How far is Rocky Point from Phoenix?
It's about 213 miles southwest of the Phoenix city center and 63 miles of the Lukeville Port of Entry on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Is it worth going to Puerto Peñasco?
For many Arizonans, Puerto Peñasco is a worthwhile destination because it's closest beach to Phoenix and it's less expensive than Southern California.
Travelers and travel agents cite the weather, beaches and resorts as reasons why Rocky Point is worth visiting, as well as its reputation as a safe place compared to other parts of Mexico and its small-town feel in contrast with resort destinations like Cancun.
What is Puerto Peñasco known for?
The top rated attractions in Puerto Peñasco according to Tripadvisor include:
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve.
Isla San Jorge.
Cholla Bay.
Cholla Mall.
Playa Bonita Beach.
Playa Encanto.
Seashell Museum.
Old Port.
Mermaid's Market.
Tequila Factory.
What is the best month to go to Puerto Peñasco?
It depends what you're looking for, as people visit throughout the year for different reasons.
For budget-conscious travelers looking for the lowest lodging rates, Tripadvisor users suggest visiting between December and February.
Spring and fall tend to be best for people seeking lighter crowds and the most pleasant weather. While summer is a popular time for tourism, weather can be similar to Phoenix with heat and monsoon storms.
What is the weather like in Puerto Peñasco in the summer?
Visitors can expect the hottest temperatures in the summer, peaking around 104 degrees in July, according to data from Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, Mexico's weather service. (Temperatures are given in Celsius in Mexico's data; Puerto Penasco's maximum July temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius, which equates to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Penasco?
Yes. The beaches at Rocky Point are popular for swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing and other activities. Be alert for stingrays and jellyfish.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Puerto Penasco summer vacation guide: How to visit 'Arizona's beach'
