Introducing Puerto Peñasco
On the northeast coast of the Sea of Cortez (Golfo de California), this town has for years been a popular destination for the beach-craving residents of Arizona’s desert cities. But Rocky Point, as the US visitors call it, is not the quaint little seaside town it used to be. It has become a gringo free-for-all and is now home to so many non-natives that it has basically become the seaside retirement community Arizona never had. Its main stretch of waterfront, Sandy Beach (also known as Sandy Point), is home to a dozen massive condo-hotel resorts, which offer luxury rooms with views, sports bars, expensive restaurants and not a hint of Mexican culture. Fans like to call it ‘the new Cancún’; haters might opt for Puerto Condo.
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Over US$300 million was pumped into this area in 2007 alone, with another US$1.2 billion on its way. As a result, Peñasco is Mexico’s fastest-growing town, with a leg up on similar resort cities like Acapulco, Cancún and Puerta Vallarta due to its accessibility by car from the US. When the new international airport opens in 2009, all hell should break loose.
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Best Mexican beach closest to US border?
by bowneline 29 June 2011
I agree with #4... or even Arizona. I think Puerto Penasco is within 2 hours from the border. In California, like in Texas, the best…
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Advice San Carlos/Puerto Penasco
by laurapierce 14 June 2011
Greetings. Planning family reunion with 6 kids aged 12-35 in either San Carlos or Puerto Penasco. Used to camp on the beach often in Puerto…
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Shuttle Service
by brjhall 04 March 2011
Hey guys, A friend and I are thinking of driving from Phoenix to the border in hopes of going to Puerto Penasco for the day. We just…







