Rocky Point - learn from experience

After many visits to RP, I've learned a few things along the way that I thought I'd share with you. First off, if you drive...stop by Vazquez (a large store on your left on your way through town). You can stock up on supplies such as tequila, mixers, snacks, etc. Plus, there is a GREAT little taco stand - emphasis on little - that is located in a parking space right in front of Vazquez and is always busy with both locals and those in the know. Additionally, there is a family-run shop next door (actually 2 doors down) that makes the best homemade tortillas in...well, probably the entire country of Mexico - I'm telling you, they are delicious. You will undoubtedly will see the little old lady that runs it and she doesn't speak a lick of English.

I will assume that at some point you will be in a car and if not, it's still useful advice for any time you are traveling through Mexico. Beware of the Policia - they really do pull you over for anything (especially if you look like a tourist) and they really will haul you to jail. If that is the case, do EVERYTHING you can to avoid it and yes, they really do take bribes. I pray that you don't ever have to find out but it's always good to know...just in case.

My last little tidbit is a reminder that due to the stricter policies that are being enforced - you now need a passport to fly there and starting at the beginning of 2008, you'll need a passport to drive across the border. So be sure you have one and it's not expired! :)

Rocky Point - sun and sand

First off - Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a wonderful day and I'm thrilled that I'm able to spend it with you.



So, while in RP there are many activities that are available if you are seeking more than just sunbathing and lounging. I usually do just that but I have done most of the activities below on one trip down there or another and they are always very fun.

The activities won't come as a huge surprise - there's parasailing and like every vacation spot on the water, they have banana boats...just be careful to pay attention, my friend Kirsten got caught in the rope last year and she isn't too anxious to get back on the banana any time soon. :)

Land activities include sand volleyball which is always a fun way to meet other visitors. You can also rent ATVs and roll out onto the dunes - but if you've never done it, just be prepared that your hands will be very sore the next day from holding on! And pulled straight out of a romance novel - you can horseback ride on the beach. And even though I have no idea what the name of this activity is...they have a flying dune buggy looking contraption that seems a bit like a death wish but it's always fascinated me - so if you happen to be down there and are feeling lucky, let me know how it goes! :)

The last activity that I would highly recommend is to head into town and do a little haggling shopping. You can find pretty much any chotchke you can think of and some really fun souvenirs. The last time I went, I brought back a beer holster for my boyfriend...yes, you read that correctly - beer holster. It's made of leather and has the emblem of the beer of your choice and it attaches to any belt. My point is, they have everything! Brush up on your negotiation skills and never take the first price! PS - you can always find fresh shrimp and I highly recommend buying some to bring home...yum!

Rocky Point - siesta time

Now that you're craving some authentic Mexican cuisine...it's only fair that I tell you where to stay so you can book your trip ASAP. :) There are many options as Rocky Point is becoming more known but I always go back to the tried and true. Usually I stay on the Sandy Beach side in a condo - it offers the perks of a kitchen, pool, hot tub and it's right on the beach.

There's a grouping of condo rentals that I can personally recommend - Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sun and Princessa. They are all located next to one another and are similar in what they offer. Each condo (you can choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms) is independently owned but the complex takes care of renting them out. They are all decorated very well and have all of the comforts of home - and by comforts I'm referring to a blender and wine opener. :) But seriously, they are fully equipped with everything you'll need for your trip, so much so that you'll never want to leave. Each complex has its own benefits.

For example, Sonoran Sea has 3 pools to choose from with one offering a swim-up bar. Additionally, the bartenders are friendly and love their jobs and will play any music you want which blasts to the entire pool...talk about party!

On the other hand, Princessa has a large beach area with palapas for sun worshipers and they are located within steps of the water.

If you recall from my food posting, I also mentioned Playa Bonita. If you are looking for a hotel option in the area, then this would be my recommendation. I, personally would go with a condo but this hotel is a great option for those not wanting/needing a condo. If you have a larger group - then definitely look into renting a house...the best ones are on the Las Conchas side...although there are a few on the Sandy Beach side. Just be sure to really research it to make sure you know exactly what you are getting! :)

Rocky Point - tacos, shrimp and margaritas

One of the best parts about going to Mexico is the fantastic and authentic food options!! I know many people get leery of "little taco stands" but I can tell you that if you know where to go, you'll never find food that can compare. Here are my choices of where to go - there are actually quite a few options but after exploring many, I have narrowed it down...it was tough research! :)

The Point - by far one of the coolest places in Rocky Point because it's built over the water and on, well...stilts. It's at the point of the beach separating Sandy Beach from Las Conchas and can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the water. One of my favorite things is to go there, order a margarita (they are the size of your head) and an American shrimp cocktail - if you don't say "American" it will be the Mexican version which is more like a ceviche - then sit, relax and look out at the water.

Playa Bonita - my favorite happy hour spot. It's right on the beach and is the perfect location to watch the sunset while enjoying delicious food and festive music. Technically there is a restaurant and hotel - both are great but the restaurant is where I typically go and the patio is vast with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a little fiesta!

La Curva - this is a fairly new one for me that I came across on this trip, thanks to my friend Ali. She and her family have been going down to RP for years and she's definitely someone I trust when it comes to finding the right places to eat! La Curva is ideal for breakfast - it's traditional, the menu is broken English and varied Spanish and the food is excellent! They serve warm tortillas alongside your meal and they are buttery and delicious. As you can see on the sign, they cater to Americans - I laughed when I saw "Mexican USA food."

Manny's - now this one I would recommend for daytime only unless you are looking for a dance party. After the sun goes down, Manny's is the hottest ticket in town, blasting The Humpty Dance every obnoxious American song known to man. Now...don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I haven't partaken in the past but most people enjoy the more relaxing moments in Rocky Point so I wanted to at least spell out what to expect.

Casa del Capitan - I wanted to include one spot for the lovebirds. This is the most expensive on my list and if you are looking for a romantic locale, this place should definitely be on your list. It's located at the top of the highest hill in town and overlooks the water - sunsets are gorgeous. They offer both seafood and Mexican fare and typically there is live music.


PS - Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Moms out there :)

Rocky Point - weekend with the girls

First off - Happy Cinco de Mayo! Although it's more of an American holiday than Mexican, I thought it was a fun coincidence that this post falls in line. Most people believe it's the Mexican Independence Day but it's actually the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French. The real Independence Day is September 16...just a little random fact for ya. :)

So anyway...On to Rocky Point! Typically my trip to Rocky Point is with my best girlfriends and is an annual event in November...but this year three (out of the regular four) of us decided to make another trip in May - we needed a quick getaway! For those who aren't familiar - Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) is located in Mexico along the Gulf of California (specifically the Sea of Cortez) - about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona.

Primarily Rocky Point is known as a spring break spot for people in the Southwest but it's also an incredibly beautiful vacation spot that is surprisingly not super touristy for most of the year. If you avoid holiday weekends (I should take my own advice!) and spring break, you can get some incredible deals and enjoy some quality beach time.