Everyone surely has their list of top things to do in Rocky Point, and we’d love to hear yours! Here are some of ours…
Rocky Point offers varied beach landscapes from soft fine sand to more rugged and rocky seascapes, often varying due to the extreme high and low tides the area is known for. Some of the most popular beach areas can be found along Sandy Beach to the North of the city, or Las Conchas beaches towards the South. Playa Bonita and the very popular Playa Hermosa stretch down from Sandy Beach towards town. On the southeastern side of Rocky Point, Mirador beach offers rockier terrain as it winds down from the base of Whale Hill toward Las Conchas. Beyond Las Conchas, Playa Encanto picks up again after the Morua Estuary and the beaches near Mayan Palace even further South are among the most beautiful in the area. So, stop number 1 is to hit the beach!
The city currently offers three challenging courses for the golf enthusiast. Both the Vidanta Jack Nicklaus Golf Course at Mayan Palace, just South of town, and the meticulously landscaped back nine at Laguna del Mar were designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Links at the Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort were designed by Phoenix based group Forrest Richardson & Associates.
CEDO and NaturArte
Located in the popular Las Conchas area, next to its newly restored whale skeleton landmark, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) provides educational and conservation programs about the Northern Gulf of California and its coastline. CEDO, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, offers a variety of eco-adventures including kayak tours through the Morua Estuary, ecotours to local oyster cooperatives, boat tours to Isla San Jorge (Bird Island), and exploration through the diverse underwater world of tidepools.
Pinacate Reserve and Schuk Toak Visitors Center
Just North of Puerto Peñasco is the Pinacate and Great Desert of Altar Biosphere Reserve, considered one of the 13 wonders of Mexico. Rich in biological diversity, the Pinacate Reserve includes astounding Maar craters and mysterious lava flow sceneries. Pinacate’s Schuk Toak Visitors Center, an ecologically friendly construction built amidst the remains of lava flows is located just off the main highway into Peñasco at KM 72.
Bird Island – Isla San Jorge
Not to be missed if you have a day to spend at sea! Off the coast just southeast of Rocky Point adventures await at Bird Island, also known as Isla San Jorge. When standing on the beaches of the Mirador, or further South from Las Conchas down to the pristine area of Mayan Palace, if you stretch your eyes enough to the Eastern horizon you can often see what appear to be like white castles rising out of the water…..that’s Isla San Jorge….Bird Island. Check with local boat companies for day trips.
Malecón & Old Port
The Old Port area of Rocky Point houses restaurants, popular bars, art galleries, tourist shops and stands, fish market stops, and a large plaza for events such as the Fall Cervantino cultural festivities and the annual motorcycle rally held in November. *Note* This area has been undergoing serious renovation for about a year and there may be detour signs guiding you to the finished Malecon.
Fishing and Seafood
From its early days as a fishing village, this tradition remains strong in Rocky Point. Deep sea fishing excursions, fishing tournaments, and private charters are all part of the offerings Rocky Point provides visitors.
Cholla Mall
The quaint artisan shops found along the old road to Cholla Bay offer folk-art including local iron-wood sculptures, popular Mexican ceramics, colorful glass, rustic furniture, and seashell decorations alongside more touristy t-shirts and trinkets. Lots of parking space and sidewalks!
A Spa Day
From the numerous condo resorts along Sandy Beach to the outstretched fingers of beach near Mayan Palace, health and beauty services continue to expand across the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing mani-pedi, a therapeutic massage, or an entire day at the Spa there are plenty of offerings around town. In the Sandy Beach area, the Sonoran Resorts are also known for their spa packages and recently opened a new spa at their latest development, Sonoran Sky. In town the numerous offerings include D’Lucy (spa and therapeutic massage), the ever popular Gloria’s along Ave. Constitución, Peñasco Beauty Center near Ley supermarket, Acqua Medical Center & Medical Spa in Plaza del Sol on the way to Las Conchas, among others including spots along the Cholla Mall road where you can pop in for a massage.
Fun on land, at sea or in the air
For thrill seekers, Rocky Point provides the opportunity to bound across dunes on rental ATVS or cut across the waves on a jet-ski. If staying on the ground is not enough, there is even a chance to get a bird’s eye view of the beach as you soar above in an ultralight, or parasail over the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez with Federico’s. Banana boats can be found waiting just off shore and are always popular group and family adventures. With the serene waters of the Gulf of California enveloping the city, sea kayaking is yet another popular activity and kayak rentals are readily available. Sunset cruises departing from the city’s harbor offer a great way to wrap-up the day!