Rocky Point

To wrap up this theme of my favorite October trips, I have to post about Rocky Point, or Puerto Penasco as it's also known.

Since it's about a 4 hour drive from home, I've been heading here almost every year at least once since I was 18. It's now become our favorite October break family trip. 

Getting There

We make the 4 hour drive, but not before buying car insurance. You need to insure your car since your own insurance won't cover outside of the US. We like to book online and use Sanborn's. The trip is pretty easy and straightforward, but there are often unsafe drivers heading the same way that like to pass other cars blindly. Be careful! There are long stretches where cars will go too fast and it's too often that this reckless driving results in a bad accident. Be safe.

There is often a wait at the border, and the border now closes usually at 8 pm, no matter how long the line might be. They may have you pull off to search your car as you enter. It's about another hour's drive once you get through the border. I would caution you and advise you to do this drive during daylight. I haven't and don't plan to finish this drive in the dark. 

Where We Stay

Growing up, the Las Conchas area was the place to stay. This area has a lot of nice rental homes available. However, over recent years the Sandy Beach area has become the hotspot. Our favorite spot is the Sonoran Sea Resort, and we usually book through Casago.

We like this spot because it's only a short walk to a couple fun bars and we've never had any issues staying here. Most of these resorts have gated and guarded entrances, so they feel safe. They're also right on the beach and have pools as well.

We often spend the day yoyo-ing back and forth. A word of caution: do NOT get into the ocean when the waves are rough. We've seen the worst happen. However, when the water is calm you can't get any better. 

There are always vendors on the beach selling drinks, food, jewelry, hats, blankets, hair braiding, you name it.

And the October weather is usually the best. 

What To Do

These Rocky Point trips for us are more about relaxation than anything else. We usually grab lunch at Wrecked at the Reef just down from the hotel. Most days we're on the beach or in the pool. We like to visit JJ's Cantina in Choya Bay one day.

We will often also head into the Malecon for some wandering and drinks. Banditos and Chango's are within walking distance from the hotel and easy and fun places to check out.

Manny's is always a solid bet.

One of my personal fave restaurants is La Curva.

The boys have also played golf nearby the hotel. We're pretty set in our ways since we've been going down for so long, but there is so much to do and see in the area. I really want to start branching out! I hear there's some pretty great places now beyond our usual haunts.