Puerto Penasco: favorite Sonoran seaside town

By Thomas O’Brien

There are many things to see and do in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, otherwise known as Rocky Point; from its restaurant and bar scene to its multiple hotels and resorts, there are many types of adventures and memories to be had in this Mexican city.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels and resorts that provide a more private experience for their guest. One resort is Las Palmas Beachfront Resort located along Sandy Beach. This resort is located in a 24-hour guarded and gated community that touches the Sea of Cortez.

If you’re looking for live music you can visit The Boo Bar, Chango’s Bar or the Playa Bonita Resort, which has held multiple events for guests and tourists. The Playa Bonita has held events like the “Rocky Point Beach Bash” and hosted such musical acts as: The Dirty Heads, Passafire and Ballyhoo.  The hotel has recently held a beach obstacle course race called “InSANDity” for Spring Break 2013.

JJ’s Cantina in the Cholla Bay area of Rocky Point is also one of the more popular party spots for tourists. JJ’s allures its guests with fishing events and volleyball tournaments. The cantina is a regular venue for the band Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and fully equipped with a stage that contains a text mural of the band’s name plastered across the back wall.

For a taste of the local foods you can try the Happy Frog, which is a family restaurant that caters Mexican and seafood cuisine. If you want something quick and genuine to the local environment, you can stop at any of the many street taco stands set up during the day or night.

Another Rocky Point hot spot is Manny’s Beach Club, which neighbors the street with many other nightclubs and restaurants. Manny’s offers food and drinks and is “famous for its fried ice cream.” The club contains a dance floor for guests to dance to the latest dance songs.

If you’re looking for fun and adventure there are plenty of places that offer quad rentals or horseback rides. Walk along the beach and you will be sure to find someone offering rides on jet skis, parasailing, or if you’re in the mood for excitement, some fireworks.

The potential for adventure is in Rocky Point is great, but as always when traveling in a foreign country, respect the local laws and be safe.

For more information about Puerto Peñasco, visit  http://www.rockypointmexico.com/