Known to most Americans by its English name "Rocky Point," Puerto Peñasco is where the majestic Sonoran desert landscape meets the sparkling waters of Mexico's Sea of Cortez.
Friends often talked about the region they lovingly refer to as "Arizona's ocean."
Located 3½ hours from Phoenix or Tucson and just 5½ hours from San Diego, we decided it was time to go and see what Puerto Peñasco's all about. What we found was a long weekend of fun in the sun, mouthwatering Baja cuisine and a load of pleasant surprises.
Our weekend home away from home was warm and welcoming Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort. Our fully-furnished villa and balcony overlooked the pools and azure blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Not a bad way to wake up each morning.
Villas feature anywhere from one to four bedrooms, full kitchens, living rooms and spacious lanais making the seaside resort the perfect choice for couples, friends or family getaways.
Activities at the resort celebrate the Mexican culture and the blessing of its location right on the sea. Kids and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed the piñata-making program and sand castle competitions-joyous occasions seeing families working together and having fun.
Adults into the foodie scene can sign up for lessons on how to make fresh ceviche and guacamole. Spanish classes are available for those wishing to become better acquainted with or more conversant in the local language.
A must-do at the resort is the weekend breakfast buffet at La Maria Bistro. Casual yet elegant with floor to table windows overlooking resort grounds, choices here range from gourmet omelets to almost any breakfast entrée imaginable. The fruit bar alone is spectacular.
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Puerto Peñasco is truly all about the water. With Las Palomas infinity pools, swim-up bars, water slide and a lazy river, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and unplug.
In Mexico, every beach city has a Malecon. Puerto Peñasco's is a vibrant, easily walkable oceanfront promenade along the Sea of Cortez located just 10 minutes from the resort. Vendors here sell everything from street foods to ice cream, local drink specialties, Mexican art and handcrafted jewelry.
Lunch at thatch-roofed palm-fringed El Oktopus was nothing short of spectacular. Situated just across from the Malecon with stunning views of the water, the restaurant's service and food are top-notch while their seafood is as fresh as it gets.
Entrees here are divine. With a creative chef and some amazing concoctions from the bartenders, this is a place visitors could easily spend an afternoon of enjoyable relaxation. And, yes, the people-watching was quite entertaining.
For one incredible evening of wine tasting, sangria, small plates and some of the best Paella we've ever tasted, El Tapeo Wine Bar really delivered with great food and good times. It's no wonder every table on their colorful outdoor wine-inspired patio was filled with happy patrons celebrating life.
Gentle breezes blowing off the ocean made for a perfect evening.
Tired as we were from a day of travel and adventure, once the jazz band started playing, it was impossible to leave. We kept telling ourselves "We'll stay for one more song." And then another and another.
There's no shortage of outdoor activities in Puerto Peñasco, either by land or sea.
Water activities reign supreme in the aquamarine Baja sea Jacques Cousteau called "the aquarium of the world." Miles of waterfront give visitors a great choice of beaches to throw down a blanket with toes in the sand or splash and play in the warm, sparkling waters.
From soft and sandy beaches to rocky reefs-whether its tide pooling, crabbing, snorkeling, gathering shells, jet-skiing, parasailing or all of the above-we found the area to be a rich water wonderland.
The Club at Laguna Del Mar not only has a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course but also kayaking and paddle boarding. Kayaking in its 40-acre saltwater lagoon surrounded by blue skies above and breathtaking scenery around was certainly a pleasurable experience.
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We've been on an ATV before, but there was something unique about our high-action adventure this trip.
Off-roading in 4x4 vehicles accompanied by ideal weather, temperature and a mixed terrain of sand, fascinating rock formations, jagged mountain ranges and ocean in the near distance made for one laughter-inspired "hub-bubbin'" experience.
Sunsets here are spectacular, and there's no better way to experience their majestic beauty than being near or on the water itself.
The catamaran Señorita Rita docked in Marina Peñasco takes passengers to the open waters for the best views possible. Their welcoming, courteous staff served tropical drinks and tea sandwiches while smooth jazz played in the background. Margaritas and stunning sunsets-a perfect combination in Mexico.
When all was said and done and we crossed the border back to the U.S, we were in total agreement that we were really glad we decided to check out Puerto Peñasco for ourselves. Its many delightful offerings more than exceeded our expectations.
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