What to Know Before you Visit Rocky Point, Mexico

Jordan and I recently visited Rocky Point, Mexico and we had the best time! After visiting Rocky Point and getting feedback from my community about Rocky Point, here is all I think you need to know before you go

+ a few great food options!

Do you need a passport to get into Mexico?

There was no ID check to get into Mexico. You will need an ID to get back into the United States. A passport is your best option, but if that is not available, the border patrol officer said you could instead bring two forms of national ID, such as a birth certificate + driver's license or a social security card + driver's license. Children 16 and under only need a birth certificate to enter the United States. A photocopy of those legal documents is also acceptable.

Again, a passport is the best option for people 16 and older, or you can get the new travel ID – it's a driver's license with a star. It works as a passport equivalent when entering back into the United States.

How many checkpoints going into and coming home from Mexico?

Heading into Mexico, there is only one checkpoint – the border patrol has begun pulling cars over and doing a brief sweep of the car. If they do this, don't worry it's pretty standard right now and minimally invasive.

On the way back to the states, you will be stopped twice, and it is not routine to have you exit your vehicle.

Do you need Mexican Insurance?

It is advisable to get insurance. The insurance is to cover your vehicle in case of theft or accident. Some people get it, some people dont but after talking to my insurance agent, he advised that AAA has Mexican insurance, and is the best option for Americans getting Mexican insurance. You're like to have more quality communication and service.

Do you need to speak Spanish to visit Rocky Point?

Yes and No. If you plan to stay at the resort, everyone at the resort speaks English. If you plan to visit the city, a minimal level of Spanish will be helpful. Necessary, no, but definitely helpful.

With that said, most resorts or AirBNBs on the resort side of the city have kitchens built into the space, and you could potentially never have to venture into the city unless you wanted to.

There is a Sam's Club in the city and "Super Ley" grocery store if you need to stock up on things, though.

How far is Rocky Point?

Rocky Point is less than 4 hours from the Phoenix West Valley! So, you could load up a cooler with food and be good to go! Rocky Point is the closest beach to Phoenix.

Where to stay in Rocky Point?

Wherever you stay, I advise staying on the resort side. It is clean, quiet and beautiful! We stayed at Las Palomas II, and we loved it. Las Palomas and Princesa resorts are both very family-friendly, and both offer all-inclusive options. There are lots of great beach front Airbnb condo options too!

What to do in Rocky Point?

The beach at Rocky Point is excellent for all ages, including young kids, because there are pockets of water naturally made in the sand that allows for safe water play, away from the ocean. You might have to really look at the above photo to understand what I’m talkin’ about.

There is shell collecting, jet-skiing options, ATVing, flying kites, playing in the sand (bring a canopy tent for the beach!), parasailing, and there are some neat motorized paragliding rides available too.

Jet-skis can be purchased in front of the resorts, and ATV's are in the city, but if you stay at a resort, the employees can help assist you in renting items or booking activities.

Our last trip we just hung by the pool and ate lots of food and Rocky Point was perfect for that too!!

Is Rocky Point safe to travel, and is it good for kids?

Rocky Point is relatively safe. We saw lots of families at the resorts with their children, and we will for sure bring out kids back! With that said, it's best to be a smart traveler – meaning, don't go into the city at night, do all of your city venturings during the day. Be kind and respectful to those around you and conscious of your surroundings. Don't dress flashy and don't carry a lot of cash.

Something to be aware of that has happened to our friends, and a few members in my community is…being pulled over by the cops (usually for speeding), and the cops request that you pay them before they let you go.

The amount varies, but it usually is "however much money you have on you" Our friends paid $40, which is a common amount, but I've heard people pay up to $100. So, that is something to be aware of.

Does Rocky Point take American Money?

Pesos or Dollars…?!. You can use both! With that said, in my opinion, it is in your best interest to use Pesos in the city because you'll get the best bang for your buck. Cash Conversions made by some of the local vendors and restaurants are not made with the most accurate conversion rates, and we would have saved a few dollars at a couple of the places had we had pesos on us.

If you plan to not leave the resort, dollars are perfect! Check the current exchange rate ::here::

What's the weather like?

Perfect.  It's typical beach weather! Cooler in the winter months and warmer yet refreshing in the summer months. We visited in June, and I wish I had a light coat for the sunset beach walks but wasn't necessary.

FOOD!

#1 You need to get Churros from Churros Penascos for the most delicious churros!

This place is a local favorite, and you'll need a grade-school level of Spanish at this spot because no one spoke English there, and the menu is only in Spanish. I also got their elote which was pretty good too!

Churros with strawberry sauce and “Caramel”

this elote wasn’t my favorite but it was good.

#2 Avocato Republic for delicious food with healthy options!

This place looks like a place you would find in the states, but it's Mexican-owned and operated. The crepes were divine, and not pictured were our salads and omelets, which were also delicious! The menu is in English and Spanish, and everyone there spoke a good level of English.

#3 Pollo Lucas! Pollos Lucas for the most Divine Grilled Chicken and Tortillas!

This is the first place we ate at, and I'm sad I don't have more photos, but this place is a local and tourist favorite!

They have a huge grill where they grill up full chickens with the best seasoning! We got beans, rice, and flour tortillas with our full chicken, served with a side of pickled red onions, cabbage, and lime. It was divine! Highly recommend! Luca's menu is in both English and Spanish, and you can get by with not speaking Spanish.

please get some chicken here. you won’t regret it!

#4 Mangos and Pina Coladas on the beach!

There are stands everywhere near the resorts. The mango is yummy, and not pictured was our Pina Colada (you can get rum added too) in a big pineapple, and it was delicious too!

#5 KoffeeHaus Kaffeehaus - They offer an assortment of food with a German / Mexican / American fusion.

This place has thousands of reviews online and was recommended to us by friends, and while it was good. It wasn't my favorite. Additionally, seats fill up quickly, so if you don't want to wait for your food or pay $2 for parking, you want to arrive bright and early! Koffeehaus's menu is in both English and Spanish, and most everyone there speaks a good level of English!