The joy of summer ends far too soon in most places, with temperatures dropping, school
starting, and the stress of the fall and winter holidays starting to weigh on our minds, but in
Rocky Point, Mexico, summer is a state of mind that stretches out late into the next season.
The waters of the Sea of Cortez stay warm, the sun shines brightly down on those who walk below,
and our FMI Rentals beachfront sanctuaries will help to continue the summer vibe throughout
your stay. This guide to a Labor Day in Rocky Point will help erase the sting of summer’s end as it opens your eyes to all the possibilities.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the first thing on our list of fun ways to extend summer through
Labor Day weekend is a day at the beach. Bury your toes in white sands as the sounds of the surf soothe
your soul, let your inner child out as you ride the banana boats crisscrossing the surf, and walk
along water’s edge every morning and every evening of your stay, savoring the stunning beauty
of our Rocky Point sunrises and sunsets.
Adventurers may want to rent jet skis from Xtreme Adventures Puerto Peñasco or parasail with Parasailing Rocky Point, and families with young children may want to spend many happy mornings building sandcastles, constructing a new one each morning after the tide washes away the previous day’s work. Inquisitive kiddos may be thrilled by the life they discover in the tide pools that appear after the tide goes out, as this is the perfect time to get up close and personal with the sea life, including octopi, fish, and shy crabs.
Rocky Point is relatively young for a Mexican village, mostly because running water wasn’t
introduced to most of the town until about the mid-1970s. It has a history that extends far
earlier than that, however, a history that is intertwined with America’s history due to
prohibition. When alcohol was illegal in the United States, Al Capone began to visit quite
frequently, in part due to its tropical setting, but mostly because of the alcohol. He made La
Posada La Roca Hotel his south of the border home, and although you will be far more
comfortable in our FMI Rentals retreats, the hotel is still standing and can be a great place to
stop in, perhaps taking selfies in the spots where he once lived.
We do recommend a visit to Al Capone’s Seafood & Pizzeria, where the fresh and tasty food will add to the quality of your vacation experience. For another peek into the past, be sure to stop by the Malecon and pay your respects to El Camaronero, a statue of a fisherman; it’s a great selfie spot as well.
Not every adventure needs to be grand and extravagant. Sometimes the most impactful activities are the simple things enjoyed with families. It will still be plenty warm during your Labor Day in Rocky Point, making an ice cream cone from Thrifty a treat that will help beat the heat. Take it to go and enjoy a contest with your tiniest travelers, competing with each other on who can finish it before it melts into a sticky mess and watch their faces light up with joy.
Pour a glass of wine for yourself, and glasses of grape juice for the kids, and all of you can raise a toast to the beauty of a Mexican sunset, making the littles feel as if they are adults for a few moments in time. Or dedicate a few hours to searching for sea shells on Cholla Bay, watching your children delight in the shapes and colors, perhaps even finding a sand dollar that will serve as a beautiful souvenir from this fantastic family weekend. Aside from the small cost of a cone, all of these adventures cost nothing and will be remembered forever.
Memories are what helps us stay strong in the hardest of times, and we like to think that the more memories you make the happier you will be, which is why we at FMI Rentals work so hard on providing holiday hideaways that will help you make happy memories.
Being awakened each morning by a pile of kids climbing in your bed, ready to start a day of fun under the sun, watching movies on state of the art televisions on rainy nights, or hanging out in a private pool, watching your youngest swim across the pool on his own for the very first time. Memories are made in our Rocky Point retreats and all you need to do is choose the one that fits your vacation needs the best. Reserve your favorite property today!
Those looking to vacation in the lap of luxury in beautiful Rocky Point, Mexico, need to look no further than Villa Alegria! This beachfront property provides everything you can expect from a grand resort vacation rental. Large spacious bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and the best views Rocky Point has to offer are all wrapped up in this resort rental! You will fall in love with Villa Alegria.
Whether you are traveling to Rocky Point with the whole family, a large group of friends, or you simply enjoy having a large space all to yourself, the Villa Alegria will fit your needs! This 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom property sleeps up to 10 guests, and with 3250 square feet of space, there is plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. The large shared spaces, however, provide ample room for everyone to get together! The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, high end appliances, and an open floor plan, allowing you to interact with everyone in the room while you cook! The kitchen has an eat-in bar top that is connected to formal dining room. There is also a fully furnished living room area that is perfect for lounging!
Perhaps the best part of staying in Villa Alegria is the privacy of a personal vacation rental, combined with the luxury and amenities of a resort stay. Any golfer lover will love the chance to play at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. There are also concierge services that can recommend the best that Rocky Point has to offer. However, you will not even need to leave the resort as you can kayak, snorkel, fish, swim, and play volleyball along your own private stretch of beach. Each villa also comes equipped with laundry service, wireless internet, cable television, and maid services 6 days a week.
As you step into the backyard of the property, you will feel as though you are stepping into paradise! Enjoy outdoor seating and experience refreshing ocean breezes. Step further out to the deck of your own private swimming pool and jacuzzi! Relax in the pool or spa while looking out onto gorgeous ocean views over the Sea of Cortez! The Villa Alegria truly feels like your own private Mexican paradise! Your Rocky Point vacation will be made even more memorable with a stay at the gorgeous Villa Alegria.
Looking to relax while enjoying a movie? Come down to the Cafe Puerto Viejo (across from Thrifty in Old Port) Tuesday night the 5th at 8 PM for a flick and some fun!
We meet up every Tuesday so come back and check in for what movie we’ll be showing this week!
Atlantic farmed Salmon
The border of Mexico is a sensitive area, and not just in terms of politics, especially when it comes to vacation and holiday. It’s common that families want to bring food across the border to allow for the greatest of feasts, but some foods aren’t allowed from country to country. This guide by us at FMI will work to prepare you, so you know what items you can bring across the border.
Food control is managed by a group called SENASICA, which stands for National Service of Health, Food Safety, and Quality; they make the rules. You can hop on their website and check out the list of approved items at any time. Generally, a little food is allowed, but with some restriction on quantity and fresh meats. The spreadsheet offered on their website is especially helpful for quick reference when you are packing a meal to take on vacation or holiday.
There are two main factors that effect if food is allowed: is it for human or animal consumption, and is it originally sealed? Regarding animal products intended for humans, the only things fully banned as of the list in January 2016 are crustaceans of any type, and nearly all fresh or frozen meats; these cannot come across the border, in or out. If you are bringing food intended for animals for some unlikely reason, the list is a little stricter.
Cured meats, like cured pork, are okay, as wells as thermally pressed sausage and dried foods. The quantity permitted varies, but averages around 1 to 2 kg per family. This means you can have a good amount of cheese, butter, and meat, provided it’s appropriately sealed. However, some of these allowed foods are only allowed from approved countries. For example, it’s mainly meats from Canada, Spain, America, and Italy allowed to be taken across the border. Non-animal products such as tobacco, nuts, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and teas are less of a big deal, but they are subject to inspection.
Taking foods across the border doesn’t need to be a big deal, just follow the rules and always be upfront and honest. The rules are created for not only your safety, but others as well. For example, some countries don’t treat their crops the same way as others, and this restriction prevents foreign pests from wiping out crops unexpectedly, among other reasons. Enjoy your holiday across the border, and if you need a hand, remember we can help with any rental needs you may have.
For more information, Click here for our “Contact Us” page.
Rocky Point or Puerto Penasco, Mexico is a very popular vacation destination. It is very close to the Arizona border – just a three-hour drive – making it easy to get to. When in Rocky Point, you’ll have plenty of things to do and see, including beaches, shopping, and many restaurants and eateries. Rocky Point is considered a relatively safe destination; however, as with traveling to any foreign destination, there are a few things you can do to maintain your safety.
Use only recommended border crossings. U.S. citizens traveling to the area should use the Lukeville, Arizona crossing, and it is recommended that if you are traveling by car, stay on the main highways and try to travel during the daylight hours.
Always carry your passport. You are required to show your passport upon your re-entry to the U.S. Additionally, you should make copies of your passport and keep them in a separate place. Leave your entire itinerary with friends or family at home.
Always stay with your group, and don’t share travel plans with anyone you don’t know. Also, don’t travel with any valuables. If traveling by taxi, enlist the help of a hotel or restaurant staff person to hail it for you so that you will be ensured it is an authorized cab.
If you are arrested, it is possible you will remain in jail until you can prove you are innocent, so it is important to know which authorities to contact in such an emergency. You should travel with your cell phone, so make sure you have coverage before you travel. Save important contact numbers and other information such as insurance policies, credit card numbers, and hotel information. You should also have the number for the U.S. Consulate recorded.
Make sure that you have insurance that is valid in Mexico. Some U.S. auto insurance is not valid out of the country. You can be arrested and jailed if you do not have valid Mexican auto insurance. It is a good idea to purchase short-term auto insurance, along with any necessary medical and travel insurance.
Be cautions when renting recreational vehicles. Some recreation vehicles may not come with the proper insurance coverage. If you incur any damage to a vehicle that is not properly covered, insured, or is underinsured, it is possible that you could be detained until you pay for the damages or any other restitution.
At FMI Rentals, we want to provide the best service to our clients. As such, we can provide you with information and tips about staying safe in Rocky Point to make your stay the best it can be.
Once a small fishing town in the early 1900’s, Puerto Penasco was just a spot on the map. But in 1920, entrepreneur John Stone opened a hotel and a casino in order to draw people from Arizona into the area. Located just north of the border, Puerto Penasco at Rocky is considered one of the best retirement destinations in the world.
Retirees often overlook Mexico as retirement destination; however, more people are beginning to realize that tropical paradises like Rocky Point offer a perfect destination for retirement as well as vacation getaways.
If you’re considering a retirement destination, Puerto Penasco offers the convenience of a quick drive back a forth between the U.S. and Rocky Point. If you live in Arizona or close by, all you need to do is pack up the car and start heading south for a short drive. Once you cross the border, you enter a hassle-free vehicle zone, which allows you to drive your car through certain parts of Mexico without a vehicle permit.
Not only is Puerto Penasco close to the border, but it’s also culturally familiar. In Puerto Penasco, you’ll find familiar shopping at places like Sam’s Club, Auto Zone, and Burger King. For the most part, the locals speak English, so you can get around pretty easily by speaking your native tongue. To top it all off, you can also spend U.S. dollars in Mexico, or if you want, you can get more bang for your buck by turning your American dollars into pesos. In fact, the American dollar is currently very strong against the Mexican peso, and you can get 16.8 pesos for every dollar.
Real estate trades are usually made with the American dollar, so you can get a great deal on a home in the area. Most single family homes next to the beach start at $175,000, or you can purchase a one-bedroom condo for $109,000.
The Rocky Point area also boasts a very temperate climate, and you can enjoy sunshine at least 362 days out of the year. You’ll also enjoy the warm sandy beaches, as well as the turquoise-blue waters of the ocean. The main beach, appropriately named Sandy Beach stretches approximately 4.5 miles long. During low tide the beach is approximately 200 yards wide in some places.
With plenty of fun activities to enjoy such as water skiing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and scuba diving, you’ll never run out of things to keep you busy during the day. With is accessibility and affordability, it’s really no wonder why so many retirees from all over the country are drawing to the area like a magnet.
Are you planning a trip to Rocky Point, Mexico this winter? Maybe you’re wondering about what kinds of fun things you can do to keep you busy. As it turns out, you’ll never run out of fun activities, from fishing to hiking, waterskiing, hiking, and sightseeing, Rocky Point offers an endless array of activities for you and your family, and the only trouble you’ll have is choosing the ones you like the most. Whether you prefer land or water activities, Rocky Point offers the perfect place for your next vacation.
The following are five options that you might want to consider during your next trip to Puerto Rocky Point:
Take a long walk along the beach. Enjoy snorkeling, and scuba diving with the sea lions, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Charter a boat on the Sea of Cortez from Puerto Penasco. Located about 27 miles southeast of Puerto Penasco, Bird Island offers a biological refuge for all kinds of birds, animals, and mammals. You’ll enjoy watching marine swallows, tropical birds (of all kinds), seagulls, and sea lions. Bird Island has one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in Mexico.
Explore the southern end of Rocky Point where you can find all kinds of unique seal life. The hurricane in late 1997 brought all the sand back to the Mirador Tourist beaches.
If you’re looking for a cruise on the ocean, Rocky Point offers plenty of chartered boat services to suit your needs. There are also plenty sport fishing charter services as well. Or, you can always pick up a rod, find a good local spot, and cast a line in the water.
Located in the El Mirador area, Manny’s beach club is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Manny’s is open during high season and peak weekends.
JJ’s Cantina, located in Cholla Bay of Rocky Point, is well known for hosting many events including fishing and volley ball tournament. The Cantina also features several popular bands from the U.S.There are also plenty of bars that line the streets of Rocky Point. Club Exilir is also a popular watering hole. The Elixir Club also has a DJ for entertainment and dancing.
The most popular games in the Rocky Point are Soccer, Baseball, and Basketball. Games take place at the Municipal Athletic fields located behind Baseball Stadium, and are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday during the day.
Have you dreamed of vacationing in Rocky Point Mexico this winter, giving you a chance to thaw out from the cold weather? Rock Point offers the perfect tropical paradise for those who are tired of the cold winter weather and need to get away from the stress of everyday life.
On your next visit to in Rocky Point, be sure to try out Candy Cake, it’s Rocky Point’s favorite place for dessert. Candy Pont, located at Lazaro Cardenas 239 in P Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, is famous for its main dessert—chocoflan. And if you haven’t had flan before, you need to try it. As the most popular dessert of the Mexicans, flan is a rich slice of custard topped with caramelized sugar.
Candy Cake does something very unique with flan—the bakers they add a layer of moist chocolate cake at the bottom—turning it into a delightful treat for chocolate lovers.
Although Candy Cake makes the best chocoflan, they’re also famous for the best donuts, birthday cakes, muffins and more. They also recently opened up the dining room to serve breakfast until noon. Candy Cake offers a small menu with great prices, and it’s definitely worth a visit. They also have great coffee, cappuccino, and friendly service for weary travelers.
Kaffee House, located on Boulevard Benito Juarez 216, offers the best breakfast and desserts in Rocky Point. Open between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., some of tastiest dessers include, Apple Studel with Vanilla Sauce, Apple Walnut Cake, Cherry Coconut Cake, German Chocolate Cake, cookies, and brownies. Everything is prepared fresh daily, and you should try their Belgian waffles. It’s a down home Mexican restaurant with a German flare.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday—from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you haven’t been to Rocky Point, you’re in for a big surprise. Once you arrive you’ll never run out of fun things to do all day long, even when the winter months begin to creep in. Trust us; if you’re planning your Rocky Point December trip, you won’t be disappointed.
Things to Do
Located about an hour and a half from the U.S. border between Mexico and Arizona, Rocky Point was originally a small fishing town. But today, Rocky Point is a hot vacation spot that draws vacationers from all over the country like a magnet. Visit the recently remodeled main tourism town of Puerto Peñasco—it offers plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and cantinas. Browse through several local establishments were you can purchase unique souvenirs. Sip a margarita from a local bar, dine on your favorite seafood from a number of great restaurants, or take a walk along Sandy Beach and enjoy panoramic views of the dark-blue ocean.
Winter is probably the best time of the year to visit Rocky Point mainly because you can miss the crowds. As you can imagine, tourism is at a peak during the warmer months—especially during spring break when the beaches are crowded with college kids. Better yet, the Sonoran region, or the larger portion of Rocky Point, is surrounded by desert, and as you might expect, the weather is warm all year round, with temperatures ranging between 50 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one drawback is that you’ll see more rain during this time of the year.
Due to this warm, desert climate (even in the winter), Puerto Peñasco allows enjoyable beach weather all year long! That means you can enjoy sandy beaches and fantastic landscapes, along with golf and hiking in Pinacate. Even recreational fishing, boat cruises, banana boating, and jet skiing are available during this incredible time of year!
Events
On top of fun things to do, you’ll find a variety of winter only events. These include: the Mermaid’s Art Market, Huellas de Mujer, Cinemartes Tuesday, Cholla Bay Christmas Light Parade, Jugueton – DIF TOY DRIVE, and so much more!
If you decide to come to Rocky Point in the winter, you won’t regret it. Rocky Point welcomes winter vacationers every year, and those searching for warmer destinations during the colder months.
Plus, there’s golf, hiking at the Pinacate, recreational fishing, day long or sunset boat cruises, and banana boats or jetskis for the most adventuresome.
