January is winter in Grants Pass, Oregon and typically the 2nd coldest month of the year. Our maximum daytime temperatures average 46° Fahrenheit with night time temperatures falling down to the low 30’s. Mild compared to other areas of the country but one must remember that we are talking about Oregon so naturally one must think rain, rain and more rain in January. I know the rain is much needed but as I stared out the window watching the rain bounce off my driveway, my mind wandered to thoughts of sitting on a white sandy beach sipping piña coladas. It wasn’t long before I found myself booking a flight to my old stomping grounds of Tucson, Arizona.
The closest airport to Grants Pass is Medford, Oregon. The price for my flight to Tucson, Arizona came in at $202 round-trip on Alaska Airlines. I felt Tucson would be a good base for local sightseeing and catching up with old friends before heading down to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.
Puerto Peñasco, more commonly referred to as “Rocky Point”, is a relatively small city located 62 miles from the Arizona border and has been nicknamed "Arizona’s Beach" as it is the closest beach to Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. The average high temperature for January in Rocky Point is 66.5 Fahrenheit and in February is 68.5. I found it very comfortable during my 2 week stay, wearing a light sweater at times for the evenings and early mornings.
According to the 2020 census, Rocky Point has a population of 62,689. It is located on the northern shores of the Sea of Cortez on the small strip of land that joins the Baja California Peninsula with the rest of Mexico. The area is part of the Altar Desert which is one of the driest and hottest areas of the Sonoran Desert.
Since the late 1990s, there has been an intense push to develop the area for tourism. As a result, it is now one of the most important tourist destinations in northern Mexico.
The Mar de Cortes International Airport serves Rocky Point, but unfortunately there are no regularly-scheduled flights in or out of the city at this time.
Tourism and fishing are the most important economic activities for the city with current development that includes over one hundred restaurants, forty-two hotels and motels, and fourteen RV facilities. The new "Home Port del Mar de Cortés" (Sea of Cortez) cruise ship terminal is currently under construction between Sandy Beach and Cholla Bay, northwest of the central city.
Many of the residents in Rocky Point are from the United States or Canada. Most restaurants offer menus in English, and most businesses will accept U.S. dollars. Rocky Point is also popular with retirees, especially RVers driving down from the United States and Canada. The town also has newspapers in English.
When you are thinking of planning your trip to Rocky Point you may want to stay away from Spring Break as it is a very popular destination during that time, especially for high school and college students from Arizona and California, mainly due to the 18-year-old legal drinking age.
I did not feel the need to drive my rental car across the border so the alternative
became a company called “Head
Out To Rocky Point”.
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| Head out to Rocky Point Vans |
This company offers a door-to-door experience between Phoenix and Rocky Point. I pre-arranged pickup service for the small town of Why, Arizona.
With a population in Why of under 200, it’s truly just a pit stop in the road. I was to be picked up at the Why Not Travel Store.
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| Why Not Travel Store |
The shuttle van leaves from
Phoenix area at 10am daily and was scheduled to pick me up at the Why
Not Travel Store at noon. The van arrived right on time and the
driver, Chris, promptly loaded the luggage and we were off. The trip from
Why to Rocky Point would take under 2 hours including a border stop at Lukeville,
27 miles south of Why.
Duty Free Shop just before crossing the border
The Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing is open to both passenger vehicles and pedestrians. Border hours are currently 6am-midnight daily. The shuttle van dropped me on the Arizona side and I walked across to the Mexico side with no hassle at all. If you have traveled to Mexico you might be familiar with the red light/green light scenario they use for screening. I encountered nothing like that and was surprised when the single Mexican border agent seemed to totally ignore me. Once I was across the border Chris put my luggage back in the van and we were off again - destination Rocky Point.
Approaching broder crossing from US side 
Border crossing from US side
The trip went by quickly as Chris provided a running commentary of the area. He also provided welcomed refreshments and drinks.
I had pre-arranged a 2 week stay through AirBnB at the Sea of Cortez Condo.
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| Second floor view from condo in Rocky Point |
If you do nothing else be sure to enjoy some of the local jumbo shrimp caught fresh daily. I purchased shrimp at a local market during my stay and ½ kilo cost just over $2 USD. Incredible price and so delicious.
My purpose in the getaway to Rocky Point was for better weather but there are plenty of things to occupy your time if that’s what you are looking for. I just wanted peace and quiet and found it to be just what I was looking for. Clean accommodations, quiet area, friendly locals and lots of local eateries, not to mention cheap food and drinks.
There is also plenty to do if that is what you are looking for.
- Water Activities: All the heavy-hitters are here – snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, kite surfing and more. One thing to keep in mind is that Rocky Point is located on a gulf, meaning the waves are minimal. While surfing isn’t feasible, the calm waters make for ideal swimming conditions.
- Sample the Sea: American fans of Mexican cuisine might not immediately think of seafood, but it’s an integral part of any menu in Rocky Point. Standouts include fresh shrimp and ceviche.
- Charter a Boat: Private boat charters are common and inexpensive in Puerto Peñasco. Take a fishing excursion, go snorkeling around Bird Island or take a romantic sunset cruise.
- Explore the Beaches: The two most popular beaches in Rocky Point are Playa Hermosa and Sandy Beach. Playa Hermosa is best known for its tide pools and Sandy Beach is the spot for soft sand.
- Shop for Local Goods: Rocky Point has lots of shopping areas featuring local handicrafts and clothing. One thing to keep in mind - extra baggage fees for all those items you purchase.
- Nightlife: With its Spring Break reputation, it’s no surprise that Rocky Point has a bustling nightlife. There are bars a-plenty, but keep safety in mind and don’t travel alone at night.
- Activities for Landlubbers: The nearby sand dunes provide ample opportunity for adrenaline seekers. Quads and ATV rentals are located throughout Rocky Point.
During my 2 week stay I did take a sunset cruise with Captain Oscar from Del Mar Charters
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| Del Mar Charters Catamaran |
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| Sunset on the catamaran |
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| On board the catamaran with Captain Oscar |
My
return trip from Rocky Point to Why, Arizona went just as smoothly as my trip
down 2 weeks earlier. Once again my border crossing was quick and easy.
The van driver for this trip was Lynelle, the owner of the company. This
time I was dropped on the Mexico side with luggage in tow. 
US Border Station at Lukeville
Then a short walk through the border station. Within just a couple minutes I emerged outside, once again back in the United States. I walked across the street, placed my luggage back in the van and we headed to Why. The van dropped me at the Why Not Travel Store as scheduled. A special friend was waiting and drove me the 2 hours back to Tucson.
Due to an early morning flight departure I opted to spend the night at the Hampton Inn Tucson-Airport.
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| Entrance to Hampton Inn Airport-Tucson |
I selected the Hampton Inn for several reasons. This is a smaller property with 126 rooms. It is located right at the entrance to the Tucson airport and provides complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. The property is conveniently located just a short walk to some local restaurants. They also provide a complimentary hot breakfast along with free WiFi.
My room was on the second floor and overlooked the outdoor pool and hot tub.
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| View of pool and hot tub |
Further hotel amenities included a 24-hour business center, express check-in and express check-out.
I was in a standard double, containing 2 double beds with premium bedding as well as a sofa bed. Along with a 42-inch LCD HDTV that included satellite programming, additional amenities included a mini refrigerator, microwave, iron, ironing board and a coffeemaker. The unit also contained a desk equipped with plenty of electronic outlets which I found very useful as I had a laptop, iPad, iPhone and earbuds to charge.
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| Standard Double Room at Hampton Inn |
They offer a fitness center but I did not take advantage of that during my stay. The bathroom contained a curved shower rod and complimentary toiletries, along with a hairdryer.
I found the Hampton Inn to be very clean even with the temporary construction going on. As close as the property is to the airport I was also pleasantly surprised at how quiet is was. I also felt very safe during my stay.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is offered daily from 6am-10am in the hotel lobby. I left the property before 6am but was given a ‘brown bag’ take away breakfast that included water, blueberry muffin and a breakfast bar. As I prepared for my shuttle transfer I was grateful for the complimentary coffee provided in the lobby area. Snack items and other miscellaneous necessities are available for purchase in the lobby
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| Hampton Inn registration desk |
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| Hampton Inn lobby area |
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