Rocky Point

Just a short drive south of Sonoyta, Arizona, the Sonoran Dessert meets the Sea of Cortez. Here you will find the resort town of Puerto Penasco, a.k.a. Rocky Point. Rocky Point in recent years has been transformed from a sleepy fishing village with a small resort community, to a vast expanse of resort communities and a town offering many more amenities to travelers.

 The booming housing market and short drive from Phoenix, Tucson, and southern California led to the explosive growth experienced in Rocky Point. Though few resort communities felt the bubble explode as badly as Puerto Penasco, it is primed again for recovery. New construction may not start up too fast, as bargains are plentiful. The correction in many ways may help to create a second round of ‘controlled’ growth and real estate appreciation in this community. Though many were badly hurt by the real estate market and reductions in tourism, the original elements and charm of the sea will bring people back.

 The main draw to Rocky Point is that of water. Out of the arid hot desserts of the Southwest come parched tourists looking to cool off. Sea breezes and cool water provide that relief, with the help of air conditioning and cold cervezas. Various watersports can be found in Rocky Point, though many find activities on land too. Exceptional golf courses exist bordering the sea in places. Waterfront courses with these prices cannot be found elsewhere. Shopping, dining, and exploring town can keep visitors busy for days. A main draw outside of town and on select beaches are off-road vehicles. Rocky Point has great places to explore in vehicle, or on foot. Just outside of town are expansive estuaries and natural volcanic features that will amaze those by the wonders of nature. The upper Sea of Cortez boasts incredible tide changes which leads to excellent tide pool exploring. On the water, one can fish, dive, sail, ski, rent motorized watercraft, ride banana boats, or just play in the water and at the shoreline.

 Here, one may never even have to leave their resort. Resorts exist here that have every amenity that one could desire. Many contain luxurious spas, restaurants, shops, pool areas, and all the activities to provide for a complete trip. Still, others choose private residences or smaller complexes for their vacation experience. Various economical options exist even closer to town if convenience to restaurants, shops, and nightlife is your main agenda. Many beachside RV parks are also present.

With construction of a new highway leading from southern California complete, and real estate prices at or near the bottom, it should only be a matter of time before Rocky Point begins the path to recovery and its incredible potential is revealed. In a decade or two, it may well be among the world’s recognized resort destinations. The plans are in place with investors behind them when the correct sales elements return. For now though, visitors and residents are working on ignoring wounds that will take time to heal and are focusing on the charm and elements that created the furor in the first place. There will always be something magical to experience where the ‘desert meets the sea’.