Rocky Point, Mexico Map: Neighborhoods, Beaches, and Where to Stay

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Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is in northern Sonora, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez, about an hour south of the Lukeville, Arizona border. The town stretches along the coast: Cholla Bay on the northwest end, the Sandy Beach resort strip next to it, downtown and the Old Port with the Malecón in the middle, and Las Conchas to the east.

See Rocky Point from West to East

Rocky Point follows the coast of the Sea of Cortez from northwest to southeast. Highway 8 from Sonoyta and the Lukeville border arrives from the north, near the middle of town.

  1. Cholla Bay (La Choya): the quiet northwest end, on its own bay. Cholla Bay Vista is here, about 100 feet from the water.
  2. Sandy Beach: the resort strip of condo towers, about 10 minutes southeast of Cholla Bay.
  3. Downtown, the Old Port, and the Malecón: the center of town, with the fish market, seafood restaurants, and shops, about 15 to 20 minutes from Cholla Bay.
  4. Mirador: the hillside above the Old Port, with views over the harbor.
  5. Las Conchas: a gated community of beach homes east of downtown.

Cell signal can be weak on the drive and on the edges of town, so download an offline map of Puerto Peñasco in Google Maps or Apple Maps before you cross the border. Open Cholla Bay in Google Maps.

Learn Rocky Point's Neighborhoods

Cholla Bay

Quiet beach community on the northwest edge of town, mostly houses, known for tide pools, calm high-tide water, sunsets, and JJ's Cantina. Best for families, groups, pets, and boaters. Cholla Bay guide

Sandy Beach

The resort strip between Cholla Bay and downtown, with condo towers, wide sand, and the best swimming. Best for resort lovers and beach days. Sandy Beach guide

Downtown and the Malecón

The Old Port area with the Malecón waterfront, fish market, seafood restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Best for food lovers and people who want to walk to bars.

Las Conchas

A gated community of beach homes east of downtown with a long beach and a private, residential feel. Best for privacy.

Mirador and the East Side

Hillside neighborhoods near downtown with views over the Old Port and the sea.

Choose Where to Stay Based on Your Trip

Your tripBest area
Family or group of 6 to 10Cholla Bay or Las Conchas
Couple wanting a resort poolSandy Beach
Nightlife and restaurants on footDowntown
Bringing an RV, boat, or ATVsCholla Bay
Bringing a dogCholla Bay (check pet rules anywhere you book)
Quiet winter monthCholla Bay or Las Conchas

See Drive Times from Cholla Bay Vista

DestinationApproximate drive
The waterAbout 100 feet
JJ's CantinaAcross the street
Sandy Beach10 minutes
Downtown and the Malecón15 to 20 minutes
Lukeville border1 hour 15 minutes
El Pinacate Biosphere ReserveAbout 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rocky Point, Mexico?

Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is in northern Sonora, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez. It is about 60 miles south of the Lukeville, Arizona border crossing and roughly 4 hours from Phoenix or Tucson.

What is the best area to stay in Rocky Point?

It depends on your trip. Sandy Beach suits resort lovers, downtown suits restaurant-goers, and Cholla Bay suits families and groups who want quiet, space, and tide pools.

What is Las Conchas in Rocky Point?

Las Conchas is a gated community of beach homes east of downtown Rocky Point, known for its long beach and quiet, residential setting.

Stay in Cholla Bay