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Family Road Trip to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico: Where We Stayed + What to Do

  • Writer: Shelby Matthews
    Shelby Matthews
  • Mar 29
  • 4 min read

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable beach getaway from Arizona, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico is definitely one of the best spots.


Here’s a full recap of our trip, where we stayed, and everything we’d recommend if you’re planning your own family getaway. If you want a visual tour, check out our YouTube Vlog


Why Puerto Peñasco is Perfect for Families

One of the biggest reasons we love Rocky Point is how simple it is to get there.

  • It’s only about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix

  • No flights, no airport stress (huge win with kids)

  • And it’s way more affordable than most California beach vacations


The water is typically calm, and the soft, sandy beaches are perfect for kids to run around, dig, build sandcastles, and just be kids without you worrying the whole time.


Rocky Point Mexico

Where We Stayed: Encantame Towers

We stayed at Encantame Towers through JKW Vacation Club, and it honestly made the entire trip feel easy from start to finish.


The resort is newer, right on the beach, and super family-friendly without feeling chaotic.


Here’s what we loved most:

  • Spacious condo - Encantame has a 2 bed 2 bath condo, and a bunk bed in the living room.

  • Full kitchen + living space - there is a brand new Walmart right on the way to Encantame Towers so we stopped for groceries for the week.

  • Multiple pools, hot tubs, waterslides, lazy rivers, plenty of beach space, an adults only rooftop pool

  • They have multiple restaurants, a Starbucks Cafe, multiple bars including a swim-up bar, and poolside service

  • Direct beach access (no long walks hauling all your stuff)

  • The views… unreal, especially at sunset


We booked through JKW Vacation Club, which made everything even smoother. It’s a family-run company, and Kevin (the owner) helps with all the details through his concierge service, so it felt way more personalized than just booking online and figuring everything out yourself. We have also stayed at Las Palomas through JKW Vacation Club and loved it but it is in town, it's busier and a more lively crowd.

When booking use our discount code for 10% off: AZFAMILYGUIDE


What Our Days Looked Like

This was one of those trips where we didn’t feel like we had to constantly be “doing” something and that’s exactly why it worked so well with kids. We even traveled here when our son was only 5 weeks old and it was the perfect getaway.


Most of our time looked like:

  • We like to get up early for low rise, get coffee and get out to search for sea shells, early morning is the best

  • Pool and slide time (on repeat)

  • Letting the kids play for hours on the beach and making new vacation friends

  • Easy dinners and sunsets by the water

  • We brought grandma with us one trip and went out after the kids went to bed to enjoy the rooftop pool, hot tubs at night and bars


Encantame Towers Puerto Penasco Mexico Rocky Point

Travel Tips & FAQs


1. Safety Tips:

  • Stay Informed: Always check travel advisories before you go.

  • Local Contacts: Kevin from JKW assured us if we needed a translator he is always available for his guests.

  • Health Precautions: Bring necessary medications and a basic first aid kit - this is our favorite Travel Kit. I also brought a thermometer, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Pepto & Imodium, and electrolytes.


2. Crossing the Border:

  • Required Documents: Adults need a valid passport. Our children had birth certificates.

  • Car Registration: It cannot be expired and have it printed off, not the digital copy.

  • Travel Insurance: Make sure you get Mexico car insurance. We got ours from Mexican Car Insurance and use the code ROCKY for a discount.


3. What You Can & Can’t Bring:

  • Allowed: Personal items, and souvenirs.

  • Not Allowed: Fresh produce, certain plants, and items that violate U.S. laws. I have also heard not to cross borders with meat and dairy. I do not have experience with any of this, I just didn't want to risk anything so we bought groceries for our condos at the new Walmart which is literally on the way to the resort.

I know everyone's main question is always about crossing the border, and it was way easier than expected. Have your documents ready. Get to the border EARLY so you aren't stuck in line with bored kids in the car. Once you cross the border, DO NOT SPEED through town, go the speed limit, don't stop until you hit Puerto Penasco it's only like an hour drive. Once in Puerto Penasco, you're totally fine. We love checking out spots in town. You can watch our YouTube Video where I vlog crossing the border, and the whole trip and drive. Travel Essentials:

You will definitely want good Kids Water Shoes

You can bring a cooler down to the pool and beach - this one is truly the best. It stays cold forever, fits alot, easy to carry, super durable and doesn't take up too much travel space Travel Cooler

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