Rosarito Beach, a Baja Original

Looking for some exotic, over-the-border fun while visiting San Diego?  Then take a short 30-40 minute drive to the bustling city of Rosarito Beach, in Baja California Norte. Rosarito is situated on the beautiful Mexican Pacific coast.  You can take I-5 or I-805 south to US-Mexican border. If you take your car into Mexico, be sure to get Mexican auto insurance, as it is mandatory to have a Mexican policy. Or to really make your visit easy, simply park in a border parking lot. Then walk across the border or take a very comfortable and safe “coach” ride across to Tijuana. Once in Mexico take the toll road to Rosarito via your own car or take a bus/coach or taxi into Rosarito on the coastline; it's only about a 20 minute trip.

 The toll road to Rosarito is a very scenic, coastal highway and its cost is about $2.35 US to get to Rosarito. The toll booths do take either Mexican or US currency.  The toll road is well maintained and you will be dazzled by awesome views of the Pacific Ocean and the pretty Spanish style ocean side homes dotting the coast and the hillsides.

Rosarito Beach has a rich history.  This area of Baja California Norte was inhabited by tribes of native people, most notably, the Kumiai.  Later, in the 1500's, the Spanish arrived and established missions.  The next step of Rosarito Beach's evolution was the arrival of the ranchers.   Many ranches existed in the area during the 1800's.  Beginning in the second quarter of the twentieth century, Rosarito Beach became a tourist destination.  Tourism started out slowly and was tied in the early 20th century to gambling and alcohol (during America’s Prohibition). Now tourism in Rosarito is the one of the major industries.

Today's Rosarito is a beehive of activity. The streets feature a jumble of restaurants,  shops, businesses, bakeries and pharmacies. Rosarito is best seen on foot as parking is an issue here. The growth of the city has outpaced good parking, so its best to park in a paid, guarded lot and head out on foot. Rosarito beaches are wide and beautiful. The surf is typically gentle most of the year. There are vendors on the beach selling local fruits. A not to be missed speciality is sliced mango on a stick, fashioned into a flower design and spiked with Mexican lime and chili powder, if you desire.

Once you are in Rosarito Beach there are many activities from which to choose.   Most places take US dollars so you have little to worry about if you are just making a day trip.  Rosarito has many eating establishments ranging from humble taco stands to traditional Mexican restaurants. Seek out a wonderful taco at Yacqui's stand in the south of town or you might want to try a delicious mesquite chicken dinner at El Nido, right in town. 

Annually, Rosarito Beach is host to several bike races, motor cross, marathons, surf and volleyball tournaments.  If these things excite you, then make sure to visit while an event is happening. There are a plethora of shops with charming and diverse handcrafted items in Rosarito Beach.  Whatever kind of activity that interests you, you will find it to do in Rosarito Beach. You can take part in many outdoor adventurous activities like swimming,  surfing, horseback riding, fishing, and motor cross. There are two beautiful ocean view golf courses to sample in the vicinity.

 While in Rosarito Beach, you can take several walking tours that will show you the history and indigenous art of the area.  You can also visit the large Movie Studios (Formerly, Fox Studios) where many popular water-based movies were shot like Titanic, Pearl Harbor and Master and Commander.  If relaxation is more to your liking, perhaps you would enjoy a massage or facial at a local spa. Don’t forget the prices in Rosarito are very tourist friendly. The spas are plentiful in this area and frequently feature services in full view of the ocean, from scenic rooms or balconies.

For those interested, Rosarito Beach also offers eco-tourism.  Some of this type of tourism includes horse back riding in natural settings (including the beach), mountain bicycling, mountain climbing and rappelling, kayaking, underwater photography, historic zones, archeological digs, camping, and rustic cabins.

Regardless of whether you prefer a very active or relaxing vacation, you will find it in or around the Rosarito Beach in Baja California.  So consider a weekend trip down the coast or extend your business trip while in San Diego to see what Rosarito Beach has to offer.  You will not be disappointed.