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The small fishing town of Puerto Penasco is located in Sonora, Mexico. In English, Puerto Penasco is referred to as Rocky Point. Rocky Point real estate is a big draw for tourists from Arizona, California and New Mexico thanks to its location on the Gulf of California. Rocky Point has the closest beaches to residents of Arizona.
~ History of Rocky Point
In the early 1800s, Mexico won its independence from Spain's rule. However, with all of the fighting going on, Puerto Penasco was all but forgotten. In 1826, Captain Red Hardy swooped in and charted "Rocky Point", the current site of "Old Town".
Rocky Point's location near the Arizona border made it a hot spot for Pancho Villa's financial gain in the early 1900s. He rustled cattle to Arizona ranchers through Rocky Point real estate for several years.
By the 1920s, more permanent residents began to settle Rocky Point real estate. John Richardson, a US citizen, built the very first hotel in the area. Prohibition in the United States created a huge alcohol business in Puerto Penasco, who were happy to serve up beer, wine and whiskey to tourists. This quickly caught American gangster Al Capone's attention and he partnered up with other "businessmen" in the area to build up the hotel business. When tourists flocked to Puerto Penasco, other businesses and residences were constructed to house people working in the local tourism industry in the 1930s and 1940s. Boats became a mainstay in Rocky Point and the fishing industry was born.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 caused the US to look at creating a military base of operations closer to its borders. They signed an agreement with Mexico to build a highway between Puerto Penasco and Lukeville, Arizona. This agreement extended to include US use of a military docking area in Puerto Penasco as well.
In 1952, Puerto Penasco was finally recognized as a city by the Mexican government and a local city government was then established. Shrimp was the bumper crop for local fishermen in 1965. Water lines and a public sewer system were added to the city in 1975. The 1960s, 70s and 80s brought a boom in the local economy from the fishing industry. However, by the mid-1980s, the area was fished out, causing many people to flee their homes and businesses.
The Mexican government declared Rocky Point real estate a "Conservation/Biosphere Zone" which protected its commercial fishing industry by placing strict regulations on the fishermen in the 1990s. This, in turn, brought a steady increase in tourism to the Rocky Point area, which continues to this day.
~Rocky Point Economy
Currently, there is an influx of primarily Asian and American financial backing for housing developments along Puerto Penasco's tourist zone. Rocky Point real estate was once Arizona's best kept secret beach. However, the secret is now out and everyone is jumping onboard. With the development of housing and resorts to the Rocky Point area, businesses that cater to tourists (such as sandwich shops, restaurants, rentals and gift shops) are popping up all over the Puerto Penasco area.
~Educational Opportunities in Rocky Point
Rocky Point's school system has benefitted the most from money brought in through the tourism industry. There are three schools located amid Puerto Penasco real estate: ABC Academy (383-3277), CP Alma Elisa Araiza Cervantes (383-2270) and Mata's Communications (383-2765). The phone numbers listed are the local lines. To call from outside the US, you must dial 011-52-638 and then the number.
The location of Rocky Point real estate in a "free trade" zone as well as being part of the Sonoran wildlife area have forged a unique partnership between the US and Mexico to encourage educational studies for all grade levels. Located in Tucson, Arizona, Marine Discovery brings elementary and middle school students to Puerto Penasco to learn about the ocean's importance. The Center for the Study of Deserts & Oceans (CEDO), located in Puerto Penasco, is a non-profit organization that provides programs to help teach students and tourists alike about the natural history of the area. These are just a couple of the nature studies groups available in Rocky Point real estate.
~Things to See & Do in Rocky Point
The beached along Rocky Point real estate are some of the most beautiful ways to spend time here. Playa Hermosa Beach is a great place to explore tide pools when low tide is in full swing. Whale bones can be found at the southern end of Sandy Beach, where the rocks begin. Fishing is allowed all around Puerto Penasco. You can even charter a boat for sport fishing if you would like.
Nightlife in Puerto Penasco is comprised primarily of the local bar scene. However, if you prefer a quieter evening, watching the sunset from the balcony of your hotel or on the beach is a wonderful way to end the day.
The City of Puerto Penasco has organized pickup games and teams for baseball, soccer and basketball at the Municipal Athletic fields situated at the town's entrance. There is a dart tournament hosted by Sunset Cantina every Thursday at 3pm. For the offroad enthusiast, Whiplash Offroad Racing holds tours for trucks, ATVs, bikes and buggies.
You will never be at a loss for things to do in Rocky Point/Puerto Penasco.
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