Rosarito Beach
Rosarito Beach, Baja California Sur
Rosarito Beach is a Mexican resort town that’s about 30 minutes south of San Diego. Known for its beaches and nightlife, Rosarito’s close proximity to the border makes it a popular destination for US visitors and retirees. Hollywood is fond of the area, too. A number of films, includingTitanic andPearl Harbor, were filmed in Rosarito.
While in Rosarito, set aside some time to sample the local cuisine, check out the Baja Studios movie set, and visit the historic Rosarito Beach Hotel. Opened in 1924, the hotel has hosted movie stars and presidents. Visitors can also surf, sportfish, ride horses or ATVs on the beach, golf at some of Mexico's best courses, and more. Just 20 minutes from downtown, Popotla Fishing Village offers no-frills beachfront dining with sweeping ocean views.
Visit Rosarito Beach independently or as part of a San Diego sightseeing tour that also includes other Baja California highlights, such as Tijuana and Puerto Nuevo. Travelers who want to avoid the hassle of driving in Mexico can opt for a tour that includes transportation.
Visit Rosarito on a day trip from San Diego that explores Baja’s highlights.
English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
US dollars are generally accepted and most major restaurants, shops, and hotels take credit cards.
Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beaches offer little shade.
Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially in summer.
The easiest way to visit Rosarito Beach, located just 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of the US–Mexico border, is on a day trip from San Diego that includes transportation and explores Baja California’s highlights. Or, if you’re driving, take the Rosarito-Tijuana Scenic Road.
Rosarito Beach can be visited year-round. It's busiest in summer; during this time, plan to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Winter also sees large numbers of tourists, whereas spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Just south of Rosarito Beach, the Rosarito Underwater Park is a popular diving destination off the coast of Baja California. It features an artificial reef and the sunken remains ofUribe 121, a former Mexican navy ship, and offers excellent visibility, as well as a safe environment for recreational divers to explore an outstanding variety of fish and marine life.
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