Playa Bonita Beach
Playa Bonita Beach
4.5
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
219 within 5 kms
Attractions
11 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
269 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
89
Average
30
Poor
6
Terrible
8
Manuel M
Puerto Penasco, Mexico511 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Playa Bonita o Bonita beach is Peñasco’s busiest beach with 5 miles of unobstructed sand ideal for long walks on the beach. If you decide to walk it and you get tired, you may enjoy a drink or a meal at any of the restaurants and bars the resorts have to offer. There’s also water sports activities along the beach to enjoy.
Written November 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Tucson, AZ203 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Lovely, clean, open, and large beach right in the middle of one of the centers of Rocky Point. Area of Sandy Beach closest to the 13th St corridor. Rarely crowded and safe area. Can walk for miles on flat, solid, cramped colored sand. Big favorite.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos P
4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Nice public beach with a little bit of everything. The beach has food, drink, and trinket vendors that come around. Got on the banana boat ride,, and also rented a jet ski. Both were fun, just the time on the jet ski so you don't get short changed. Suggest you arrive early. As the tide gets low, it reveals a very rocky bottom, that is sharp and hard to walk on without water shoes. This was really the only thing we didn't like.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken H
Edmonton, Canada136 contributions
Dec 2017
We kept on hearing about Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco. It is the closest real beach to Phoenix. It sounded like a fascinating place to relax by the ocean.
In talking some of our AZ friends who have driven there, they had to watch out for the stop signs (ALTO) as they could be on either side of the road and at a lower than normal range of vision. They also suggested bringing Mexican Pesos.
We lucked out as there was a cancellation on Sue Sinclair’s travel tour – New Year’s Eve in Puerto Penasco. Having Jerry, the driver from Aboard American, and Diane, the travel guide from Sue Sinclair made the trip very enjoyable.
We learned about the creosote bush in the Sonoran desert, saw the growth of plants along the washes, and saw the unique organ pipe cactus. Lukeville is the border town. It is just South of the Organ Pipe National Monument.
We found out that Rocky Point even had an Al Capone connection. He partnered one of the hotels and casinos with Thomas Childs. Eventually they destroyed this because of political unrest. Some creative Mexican businessman opened Capone’s Pizza and Beer (not on site)
The present Puerto Penasco even has a Sam’s Club (Walmart) and large grocery store (Bodega Aurrera) just before you enter the main part of town.
The next morning we went to “Rodeo Drive” or “Shacks Fifth Avenue” . It is about 4 blocks long. One can enjoy negotiating with owners over purses, clothing, “lemon pots”, souvenirs, pottery, metalwork, and silver jewelry in a quieter shopping environment than the market area. USD was the currency the vendors bartered in.
Our bus then went to the Malecon Market area in the Old Port. As we had quite a few metal work purchases (Lightweight), we returned with bus the the resort.
We decided to walk west alongside the beach at low tide. A couple of shells found their way into our pockets. We walked by the RV resort. Then we stopped at the next two condos: The Sonoran Sky and Puerta Privada. The Privada’s model suite suggested we need to win the lottery as the suite was finished with class. We imagined the hardship of waking up to waves crashing the beach
In our initial research the next “condo” Las Palomas Beach Resort was recommended by Trip Advisor but we did not walk that far. To return we thought we would walk on the pavement back to the resort. With no sidewalks, it was a delight as every third vehicle seemed to be an ATV roaring past us. The distance was three times longer than if we had returned by beach.
For the last day in 2017 we cabbed it to Malecon Market. (We were told to always barter your price before going - around $2USD each was the going rate). We got off in front of Mary’s.
The Viagra at $2.99 a tablet at the Farmcia may have been a good price we were interested in the ambience of the Old Port. We strolled through the shops but nothing really attracted us along Circumvalacion y o Malecon Kino.
We stopped at a square where there was a bust of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murietta and a Penasco sign. We then walked down the stairs to see the statue of “El Camaronero”, the fisherman riding a shrimp.
We stopped to enjoy a peaceful time on the bench overlooking the Sea of Cortez. We listened to music coming from the Satisfied Frog restaurant, watched the seagulls and pelicans fly by, and observed the different types of boats on the ocean. We had heard of people getting a glimpse of dolphins swimming
Puerto Penasco is a fishing village. Therefore we decided to have seafood for lunch and we wanted to enjoy the ambience of being Oceanside. Tekila Bar and Restaurant had great food and a great view from the second floor. We had garlic shrimp and clams.
A fascinating feature of our package is that part of your luggage was to include a cooler. We stopped off at the fish market to load up with shrimp and fish. One is allowed 50 pounds of shrimp to bring cross the border.
The vendor recommended to us was Mr. Shrimp run by the Gomez family. We bought 5 pounds of shrimp at $8 USD a pound ($19 at Costco) and some flounder. The next day we savored a fresh shrimp meal.
Our guide did not know if the UETA duty free shop in Lukeville was open on January 1. So we purchased a 1 litre bottle of Kahlua at Bodega Aurrera on the outskirts of Rocky Point. One of the advantages of being on a bus tour was that we were not pestered by the gauntlet of vendors selling their wares upon exiting the border at Lukeville.
In talking some of our AZ friends who have driven there, they had to watch out for the stop signs (ALTO) as they could be on either side of the road and at a lower than normal range of vision. They also suggested bringing Mexican Pesos.
We lucked out as there was a cancellation on Sue Sinclair’s travel tour – New Year’s Eve in Puerto Penasco. Having Jerry, the driver from Aboard American, and Diane, the travel guide from Sue Sinclair made the trip very enjoyable.
We learned about the creosote bush in the Sonoran desert, saw the growth of plants along the washes, and saw the unique organ pipe cactus. Lukeville is the border town. It is just South of the Organ Pipe National Monument.
We found out that Rocky Point even had an Al Capone connection. He partnered one of the hotels and casinos with Thomas Childs. Eventually they destroyed this because of political unrest. Some creative Mexican businessman opened Capone’s Pizza and Beer (not on site)
The present Puerto Penasco even has a Sam’s Club (Walmart) and large grocery store (Bodega Aurrera) just before you enter the main part of town.
The next morning we went to “Rodeo Drive” or “Shacks Fifth Avenue” . It is about 4 blocks long. One can enjoy negotiating with owners over purses, clothing, “lemon pots”, souvenirs, pottery, metalwork, and silver jewelry in a quieter shopping environment than the market area. USD was the currency the vendors bartered in.
Our bus then went to the Malecon Market area in the Old Port. As we had quite a few metal work purchases (Lightweight), we returned with bus the the resort.
We decided to walk west alongside the beach at low tide. A couple of shells found their way into our pockets. We walked by the RV resort. Then we stopped at the next two condos: The Sonoran Sky and Puerta Privada. The Privada’s model suite suggested we need to win the lottery as the suite was finished with class. We imagined the hardship of waking up to waves crashing the beach
In our initial research the next “condo” Las Palomas Beach Resort was recommended by Trip Advisor but we did not walk that far. To return we thought we would walk on the pavement back to the resort. With no sidewalks, it was a delight as every third vehicle seemed to be an ATV roaring past us. The distance was three times longer than if we had returned by beach.
For the last day in 2017 we cabbed it to Malecon Market. (We were told to always barter your price before going - around $2USD each was the going rate). We got off in front of Mary’s.
The Viagra at $2.99 a tablet at the Farmcia may have been a good price we were interested in the ambience of the Old Port. We strolled through the shops but nothing really attracted us along Circumvalacion y o Malecon Kino.
We stopped at a square where there was a bust of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murietta and a Penasco sign. We then walked down the stairs to see the statue of “El Camaronero”, the fisherman riding a shrimp.
We stopped to enjoy a peaceful time on the bench overlooking the Sea of Cortez. We listened to music coming from the Satisfied Frog restaurant, watched the seagulls and pelicans fly by, and observed the different types of boats on the ocean. We had heard of people getting a glimpse of dolphins swimming
Puerto Penasco is a fishing village. Therefore we decided to have seafood for lunch and we wanted to enjoy the ambience of being Oceanside. Tekila Bar and Restaurant had great food and a great view from the second floor. We had garlic shrimp and clams.
A fascinating feature of our package is that part of your luggage was to include a cooler. We stopped off at the fish market to load up with shrimp and fish. One is allowed 50 pounds of shrimp to bring cross the border.
The vendor recommended to us was Mr. Shrimp run by the Gomez family. We bought 5 pounds of shrimp at $8 USD a pound ($19 at Costco) and some flounder. The next day we savored a fresh shrimp meal.
Our guide did not know if the UETA duty free shop in Lukeville was open on January 1. So we purchased a 1 litre bottle of Kahlua at Bodega Aurrera on the outskirts of Rocky Point. One of the advantages of being on a bus tour was that we were not pestered by the gauntlet of vendors selling their wares upon exiting the border at Lukeville.
Written January 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maochi88
Japan432 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
nice beach but watch out for dehydration I got sick from heat stroke :P
the restaurants nearby may not be cheap as you expect in Mexico cuz this area is very much Americanized...
the restaurants nearby may not be cheap as you expect in Mexico cuz this area is very much Americanized...
Written April 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dela
phoenix173 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We arrived at the beach mid-morning and rented a covered tent with table and 4 chairs for $15. We did not want to be in the hot sun all day. The vendor placed us about 20 feet from the water, which I said was too far. He explained that as the tide came in, we would be closer to the water. Yes, when we left later in the day, our toes were in the water! We had a wonderful day going in and out of the water and watching all the beach activities. Lots of vendors were selling wares but they were not pushy. What a great stretch of beach to stroll and just enjoy the view and the water.
Written July 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LEPPCAT
Deming, NM14 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
The beach itself is very clean and very well maintained. Great for an evening campfire or setting off chinese lanterns in the night sky. every once in a while you can see a pod of dolphins on their hunt out in the distance and a great view of the old port from there.
Written March 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel A
34 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
For 300 pesos you can rent a table, chairs, and shade for the day. Lots if vendors. There are always vendors willing to sell you food and drink. Beach is well maintained and safe. Reccomend for a day trip.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trimess
Brookfield, CT187 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Note that Playa Bonita is on the resort sides, so there is no free way to get there (only resorts). But you can easily access it by parking on calle 18 and going to the adjacent Playa Hermosa.
The tide here is massive and there is probably 200 yards more beach when the tide goes out, exposing lots of great shells, crabs, tide pools and rocks.
Even in the winter it was still a nice place (even if during our trip it was unusually cold (60 degrees).
The tide here is massive and there is probably 200 yards more beach when the tide goes out, exposing lots of great shells, crabs, tide pools and rocks.
Even in the winter it was still a nice place (even if during our trip it was unusually cold (60 degrees).
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milan L
Villach, Austria336 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
First and most important: Be AWARE of STINGRAYS! Unfortunately, I got stung, it was very painful and had to go to Red Cross ambulance to remove it and get some shots!
The beach itself is quite nice but can be dirty and overcrowded, especially its eastern part, where the locals come. There are a lot of pieces of broken glass in the sand, so take care not to cut yourself!
However, there is more fun because they play music, dance and you can purchase various things and refreshments (including fresh fruit specialties).
Also, it is amazing to see how much sea level changes between low and hide tide!
The beach itself is quite nice but can be dirty and overcrowded, especially its eastern part, where the locals come. There are a lot of pieces of broken glass in the sand, so take care not to cut yourself!
However, there is more fun because they play music, dance and you can purchase various things and refreshments (including fresh fruit specialties).
Also, it is amazing to see how much sea level changes between low and hide tide!
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cuando estará abierto el mar tengo una reservación para la semana que entra
Written July 11, 2020
When will the beach reopen after coronavirus??
Written May 14, 2020
They opened 8/1/2020. I am here. Military controls entrance and ppl are placed in sections to comply with social distancing. Beach is open 8am-7pm. If you stay at a resort on the beach you can go anytime. Military is very polite and helpful and speak English.
Written August 5, 2020
I live in Phoenix area and trying to visit this beach soon. When come back to US, is there always heavy traffic at the border?
Written July 18, 2019
Sunday's are usually very busy. Holidays and long weekends plan on a slow crossing. Spring break... The month of March... Everything is jammed up, everything!
Written July 20, 2019
yes. Just bring beer and sun screen. It gets kind of windy down there in the fall.
Written November 19, 2019
Not all the time. I think now that it is winter time he might be there from Sunday to Friday nights. He usually shows up after happy hour.
Written November 19, 2019
Jennifer V
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Can we rent atvs or four wheelers here? And if yes, where?
Written July 31, 2018
Also on the beach in some places. It was about $45/half hour the last time I rented. Just outsdie the main entrance of this hotel complex, turn right and go down the street away and you can rent horses, ATV, quads etc,
Written November 19, 2019
fredddyyy16
Tijuana, Mexico
q tal aaron , me gustaria saber como llegar a playa bonita y si ocupo reservacion , es privada o publica??? algun numero para reservar??
Written June 14, 2018
no idea. what you are talking about. no 2 for ones that I know of. just reduced prices for booze from 4 - 6 PM happy hour time.
Written November 19, 2019
Is this a public access beach or reserved for people in condo's? If open access - how do you get there and where do you park?
Written September 14, 2017
Yes, it has public access, and there are several areas where you can park and walk down to the beach. Sorry, I don't know the name of the street that runs along the beach. I think most of the parking areas are free, but I'm not sure. We stayed at the Laos Mar hotel, and the beach access was right across from the hotel front lobby.
Written September 15, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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