28 JUNE 2017 Arc A d A News By Elaina Verhoff Dreaming of a vacation? What if you could escape to a pristine beach with warm water, world class resorts, unbelievable food and plenty of fun for the whole family? Rocky Point, Mexico, known by some as “Arizona’s beach,” is ready, waiting and only three and a half hours away. I visited recently on a press trip sponsored by the Rocky Point Convention and Visitors Bureau. The town has come a long way since my last visit there, camping on spring break many years ago. Here are a few insider tips to getting the most out of a trip to Rocky Point. GETTING THERE First, you need passports. If you’re like me, and discover at the last minute that you lost your passport or it’s expired, you will be happy to know that there is a passport office in Tucson. The office can produce a passport in a few days on site. If you are traveling right away, the office can even produce a passport the same day, if you show proof of travel plans. Arizonans can likely cross the border with birth certificates, but in the event of a medical emergency, you will not be able to be evacuated by air to the United States without a valid passport. You’ll also need to purchase car insurance, which I recommend doing in advance online from AAA. If you forget to do that, there are several stores along the way that sell the required insurance as well. CROSSING THE BORDER Sadly, the fear of crossing the border keeps many people away from an amazing experience. (My own mother included… until she saw the photos of my churros from a street vendor drizzled with caramel and cream. Now she is planning a trip. Go figure.) The main concern seems to be being stopped by police for minor traffic infractions and having to hand over cash. Personally, I was on high alert. I heeded the advice of frequent visitors and drove the speed limit the whole way. Yes, I was gripping the wheel like a maniac, scanning for speed limit signs and shouting “ALTO!” every time I saw one of those sneaky signs that are about half the height of U.S. stop signs. Thankfully, I was not stopped, even when I accidentally drove the wrong way down a one-way street. But just in case, I kept only $40 in cash in my wallet. Also, I was told that it is best to not stop for the many people along the road who have donation buckets or wash your windshield for donations. Just smile and suffer the guilt, but keep your windows rolled up for safety and keep driving. WHERE TO STAY I stayed at the Las Palomas Resort, in a huge two-room suite in the Topaz building. The balcony overlooking the ocean was huge, with two large bedrooms on each side, a spacious living area, kitchen and laundry room in the middle. The pools were amazing, including a lazy river and kids pool area. Adults can enjoy the swim-up bar in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. While in Mexico, I also toured the Mayan Palace and Grand Mayan Resort at Vidanta. If you’re looking for super luxury, a Jack Nicklaus golf course ranked among the 20 most interesting courses in the world and a kids club with activities like piñata- making, you should definitely check it out. Vidanta is about 40 minutes outside Rocky Point. WHERE TO EAT The food is truly delicioso . After arriving in Rocky Point, I headed straight to La Casa Del Capitan restaurant and secured an outdoor table overlooking the expansive ocean. I recommend the grilled garlic shrimp with rice and veggies. Rocky Point is known for its tasty blue shrimp and I ate plenty of it during my four-day stay. I also had unbelievable fish tacos and thick, crunchy chips and salsa for lunch at the restaurant at the Sonoran Sea Resort, which is just up the coast from Las Palomas. One of the highlights of the trip was sunset dinner on the beach at Hotel Peñasco del Sol. Did I mention the sunsets are incredible in Rocky Point? I used to think Arizona had the best sunsets. Now, I’m not so sure. Be sure to order the banderitas , or “little flags,” a trio of shots of tomato juice, tequila and lime juice, representing the colors of the Mexican flag. Also, try the strawberry, lime and mango margaritas. Yes, I had them all. THE BEACHES I couldn’t get over how clean the beaches were, and how warm the water was. Both professional and amateur oceanographers will love the interesting tide pools, sea life and sea shells – which you’re allowed to keep, unlike some California beaches. Unfortunately, the wind kept us from heading out to Bird Island for jet skiing and snorkeling, but this adventure is usually available to visitors. If you want to do some souvenir shopping, but aren’t near the shopping area in town, called the Malecon, you can find vendors walking by on the beach selling all types of items including jewelry, hats, straw bags and sunglasses. I bought a hammock chair. The vendors stroll by on the ocean side of a rope that runs along the palapa area, so beach- goers don’t feel pressured to buy. But you will definitely want to buy a mango, which will be peeled and sliced into a flower shape in front of you, before being doused with lime juice and sprinkled with chili powder. Take a photo and post it on Facebook. Tell your friends not to hate you, but instead, to get in their car and come join you on “Arizona’s beach.” Take the family on a summer escape to Rocky Point Left: Rocky Point offers Arizonans warm water, clean beaches and unparalleled sunsets. It’s also only three and a half hours away. Center and right: Rocky Point’s Las Palomas Resort offers large suites, balconies overlooking the ocean, spacious living areas, kitchens and laundry rooms. A swim-up bar in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean beckons visitors as well. 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