The Mexican beach resort town of Rosarito draws crowds of visitors every year with its mix of water-based activities and pumping nightlife.
(Photo: Roman Lopez / Courtesy Unsplash)
Perched on the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, the town is particularly popular with U.S. visitors due to its proximity to the border, with many making the modest trip to enjoy a fun-packed night on the tiles before heading home with sore heads and weary eyes the next day. But make no mistake, this is a truly international destination. If you’re planning to come to Rosarito and would like to make note of some of the best things to see and do, check out our list below.
Spend a day at the beach
With its exceptional water sports conditions, Rosarito has long been considered a surfer’s paradise. But even if you’re not aquatically inclined, then Rosarito Beach itself makes for a wonderful day out. Once reserved for Hollywood film sets, today this pristine shoreline is a thriving hub for locals and holiday-makers who come here to soak up the rays and splash around in the warm water, stopping only to snack on seriously good fish tacos available at the many eateries and beach shacks nearby.
Get a taste of the local wine scene
(Photo: Experiencias baja Tours & transportación / Courtesy Viator)
The Baja California wine region is widely acclaimed and wine-loving visitors to Rosarito are able to experience it for themselves. At the heart of the local wine scene is the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel, which as well as being a magnet for the Hollywood elite since the 1920s also offers wines from the Guadalupe Valley region, as well as a restaurant, a spa, an a pier where you can walk above the waves of the sea. Fifteen minutes south of Rosarito along the free highway Ensenada-Tijuana brings you to one of the most picturesque places around, the small fishing village of Popotla.
You can visit all of the above by booking onto a small-group wine tasting tour through Viator
Hit the nightlife spots
Packed with restaurants, bars, clubs and traditional Mexican ‘cantinas’, the Rosarito nightlife has gained legendary status down they years. Many of the nightspots are scattered along the beach, making for a great atmosphere as the daytime fun melts away and the nocturnal energy starts to flow. At the epicentre of the vibrant action is Pappas and Beer, said to be the largest bar anywhere in the region, which gets mobbed with college kids during Spring Break There are also several casinos in the area as well as street vendors selling authentic Mexican fast food and souvenirs.
See Rosarito from up high
Rosarito is pleasing on the eye from any vantage point, but few offer quite such dramatic vistas as up high in the sky. There are a number of paragliding opportunities available in and around the city that offer thrill-seekers the chance to experience the fantasy of flight while enjoying the spectacular views of the sea, mountains and city below. All instructors are professional and fully-certified and offer paragliding trips for complete beginners, including tandem rides for children.
You can book a Rosarito paragliding experience at GetYourGuide
(Photo: MexGeo Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Check out the local arts scene
Rosarito has a bustling art scene, at the heart of which is the Local Artisan Market, which is home to dozens of shops featuring local arts and crafts. Visitors can meander the narrow corridors to discover clothing, leather, Talavera pottery, blankets, jewellery, making it the ideal place to pick up souvenirs or gifts to take back home. There town also has several galleries, and one of the finest is Polo’s Gallery, which has been open for more than two decades and houses works from more than 15 Baja artists.
Embark on an ATV adventure
One of the most popular activities available for adventurous types in Rosarito are All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) rides. These action-packed excursions tend to take place in the picturesque mountains around the city, where you can enjoy an easy ride down while admiring the majestic views of the sea and beautiful natural landscapes with the wind in your (albeit securely helmeted) hair. All organised ATV tours in Rosarito include use of a vehicle and safety equipment as part of the price.
(Photo: Experiencias baja Tours & transportación /. Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Head to a picturesque park
Nestled on a hillside and dotted with scenic walking trails, Parque Metropolitano is a picturesque spot for taking in some great views of Rosarito and its surroundings. The park is particularly well equipped for families, with kids flocking to the playgrounds, while more adult pursuits you can spend time wandering the hiking trails. The park also has plenty of tables or spots to sprawl out on a picnic blanket. For the best vistas, head to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views in every direction over the entire town.