Jim’s Rosarito Guidebook
Sightseeing
Like many other destinations in Mexico, Rosarito offers gorgeous beaches and a laid-back beach attitude that can cure any and all stresses. While Playas de Rosarito was initially a deserted sandy beach used to film Hollywood movies, the city and its beaches are finally developing a reputation as a premier beach destination in Mexico. Here, travelers, retirees and Mexican locals can enjoy gorgeous ocean-views and sea breezes all day long. Unlike many other beaches in Mexico, Rosarito is less about the party and more about the relaxed vibes and the sunshine. So pack a book, some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses and lay out by the ocean all day long.
65 locals recommend
Rosarito
Like many other destinations in Mexico, Rosarito offers gorgeous beaches and a laid-back beach attitude that can cure any and all stresses. While Playas de Rosarito was initially a deserted sandy beach used to film Hollywood movies, the city and its beaches are finally developing a reputation as a premier beach destination in Mexico. Here, travelers, retirees and Mexican locals can enjoy gorgeous ocean-views and sea breezes all day long. Unlike many other beaches in Mexico, Rosarito is less about the party and more about the relaxed vibes and the sunshine. So pack a book, some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses and lay out by the ocean all day long.
Hiking fanatics can enjoy Rosarito, too! Mountain enthusiasts can enjoy the view from the highest point in Rosarito, Cerro El Coronel, a mountain peak that overlooks the ocean, as well as the cities of Tijuana and San Diego. If you’re prepared for a 5-hour long trek, the views from the top make it worth the journey.
20 locals recommend
Cerro El Coronel
San JeronimoHiking fanatics can enjoy Rosarito, too! Mountain enthusiasts can enjoy the view from the highest point in Rosarito, Cerro El Coronel, a mountain peak that overlooks the ocean, as well as the cities of Tijuana and San Diego. If you’re prepared for a 5-hour long trek, the views from the top make it worth the journey.
Standing 75 feet (23 meters) tall with his arms open, overlooking the clear blue beaches of the Pacific, is Christ of the Sacred Heart, a large statue of Jesus Christ, and a Rosarito landmark. This immense sculpture can be seen from miles away, but to get the best view of it by driving, exit the toll road at Rosarito, continue south on the free road toward Ensenada, and head inland near the town of El Morro at kilometer 44.
10 locals recommend
Christ of the Sacred Heart
Standing 75 feet (23 meters) tall with his arms open, overlooking the clear blue beaches of the Pacific, is Christ of the Sacred Heart, a large statue of Jesus Christ, and a Rosarito landmark. This immense sculpture can be seen from miles away, but to get the best view of it by driving, exit the toll road at Rosarito, continue south on the free road toward Ensenada, and head inland near the town of El Morro at kilometer 44.
A group of four islands located off the Northwest coast of the Mexican State of Baja California, Islas Coronado or the Coronado Islands are an ideal trip from Rosarito. Due to being largely uninhabited, these islands are the perfect place to go for a calm and relaxing day without the tourists of the mainland. Along with being a serene place to go for surf and sun, the islands are also a wildlife refuge, and are home to numerous species of amphibians, whales, birds and more! Best way to get to the islands? Take a ferry from a local tour company.
7 locals recommend
Coronado Islands
A group of four islands located off the Northwest coast of the Mexican State of Baja California, Islas Coronado or the Coronado Islands are an ideal trip from Rosarito. Due to being largely uninhabited, these islands are the perfect place to go for a calm and relaxing day without the tourists of the mainland. Along with being a serene place to go for surf and sun, the islands are also a wildlife refuge, and are home to numerous species of amphibians, whales, birds and more! Best way to get to the islands? Take a ferry from a local tour company.
There are several art galleries in Rosarito. A must see for Rosarito’s art fans is Polo’s Gallery. Its been open for an impressive 25 years and is home to 15 artists’ original work from Baja. There are also pieces by international artists.
Polo's Gallery
There are several art galleries in Rosarito. A must see for Rosarito’s art fans is Polo’s Gallery. Its been open for an impressive 25 years and is home to 15 artists’ original work from Baja. There are also pieces by international artists.
If you’re with the kids or enjoy a bit of adventure yourself, then I’d suggest heading to Pikin for a ride on the zip lines and a rope course with a vertical drop.
13 locals recommend
Pikin Parque de Altura
Carretera Federal 1If you’re with the kids or enjoy a bit of adventure yourself, then I’d suggest heading to Pikin for a ride on the zip lines and a rope course with a vertical drop.
Playas de Rosarito has been the production site for several feature films including James Cameron’s Titanic. In fact, the makers of Titanic built a set for the epic blockbuster that is now called Baja Studios and sits on 46 acres with more than 3,000 feet overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It’s been the production site for several feature films since Titanic, including Tomorrow Never Dies, Pearl Harbor, Weight of Water and Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World. Rosarito has also been a prominent location for season 2 of AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead.
12 locals recommend
BAJA STUDIOS
Playas de Rosarito has been the production site for several feature films including James Cameron’s Titanic. In fact, the makers of Titanic built a set for the epic blockbuster that is now called Baja Studios and sits on 46 acres with more than 3,000 feet overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It’s been the production site for several feature films since Titanic, including Tomorrow Never Dies, Pearl Harbor, Weight of Water and Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World. Rosarito has also been a prominent location for season 2 of AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead.
Food scene
Although a humble taco stand, Tacos El Yaqui is Rosarito’s secret Mexican-food gem. The small taco-shack has earned quite the reputation with tourists and locals alike, and it’s no wonder why. With their hand-made corn tortillas, juicy meats and fresh veggies and salsas – all of Rosarito knows that this is the place to go for a quick and delicious bite.
The owner, Felipe Nunoz who goes by the nickname Yaqui, (he is Yaqui Indian from Zacatecas in Northern Mexico) and knows how to make a mean carne asada taco (also known as Tacos Perrones). He started with a food cart in 1984 that eventually became so busy, he opened up a restaurant. It’s now one of the most famous tacos joints in Baja.
122 locals recommend
Tacos El Yaqui
12 Mar del Nte. #115Although a humble taco stand, Tacos El Yaqui is Rosarito’s secret Mexican-food gem. The small taco-shack has earned quite the reputation with tourists and locals alike, and it’s no wonder why. With their hand-made corn tortillas, juicy meats and fresh veggies and salsas – all of Rosarito knows that this is the place to go for a quick and delicious bite.
The owner, Felipe Nunoz who goes by the nickname Yaqui, (he is Yaqui Indian from Zacatecas in Northern Mexico) and knows how to make a mean carne asada taco (also known as Tacos Perrones). He started with a food cart in 1984 that eventually became so busy, he opened up a restaurant. It’s now one of the most famous tacos joints in Baja.
El Nido originally opened in 1971 as a bar but today it feels like a cross between a restaurant, jungle and vintage shop. As you eat, you’re surrounded by plants, vines, waterfalls, fountains, art, and artifacts. To top things off, you can watch fresh tortillas being made, just to make your mouth water a little bit more.
The steaks at El Nido are the main draw. The carne asada is justly famous, with the bacon-wrapped filet mignon perhaps a step behind. If you do happen to arrive for breakfast, their machaca and quail egg dish is my top choice.
131 locals recommend
El Nido
67 Boulevard B. JuárezEl Nido originally opened in 1971 as a bar but today it feels like a cross between a restaurant, jungle and vintage shop. As you eat, you’re surrounded by plants, vines, waterfalls, fountains, art, and artifacts. To top things off, you can watch fresh tortillas being made, just to make your mouth water a little bit more.
The steaks at El Nido are the main draw. The carne asada is justly famous, with the bacon-wrapped filet mignon perhaps a step behind. If you do happen to arrive for breakfast, their machaca and quail egg dish is my top choice.
Another favorite spot, is Ollie's where you can find Rosarito’s best pizza. Their dessert menu takes the cake with a Nutella pizza!
76 locals recommend
Ollie's Brick Oven Pizza
Another favorite spot, is Ollie's where you can find Rosarito’s best pizza. Their dessert menu takes the cake with a Nutella pizza!
The entrance to Pueblo Plaza is made of rock waterfalls and inside the plaza is a spa, coffee shop and Susanna’s Restaurant. The restaurant is named after the owner, Susanne Stehr. She is an expat from the Los Angeles area who has owned the restaurant for 11 years.
The restaurant has an open kitchen and several options for seating including an outdoor patio, a main dining room and cozy room where you can watch the chefs in action. The main dining room is upscale with a homey feel. The table are set beautifully and is the room is decorated with the handmade furniture Rosarito is famous for.
The food is California cuisine and all made from scratch. You can choose to sit on the patio and soak in some rays, or eat in the main dining room and be entertained by the chefs cooking in the open kitchen. This is a restaurant worth taking a journey for!
41 locals recommend
Susanna's
4356 Boulevard B. JuárezThe entrance to Pueblo Plaza is made of rock waterfalls and inside the plaza is a spa, coffee shop and Susanna’s Restaurant. The restaurant is named after the owner, Susanne Stehr. She is an expat from the Los Angeles area who has owned the restaurant for 11 years.
The restaurant has an open kitchen and several options for seating including an outdoor patio, a main dining room and cozy room where you can watch the chefs in action. The main dining room is upscale with a homey feel. The table are set beautifully and is the room is decorated with the handmade furniture Rosarito is famous for.
The food is California cuisine and all made from scratch. You can choose to sit on the patio and soak in some rays, or eat in the main dining room and be entertained by the chefs cooking in the open kitchen. This is a restaurant worth taking a journey for!
For dinner, there are lots of choices including Susanna’s and El Nido, but if you are in the mood for a deep sea treat, you must head a few miles south to Puerto Nuevo. This little village is famous for its traditional lobster dinner. There are around 30 restaurants in the village, but my favorite is La Casa del Pescador.
They have been family owned since 1970, their food delicious and have wonderful waiters. They also have an outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean — especially at sunset. Lobsters are served with handmade tortillas, beans, rice, and melted butter as well as chips and salsa.
11 locals recommend
La Casa Del Pescador
5 P.º del MarFor dinner, there are lots of choices including Susanna’s and El Nido, but if you are in the mood for a deep sea treat, you must head a few miles south to Puerto Nuevo. This little village is famous for its traditional lobster dinner. There are around 30 restaurants in the village, but my favorite is La Casa del Pescador.
They have been family owned since 1970, their food delicious and have wonderful waiters. They also have an outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean — especially at sunset. Lobsters are served with handmade tortillas, beans, rice, and melted butter as well as chips and salsa.
Order a margarita and you have a perfect meal! You can find a margarita at any restaurant in Rosarito, but the most infamous place to enjoy this famous cocktail is the bar at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
59 locals recommend
Rosarito Beach Hotel
CoronadoOrder a margarita and you have a perfect meal! You can find a margarita at any restaurant in Rosarito, but the most infamous place to enjoy this famous cocktail is the bar at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
If you want more of a party scene head to Papas and Beer, which is as big a full city block and is said to be the largest beach nightclub on the west coast.
319 locals recommend
Papas & Beer
400 CoronadoIf you want more of a party scene head to Papas and Beer, which is as big a full city block and is said to be the largest beach nightclub on the west coast.
If you are in the mood for candy or simply looking for an interesting store to explore head to Dulceria Ayala. This store sells all kinds of Mexican candy as well as spices, dried fruit, pure vanilla, honey, piñatas, and lots more!
Dulcería Ayala
97 Carr. TranspeninsularIf you are in the mood for candy or simply looking for an interesting store to explore head to Dulceria Ayala. This store sells all kinds of Mexican candy as well as spices, dried fruit, pure vanilla, honey, piñatas, and lots more!
For the tequila connoisseurs, a visit to Mercado del Mar will tickle your tongue. To find it, you must first navigate through a small market. Once inside, you’ll find another very large room with a massive selection of Baja California wines, different liquors, and 350 types of tequila.
In total there are over 1,000 different types of liquor in the store. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase when packing!
13 locals recommend
Mercado Del Mar
3135 Blvd. PopotlaFor the tequila connoisseurs, a visit to Mercado del Mar will tickle your tongue. To find it, you must first navigate through a small market. Once inside, you’ll find another very large room with a massive selection of Baja California wines, different liquors, and 350 types of tequila.
In total there are over 1,000 different types of liquor in the store. Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase when packing!
Neighborhoods
This main shopping and dining street in Rosarito has plenty to offer those visiting, looking for souvenirs, a bite to eat, or simply to people watch. From thrift shops and flea markets to surf stores and taco stands, exploring this pedestrian-friendly shopping area is a great way to pass the day while in Rosarito.
Benito Juárez
This main shopping and dining street in Rosarito has plenty to offer those visiting, looking for souvenirs, a bite to eat, or simply to people watch. From thrift shops and flea markets to surf stores and taco stands, exploring this pedestrian-friendly shopping area is a great way to pass the day while in Rosarito.
Traveler advice
Getting around
US dollars and credit cards are accepted in Rosarito.
There are, as with any destination, some things to note about traveling to Rosarito, Mexico. US dollars are accepted everywhere in Rosarito so you won’t need to purchase Pesos, unless you will be taking the local bus. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Customs and culture
Tap water is not safe to drink.
Tap water is not safe to drink, however, most restaurants serve bottled water, with the choice of aqua mineral or aqua natural (flat).
Customs and culture
It is safe to walk around during the day.
It is safe to walk around during the day. As with any new place, make sure you’re alert and aware of your surroundings. There is no standard height for curbs and the sidewalks are full of cracks, so keep your eyes scanning around and below you.
Getting around
It’s recommended to drive or take an Uber or taxi.
At night, it’s recommended to drive or take an Uber or taxi, which are safe and reasonably priced. You can ask for a restaurant or hotel to call a cab for you. If you choose to drive, street signs are well-lit, and you won’t have heavy traffic to contend with.
Getting around
US. Mexican car insurance can be purchased.
Another thing to consider if you’re driving is car insurance. Most American insurance policies don’t cover areas outside of the US. Mexican car insurance can be purchased by the day from AAA online or through vendors a few miles north of the border, off Interstate 5.
Getting around
Make sure to have your passport.
Make sure to have your passport, regardless of the length of your trip. You can cross into Mexico at the San Ysidro border in Tijuana. With the proper documentation, it is a simple process to leave the States, however, returning can be tiresome. Best time to cross the border is before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on the weekends.