Rocky Point, Bahía de Kino or San Carlos? Which beach is the one to go to?

One of the words most strongly associated with summer is the beach since the smell of the sea, the rhythm of the tides, and the soft sun-colored sand reflect the freedom, fun, and good vibes of the season. For residents of the neighboring states of Sonora and Arizona, the most common options for traveling to the gateway between land and sea are found in the towns of Puerto Peñasco, Bahía de Kino, and San Carlos in Sonora. However, which is the best option to visit this summer?

Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point (as it is known in the United States), is the destination of the majority of Arizonans who visit the neighboring state. The main advantage of visiting this destination is its proximity to Arizona, taking about 3 hours of travel compared to the approximately 6 hours required to travel to Bahía de Kino or Guaymas. Puerto Peñasco has a more active nightlife than its counterparts, but its prices in almost all areas are considerably higher.

Bahía de Kino is the most popular destination among the residents of Hermosillo thanks to its proximity to the capital. For Arizona travelers, this is a journey twice as long that possibly requires taking more vacation days. Nevertheless, Kino rewards its visitors with pleasant sand and waters. Accommodation and food prices are lower than those in San Carlos, and the atmosphere is generally more peaceful here.

San Carlos is considered by many as the best beach in the state thanks to its panoramic views and lower costs compared to Puerto Peñasco. Although the route to Guaymas has become shorter thanks to a bypass that goes around Hermosillo instead of going through it, it is still the longest distance among the three beaches. Just like in Puerto Peñasco, there are many activities besides the beach, such as horseback riding, ATV rides, and boat trips. San Carlos is also a popular destination for scuba diving.