Travel south along the Baja California coast to Rosarito, and you’ll find the hedonistic fun of Tijuana—with the bonus of better beaches, as exemplified by the spacious Playa del Rosarito. In fact, things to do in this laid-back town start right at the beach, whether it’s surfing at the famed K-38 reef break or riding horses and all-terrain vehicles along the seashore. If you tire of the beach scene, you can hit up the nightlife and art galleries or take wine-tasting road trips along the Wine Route (Ruta del Vino).
Like much of Baja California, Rosarito has warm weather year-round. Summer from June to October is the warmest and the best period for hitting the beach—but remember that this is when everybody has the same idea. Rosarito is spirited much of the year, but American spring break periods can be rowdy. Winter (November to March) is mild and suitable for sightseeing. Rosarito hosts the reggaeton- and Latin-music-filled Baja Beach Fest in August.
Rosarito lies about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Tijuana and about 50 miles (85 kilometers) north of Ensenada. You can make the drive from Tijuana in about 30 minutes. While ABC buses connect most of Baja, you’re better off taking rideshares or shared taxis (called colectivos or taxis de ruta) from Tijuana. The town itself is relatively small but not especially walkable—taxis and rideshares are better for getting around.
The Rosarito area is the birthplace of the Puerto Nuevo-style lobster, a deep-fried specialty served with rice, refried beans, and tortillas. The best place to try the seafood dish is in Puerto Nuevo itself, a coastal village 20 minutes down the coast—if you can make it there, you will find excellent Puerto Nuevo-style lobster at Sandra’s Restaurant, a long-standing favorite.
