Puerto Peñasco
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The closest beach to Phoenix and Tucson, Puerto Peñasco has for years been a favorite escape for Arizonans, who call it “Rocky Point.” Up until the early nineties, tourism to Puerto Peñasco consisted primarily of students and budget travelers who would make the drive along the undeveloped roads and blanket the miles of coastline with their tents and campers. The lack of infrastructure led to several injuries and accidents along the unpaved roads leading into and around town. In addition, a corrupt police force, that to this day continues to extort money from unknowing visitors, patrolled the city.

Most recently, the New York Times declared Puerto Peñasco the next San Diego. Beachfront properties are being built at a rapid pace in attempt to keep up with demand, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course opened in January 2004. This unprecedented growth, fueled by U.S. investors who are developing businesses and real estate opportunities, has driven up prices and set the stage for higher-end tourism, a better transportation system, and improved health services.