Oh how I hate that song this time of year :) It snowed again this morning and I am about to loose my mind.My wife and I have visited a number of different destinations in Mexico but never in our RV. We have been kicking around the idea and got to wondering if there is any place within 1-2 days drive of the AZ or CA border that we could spend a week or two on the beach?What we are after is a spot to pitch camp and enjoy a warm sunny beach and a week or two of relaxation. Is that realistic this time of year? I have never driven any further South than Ensenada and have no clue as to how far South we can realistically travel in 1-2 days. Especially pulling our 5th wheel.Our tastes run on the simple side. We do not need the Ritz just the most basic amenities.Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.ThanksSteve

Along the west coast of Baja is tough due to a recent road collapse. I haven't heard how soon it will be repaired. You should be able to get to Rosarito Beach area for camping.Near the AZ border a lot of RVers go to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco). There was a recent drug cartel/military police shootout at a condo resort in town.Just south of San Diego on this side of the border is Silver Strand Beach or Chula Vista RV Resort (right next to San Diego Bay). So far this year the weather has been nice. High 60s to 70s.

My wife and I spent three weeks in Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point in November of 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We pulled a 26' travel trailer down from Phoenix through Gila Bend and Ajo, AZ and went back up through Yuma the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you're in California cross at San Luis south of Yuma and take the highway south toward El Golfo then continue southeast on the coastal highway to Puerto Penasco. We found the roads to be in good condition and enjoyed the drive. We stayed at Playa Bonita RV park http://www.rockypointreview.com/ad11324.html and would recommend it. We later checked out other parks but found Playa Bonita right on the beach the best for us. Some websites to check out: http://wikitravel.org/en/Puerto_Pe%C3%B1asco and http://www.rvgoddess.com/TRAVEL/MEXICO.aspx

the bear II wrote:Along the west coast of Baja is tough due to a recent road collapse. I haven't heard how soon it will be repaired. You should be able to get to Rosarito Beach area for camping.Near the AZ border a lot of RVers go to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco). There was a recent drug cartel/military police shootout at a condo resort in town.Just south of San Diego on this side of the border is Silver Strand Beach or Chula Vista RV Resort (right next to San Diego Bay). So far this year the weather has been nice. High 60s to 70s.Thanks for the reply Bear.We have been to Rosarito many times. That used to be one of our fav's. Always stayed in a resort though.Any destinations reachable in 1-2 days from the border that may be a bit warmer? I am clueless as to what realistic travel distances are pulling a 5th wheel in Mexico. Are Guaymas or San Carlos reachable from the border in a day?Thanks

GeneB wrote:My wife and I spent three weeks in Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point in November of 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We pulled a 26' travel trailer down from Phoenix through Gila Bend and Ajo, AZ and went back up through Yuma the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you're in California cross at San Luis south of Yuma and take the highway south toward El Golfo then continue southeast on the coastal highway to Puerto Penasco. We found the roads to be in good condition and enjoyed the drive. We stayed at Playa Bonita RV park http://www.rockypointreview.com/ad11324.html and would recommend it. We later checked out other parks but found Playa Bonita right on the beach the best for us. Some websites to check out: http://wikitravel.org/en/Puerto_Pe%C3%B1asco and http://www.rvgoddess.com/TRAVEL/MEXICO.aspxHey Gene,Thanks for the info. I have some reservation regarding the recent events at Rocky Point. Is it safer now after the Government showoff force or was that more of an indicator that safety in RP is declining?I feel as safe visiting places like Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen as I do visiting Seattle or San Diego. However, areas close to the US border do cause me a bit more concern. And again, is it likely to be "beach weather" that far North this time of year?What do you all think?Thanks again.Steve

San Carlos Guaymas are about 6 hours south of the border at Nogales. Yes reachable in a day. Penasco is where I live it is 1 hour south of the border at Lukeville. It is calm and it never snows here. Lots of open air and space. I have lived here for the last 8 years and still love it totallyCome down for a visit.

Some Beach Somewhere..... Destination recommendations?

Wm_Elliot
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I look at the webcams in Mexico frequently. Mazatlan has had a lot of great weather - much of Mexico may be cloudy but Mazatlan often has blue sky and sun.
http://www.webcamsdemexico.com/webcam-mazatlan.html
Talleyho69
Moderator
Jan 12, 2014
Mazatlan has a lot going for it. It's toll road all the way down, so it's easy driving. Mar Rosa is lovely, and right on the beach. The city is fun, too. There is a great tourist area, plus the regular "Mexican City" part. We seem to spend about a week in each direction there. Not too many years ago, we spent two entire winters there. It's warm enough, and the ocean is not too cold, either.
For a first trip in Mexico, however, I don't recommend making the run in just 2 days. It's about 500 miles from San Carlos to Mar Rosa. Take enough time to learn how to buy gas, pay tolls, get to the parks, and not be stressed. 3 days, or even 4 would make it really really easy.
pa_buckeye
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I am at the Mar Rosa trailer park in Mazatlan and the weather is great. You can get here in 2 days and the park is right on the beach.Go to San Carlos the first day and you can be here the next day.
Tequila
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
Talleyho69 wrote:
Right across the street from the beach at Totonaka. http://www.totonakarv.com/home.html
We only stop there for a night traveling in each direction, but it's a nice introduction to RVing in Mexico. Secure, close to the water, and warmer than San Felipe. A run down the toll road from either Lukeville or Nogales.

I am in totonaka right now, the park is almost full, but there is also a caravan here
kca87
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
is any place within 1-2 days drive of the AZ or CA border that we could spend a week or two on the beach?

I believe you can cross the CA border south to the Baja at Tecate. That is Mex 3 that hooks up with Mex 1 south of the road closure.

We usually can easily get to San Quintin by the first afternoon. Next day, we can make it all the way to Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortes side. Our favorite place right on the water is Daggett's Beach. No hookups - but warm sun, sandy beaches, and nice people.
Talleyho69
Moderator
Jan 09, 2014
Get your vehicle permits on line, now. It's just easier, same price, and saves a step. That first day or two driving in Mexico for the first time can be overwhelming! Info is all here on this site.
PNW_Steve
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Weather forecast for San Carlos is showing highs 77-80F over the next 5 days....

Working on the logistics to get a trip together. I think I will be driving to Tucson or Phoenix and having my Wife fly down and meet me there to continue to San Carlos.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Mulege Baja California Sur This morning
robatthelake
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Another vote for Totonaka at San Carlos. It is an easy , Days drive from Nogales!
PNW_Steve
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
moisheh wrote:
Baby it's cold outside

It did get warm enough for the snow to melt today.....Temp is dropping now as the sun has already gone down....