With kids
Rocky Point with the family.
Short drive from Arizona, gentle beaches, plenty of stuff that surprises kids — Rocky Point is one of the easiest international family trips you can make.
Tide pools at Cholla Bay
At low tide the sea retreats hundreds of yards and leaves pools full of starfish, hermit crabs, urchins and tiny fish. Bring water shoes — the rocks are sharp.
Pirate ship cruise
The kid-favorite. A full-sized pirate ship leaves Sandy Beach most afternoons with treasure hunts, sword fights, and a sunset return.
CEDO tide-pool tour
The local marine research center runs guided walks for families — kids learn the names of every weird creature they pick up.
Sandy Beach
Wide, gently sloping sand. Easy to keep eyes on small kids and lots of nearby restaurants and bathrooms.
JJ's Cantina at Cholla Bay
Casual, sandy, dollar-bill-covered walls, and a menu kids actually eat. Sunsets here are legendary.
Mini-golf & arcades
A handful of family entertainment centers around town for the inevitable rainy or too-hot afternoon.
Where to stay with kids
Sandy Beach resorts (Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Sun, Las Palomas) have big pools, lazy rivers, and direct beach access — easiest with young kids. Las Conchas vacation rentals are better for bigger families who want a kitchen and a quieter beach.
A few safety notes
Tides change fast — never leave kids unattended on the sand at Cholla Bay. Stinging jellyfish appear in late summer. And bring more sunscreen than you think you need; the desert sun is no joke.