Plan your trip
Everything first-time visitors ask about, in plain language — border, insurance, currency, safety, and what to throw in the bag.
Most visitors cross at Lukeville, Arizona / Sonoyta, Sonora. The crossing is open daily but hours can change — check current hours before you leave. Going down is usually quick; coming back into the U.S. on a Sunday afternoon can take 1–2 hours. Bring a U.S. passport or passport card.
Your U.S. or Canadian auto policy is NOT valid in Mexico. You need Mexican liability insurance at minimum, and most people add full coverage for the trip. Easy to buy online by the day before you leave.
Rocky Point sits inside the "Sonora Free Zone" — you do not need to stop for an FMM tourist card for trips up to 7 days within this zone. Longer trips or travel deeper into Mexico require one (free if under 7 days, small fee beyond).
U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but you'll get a better exchange rate paying in pesos and you'll support the local economy more directly. ATMs in town dispense both. Tip in pesos when possible.
Most U.S. carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) include Mexico in their plans — confirm before you leave. WiFi is solid at resorts and most restaurants.
Don't drink tap water. Resorts and restaurants use purified water for ice and cooking, and bottled water is everywhere and cheap.
Rocky Point has a dedicated tourist police force and is consistently rated one of the safer beach destinations in Mexico. Use the same common sense you would anywhere: don't flash cash, don't drink and drive, lock the car, stick to known areas after dark.
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes (for tide pools), a refillable water bottle, a light layer for breezy evenings October–April, pesos in small bills, and your passport.