For decades, Rosarito was known as a party getaway destination just south of the border. Papas & Beer, $1 Tequila shots, and a never-ending spring break party. While that certainly still exists, Rosarito has so much more to offer.
I just got back from a 3-day press trip to Rosarito and was really surprised to discover the Grown-Up side of Rosarito. Think Eco-tourism, fine dining restaurants, a thriving craft beer scene, and farm-to-table experiences. If you are looking for a chill and relaxing weekend getaway in Baja, I can only recommend Rosarito. Let me show you some of my favorite things to do in the area that you can add to your weekend itinerary in Rosarito.
Day 1 — Zona Centro, But Not the One You Remember
Brunch at Xantina Brunch & Bistro
Address: C. Mexicali, Los Angeles, 22710 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
Phone: +52 661 133 7053
$$$ | Extensive Menu | Brunch – Lunch – Dinner
Nothing starts a trip off better than a good meal. Xantina Brunch and Bistro is right in the heart of downtown Rosarito and a great, family-run restaurant.
Their brunch menu is extensive and offers everything from traditional Mexican dishes to American favorites and fun new twists and fusion dishes. They are known for their Chicken & Waffles and Birriaquilles (I am a Chilaquiles and Birria lover, and they were excellent!). I also really liked their Café de Olla, a sweet hot coffee spiced with cinnamon. So tasty!
Rosarito Canyon Ecotourism Route
After brunch, head over to the Rosarito Canyon. This is a new ecotourism route just a few minutes from downtown Rosarito. You can visit some of the local farms, buy their local produce, and try some of their delicacies.
Rancho El Carrizo
Address: Cam. Vecinal 20, 17 de Agosto, 22707, Playas de Rosarito, B.C., México
Phone: +52 661 125 4534
This family farm produces corn, flowers, olives, and olive oil, and they have an adorable little farm stand selling their goods. I was lucky to visit during peak corn season and got to try some of their freshly picked corn. It was so sweet and juicy. Delicious. I also tried their olives, which were fantastic as well. From there, I walked down the dirt road to their fruit stand, where they were selling local fruits and vegetables.
Cremería Mi Nana
Address: Rancho La Providencia, Cañón de Rosarito, 22703 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., México
Phone: (951) 541-4826
The second stop I made on this route was the Cheese maker, Cremeria Mi Nana, on Rancho La Providencia. The owner lived many years in Temecula, but his family roots are in Rosarito, and this farm is his retirement project. You can feel his passion and excitement to work on his land and with his animals and make cheese.
If you are staying in a vacation rental or have access to a kitchen, stock up on some of these delicacies and make a true farm-to-table meal with the freshest ingredients.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
890 Blvd Benito Juarez, Rosarito, Mexico 22710
Tel: +52 (664) 375 28 40
Instagram
Horseback Riding on the beach is one of the most popular tourist activities in Rosarito, and I can only agree. The horses were healthy and well cared for, and you could see that the guides cared for them.
My horse was a beautiful Arab named Turkey (he was born on Thanksgiving). It was such a relaxing and beautiful experience to ride along the beach, hearing the crashing of the waves, and enjoying the peaceful views over the Pacific.
They also offer Camel rides and ATV tours as well, if that is more your jam.
Quench Your Thirst at Cervecería Tinta Negra
Address: Blvd. Benito Juárez, Playas Rosarito, 22700 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., México
Phone: +52 661 107 1602
$$ | Craftbeer & Food Court | Family-friendly
Located right by the famous Rosarito Festival Plaza Hotel, you will find the Tinta Negra Tap Room as well as a little food court. Cerveceria Tinta Negra has its own beers on tap as well as beers from other local breweries.
When I visited, they had a Pale Ale, Cherry Blonde, IPA, Watermelon IPA, and a Brown Ale. The Brown Ale was my favorite. Eleuter, the brew master of Tinta Negra, serves it with a chocolate cake, and it is a perfect pairing. It had rich coffee and chocolate notes and, with a pretty high ABV of 6.9%, a nice full mouthfeel and medium-full body.
There are also several small restaurants in the little food court, if you are feeling peckish. From sushi, tortas, burgers, Cajun shrimp boil to pizza and churros, you will find something tasty to nibble on. But don’t spoil your appetite for the next stop!
Dinner at Occio Alta Tradición
Address: C. de la Palma Supermanzana 58 Centro Carretera 22700, Centro Carretera, 22707 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., México
$$$$ | Mexican-Japanese | Casual Fine Dining
Rosarito was definitely not the spot I was expecting to have a fine dining experience as elevated as Occio Alta Tradición. The decor and ambiance are casual and fun, with beach shack vibes. But the food is on par with a restaurant waiting for a Michelin recognition.
We first tried the yellowtail tiradito, fresh yellowtail sashimi bathed in a savory salsa with fried sweet potato twigs. What an explosion of flavors and textures. So good. Next up, we had a taste of the seared yellowtail on top of a rich pumpkin pipián and an airy panela cheese foam. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the sauces elevated the dish to the next level. A final highlight was the dessert of layered ice cream cake with crushed millefeuille and a rich caramel drizzle.
This restaurant is definitely a bit pricier than average for Rosarito, but definitely worth it. Don’t miss this spot if you are a foodie!
Finish Off the Night at Cervecería Delliott’s
Address: Blvd. Popotla km 29, Hermenegildo Cuenca Diaz, 22710 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., México
Website
$$ | Great Beers | Delicious Brats
When you walk into a brewery in Rosarito, and the guy behind the bar is wearing a Padres shirt, you immediately feel at home. But it wasn’t just his shirt that made Jorge Delgadillo, the owner and head brewer, a great host. Over tasty sips, he told us how he and his wife decided to start this brewery together and make it a local hangout spot for the people in Rosarito. The vibe is casual and beachy, small and cozy.
Their beer selection offers something for everyone, including a tasty hazy IPA, Blonde Ale, Lager, and my favorite, the Stout-Mezcal with a rich and smoky finish. They are also known for their brats. I tried them at the Rosarito Beer Festival, and they definitely hit the spot.
Day 2 — The Popotla / K38 Corridor
Beachview Breakfast at Sunio Beach Club
Address: De Castillos 7, Castillos del Mar, 22713 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
Phone: +52 661 527 6518
$$$ | Ocean-View | Beach Club
A Beach Club without the Spring Break vibes is Sunio Beach Club. This place offers you a private beach (no vendors, no horses) with beach chairs and umbrellas, a Beach Bar, infinity pool and jacuzzi, a taco shop for a quick bite as well as a nice boho sit-down restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Yes, you have to pay for a beach chair (US $ 50/person) but you get a $ 40 resort credit to use for drinks and food. That is a fantastic deal and definitely worth it.
El Médano Route (Breakfast/Brunch Alternatives)
Address: Camino Real 22710, Ruta El Medano, 22740 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
If you are more into a breakfast option that supports small family businesses and is more off the beaten track, have breakfast on the other Ecotourism Route El Médano.
El Arroyo
22740 Baja California, Mexico (Google Maps link for Directions)
+526618508770
Open: Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 3 PM
$$ | Cute Decor | Homecooked Meal
The owners Gaby and Mario are the sweetest couple. Gaby was a decorator in Los Angeles for many years and has created a cute little oasis of Mexican Farmhouse style that feels so homey and welcoming, living her Mexican Dream. What a cute little place. And Mario is a fantastic chef. We sampled his beef machaca burritos and red & green chilaquiles. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican homecooked meal, don’t look further, this is it.
Aromas & Encino
Ruta del Medano, 22740 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico (Google Maps Link for Directions)
Only open on Sundays 9 AM – 4 PM
$$ | Flower Farm | Picturesque
One of the most picturesque places in Baja is hidden along El Médano Route: Aromas & Encino is a Flower Farm/Event Space that is absolutely dreamy. If you love flowers and are looking for a fantastic place to take photos, this is the place for you.
Enjoy a beautiful, leisurely breakfast and then gallivant through the colorful flowerfields. If you are more active, join one of their guided morning hikes (once per month, announced on Instagram) with a satisfying breakfast on the farm afterwards.
Shopping & Lunch in Puerto Nuevo
After filling your belly, head to the iconic fishing village of Puerto Nuevo for some shopping. It is such a cute little town. Every time I have visitors in town and they want to do a trip to Baja, I take them here and they all loved it. I enjoy checking out the little shops selling everything from trinkets to clothing, Mexican sweets and more. It does get busy on the weekends, so prepare for some crowds.
La Casa de La Langosta
Rentería 3, Centro, 22716 Puerto Nuevo, B.C., Mexico
+526616141072
$$$ | Family-Owned | Oldest Sit-Down Lobster Restaurant in Puerto Nuevo
Puerto Nuevo is known as the Lobster Capital of Mexico and so if you like the tasty sea crustaceans as much as I do, don’t miss this treat. While there are plenty of places to eat lobster at in Puerto Nuevo, why not try the one that has been the serving them the longest? La Casa de la Langosta is right in the heart of Puerto Nuevo and has been serving lobster for generations. It is family owned and has lots of history. That restaurant alone sells over 100000 lobsters per year, according to the owner.
While you can enjoy lobsters year round, they are best during their peak season from late September to February/mid-March. They are traditionally served with rice and beans and flour tortillas, and of course a lot of butter to drench them in. Yum!!!
Afternoon Sips at Colectivo Surf
Address: Kilometro 41 carretera libre Tijuana Rosarito – Ensenada, 22710 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
Phone: +52 661 125 4144
Website
$$ | Great Options for Non-Beer Drinkers | Delicious Sushi
Colectivo Surf is not only a brewery, but they also make their own wine from Valle de Guadalupe grapes, Mezcal and roast their own coffee from Oaxaca. They also have mixed drinks, Kombucha, non-alcoholic drinks, and delicious food, so this is truly a great place everyone.
I also really liked the decor and ambiance at this tap room. They showcase local artists and they have a beautiful rooftop patio. It feels airy and beachy and just a cool spot to hang out!
Dinner and Beer at Patio Popotla
$$ | Ocean-Views | Great Beers & Food
Located at the previous Sin Fronteras Brewery location on KM 38, Patio Popotla recently took over and is sharing its beers in one of the most magical locations overlooking the ocean.
The beer selection was on the smaller side, but had some additional options for non-beer drinkers, including seltzer and margaritas. I really enjoyed their West Coast IPA and it paired well with their ceviche and aguachile.
Day 3 — Slow Coast South
Breakfast at Punta Bahía
Address: Carretera libre Tijuana, Calle Chapala ,22745, Ensenada – Rosarito km 51, 22746 El Campito, B.C., Mexico
Instagram
$$$ | Ocean-Views | Beach Club
What a way to start the day! This cute little spot is just opened and is built into the cliff, overlooking the ocean. It is beautifully decorated and instagrammable. But the restaurant isn’t just beautiful, the food is also fantastic. I had a salmon avocado toast and it was almost too pretty to eat, yet the the freshness of the ingredients made this dish one of my favorite meals in Rosarito.
La Misión Wetlands Estuary Hike
After all this food, a little hike feels amazing. The La Misión Estuary is a protected wetlands area, where you can go for short hikes, do some bird watching, and enjoy nature. The Estero de la Misión trail is perfect for most ages and abilities. It is about 2.6 miles long, but completely flat with stunning views over the hills beyond and the ocean. Plan about 1-1.5 hours for the short out-and-back hike.
Late Lunch at Los Portales
Address: Playas de Rosarito Baja California, México. Km 52 carretera libre El campito, 22710 Playas de Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
Phone: +52 661 196 4765
Website
$$$$ | Instagrammeable | very crowded
Los Portales is probably one of the most photographed places in Rosarito. This stunning restaurant opened 6 years ago and has been an instant sensation. It is like a Disneyland for Foodies. Built into the cliffside, the large brick complex contains several restaurants and shops, event locations and more.
It is colorfully decorated and absolutely stunning. Everywhere you look is a photo opp. I could have spent hours there just taking photos. But don’t skip out on the food though. Our group shared some fantastic appetizers, including chicharones with guacamole and cheese, fresh oysters, a tuna & beet salad, and a feta dip. I also really enjoyed my passionfruit mezcalita.
After wandering around the complex, taking hundreds of photos, and exploring every nook and cranny, we finished off with a tasting in the private tasting room (by reservation only). The Garcia family not only runs Los Portales and Punta Bahía, but also makes wine, whiskey, and tequila. What a treat!
Los Portales gets very busy on the weekends – they serve up to 4000 people per weekend, mainly for brunch and dinner. So I recommend going for a late lunch and leaving before the sunset-crowd gets there.
Rosarito Beer Festival
Facebook (stay tuned for next years dates in July 2027)
I was lucky that during my weekend in Rosarito, the Rosarito Beer Festival was going on, so I had to check it out. 26 local Baja breweries brought their best brews. It was so fun sipping my way through the region and sampling all the different styles of beers.
Your ticket includes entrance to the festival and free tasters, but if you want a full pint, you have to pay for that, as well as for the food of course.
The location at the Las Rocas Resort & Spa is simply stunning. Sipping beer overlooking the ocean and dangling your feet in the pool never gets old, ha! We spent the night there, which was super convenient. But be aware that the festival goes on until at least 12:30 AM and you won’t get any sleep before that.
Where to Stay in Rosarito
Where you stay shapes what kind of weekend you have here, and this itinerary spreads across three distinct stretches of coastline. On my trip I stayed in all three, which turned out to be a great way to see how different they feel.
Downtown (Zona Centro) puts you in walking distance of the restaurants, taprooms, and the beach where the horses run. I stayed at Hotel Corona, right on the main strip — convenient, unfussy, and steps from everything on Day 1 of this itinerary, but definitely a budget option without frills. Best if you want to leave the car parked and walk to dinner and are just looking for a no-frills but clean, budget room. For a more pampered stay, I recommend staying at the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel. I am going there next month and I can’t wait!
Puerto Nuevo is the lobster village about 20 minutes south, and staying overnight lets you eat dinner there without watching the clock. It’s quieter than downtown, more village than resort town, and the sunsets over the fishing boats are worth the drive on their own. I stayed at the Puerto Nuevo Baja Hotel & Villas and the views were just stunning.
Las Rocas Resort & Spa sits farther south on the cliffs, and it’s the choice if what you actually want is to not leave the property. Ocean views, a pool, a spa — this is the “we came here to do nothing” option, and it’s also where the Rosarito Beer Fest is held.
If you’re planning to cook with everything you bought at the ranch stands on the canyon route, look at vacation rentals instead — a kitchen turns that haul of corn, cheese, and olive oil into the best meal of your trip.
Practical Info For Your Weekend in Rosarito
Getting to Rosarito from San Diego
Rosarito sits about 45 minutes south of the border, which makes it one of the easiest international getaways in Southern California. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Driving yourself
You have two crossing options: San Ysidro is the closest and most obvious, but it also handles the heaviest traffic. Otay Mesa is often the smarter choice heading south — the lines tend to be shorter and you skip the crawl through central Tijuana. From either crossing, take the Ensenada Scenic Road (Mexico 1D toll road) south. It’s a beautiful drive along the coast, the tolls are inexpensive, and you’ll want pesos or small bills for the booths.
Important: your U.S. auto insurance doesn’t cover you in Mexico. You’ll need to buy a Mexican auto policy before you cross. You can do this online in a few minutes, or at one of the storefronts near the border. Don’t skip this one. We usually go with Baja Bound Insurance.
Not driving?
Plenty of visitors park on the U.S. side and cross on foot, then take a taxi or rideshare down to Rosarito. Shuttle services run from San Diego as well, which is the low-stress option if you’re planning on visiting all the breweries on this itinerary.
Documents
US Documents: Bring your passport/residency permit/visa and, if you have it, your Global Entry/Sentri card — you’ll need it to get back into the U.S.
Mexican Documents: Rules on Mexico’s FMM tourist card for short border-zone visits have been applied inconsistently over the years, so check the current requirements before your trip rather than relying on what a friend told you last summer. I personally would not risk not having an FMM on my in case I get checked.
If you walk across, they will fill out your FMM for you. If you are driving, you can pull over right after crossing. The INM office is located directly after crossing the border. Stay in the far right lanes when crossing, follow signs for “Something to Declare / Autodeclaración,” and park in the designated lot. If you stay longer than 7 days, you will have to pay a fee.
Coming home – IMPORTANT:
The northbound wait is the one that will test your patience. Sunday afternoons and holidays are the worst. Leave earlier than you think you need to, or plan a late dinner in Rosarito and cross after the rush. Don’t forget your Global Entry/Sentri card if you have it!!!
We got to the border and the regular line would have taken us at least 4-5 hours, but with Global Entry/Sentri, it took barely 15 minutes to cross. To get to the Global Entry/Sentri lane, you need to walk past the long line of people waiting in the “regular” line. It feels a bit wrong to just walk past as if you are skipping the line, but it is the only way to get to the split between the lines into regular and Sentri lines. Most likely, there will only be a few people in front of you to get through immigration.
Safety Tips
- Split up your money: I have my cash and credit cards split up in multiple locations, so in case I experience a theft/shakedown or lose/forget my purse somewhere, I always have some backup.
- Don’t wear anything flashy: Use common sense and leave your big bling at home.
- Don’t get involved in shady things, use common sense.
- Don’t get too intoxicated (or have a trusted person that stays sober and makes sure you stay safe).
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rosarito
This is the question I get most, so let’s be direct about it. Baja California is currently under a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory from the U.S. State Department — the same level as France, Italy, and Spain. There are no travel restrictions on U.S. government employees in Rosarito itself; the only restricted area in the state is the Mexicali Valley, which is nowhere near the coast.
In practice, Rosarito felt like any small beach town. I walked downtown, ate at ranch stands in the canyon, and drove the coast road without a single uncomfortable moment. Use the same judgment you’d use anywhere: stick to the toll road rather than the free road at night, don’t leave valuables visible in your car, and keep your wits about you if you’re drinking. Check the current advisory before you go, since these things do change.
Use common sense and follow my safety tips above.
About 45 minutes to an hour from the border, depending on where you cross and how the traffic gods feel. Door to door from downtown San Diego, plan on 1.5 to 2 hours including the crossing.
Yes — you’ll need a passport or passport card to get back into the United States. Requirements on Mexico’s FMM tourist card for short visits near the border have been applied inconsistently for years, so check the current rules before your trip. I would not recommend traveling through Baja without an FMM.
Most restaurants, hotels, and shops in Rosarito take U.S. dollars, and many take cards. That said, you’ll get better value paying in pesos, and you’ll want cash for the toll booths (USD is ok), the ranch stands on the canyon route, taxis, and tips. Bring small bills.
Stick to bottled or purified water, which is what restaurants serve anyway. Ice at established restaurants is made from purified water and is fine. I ate everywhere on this itinerary, including farm stands and street-side spots, with zero problems.
Late spring through fall is warmest and driest. September and October are my pick — still beach weather, far fewer crowds. Winter is cool and quiet, with gray whales migrating offshore. Skip March unless spring break is specifically what you’re after.
Not necessarily. If you’re staying downtown, you can walk to restaurants, taprooms, and the beach. But the best parts of this itinerary — the canyon ranches, Puerto Nuevo, the coast road south — are much easier with a car. If you’d rather not drive (understandable, given how much beer is involved), taxis are affordable and shuttle services run from San Diego.
Short answer: no. The party scene still exists, and Papas & Beer is still very much there if that’s what you want. But there’s now a serious craft beer scene, genuinely excellent restaurants, an ecotourism route through the canyon, working ranches selling cheese and olive oil, and stretches of coastline where nothing happens at all. That’s the whole reason I wrote this guide.
Less than you’d expect for a coastal getaway. Hotels run a fraction of Southern California prices, meals at good restaurants are reasonable, and taprooms are cheap. Budget more if you’re eating at the higher-end spots like Occio, but the trip as a whole is very affordable by San Diego standards. However, note that the hotels, while cheaper, often have much lower standards as well, such as no AC or no fans, thin towels etc.
Widely, yes — Rosarito has hosted American visitors for decades, and most people in restaurants, hotels, and shops speak English. A few words of Spanish still go a long way, especially at the ranch stands and smaller spots.
I am so glad I gave Rosarito another chance and look past the party scene it was known for. Just like me, Rosarito has grown up and turned into a true gem. I will no longer bypass it on my way to Ensenada. I loved it so much, that I will actually go back next month on August 22, 2026 for the Rosarito Fish & Seafood Festival. Will you give Rosarito another chance as well?
I was hosted by COTUCO Rosarito on this trip, and this post contains affiliate links. Opinions are my own — I only recommend places I actually liked.
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Maria Haase
