2 Best Sights in Rosarito, Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula

In 1956 local Susana Diaz Plascencia first created the fried lobster recipe that put Puerto Nuevo on the map. Today more than a dozen restaurants are packed into this little five-block village that's 19 km (12 miles) south of Rosarito. Nearly all of the restaurants offer the same menu, but the quality varies drastically; some establishments cook up live lobsters, while others swap in frozen critters. Though the fried version is the Puerto Nuevo classic, some restaurants also offer steamed or grilled lobsters. 

The town itself is dated, with waitstaff standing curbside to pressure tourists in passing cars to stop in for the day’s catch. Watch your step along steep and uneven sidewalks where gaping holes can easily ruin a vacation. Still it’s the best spot along the coast to try fresh lobster at a fair price. Expect a table-side serenade of mariachi music. If you want to explore a bit, souvenir stands throughout the village sell serapes, ponchos, sour tamarind candy, and other similar items.

Directly behind Rosarito Beach Hotel is your best bet for a true Baja beach experience. Fine sand, a wide strand, palapa umbrellas, and rolling waves near the pier make this a top choice south of the border. As Rosarito’s most popular beach, it's also the hub for water sports and beach activities, meaning sunbathing might be interrupted by ATVs, horses, and partiers. Plenty of bars and restaurants are scattered nearby in downtown, and decent waves can be found between Rosarito and La Fonda at Km 59; the best breaks are around Km 38 approaching Puerto Nuevo. Point breaks and beach breaks abound the farther south you go, and you’ll be treated to stunning coastlines where no-name breaks might beckon you toward the water. Park in a secured, paid lot (there’s one at Rosarito Beach Hotel); and never leave valuables in your vehicle. Equipment rental, food, and restrooms can be found at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; walking.