Overshadowed By Nearby San Diego Is A Gorgeous Resort Town On The Baja California Coast

Just one hour south of San Diego on the famed Baja California coast, you'll find the Mexican beach town of Rosarito. This beautiful coastal town has retained its Mexican charm despite being one of the country's closest cities to the U.S. Here you'll find artisanal shops, fun bars, traditional cuisine and great nightlife, as well as a range of beachfront activities for the perfect short trip. The perfect beach vacation in Mexico? Quite possibly. 

Since this town is only 20 miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border, many business owners here speak English, and a lot of these businesses also accept dollars, making this a very hassle-free holiday for Americans. This multi-faceted beach town also has great surfing spots and is good for snorkeling, fishing, camping, you name it! Movie buffs will also love Rosarito, as it has a rich cinematic history, with films such as "Titanic," the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies," and "Pearl Harbour" having been filmed here. Sure, nearby San Diego gets most of the hype, but those in the know head across to Rosarito for a gorgeous resort getaway.

Since there is so much to do in Rosarito, you might need a guided push in the right direction. To avoid the crowds and begin your trip with something a little more off the beaten track, you can book a private excursion with a horseback ride along the beach with Viator. This horseback riding tour will take you from the highest vista point in Rosarito and down the mountains to Playa de Rosarito. If you are a nervous rider, have no fear; the horses are domesticated, and you will be guided by an expert, allowing you to focus on taking in the eternally magical combination of sun, sea, and sand.

After the ride, you'll visit Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Mexico's legendary lobster village, where approximately 100,000 lobsters a year are served. This famous spot was even visited by the late Anthony Bourdain (who always had a keen eye for local places to eat), who famously said, "I don't even know what Puerto Nuevo-style is, but I want it." He was talking about the pan-fried Baja lobsters served with butter, lime, red salsa, and refried beans with a side of handmade flour tortillas, a regional specialty that draws thousands of visitors a year. 

Lobster isn't the only famous food around these parts. Another iconic food spot is Tacos El Yaqui, whose famous "perron" tacos have made headlines in a wide variety of publications. You will have to try them yourself to see if they live up to the hype (spoiler: they do).

Mexico's Pacific Coast is famous amongst surfers, with many beaches (such as Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca) gaining fame as a surfer's paradise in recent years. Rosarito is no different, with surf spots such as Popotla renowned amongst surfers. The village of Puerto Popotla is also worth visiting for its seafood and rural atmosphere (try the ceviche). If you're a first-time surfer, there is also a surf school in Rosarito that will show you the ropes (or, rather, the waves).

If surfing isn't your thing, you can also book a snorkeling trip with Rosarito Ocean Sports. This company also provides fishing excursions and all types of water and land sports activities, such as paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and motocross, so you won't be bored for a minute. Before leaving Rosarito, grab a drink at the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel, where the golden-era Hollywood stars would once vacation. Famous guests include Marilyn Monroe, Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, and Clark Gable, and this classic Mexican hotel will not fail to make you also feel like one of the stars.