If you’re looking for a Spring Break destination that is a short distance drive from San Diego, I’ve got you covered. I grew up taking day trips to Baja California and Rosarito. I can easily say it is one of the best places for Spring Breakers.
Rosarito is known for its beautiful beaches. It’s filled with plenty of great spots for foodies, adventurers, or those looking to just relax and enjoy the sandy beaches.
How to get from San Diego to Rosarito
Rosarito is known for being a top destination for Spring Breakers. It’s a short drive from San Diego and a great way to escape.
Rosarito is only 1 hour from San Diego and 3 hours from Los Angeles. The quick drive makes it an ideal location for day trips or weekend getaways.
Rosarito is in Baja California and requires border crossings. There are some things to note before traveling out of the United States:
- A passport is required when leaving the United States.
- Be aware of Mexican laws when entering. While marijuana is legal in the United States, it is illegal in Mexico.
- Be aware of your surrounding whenever you travel out of the United States. Theft and petty crime is higher across the border.
Traveling across the San Diego border to Rosarito
Our preferred method of getting to Rosarito from San Diego is driving. The roads are well maintained and once you get on the main road to Rosarito, it is pretty much a straight shot. You will start your border crossing journey out of San Ysidro. San Ysidro is the closest United States port of entry to Rosarito and Baja California. The roads are well maintained, and you will come across toll roads once you enter Mexico. Make sure you have cash on hand to pay the tolls. Pesos or dollars are both accepted in Rosarito.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving, there are transportation companies available to accommodate large groups. This is also a good idea for spring breakers that are heading across the border for day trips. Most of these shuttles pick you up at the San Ysidro border and will accompany you for the duration of your day trip.
Rosarito spring break trip
Baja California is one of the top spring break destinations from So-Cal. Rosarito is an ideal location for Spring Breakers of all ages. The warm weather and sandy beaches attract tourists from San Diego and Los Angeles County.
Whether you are looking for a family vacation, a college trip or a single getaway, there are plenty of great spots that will accommodate everyone’s interest in Rosarito.
Where to stay in Rosarito
Rosarito Beach Hotel is the best place to stay in Rosarito. The hotel is in Playas de Rosarito and close proximity from the sandy beaches.
The hotel has standard rooms available in the original tower. If you are looking to upgrade your experience, I recommend staying in the Pacifico Tower. The Pacifico Tower has oversized balconies and upgraded features, which will enhance your stay.
A great way to save some money is by booking at least 3 months in advance. Note that prices during the weeks of March tend to be more inflated due to spring breakers. The price range for a hotel room varies from $100 to $900 a night (for the penthouse). High speed internet is an additional cost.
Rosarito Beach Hotel is also an ideal location as its central to many great spots. You can easily walk to local bars and restaurants. The Rosarito beaches also have street vendors that sell crafted drinks, food, jewelry and more. You can get some of the best tacos or Mexican antojitos (snacks) from these street vendors.
What to do in Rosarito
#1 Rosarito Beach
Rosarito Beach is a tourist attraction on its own. Spend a day enjoying the sandy beaches where tables are set up near the water. Papas & Beer, Iggy’s (another popular bar), and other local restaurants have tables and chairs set up with food and drink service. Local street vendors will walk by selling various services and merchandise. You will want to have cash on hand. You can get your hair braided, a massage, or purchase goods like hats, jewelry and more.
If partying is your thing, then a trip to Papas & Beer is a must. This popular bar is right on the sandy beaches and hot spot for tourists. Papas & Beer brings in a flood of college students every spring break. The drinking age in Mexico is 18, so many college students from San Diego spend their spring break in Rosarito.
Spring Break at Papas & Beer runs from March 10th to April 9th. During this time, the popular bar brings in famous DJs every weekend for a nonstop party.
#3 Day trips to Valle de Guadalupe
If you have outgrown the party scene, you might prefer a day trip to Valle de Guadalupe. The Valle is Baja California’s wine country and has many tourist areas in the region. Take a one-hour drive from Rosarito to enjoy some of the best wine and food in Baja California.
#4 Horse back riding on the beach
Take a guided horse backing tour on the Rosarito Beach. The tours are usually booked on the spot and an advance reservation is not required. The Rosarito Beach Hotel is the most central way to access these activities and if you walk out to the left of the baja hotel, you will find a tour for you.
#5 Enjoy the street art
Are you an avid art enthusiast? Rosarito is home to amazing street artists. You will find beautiful murals scattered around the town. There is also an art studio called 213 Art Space that you can visit during your trip.
#6 Take a fishing trip
My husband loves fishing and often takes a half-day fishing trip to Islas Coronado. The Coronado Islands are home to lots of yellowtail, tuna and seabass. You need a fishing license and can reserve a half day or full day fishing trip. The safest way to book outside excursions is through the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
#7 Enjoy the cuisine
It is no secret that Baja California has become one of the tourist areas known for its amazing cuisine. You can find all types of food in Rosarito to suit your taste. Some of my favorite restaurants are listed below.
Tapanco for the best breakfast. Enjoy the sound of chirping birds as you sip on Mexican coffee in the patio.
Los Pelicanos is right on the water and has one of the best views and dining experiences.
El Nido is a great steakhouse and is popular for its close proximity to Rosarito Beach Hotel.
Returning to San Diego from Rosarito
During Spring Break, the United States/Mexico border wait times are much higher than usual.
There are two borders out of Tijuana that you can cross out of. San Ysidro border is the closest to Rosarito. It is a much larger border and results in longer wait times. If you find the line to be too long, you can also cross through Otay Mesa. Crossing through Otay Mesa requires you to drive across Tijuana. If you are driving and not familiar with the roads, pay close attention to your GPS to avoid getting lost. You can check border wait times in real time here.
Other things to be aware of before returning to San Diego are knowing what to declare. Cheeses and anything with seeds cannot be crossed. If you plan to bring back liquor, it’s one bottle per person. You will be asked to declare any items you bring back across the border to San Diego.
The most important thing to remember when crossing is you must have a passport on hand when crossing the border.
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