Getting to Rosarito Beach is easy. After crossing the border, follow the green toll road signs that say "Ensenada Cuota." They will lead you out of Tijuana proper to the coast and the toll road. From the tollbooth, you will only be 15 scenic minutes from Rosarito Beach. The cost by car for the tollbooth varies with the fluctuation of the peso, but it is about ($2.70) each way. Take any of the three exits that say Rosarito Beach, and you are there.

Mexican auto insurance is a must because your U.S. insurance policy is not valid in Mexico. So be sure to buy Mexican insurance. Visit Baja-Mex at 4575 Camino de la Plaza (619-428-1616) for a reliable insurance company on the U.S. side of the border. They’ll also give you a free map, if you ask them.

Another convenient way to get to Rosarito is by taking the bright red Mexicoach Bus (5) (619-428-9517). You can board at the Border Station Parking information center in San Ysidro or at their main tourist terminal in downtown Tijuana. Buses to Rosarito leave from downtown Tijuana every two hours on the hour Fri.-Sun. beginning at 7 a.m. and Mon.-Thurs. at 9 a.m. The last departure from is at 7 p.m. daily. Round trip fare is just ($24) from San Ysidro. The trip to Rosarito takes about one hour.

If you ever have a problem during your stay in Baja California, contact the State Secretariat of Tourism of Baja California (01152-664-973-0424) and (01152-664-682-3367). Dial 078 from any public, private or cell phone in Baja California for the visitor’s assistance hot line, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For other information like weather, safety tips, permits and investment opportunities, go to (www.discoverbajacalifornia.com).

There are more than 500 shops and stores to discover in Rosarito Beach. They feature duty-free handcrafted furniture, folk art, leather, liquor, imported French perfumes, cosmetics, Cuban cigars, pottery and more. In some places you can even see the artisans at work. And you won’t find any of the hustle and bustle here that you often find when shopping Mexico’s bigger cities like Tijuana. So expect to find great bargains!

The shopping district in Rosarito Beach is primarily along its long, main thoroughfare, Boulevard Benito Juarez, which travels in a north-south direction.
Here too, you’ll find Rosarito Beach’s most complete pharmacy. Farmacia Gusher (1) at 339 Blvd. Benito Juarez (01152-661-612-1845) is the place for all your medical and personal needs. Plus, they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are affordable accommodations to fit everyone’s price range in Rosarito Beach. Seaside, ocean-view, upscale or down-home, you’ll find it all in Rosarito Beach. These hotels can accommodate individuals, groups, conventions, seminars, special events, parties, weddings and receptions. If you can dream it, they can do it and for far less than it would cost you in the United States.

Brisas Del Mar Hotel (3) at 22 Blvd. Benito Juarez is on the main street of Rosarito Beach (01152-661-612-2547) or (619-564-4504) or toll-free at (888-871-3605) or (800-211-8029). This popular hotel, which is under new management, is near all of the restaurants, shopping and attractions. Accomodations, Sun.-Thurs., ($60-$95) and Fri.-Sat., ($80-$115), include 69 guest rooms and 2 junior suites. AAA discounts are available. They also offer special prices for events and groups. For more info, contact (gpoperadorahotelesbc@live.com). Amenities include an ocean view, heated swimming pool, color TV, air conditioning, bathtubs, telephones, security guards on the premises and an on-site restaurant open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

Las Rocas Resort and Spa (7) (01152-661-614-9850) is just six miles south of Rosarito Beach at km 38.5 on the Tijuana-Ensenada free road. For reservations or information, call toll-free (888-527-7622) or (619-234-9810). Summer rates are ($129-$389). One of the most unforgettable places to relax is at their holistic inspired spa. They offer an eclectic array of signature treatments to rejuvenate you. Las Rocas has a breathtaking oceanfront setting, a diversity of accommodations and two restaurants. Café del Mar is open for breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and El Mesón serves dinner from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Las Rocas also has a new 3,000 sq. ft. fully equipped meeting facility with a stunning view of the Pacific. It can accomodate up to 250 people and is available for corporate and special events. Each room at the resort has a private balcony and a spectacular ocean view. Be sure to ask about their reservation specials, which usually include a discounted price on accommodations, food and drink specials, and more. Las Rocas is a fantastic weekend destination and also a wonderful midweek getaway. It’s a place where you can mix business with pleasure. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

El Mesón Restaurante (7) is in the Las Rocas Resort and Spa, just six miles south of downtown Rosarito Beach at km 38.5 on the Tijuana-Ensenada free road (01152-661-614-9850) or (888-527-7622). It’s open daily for dinner 3 p.m.-10 p.m. ($6.95-$31). Their Café Del Mar features casual dining and a great a la carte brunch 7:30 a.m.-noon. Expect to enjoy romantic dining enhanced by flickering candlelight, swaying palm trees and moonlit ocean views. Don’t overlook having a drink in the Olé Bar or taking in a panoramic view from the outdoor thatch-roofed La Palapa Bar. Credit cards: MC, VISA.

La Estancia Restaurant Bar & Steak House (2), at 316 Francisco Villa Ave. and Mariano Matamoros (01152-661-613-0695). Open Sun.-Mon., 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sat. till midnight for breakfast ($4-$7.50), lunch and dinner ($6-$23). Dine in a relaxing setting of flickering candle light and a crackling fire. La Estancia serves delicious breakfasts, called machaca plates. They come with hash browns, refried beans and flour or corn tortillas. Recommended dinner entrées include the baked lobster, fish in garlic sauce and their broiled salmon. They also offer 12 steaks, lamb and rabbit dishes. Excellent selection of wines. Dessert includes flan, carrot cake, chocolate cake, cheesecake and pie. Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA.

Tijuana Junior Tacos & Cocktails (6), located at km. 30 on the Rosarito-Ensenada free road at 3103 Popotla Blvd. (01152-661-100-2598). Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ($1.50-$20). This is a local favorite! Their specialty are delicious combination plates. Highly recommended is the "Plato Fiesta," which includes fish, shrimp, calamari, octopus, tacos and burritos. It’ll be more than enough for two people to share. Their newest entrée is the parillada de marisco or "grilled seafood." It’s a seafood lover’s dream and includes langostinos, salmon, a fish and shrimp skewer, fish taco and your choice of soup or salad and flour or corn tortillas. They also have a wonderful selection of salads, a seafood soup and fresh lobster. Be sure to dine here while in Rosarito Beach. Beer and Wine. Catering for up to 150 people. Credit cards: MC, VISA.