Puerto Nuevo: Lobster Tradition and Townscape

In Playas de Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo is one of the area’s distinctive culinary destinations: the village was founded in 1956 and is internationally known for a lobster tradition dating back to the 1950s. Puerto Nuevo lobster is served with rice, beans, molcajete salsa, melted butter, and large Sonora-style flour tortillas. The sides are therefore as much a part of the specialty as the lobster itself.

The townscape is shaped by more than its cuisine: Puerto Nuevo is a lobster village with dozens of restaurants, cobbled streets, crafts, and cafés. The food, handicrafts, and streetscape offer different ways to get a sense of the place’s character.

Surfing and Water Sports

Playas de Rosarito has surfable waves 365 days a year, as well as suitable spots for beginners and advanced surfers. Muelle de Rosarito is recommended for beginners and intermediate-level surfers. The distinction by experience level is useful: the selection includes spots for beginners and advanced surfers, while Muelle is specifically recommended for beginners and intermediate-level surfers.

Escuela de Surf Locales is set up to provide surf lessons for children and adults; check course availability before your trip. Kitesurfing in Rosarito takes advantage of the excellent wind conditions to glide over the waves. Beach tours by stand-up paddleboard are also possible, as are equipment rentals and lessons. Surf conditions and the availability of lessons and rentals can vary; check the offerings relevant to your plans in advance. The focus differs: surfing centers on the waves, while kitesurfing focuses on the wind conditions.

An Artificial Reef with a History

Parque Submarino Rosarito was established in 2015, when the patrol submarine Uribe 121 was sunk. Diving in Playas de Rosarito offers the chance to explore the North Pacific’s first artificial reef, URIBE 121. The shared name connects the park’s origins with the dive site described. Before planning a dive, it is advisable to check access and operators.

Coastal Views and Route Orientation

From Cerro El Coronel, panoramic views extend across the entire coast from 735 m above sea level. Visibility and trail conditions can vary. The Carretera Escénica connects Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada and is recommended for its ocean views. It is a road connecting three places, while Cerro El Coronel offers a view of the coast from an elevated location. Road conditions can change.

Sport fishing is possible in the fishing village of Popotla and in other areas. Since seasons and operators can change, check the conditions relevant to your plans in advance.

Discover more destinations: Francisco Zarco, Los Algodones, Camalu, Agua Amarga, Tijuana, La Paz.

Return to the main travel overview: Baja California.