Las Vegas to San Diego - 250 Miles

San Diego to Rosarito - 25 miles

Rosarito Beach is around 18 miles south of the border.

Driving time from San Diego is 35 to 45 minutes.

The actual time will depend on long it takes you to cross over the border.

Ensenada is about 62 miles south of the border and 44 miles south of Rosarito Beach.

Driving time from San Diego to Ensenada is 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours

Rosarito

Mexico's Legendary Rosarito Beach Hotel Becomes A 500-Room Resort

Rosarito Beach Hotel just opened a new tower. They also built this pier a few years back.

YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A $400.00 EXEMPTION IN A 30 DAY PERIOD. Articles totaling $400.00 may be

entered free of duty, subject to the limitations on liquors, cigarettes, and cigars.

Cigars & Cigarettes: not more than 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes (one carton)

Liquor: One liter (39.8 fl. oz.) or one 6-pack of beer per person 21 years of age or older

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What can I take home?

You can take back $400 per person duty-free including one liter of alcohol. Mexican arts and crafts

are duty-free and don't count toward your $400 limit. If traveling by common carrier (bus, cruise ship,

plane or train) more than one liter of alcohol is allowed however only the first is duty free.

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Mexican Auto Insurance: If you plan to take your car into Mexico, you must purchase Mexican

automobile insurance prior to crossing the border. Most U.S. policies are not valid in Mexico.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, only a Mexican insurance policy will be recognized as valid,

even if your insurance company says they will cover you within a certain number of miles in Mexico.

In Mexico, you can be detained in case of an accident until you provide proof that you can pay the damages.

Border Insurance Services: (800) 332-2118 Mexican Insurance by phone.

Representing the largest and most reliable Insurance Company in Mexico.

Mex-Insur, Inc.: (619) 428-1121 213 Sycamore Road, I-5 at the Via de San Ysidro exit San Ysidro, CA 92173

Border Crossing Stations
Visitors to the northern part of Baja California do not need passports or tourist cards if staying in the country

for 72 hours or less. If you plan to stay longer or travel beyond Ensenada, you'll need to obtain a tourist card.

This document is free of charge; proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
San Ysidro Station: (619) 639-7100 (open 24 hours)
Otay Mesa Station: (619) 661-3249 (6AM-10PM)
Tecate Station: (619) 478-5545 (6AM-Midnight)

Know Before You Go (pdf)

The Grand Baja Resort Puerto Nuevo

Wine Country in northern Mexico

FAQ

Question: How far is Rosarito from San Diego?

Answer: Rosarito and the Hotel are only 30 minutes from San Diego and a pleasant drive on the highways. There is a modern toll road that accepts both US and Mexican currencies.

Question: How do I cross the border?

Answer: From San Diego California take Highway 5 or Interstate 805 south. This will take you to the San Ysidro Border Crossing at Tijuana. Proceed through the Border and follow the directions on the Directions Page.

Question: Can I bring in merchandise into Mexico?

Answer: Whether crossing the border by foot, bus, or your own car, you may bring your personal items without a problem. Firearms are illegal in Mexico and you will be subject to criminal prosecution. Food and medicines are regulated. Crossing back into the US, there is a $400US limit on goods and medications are restricted as well. Please check with your local Consulate for more information.

Question: Does the Rosarito Beach Hotel accept Saturday-only reservations?

Answer: The Rosarito Beach Hotel does accept reservations for Saturdays, but only with a two day minimum stay (Friday and Saturday) due to space demand. However, if you arrive on a Saturday and there are rooms available we will be glad to accommodate you.

Question: Which credit cards does the Rosarito Beach Hotel accept?

Answer: The Hotel accepts Visa and MasterCard credit cards only as well as cash. We do not accept the American Express card. We cannot accept personal checks but will honor cashiers or bank checks and internationally recognized money orders.

Question: Are pets permitted at the Hotel?

Answer: Pets are not permitted at the Hotel. Guide and service animals are permitted. Please notify the Reservations Desk if you have special needs.

Question: Can I reserve a specific room number?

Answer: On firm reservations we guarantee a specific room type but not room number. We will try to accommodate you on arrival if the room you desire is available.

Question: Do I need to change money?

Answer: The US Dollar is readily accepted in almost all shops and services. Sometimes however you may find that with gas stations and some services that the exchange rate is not as favorable as that issued by a local bank.

Question: Do I need a passport to go to Rosarito?

Answer: US citizens do not currently need a passport to cross the Baja California border, however they do need to bring a valid US drivers license and birth certificate or a Passport Card to cross back into the US. Non US citizens need their passports or residency cards. Please check with the US and Mexican Consulates in your area with any questions.

Question: How can I exchange currency?

Answer: The official currency in Mexico is the Peso, but U.S. Dollars are readily accepted by the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa as well as most merchants in Rosarito. If you still need to exchange currency there are several banks and money exchange houses within walking distance of this hotel that will make the exchange (in either Pesos or U.S. Dollars) for you.

Question: Are there ATM machines in Rosarito?

Answer: There are two banks near this hotel that have ATM machines: Banamex and Bancomer. They accept debit cards, Visa and MasterCard. Certain banks dispense cash in either Pesos or US dollars.

Question: What are the alcoholic beverage laws in Mexico?

Answer: The legal drinking age is 18, most bars and night clubs require proof of age such as a valid driver’s license or a passport. Drinking on the streets is against city ordinance, fines will be applied. Drinking and driving is definitely against the law, offenders will land in jail and will be subject to large fines.

Question: What are the Mexican drug laws?

Answer: It is a criminal offense to use, possess or traffic illegal mind altering drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc. Even the possession of a few grams can bring a jail sentence of 8 years or more. Legal medicinal mind altering drugs (Valium, etc.) require a medical prescription for purchase and use.

Question: What if I get ill while vacationing in Rosarito?

Answer: Excellent medical care is readily available. There are two good hospitals and many doctors in Rosarito, with many more in Tijuana (20 minute drive). Ambulance and even helicopter transportation to the US is available. Most prescription drugs are available over the counter at approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of US prices.

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On the main highway as you leave Rosarito all the way until past Puerto Nuevo

you will see tons of these shops where you can get great deals on the local pottery.

On the main road in Rosarito you can follow it right outside the town (going South). You will find store after store selling pottery, iron works, and rustic furniture. This is probably where you will be able to find some of the best deals. They also seel pottery inside the town of rosarito but it more expensive. On the road between Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo you will find a variety of shops that sell tons beautiful crafts.

Talavera Pottery

Talavera Pottery #2