Mexico?
 

So I'm thinking of making a solo trip to Mexico at the end of July/beginning of August. I'm thinking Rocky Point because it's the only beach-ish place that I know of within driving distance. But I'm concerned it might be too touristy. I want to stay in a cheap place run by locals, eat cheap Mexican food and drink lots of tequila. Thoughts?

I liked Mazatlan! Though, I spent only some 4 hours there.

And you want to drive there? Your own car?

(says the girl who's never been there, so don't listen to me)

You know, I've driven into Mexico numerous times, but I only know of the paths easily accessible from San Diego... so I'm not sure how much of a help I am to you in AZ.

That said, looking at the map, the place you were talking about sounds like it could be a decent drive and quite possibly fun. I just haven't been there, so your guess is as good as mine.

I'm sure the proper thing to do is get some sort of temporary coverage for your vehicle for while you're down there - but the minimal thing you should do is look into where you will park your car. Hopefully, it's a place with clear policies. IMO, that's the biggest thing you can do, because I've had my car towed for an unapparent reason at the time. That, and having someone at least kind of watch over your car is better than no one watching your car and having crap stolen from it.

Not saying that will happen to you, because I've certainly gone there by the seat of my pants and not done the right thing and am obviously okay... but, I've seen it, and a few shady experiences along the way + age has made me re-think the whole car issue down there.

Did you check the temps in July/August? It's going to be hot. When friends leave their boat in San Carlos, they spend the whole time inside with the a/c on, but maybe hot for someone in CA is different then hot for someone in AZ.

American cars + Mexico = not a good idea.

When we cruised last year, we stopped in
Puerta Vallarta - eh
Mazatlan - We took a wonderful tour into the mountains into some old and very small villages.
Cabo San Lucas - Of the three cities we visited, this is the one I would go back to. And it is the closest! It is a very laid back town and I could see myself spending several days there.

I also went to Guadalajara many years ago on a business trip. While it is a beautiful old Mexican town, I wouldn't put it high on my list of places to go for relaxing and partying.

Cabo is definitely the closest and nicest town. It's extremely clean, but the prices are a bit higher, since it is a tourist destination.

Mazatlan is very old school and authentic. I'd highly recommend it.

Puerto Vallarta has really grown in the last three years. It's still old school, but quickly becoming more of a touristy place.

And, avoid Acapulco like the plague, unless you like a bunch of garbage and dead fish in beach waters.

Is this some alter Cabo San Lucas, kind of like the anti-Spock, anti-Captain Kirk universe?

The internets are telling me that it's a 20 hour drive from the border to Cabo. Do my searches deceive me? Mazatlan is 16 hours from Phoenix, so not an option for me either. It's a 4 hour drive from here to Rocky Point.