Where is the nearest beach?? (Phoenix, Tucson: spring break, house, college)

[Bmore grl]

We are moving to Queen Creek if we can ever sell our house. We now live 2 1/2 hours from the Atlantic Ocean so I go to the beach frequently. Where is the closest beach(ocean) that people go on vacation to? Either in the US or Mexico. Thanks.

[uk2fh]

Nearest beach comes down to a choice between San Diego or Rocky Point Mexico. Personally despite all the well-known issues that Mexico is experiencing I much prefer RP. See hundreds of posts on this forum about the pros and cons of Rocky Point.

[pejerey]

agree with uk2fh, Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point, Mexico is 3.5 to 4 hours from either Tucson or Phoenix, costs about half or less to vacation there than it does in San Diego or Los Angeles which are about 8 to 9 hours away, California might have more activities but if you like peace and quiet then Rocky Point is much better and the seafood is great and cheap too, compare to California!!
Then again a love RP and dislike LA or SD.
You can fly to California for a lot less than to Rocky Point but hopefully soon you will be able to fly to Rocky Point too, well the economy has to be right!!

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by pejerey

agree with uk2fh, Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point, Mexico is 3.5 to 4 hours from either Tucson or Phoenix, costs about half or less to vacation there than it does in San Diego or Los Angeles which are about 8 to 9 hours away

8-9 hours? Are you talking about walking there? Last time I checked it was under six hours to get to San Diego.

[keninaz]

Maybe you forgot about the traffic in southern CA.

[twiggy]

Yes, despite people claiming to reach San Diego in 4 hours it really takes me a good 6 hrs to arrive if not more to your destination from Phx. Still worth the trip though.

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by keninaz

Maybe you forgot about the traffic in southern CA.

Nope, didn't forget about traffic in Southern California, still no where near 8-9 hours.

[Ritchie_az]

I know the OP asked specifically about ocean beaches, but it is worth noting that there are many lakes nearby, too. Yes, not the same as an ocean beach, but sometimes (often times?) a 30-45 minute drive for a lesser lake beach is a better option than a 4-6 hour drive to a greater ocean beach.
Still, it's good to know that some beautiful ocean beaches are only a weekend trip away....

[asufan]

Originally Posted by nickw252

Nope, didn't forget about traffic in Southern California, still no where near 8-9 hours.

Agreed. I can get to my in-laws house in Corona del Mar (between San Diego and LA on the beach) typically in 5.5-6 hours. San Diego takes me 5-5.5 hours, depending on border patrol checkpoints. And I go to CdM A LOT, and that is a typical experience, but I know sometimes it can take 7 hours if there's accidents, etc. Flights to John Wayne Airport (which I frequent) and San Diego take about 50 minutes.

I'm personally done with Rocky Point. I used to go for Spring Break every year when I was in college, and got sick of being shaken down by the police. And this was well before all the recent stuff going on. We changed our spring break destination to Vegas and never looked back.

[Beware_of_Dog]

Queen Creek is a great choice, by the way. S.D. is heaven on earth by the way. Don't be surprised once you go there that you want to move there. I have lived in both places. Like them both. But nothing, nowhere, beats San Diego. That is one great reason to live in Arizona - you can be on the beach in San Diego and enjoying all the great restaurants and attractions in a quick morning or evening drive. I personally prefer the evening drive in the summer with the top down on my convertible and the wonderful star filled nights overhead.

From Q.C. you don't have to go through Phoenix either. Just drive SW to Casa Grande and then a straight shot to S.D. Heck, makes we want to go right now.