Is Rosarito Mexico safe? (2024)
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Is Rosarito safe?
Rosarito can be safe, if you stay in a tourist areas and follow common sense. Unfortunatley, Rosarito has been grappling with the rising crime, and several American tourists have been killed in this city over years.
I’ve never felt unsafe when visiting Rosarito during my short stay, but I also followed basic safety guidelines and stayed away from raucous parties and late-night bars, which are aplenty here.
Rosarito is safe for the great majority of Americans who come here to have a good time, but there also have been some instances of crime against tourists, so you should be vigilant at all times.
Located 25 minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border, Rosarito is a popular getaway from Southern California. Rosarito offers water activities like surfing 🏄🏽♀️ kayaking 🛶 and beach going.
It also has a great food scene, with many restaurants offering typical Mexican cuisine and seafood, so it’s no surpirse that it’s become a popualr getaway for many South Californians.
But because Rosarito also has seen an increase in crime in recent years, it’s reasonble to ask questions about safety in this place.
If you are also wondering about safety in Rosarito, you’ve landed on the right page. I traveled to Rosarito several times from San Diego ☀️ and will give you my take on safety in this popular destination.
Is Rosarito safe to visit right now?
Rosarito is not the safest place to visit in Baja California. The crime has been persistent, with assaults, bribery and property theft among the most common issues. If you travel to Rosarito, stick to popular tourist areas and avoid remote parts of town where crime is more likely to happen, especially at night.
✅ Read: Is Baja California safe?
What is the crime rate in Rosarito, Mexico?
Crime is Rosarito is higher than in the rest of Baja, and tourists have been targeted by criminals in the past. While the majority of crime in Rosarito is opportunistic, you should never let your guard down and always be aware of your surroundings.
To reduce your safety risk, don’t get drunk when you go out to bars in Rosarito, don’t accept food and drinks from strangers and be wary of overly friendly people.
Is Rosarito safer than Tijuana?
Statistically, Rosarito is safer than Tijuana. Rosarito has less crime in Tijuana, but it’s still not perfectly safe. Rosarito doesn’t have as much cartel violence as Tijuana, but violent crime has spilled in the area on many occassions.
Where’s Rosarito?
Rosarito Beach is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the U.S.-Mexico border and is part of the municipality of Playas de Rosarito in the state of Baja California.
Map of Rosarito, Mexico
Is Baja California safe?
The Baja California Peninsula is a huge geographical area that consists of two states: Baja California and Baja California Sur. Traveling around Baja is generally safe, and many visitors from the U.S. and Canada come here to do a road trip.
While Baja is considered one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, visiting it requires some precautions, as the region is known for its remote areas, long distances, and lack of good infrastracture in many parts of the peninsula.
When you travel around Baja, you could also see your cell phone signal disappear entirely in some places, which could be a problem if you need help while on the road.
What does the U.S. State Department about safety in Baja?
The U.S. State Department, which provides information about safety in different countries, has separate classifications for Baja California (also known as Baja Norte) and Baja California Sur.
The agency has four different classifications for all of Mexico’s 32 states that range from “do not travel to” to “exercise normal precautions.”
It advises visitors to reconsider travel to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping. While not all of the state is dangerous, the high crime rate in Tijuana and surrounding areas contribute to the poor safety ranking.
Crime in Baja California
According to the information on the U.S. State Department website, criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes with violent crime and gang activity being common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote places.
Baja California Sur, home to the popular resort Cabo San Lucas, enjoys a better rating, with the State Department advising travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.
📍Check: Best things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles
Is Rosarito Beach safe?
Rosarito Beach is perfectly safe during the day, but it’s less safer at night, especially in remote areas away from hotels and restaurants where crime is more likely to happen.
If you are going to surf or swim, don’t leave your belongings unattended, and check the current conditions, to make sure that it’s safe to get in the water.
📍Check: Is Tecate safe?
Are beaches in Rosarito safe to swim?
No, Rosarito beaches are not safe to swim. The area has powerful waves, that are more suitable for surfing than swimming, and strong rip currents that can quickly pull you in.
What is crime like in Rosarito?
Crime in Rosarito has decreased in 2023, according to the head of Rosarito’s head of public safety. Rosarito had 117 murders in 2022 and 37 in the first eight months of 2022.
Other types of crime like car theft, robberies, and carjackings are also down as of 2023, according to the government data.
What is the most common type of crime in Rosarito?
Crime has been increasing in Rosarito over the last 3 years, with the most prevalent types of crime being corruption, bribery, vandalism, and theft.
Is Rosarito safer than Tijuana?
While Rosarito is statistically safer than Tijuana, it still has higher than average crime rate, which is why travelers should exercise increased caution.
11 Safety Tips for Rosarito
1. Stay around popular tourist spots
You will significantly increase your chances of staying safe if you stick to popular tourist areas and avoid remote parts of town.
2. Don’t flash your wealth
When walking around Rosarito, dress in simple clothes and avoid any displays of wealth. Flashy clothing expensive jewelry and camera gear could attract the attention of the wrong people.
3. Avoid the beach after dark
Most people come to Rosarito to enjoy the beach, but it’s best to avoid the beach after dark, especially as a foreign tourist.
4. Don’t do drugs
Rosarito is a popular tourist destination, and while police try to keep it safe, unfortunately, there’s a drug cartel presence here. If you go to popular bars in Ensenada, you might come across people selling drugs. If you get offered drugs, all you need to say is a polite no and walk away.
5. Drink only bottled water
Tap water in Rosarito is not suitable for drinking, as everywhere else in Mexico. Always buy bottled water or refill your water bottle at your hotel, if it offers clean filtered water.
6. Learn some Spanish
Speaking Spanish could be a huge game changer when traveling around Baja, as not everyone here speaks English.
While you should be able to get away with speaking English in tourist areas of Rosarito, you will have a better awareness of what’s going on around you if can speak at least some Spanish.
7. Don’t divulge your travel plans to strangers
Mexican people are very welcoming and friendly, but you should be careful about sharing your personal information with someone you don’t know, simply because you don’t know what intentions they might have.
If you are talking to someone for the first time, and they are asking about your travel plans, just give them a basic overview without going too much into detail about where you are headed.
8. Don’t drive at night
Driving at night in Baja is possible, but not recommended, as there are very limited amenities and scarce cell phone service. Rural parts of Baja also have an issue with cattles roaming on the roads, which could lead to an accident when you drive at night in the dark.
9. Stay on main highways
Stick to main highways, as they are well-maintained and have better security.
10. Never leave your food and drinks unattended
Always finish your food and drinks and never leave them unattended. Always finish your drink and meal first before stepping away, so nobody can mess with them while you are not watching.
11. Don’t go out alone
If you want to go out and enjoy Rosarito’s bar scene, don’t do it alone, as it could make you an easy target. Bring at least one friend or family member with you, who can keep an eye on you in case you have one drink too many.
12. Don’t get drunk
Avoid getting drunk in Rosarito bars to minimize your chances of becoming a crime victim. You should drink only if you travel with a group of friends who can keep an eye on you and help you get home safely.
7 Safe things to do in Rosarito, Baja California
1. Stroll along Rosarito beaches
Rosarito is home to some of the best beaches in Baja California. Spend time sunbathing, swimming, taking a leisurely walk along the shore or riding an ATV, especially south of Rosarito’s pier, where there’s plenty of space for cruising.
If you are an advanced surfing, you can also ride Rosarito’s waves. Rosarito is one of the most popular destinations for surfing in Baja California, with many surfers from all over the world coming here.
2. Savor the delicious Baja cuisine
Explore the local food scene. Rosarito is famous for its fresh seafood, fish tacos, and ceviche. Don’t miss out on these dishes at local eateries.
3. Take a quick trip to Puerto Nuevo
This beachside village of Puerto Nuevo is just 20 minutes down the coast from Rosarito, and it’s renowned for its lobster dishes. Enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, because Puerto Nuevo is considered a foodie destination.
4. Shop colorful Mexican souvenirs
Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from your trip to Rosarito. Boulevard Benito Juarez, the main street of Rosarito, always has street vendors who sell trinkets and snacks. I found tons of cool artisan goodies along the Popotla Boulevard, the main artisan corridor in downtown Rosarito.
5. Visit La Bufadora
Take a trip to La Bufadora, a natural blowhole located about an hour’s drive from Rosarito. Witness the impressive spout of seawater shooting up from the rocks. Always check the weather first because you can see La Bufadora only when there’s a high tide.
6. Hike to Cerro Coronel
If you aren’t afraid of strenuous exercise and want to enjoy panoramic views of Rosarito, take a guided hike to Cerro Coronel, one of the highligts of Rosarito.
7. Watch the sunset along Rosarito Malecon
There’s no better way to wrap up your day than by watching the colorful Pacific sunset along the Malecon jutting out into the ocean. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Rosarito.
Get insurance for your trip to Rosarito
Getting insurance for your trip to Rosarito is an excellent idea, as it will protect you in the event of accidents, hospital visits, and anything else that might disrupt your travel plans. Safety Wing offers several insurance plans that are suitable for different types of travelers.
Do I need Mexican car insurance for my trip to Rosarito?
If you are driving to Rosarito from the United States, be aware that American car insurance is not valid in Mexico. To drive in Mexico, you will need to to buy Mexican Insurance that will cover you in case of accidents or any damage that could occur to your car while you are in this country.
Where can I buy Mexico car insurance?
The best place to buy Mexican car insurance for your vehicle is Baja Bound, a trusted website among many Baja traveleres. Baja Bound offers comprehensive coverage for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RV’s and other types of transportation.
What if I get pulled over by police while driving in Rosarito?
If you get pulled over while driving in Rosarito, keep calm, answer the questions and have your documents ready.
I’ve never had problems with police in Baja, but I heard stories from other travelers about police extorting money from foreigners in exchange for dismissing a citation.
While bribing a police officer could seem like an easy way to get out of paying a fine, it’s best to accept your citation and pay it online. This will help you to avoid trouble and get yourself out of a sketchy situation.
Remember to stay polite and calm, as getting nervois or acting angry could make the situation worse.
Register for the STEP program
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Rosarito, consider enrolling in STEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens abroad to register their trip with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in the STEP program ahead of your trip:
- Get updates from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
- Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or anything else.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
How to get to Rosarito?
To get to Rosarito, you need to cross the border to Mexico and take a drive along the coastal highway, or take a flight to Tijuana Airport.
Most travelers cross the border, but you can also fly to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) ✈️ which has domestic flights from many destinations in Mexico and some charter flights from the United States.
When you get to Tijuana, you will need to rent a car or get on a bus to Rosarito. If you want to enjoy some of the best places in the area, visit beaches, and have more freedom, I recommend renting a car in Tijuana 🚘
Renting a car for your trip to Rosarito
I recommend (and use) DiscoverCars, one of the most popular platforms for renting cars online, where you can find dozens of vehicles at competitive rates.
Why rent a car with DiscoverCars
DiscoverCars is one of the best platforms for renting cars and you can choose from dozens of available vehicles.
All you need to do is type in your travel dates and specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options.
One of the best things about booking your vehicle with DiscoverCars is that you can also buy your Mexican car insurance with them which is required to drive a car in the country.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR BAJA ROAD TRIP 🚗
Is it safe to drive to Rosarito from San Diego?
The drive from Rosarito to San Diego is safe, but it’s best to drive during the day to limit your chances of risk. The drive is part of Baja’s Federal Highway 1, which has better security than secondary roads.
You also need to pay a cash fee of 48 Pesos💰per person, when you pass a toll before you arrive to Rosarito.
San Diego to Rosarito shuttle
If you are on a budget, you can also take a shuttle from San Diego to Rosarito. Five Star Tours operates a weekly shuttle that takes you to Rosarito Beach at the Festival Plaza Hotel. The shuttle costs $24.00 one way, with the round-trip costing $39.
Is it safe to go to Rosarito right now?
It’s relatively safe to go to Rosarito right now, but you should stick to popular tourist spots, avoid remote areas and avoid Rosarito beaches at night.
Hotels in Rosarito
✅ Vista Hermosa Resort and Spa – Located 10 minutes south of Rosarito, Vista Hermosa Resort and Spa has a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Some rooms have ocean views, and the property also has an airport shuttle and free on-site parking.
✅ Rosarito Beach Hotel – Located in the middle of Playas de Rosarito, is one of the best places to stay as you can learn a bit of history here. Once a popular spot with Hollywood actors, today it’s one of the best historic buildings in Rosarito, as well as a popular resort that boasts superb oceanfront views, on-site restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and private parking.
✅ Las Rocas Resort and Spa – A gorgeous beachfront hotel, Las Rocas has a spa, a gorgeous pool, and a small beach. If you are looking for a tranquil stay while visiting Rosarito, book your stay at this beach.
👉 FIND MORE HOTELS IN ROSARITO
Is Rosarito safe? FAQ’s
Is Rosarito safe at night?
Rosarito is not safe at night, and you should avoid staying out late, especially by yourself. If you need go back to your hotel from the bar or restaurant, take a taxi. It will be more expensive, but you will be safer than walking in the dark.
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Rosarito?
While it’s relatively safe for Americans to travel to this beach town, American tourists have been killed in Rosarito in the past. To stay safe during your trip, you should stay around busy areas and avoid being out late at night.
Is Rosarito safe for tourists?
Rosarito is safe for tourists, but as a tourist you should stick to popular areas, and avoid remote parts of town, where you are more likely to become a victim of crime.
Is it safe to drink water in Rosarito?
It’s not safe to drink water in Rosarito. Always buy bottled water or get your water bottled refilled at your hotel if they offer filtered water.
Is there Uber in Rosarito?
There’s no Uber in Rosarito as of 2024. While you can take Uber to Rosarito from Tijuana or Ensenada, you will need to rely on local taxis to get around Rosarito.
Is Rosarito, Mexico worth visiting?
Rosarito is worth visiting if you like spending time on the beach, enjoy seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. Rosarito is a popular place among many Americans who come here to enjoy the quintessential Baja California scene.
Is Rosarito safe to live?
Rosarito is overall a safe place to live, but it’s not crime free. The city has many beaches, affordable housing, and plenty of things to do. It’s also within a quick drive from the U.S.-Mexico border and Tijuana International Airport, which has flights to many destinations around Mexico.
Why is Rosarito so popular?
Rosarito boasts beautiful sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean, it has good tourism infrastructure with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, and is close to the U.S. border, making it a popular weekend getaway.
Are Rosarito beaches clean?
Rosarito beaches are mostly clean especially around tourist areas and major hotels that make sure to maintain them for tourists.
Is Rosarito safe? Final word
Rosarito is one of the most popular day trips from San Diego and other parts of Southern California, where you can sunbathe on wide sandy beaches, enjoy water activities, and get a taste of a small Mexican town. While Rosarito is relatively safe, as a tourist, you should take some precautions to stay safe.
