Toes in the sand

What percentage of those who visit Rocky Point come just to fling themselves into the sea, sit on the beach, and sink their toes in the sand?

A group of us just returned from an eight-day barefoot charter in the British Virgin Islands, island hopping. Every island we visited, we searched for that awesome beach bar, where you could put your toes in the sand, have a drink or get something to eat. One of the most memorable and famous ones is the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, simple with a great view, just a few tables with umbrellas, an outside bar station and plenty of sand. I couldn’t help but think to myself how easy it would be for someone to set up a Rocky Point Soggy Dollar Bar, no shoes required, plenty of sand, and wet dollar bills.

Yes, I’m sure there are folks that come to see the beautiful Sea of Cortez—they don’t want to get in the sea or sand, but they sure like to look at it. And there’s a group that may like to come down for the food, the fun, and the sunsets. But I believe the vast majority just can’t wait to be at the beach, up close and personal, and dig their toes in the sand.

With that perspective, for all you visitors, here’s a list of cool bars and restaurants around town, where you can put your toes in the sand. The best news is the list is growing as we have a few new places opening up.

Toes in the Sand establishments.

Wrecked At Reef (Sandy Beach) In my opinion, currently takes the top spot. Wrecked is a place where you can sit under palapas, no shoes required and put your toes in the sand, while you eat, drink and even listen to live music.

Manny‘s (Mirador area) is right up there as a top spot. Manny’s was the original beach bar of the past. Today, Manny’s offers much more than the dancing and the drinking night club of days gone by. Manny’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, a swimming pool, live music, Airbnb rooms and several additional bars and cool hang-out spots. If you haven’t been to Manny’s for a while, it’s time you check it out.

Pitaya Bar (Mirador area) This is another awesome on the beach bar, located behind a motel, with easy access to run into the sea. A true beach bar, where you can swim, and then have a drink and something to eat. This outdoor bar area offers live music and even beach bingo.

Playa Bonita (Sandy Beach) A place you can eat, drink and sit right next to the sand and gaze at the beautiful sea. Playa Bonita has been around for a long time, it also is a hotel and is right next-door to an RV park.

Tiki Bar (Sandy Beach) at the Sonoran Sky… This small tiki bar is at the beach level of Sonoran Sky but open to the public. Here you can lounge with a frozen drink or sit at the tiki bar. Pull up a chair, put your toes in the sand, and get lost in the waves.

The new JJ’s (Cholla Bay) Everyone’s been waiting to see what happens when the new “JJ’s Cantina” opens its doors. This historical cantina is now operated by the folks that brought you Wrecked at the Reef. As of this article it was not open yet, but it is slated to be open on or before June as it’s in the lineup for the epic 4-day musical festival, Circus Mexicus in June. They might not be on the sea, but JJ’s is on the sand of Cholla Bay with a great view of the bay, and lots of water activity to watch. When it’s low tide, there’s plenty of sand to be found.

Diego’s Tiki Bar (Sandy Beach) at Esmeralda We have a brand-new contender for beach bars, I believe this new spot, might just give the other beach bars a run for their money. Diego’s Tiki bar is located right beside Esmeralda Resort. I had a sneak peek at their menu, and it is not the typical bar food. How about some Filet stuffed with seafood, Octopus, Tropical seafood in a fresh coconut and mango wings? They will be open for breakfast, lunch & dinner directly on the sand on one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches in town. Complete with a boardwalk, outdoor beds, palm trees and one heck of a view. This outdoor bar is sure to be a future contender with live music and a cool atmosphere.

Your beach blanket, tent or towel. Yes, sometimes the best establishment is the one you set up for the day. If you have a group of friends rent a tent and create your own Soggy Dollar Bar. Bring your coolers (no bottles please), a few chairs and have your own beach bar party on the sand. Take a dollar bill or a peso and run into the sea, nothing like a soggy dollar and a cold drink!