About Puerto Penasco Puerto Peñasco is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those that reside in the U.S. state of Arizona since it contains the nearest beaches. It's a three and a half hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson. It is also a popular Spring Break destination with students from Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Puerto Peñasco is located in the 'free zone' where tourists are not required currently to obtain immigration papers in order to visit. However U.S. Border Patrol agents advise that as of June 2009 a passport will be required to re-enter the United States. [As of October 2008, U.S. citizens are required to show proof of citizenship (e.g., state issued photo ID and U.S. birth certificate).] Puerto Peñasco is also slated for upcoming marina, cruise liners and other boat-related developments as part of the country's 'Escalera Nautica' efforts, which call for a chain of 'tourist-class' marinas sprinkled up and down the Baja coast in an effort to promote nautical tourism. There is a international airport that services smaller aircraft, a larger international airport is being built and slated for delivery by the second quarter of 2009. Also being built is the first phase of the Coastal Highway which will cut the drive to Calfornia by two hours, this first phase of the highway is slated for delivery by the first quarter of 2009. Puerto Peñasco has two main beach areas. To the west of the Old Port area is Sandy Beach. This is the home to several large hotel/resorts, and more are under construction. East of Puerto Peñasco, there is a long coast with several areas, known in parts as La Mirador, Las Conchas, and Playa Encanto, an area of beachfront and near-beach condos, homes, fractional ownership and timeshares. Puerto Penasco is one of the largest growing tourist desinations in Mexico, it's a great time to invest in this "booming" town.