Hi everyone...first time poster. I am planning a family holiday where myself and two brothers and our families will meet nest year in April from Australia, Europe and UK. Our initial stop will be in Los angeles but we'd also like to spend a week elsewhere. Would Rosario be a decent place for a 5 day stay and is it child friendly?. Kids ages range from 9-16.
Thanks
Tony

This may help, but I know little of the area. All of Mexico has something to offer to children. I would consider San Quintin also.
http://www.ontheroadin.com/baja/bajarvparks/puntabandatoelrosario.htm
Albert G

Not sure what you are looking for or how you picked a spot like El Rosario. Remember, Baja is 1000 miles long and it can vary dramatically in what each area has to offer. Additionally the Pacific coast is significantly different from the Sea of Cortez side. I have travelled the peninsula many times and if I knew more of what your interests were I'm sure many of us can help you find what you are looking for. Baja is a great experience for kids. Mine started travelling there when they were 3 and they are nearly 20 now and they still love it. I know one day they will be taking their kids there.

Thanks Albert and Alan...
Too be honest i messed up and meant to ask about Rosarito Beach rather then El Rosario. Apart from 1 vacation to Fiji, my kids have always holidayed within Australia so My thoughts were that by visiting Baja for say 5 days at least they would get a feel of a different culture. We are a pretty sporty family who spend a lot of time at the beach as well as play golf, tennis, squash etc etc. My wife and daughter both love that famous girl sport of shopping too. I have noticed that a lot of mention is made of having enough insurance..does this infer that the chances of encountering anti-social behaviour may be more in Baja? Basically I would like a relaxed, healthy 5 day break in an area that is safe yet unlike our normal enviroment....Am i looking at the right place or should I be looking elsewhere in your opinions?
I really appreciate any feedback I get. Thanks again. Tony

Rosarito in April can be nice. The water is still really too cool for swimming. Low 60's. Of course you have an equal chance of foggy days. If you are intent on driving I would try the Cortez side, either San Felipe (130miles from Mexacali) or Bay of Los Angeles (400 miles from San Diego). (BoLA is still pretty primative as Baja should be). I haven't been to San Felipe in years. It got too built up for my tastes. If you can fly down I would suggest Cabo for all you have described.

I'll look up some websites tonight and repost.

"safe yet unlike our normal enviroment...."
Rosarito Beach is in Mexico, but it is not the true Baja. If that is as far as you want to travel, San Diego, and Imperial Beach would be better.
Rosarito Beach is a 1 or 2 day get away.
I would follow Allan's advice, San Felipe down from Mexicali for your first trip is your best bet.The only problem with the real Baja is the first trip you will get hooked for life.
Albert G
Forgot to give you Rosarito Beach Info site:
http://rosaritoinfo.com/
Also more travel info:
http://www.ontheroadin.com/plansandinfo.htm

http://www.bajaquest.com/baja02.htm

This is a site that may help. I've given more thought to your post.

Since your family is meeting here from points elsewhere I am assuming you will be renting cars. I don't know if US rental agencies will allow you to take one of their cars into Mexico. I am sure others on this board could help you with those answers. I've never done it so I don't know.

April is a very pivotal month in both Southern California and the Pacific side of northern Baja. We can have some perfectly glorious days but we have an equal chance of fog or overcast. The water temps are still a bit too cool to swim or surf without a wetsuit. Usually around the mid 50's to low - mid 60's F.

The insurance requirements you hear about is not the result of anti-social behavior but refers instead to auto insurance. Mexico does not recognize policies issued outside of Mexico and their approach to the finding of guilt is a bit different than the US. In the US a person is assumed innocent until proven guilty. Mexico uses the opposite approach and people can be detained if they can't demonstrate the ability to pay for damages should they eventually be found at fault. A recognized insurance policy is a demonstration of that ability.

If you decide to fly into Baja I would suggest the southern area for that time of year. There you can choose from Cabo San Lucas which has all of the activities you described in addition to World Class Sportfishing but is definitely not your typical Mexican town. For that experience I would suggest La Paz. It is a very large modern town with all of the activities you have described but it is much more typical of true Mexico. From La Paz you can rent a car and make a day-trip into Cabo (about 3 hrs south) or a day trip north to Mulege. Mulege (Mu-La-Hay) is a very small but quaint town in a palm oasis. On the way there are very stunning beaches at the Bay of Conception.

If you decide not to go to Mexico at all I would suggest a drive north from LA along the California coast on Hwy 1. It is very scenic with numerous attractions along the way such as Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, Big Sur and Monterey. If you go to Monterey the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see for the kids. From there you can continue on into San Francisco and all that it has to offer.

You still have some time left to plan your trip so if you have any questions I might answer please don't hesitate to ask. I live in the mountains about 60 miles east of Los Angeles so I am pretty well versed in the area.