It IS a dry heat ... but it's a long summer, so Phoenix locals have long known seven secrets for beating the heat.

The first is to head north to Slide Rock, in gorgeous Sedona. The next is to grab your inner tube and head for the Salt River! If it's gotta be the Pacific Ocean for you, pack your  bags and point your car toward San Diego - just be prepared to be called a Zonie.

But if southern California just isn't your style, you can still do the ocean, Mexico style, in Puerto Peñasco (pronounced PWER-TOE  PEN-YA-SCO), more colloquially known as Rocky Point. Puerto Peñasco is located on the Sea of Cortez in the Mexican state of Sonora, about 66 miles from the U.S. border (at Lukeville, Arizona). Rocky Point is a scenic 4-hour drive from either Phoenix ot Tucson.

Rocky Point was originally a fishing village in the 1930s, gradually developing into one of the major shrimp producing areas in the Sea of Cortez. Eventually, it was discovered by Americans as an alternative for retirement and vacation.

There are all kinds of things to do in Rocky Point, from parasailing to deep-sea fishing to shopping. You'll also find a ton of vacation rentals, both on and off the beach. The prices are very low, compared to US standards, and some of the accommodations are quire nice. This idyllic beach town has recently become home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (located at Laguna del Mar) - in case you have any golfers in tow.

Most people who visit Rocky Point drive there. If you decide to drive to Puerto Penasco, you must have Mexican auto insurance - it's the law.

Virtually any place you can spend money will readily accept US dollars. Be aware of the exchange rate ahead of time, though. Aslo, many businesses are unable to make change for anything larger than an American $20 bill, so it's a good idea to carry small bills with you.

Don't plan for a working vacation, though, as Internet access is only available in a few places on/off Calle 13, some RV parks in Playa Mirador, and the occasional hotel.

PASSPORT NOTICE: As of June 1, 2009, you must have a passport, passport card or other travel documents authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to be able to enter the US from any bordering nations (i.e., return to the US from Mexico).