Philip Friedman Outdoors is headed to Rosarito Beach the day after Thanksgiving for a weekend of fun and optional charity work.
From Nov. 25-27, you can golf, shop, eat lobster, fish, ride quads to an Indian village, horseback ride or just relax at the historic Rosarito Beach Hotel in Baja California. The inn is located on the beach with a magnificent view of the Coronado Islands and, sometimes, passing whales and dolphins.
Getting There
If you'd like to skip the hassle of buying Mexican auto insurance and paying for gas, park your car at the border station lot in San Ysidro ($7 a day) and we'll have a bus waiting to whisk you down the picturesque Baja peninsula. Round-trip cost is about $20 a person, departing at 11 a.m. Friday. PFO staff will be onboard to help.
A Hotel Full of History
The Rosarito Beach Hotel opened its doors in 1925. In 1932, 50 rooms were added, making it a favorite hideout for the rich and famous. Guests included Orson Welles, Edward G. Robinson, Robert Stack, Gregory Peck, Vincent Price, Robert Preston, Spencer Tracy and Anthony Quinn.
Ali Khan, son of the Shah of Iran, visited in 1954 accompanied by sultry movie star Rita Hayworth. The inn has also played host to Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, Joan Bennett and Kim Novak. Today, the hotel has the same charm, impeccable service and friendly ambience that made it popular so many years ago.
Guided Tours All Weekend
At 2 p.m., PFO will host a welcome party in the hotel's Pacifico Tower, which beckons with dramatic views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. At the party, PFO will introduce various recreation options and tours, including the wine country, Puerto Nuevo lobster, movie tours, a breathtaking ride to the blowhole at La Bufadora, golf and fishing.
In every case, PFO will be ready to help. Whether you want to find the best carnitas or margaritas, delve into Baja history and culture, or watch and bet on a football game, PFO will have the answers.
You might want to make time for a tour of Foxploration, 20th Century Fox's working movie studio, just five minutes south of town. Titanic was filmed there, and a tour of the movie's props-and-memorabilia museum is a must for film buffs.
Foxploration also features Cinemagico, where wannabe directors and stars can try their hands at interactive filmmaking and special effects. The center includes a food court and shops, as well as Rosarito's only Starbucks. Cinemagico is open Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and kids younger than 12.
A Humanitarian Mission
In addition to all the Baja fun, you can participate in a free medical clinic PFO is sponsoring with Dr. Gnyandev Patel from the Neha Medical group in Lakewood. You can help organize the people in line, make sure everyone has water, lend a hand to the handicapped, even play basketball with kids waiting for parents who have medical needs.
PFO will be transporting medical supplies, an X-ray machine, food and clothing to Baja on this trip. We will also be visiting an orphanage for those who would like to attend. Even if you can’t make this trip, we could use donations of food, clothing, medical supplies or funds. It will be costly to pack and move the X-ray machine as well as the other supplies we're bringing.
Cost
Your hotel stay is $199 for 2 nights, double occupancy (a free room upgrade is available to the first eight sign-ups). Tours and fishing are extra.
For More Info or to Make a Donation
Call 424-237-0250 or email PhilipFriedmanOutdoors@gmail.com.
