In centuries past, the California peninsula was inhabited by tribes of natives, notably the Pai Pai, Cochimi, Kiliwa, Cucupa and Kumiai. The Kumiai settled in the area we now know as Rosarito naming it UACUATAY (which translates to "the big house"). Traces of their everyday life such as arrowheads, stone kitchen utensils, mortars, etc., have been discovered. These artifacts provide a rich source of information regarding their lifestyles and the first stage in Rosarito's evolution. Today, in the area of San Jose de la Zorra just 30 kilometers east of La Mision Village, descendants of the Kumiai can still be found.
 
The second stage in Rosarito's evolution, referred to as the "Misional", began with the arrival of the Spaniards in 1533. So named because it marked the establishment of missions throughout the peninsula and the evangelization of the native tribes, a total of 28 missions were founded by the Jesuit, Dominican and Franciscan monks in what we now know as Baja California. The Palou Frontier was established in 1773 as the dividing line between Nueva (new) or Alta (upper) California and Antigua (old) or Baja (lower) California. In 1788, the De Sales Frontier was established and the boundary between the two Californias was relocated to the site of the Rosarito Creek.

The third stage in Rosarito's history began with the establishment of the big Ranchos. The property of El Rosarito Ranch, granted to Don Jose Manuel Machado on 1825, stands out as the first in the area. Subsequently his son, Joaquin Machado, applied for title to the land to then President Porfirio Diaz, and, on May 14th, 1885, title was granted and registered in la Ensenada de Todos los Santos, then capitol city of Baja California. May 14 is now recognized and celebrated as Rosarito's Foundation Day by the Historical Society of Rosarito.

 
 
The fourth stage of Rosarito's history is known as the "Touristic". It began with the establishment of Rene's in 1925 and the Rosarito Beach Hotel in 1926. Rosarito has been visited by tourists since 1874 (Source: San Diego Union), attracted by hunting (dear, quail and rabbit) and fishing (lobster, abalone).

The "Ejidal" and fifth stage in Rosarito's history began with the inception of Ejidos (common land for farming) when, on August 17, 1930, General Lazaro Cardenas, then President of Mexico, issued a resolution granting 4,671 hectares (over 10,000 acres) of land to a community of local farmers known as Ejido Mazatlan.

The beginnings of urbanization in 1950 marks the sixth stage in Rosarito's development with the planning and construction of streets and city blocks. As land sales soared, coupled with the construction of small restaurants, some shops and two hotels, the city began to take shape.
In the 1960's Rosarito entered the commercial/industrial era with the construction of a huge thermoelectric power plant and the later installation of Pemex, the Mexican Gas Company.

This seventh stage in Rosarito's evolution was marked with further construction and the development of shopping centers as more restaurants and shops were established along the main street. This street has been renovated and enlarge to encompass four lanes and a lighted meridian strip and, in 1989, was officially designated Boulevard Benito Juarez. During the seventies and early eighties, Rosarito's growth was moderate but constant. The mid-eighties, however, were marked with the strong development of tourist related businesses of obviously considerable investment. Available hotel rooms in Rosarito are up from 350 to over 2000 now.

In the early 1990's appreciable economic growth was achieved by the construction and completion of numerous hotels, condominiums and shopping centers. On December 1, 1995, Rosarito became the fifth Municipality (county) of the State of Baja California, this being the eight stage of the history of Rosarito.

Rosarito is located in the northwest part of the peninsula, 28 Km. south of the border city of Tijuana. It lies along the sea coast, and has a mild climate with plenty of sun and a soft sea breeze. Rosarito was the site of an indigenous population, from the K'mai group, which named the place "U cuatay", meaning "Big Houses" (Casas Grandes). Later on, the Mission of Arcángel de la Frontera, founded in 1787, embraced many K'mai settlements, one of which was El Rosario, subsequently named Rosarito.

In 1827 Rosarito was the settlement for pioneer European immigration coming down from California to make a living by exploiting Agriculture and Cattle Raising. Later on, in 1923, Don Juan Ortiz opened a bar, a restaurant and some rooms for tourists, so marking the beginning for touristic activity in the region (the place still operates under the name "Rene's"). In 1926 the Rosarito Hotel began to operate. Since then, Rosarito has been an important tourist resort. By 1995, Rosarito population was 46,128.

Rosarito, the tourist friendly beach city. The Rosarito county area encompasses 20 miles of magnificent coastline, wide sandy beaches, spectacular cliff-tops, and rugged mountains. Enjoy surfing, water sports, fishing, and the world famous annual Rosarito Bike Ride. Present day Rosarito is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate as it is becoming a popular movie set town. "Titanic" just finished shooting there in May 1997.

Rosarito is known for it's specialty restaurants serving some of the best seafood in North America. However, Rosarito is more than just another pretty lobster plate. The night life here can be as hot as the days. Party and dance at the edge of the sea, or enjoy a quite campfire on the beach. Rosarito is the ideal foreign vacation experience. There are several first class hotels and resorts in addition to many shopping centers. If you are in need of any medical attention, Rosarito also features some fine medical centers, plastic surgery centers, hospitals, and medical facilities. US Dollars are accepted everywhere.