I live in Rosarito half the year. If you'd like my lists of restaurants/things to do/etc., send me an email and I'll email them back to you.
In regard to the shuttle, if you use a shuttle, you'll miss most of what coming to Rosarito is all about. You'll be confining yourselves to "tourist alley," and that's definitely not the best in terms of quality/atmosphere/price.
Driving is easy with a capital "E." The road to get here is a 4 lane, concrete, divided highway that is well maintained. All the urban myths you've heard about police out to nab tourists and try to get bribe money are just that: myths. We've owned here 18 years. When we're in residence, we cross the border into San Diego (for mail/shopping/doctor appointments/to see a movie we don't want to wait for/etc.)-----in all that time, we've NEVER had any experience with a cop except to see them directing traffic. We have lots and lots of friends here, and most have lived here as long as we have, or longer. NOT ONE has ever had an experience like that. Many people who live here cross into San Diego 2 or 3 times a week.....in 18-25 years, that's a lot of crossings, and no one has EVER had a problem.
Rent a car and come on down and enjoy. With a car, you'll be able to go to the restaurants that are worth going to/drive to Ensenada (one of the most beautiful drives anywhere--takes about 45 minutes) and visit the Wine Valley, and you'll be able to go where you want to when you want to.
