There have been quite a few journey alerts and advisories for Mexico issued lately, however that’s not stopping anybody from venturing south of the border for some enjoyable within the solar this summer time.
A variety of vacationers miss out on Mexico’s magic by staying in essentially the most curated pockets for a way of security and luxury— , Cancun, Los Cabos, and the likes…
However let me inform you, as somebody who’s been to these 2 powerhouses, in addition to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico Metropolis, it’s all the time the nation’s lesser-known areas that depart me with the perfect reminiscences.
By “lesser recognized”, that may additionally equate to “misunderstood”. That’s undoubtedly the case for one in all Mexico’s most underrated seashore cities.
This huge metropolis tends to be extra recognized for pharmacy runs, legendary nightlife, and the lore of darkish underbellies, however I’ve been over 100 instances and by no means come house with a scratch or story to inform past PG-rated shenanigans.
In case you haven’t guessed by now, sure, we’re speaking about Tijuana, an iconic metropolis typically misrepresented as a no-go zone, however actually it’s one in all Mexico’s greatest shock locations.
Sure, Tijuana Is A Seaside Metropolis
Look, I get it. As a San Diegan who loves hitting up the seashore at any time when I’m not slingin’ articles for you of us, evaluating Tijuana apples to apples with San Diego wouldn’t really feel proper — aside from the truth that Tijuana boasts the identical splendid year-round climate as a lot of America is melting in heatwaves.
However let’s bear in mind there’s a really controversial “wall” in between, which, proper, unsuitable, or detached, does signify how totally different these 2 cities actually are.
Like a lot of Cabo, it’s not suggested to take a dip within the waters right here, however it’s not the highly effective swells that can sweep you away; it’s the dearth of infrastructure leading to bacteria-filled waters not appropriate for swimming.
Simply ask Imperial Seaside, America’s southernmost seashore city throughout mentioned ‘wall’…
Simply as thousands and thousands don’t thoughts visiting Cabo with out with the ability to benefit from the spectacular blue waters, the identical might be mentioned in Tijuana, only for totally different causes — and no, there’s no 5-star luxurious resorts overlooking the eyesore of the border both.
Name me loopy, however I really like visiting Tijuana’s coast, recognized merely as “the Playas” mostly.
It’s an entire vibe there with coconut distributors, buzzing bars, phenomenal seafood, beachside massages (no, not these form), and even a thriving expat neighborhood.
Although in case you do favor swimmable waters, the paradisal city of Rosarito feels way more prepped for vacationers with beachfront resorts and a downtown space that appears like a microcosm of Cabo.
Simply test native stories for water situations earlier than leaping in.
Tijuana’s Ever-Altering Skyline: New Lodges On The Horizon
As I mentioned, I’ve been going to Tijuana for years and it appears each different time I go to a crane turns into a part of the cityscape as a brand new high-rise is being constructed.
This time round, it’s not simply overseas buyers pouring boatloads of money into condos.
There are some thrilling name-brand inns that can certainly draw in additional American guests if they may simply recover from the hurdle that Tijuana is secure for vacationers.
I’m not against the law skilled, however a deep dive into native stories nearly all the time includes gang-on-gang crime hardly ever affecting vacationers, even ones like me that reside quarter-hour away.
Essentially the most notable resort on the horizon is a 22-story Westin set to tower over the nook of Bulevar Agua Caliente.
Regardless of being a border city, Tijuana is definitely fairly luxurious, particularly away from the dilapidated buildings that instantly greet you upon getting into Mexico.
Components of the Plaza Rio district really feel like Mexico Metropolis’s Polanco with fancy vehicles whizzing by, cozy wine bars, Brazilian steakhouses, and artisan taco stands.
So, it’s not terribly shocking that extra inns are popping as much as improve the town’s attraction with title manufacturers we all know and love.
Downtown is being revitalized too. It nonetheless wants some work, however the most well-liked area of the town is taking an enormous step this fall by opening a classy Hotel Indigo within the coronary heart of the motion of downtown, mere steps away from Mercado Hidalgo.
It’s slated to open November 1, 2025.
There are additionally quite a few new boutique inns scattered alongside Revolucion, sandwiched in between bars, eating places, and trinket retailers with pesky distributors urging you to “purchase belongings you don’t want”.
Arrive Hungry, Depart Blissful: Tijuana Is The Mecca For Low-cost Eats!
I child you not, there’s all the time a brand new restaurant to strive in TJ. That’s cause numero uno why I cross the border within the first place.
Hardly ever will you scoff on the invoice when it arrives. Irrespective of if it’s Tijuana-style scorching canine at nook avenue distributors, hole-in-the-wall taco stands like famend Taco Alley, or sipping $1 Coronas at El Toro, choices are plentiful.
Circling again to “The Playas”, in case you’re a seafood lover like me, indulging in oysters and recent ceviche is a should from an limitless array of oceanside eateries.
You may query the sanitary situations of slurping uncooked oysters in a border city, however bear in mind, you possibly can slurp ‘em whereas wanting over proper the place they got here from.
There are additionally classics which are a should for each first-timer, resembling Caesar’s, whose declare to fame is the unique Caesar salad, and I promise you it’s like nothing you’ve ever had earlier than.
Even for a carnivore like me, I might order spherical after spherical of their tableside-prepped salad.
Tijuana Now Has 2 Nonstop Flights From The U.S.
In case you favor to skip San Diego and fly straight in, vacationers can now fly nonstop on American Airways from Phoenix or take Volaris from Las Vegas.
Although in case you did wish to cross into San Diego, be certain that to reap the benefits of one of many world’s most original loopholes, the Cross Border Xpress.
Consider it as a no-nonsense quick go to keep away from Tijuana’s infamous lengthy border wait instances.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
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