If not designated as an official “Pueblo Magico” (magical city), you would possibly in any other case have second ideas visiting a Mexican border city, largely generally known as being dusty and laden with pharmacies.
We’re not saying pharmacies do not exist on each nook, however we’re saying this magical city lives as much as its appeal and is much from being the down-trodden hellscape you would possibly image with out additional data.
Take it from me — I go to Mexico as typically as I can, whether or not crossing on foot from San Diego or swapping California’s chilly waters for all-inclusives and endless sunshine.
On this case, I go to Tecate a minimum of as soon as yearly. It is a textbook “hidden gem” so accessible, typically customs agent do not even verify your passport stepping into (however be sure to convey it anyway).
Generally known as the gateway to wine nation, whereas Baja’s standard Valle de Guadalupe serves because the area’s “Napa”, Tecate is usually skipped as a mainstay — however not for this man!
I hone in on what I imagine to be arguably Mexico’s prettiest lodge, perched atop a hill in an unsuspecting neighborhood, overlooking Tecate’s rugged mountain backdrop and residential to one among Northern Baja’s most famous eateries, Asao, the place each dish is impossibly scrumptious from ceviche to birria and higher-end objects like steaks.
Santuario Diegueño alone, holding a formidable 4.7 Google ranking, makes Tecate well worth the detour, whether or not you’re sneaking down from SoCal for the day or easing into your journey by the Ruta de Vino.
Welcome To Baja’s Sanctuary
We have all seen the beer cans.
Sure, Tecate is dwelling to the extremely standard cerveza sharing the identical title, however regardless of its boozy repute, it is doubtless most who move by do not understand the extent of Tecate’s cultural heritage.
Santuario Diegueño is an ode to that heritage, because it’s framed as a contemporary reimagining of the sanctuary the Kumeyaay folks celebrated within the area for hundreds of years.
No, there aren’t any tourist-trap gimmicks or faux-tribal theatrics, however it’s a contemporary Baja retreat rooted in native stone, clay, woodwork, people artwork, and the staggering mountain backdrop that makes Tecate really feel so distinctive compared to Mexico’s family names.
Solely costing you within the low $100s all through summer season for a room, this meticulously designed oasis couldn’t be extra inviting with its world-class restaurant serving up unbelievable views simply as exceptional because it’s selective menu of hand-crafted cocktails, sensational modern-meets-local delicacies, and naturally, ice-cold bottles of Tecate.
I’ve made my manner right here a minimum of as soon as yearly, and I’ve by no means seen it crowded. There’s all the time a poolside lounger open, all the time a barstool on the patio the place the photograph above was taken, and all the time zippy service and no strains it doesn’t matter what time you present up — although you’ll be able to e book a desk on Resy in the event you’re an AMEX holder like me.
From Asao’s mountain-view patio to the gleaming pool and cultural touches showcased all through the property like a dwelling museum, it’s such an unbelievable place to decelerate and soak in a aspect of Baja most vacationers overlook.
No place is ideal, nonetheless, and this could possibly be attributed to why it by no means appears to attract a crowd regardless of being drop-dead beautiful.
It does again as much as the infamous “wall”, which is not precisely essentially the most postcard-ready photograph op.
That stated, you hardly discover it, however I’ve a sense that is why most individuals skip it in favor of exploring deeper into Valle de Guadalupe for extra open area and on-site wineries as “border city” reputations have not accomplished any favors for locations like Santuario Diegueño, regardless of how aesthetically beautiful they might be in the event that they had been constructed wherever else.
Ensure you double verify travel alerts and tourist fees earlier than your journey too.
Free Beer, Native Wine & Small City Appeal
Being a Pueblo Mágico, the small city’s enchantment is off the charts, particularly the middle of city, backed by a timeless cathedral, old-school resorts, and a mixture of outdated and new eateries equivalent to matcha cafes and ageless taco joints standing the take a look at of time.
Anchoring the townscape, you’ll be able to’t miss the brilliant pink Tecate signal emblazoned on the huge brewery that takes up a number of blocks.
This could function your North Star, although Tecate does surprisingly have Uber, so that you keep away from the treacherous hills.
Better of all, in the event you go to the brewery’s beer garden, you get a free beer only for strolling in. Simply know hours fluctuate, however even in the event you’re a Corona loyalist, there aren’t any questions requested.
Being the gateway to wine nation, you do not have to courageous the winding roads dotted with wineries to take pleasure in a glass of the area’s acclaimed wine.
My favourite spot is Vinoteca, only a block away from the principle plaza the place the “motion” is — you understand, memento trinkets, beer stands, and the aroma of bacon-wrapped scorching canines scorching on the grill.
It’s half beer backyard, half cozy wine hangout, with principally shaded outside seating that makes it manner too simple to remain longer than deliberate, like I did yesterday.
Providing all the pieces from fruit wines to rosé and beer flights so you’ll be able to pattern brews you’ve by no means heard of, it’s an ideal low-key cease to ease into Tecate with out feeling such as you stumbled into some vacationer entice such as you would possibly end up in neighboring Tijuana.
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