Venture South of the Border to Explore Riches of Tijuana

It was once a sleepy border town that became a destination for hedonism during the Prohibition Era and later would become infamous for its red-light district, but today Tijuana, “The Corner of Mexico,” is a modern yet eclectic city that offers a wide range of tourist activities, both day and night.

Most of the tourist destinations can be found on and around the Avenida Revolucion in the city’s old downtown district, a short walk from the border crossing. After passing underneath the Arco Reloj Monumental (Millennial Arch) that serves as an unofficial gateway to Tijuana, visitors are greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of this historic city that traces its history to the 1500s.

More of that history can be viewed at the Museo de Historia de Tijuana, located inside the Old Municipal Palace. The museum features thousands of pieces that trace the city’s transformation from a colonial Spanish outpost to the burgeoning metropolis of today. For admirers of art, the Tijuana Cultural Center offers an extensive collection including many avant-garde pieces, as well as a planetarium, aquarium, a botanical garden dotted with Meso-American sculptures, and an IMAX theater.

Architectural aficionados will also be impressed with the eye candy, especially fans of neoclassical design. The Catedral de Nuestra SeɁora de Guadalupe offers one such example, though perhaps the best exemplar is the Palacio de Fronton Jai Alai, a magnificent edifice that formerly hosted matches of the Basque sport Jai Alai. After falling into disrepair, it has now been restored, though today it is primarily a venue for musical concerts or art exhibits.

All the walking (or biking—bike tours are a popular ticket in the city) and sightseeing will undoubtedly stimulate an appetite, and Tijuana offers many diverse culinary options. While traditional Mexican cuisine is readily available, Tijuana has also heartily embraced “Baja Med,” a fusion of regional dishes and Mediterranean flavors. People up on their food history may want to stop by the Hotel Caesars, birthplace of the now ubiquitous Caesar salad.

If you are returning to San Diego during the day, you might want to allow some extra time to do so. The San Ysidro International Border Crossing is considered the busiest border in the world; though getting into Mexico is a relatively expedient affair, the queues to return to the United States (both on foot or in a vehicle) can take a while depending on the time and day.

Border lines are generally much smaller at night, so visitors may want to consider staying a little while longer to enjoy Tijuana’s vibrant nightlife scene of bars and nightclubs. While most people might instinctively think about margaritas as a beverage of choice, Tijuana does have a blossoming craft beer scene, including the renowned Cerveceria Tijuana.

Regardless of when or how long your Tijuana visit may be, however, it is important to remember that despite its close proximity to San Diego, this is an international destination so caution and common sense are advised.

Tijuana is easily accessed from downtown San Diego by a variety of means. The Blue Line trolley runs from downtown directly to the border crossing from 5 a.m. to midnight, while multiple bus lines (including Greyhound) offer routes that cross the border. ■

More information about visiting Tijuana can be accessed here.