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There have been quite a few journey alerts and advisories for Mexico issued not too long ago, however that’s not stopping anybody from venturing south of the border for some enjoyable within the solar this summer season.
Plenty of vacationers miss out on Mexico’s magic by staying in essentially the most curated pockets for a way of security and luxury— you recognize, Cancun, Los Cabos, and the likes…
But let me let you know, as somebody who’s been to these 2 powerhouses, in addition to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, it’s all the time the nation’s lesser-known areas that depart me with the perfect reminiscences.
By “lesser known”, that may additionally equate to “misunderstood”. That’s positively the case for one in every of Mexico’s most underrated seaside cities.
This huge metropolis tends to be extra identified for pharmacy runs, legendary nightlife, and the lore of darkish underbellies, however I’ve been over 100 occasions and by no means come residence with a scratch or story to inform past PG-rated shenanigans.
If you haven’t guessed by now, sure, we’re speaking about Tijuana, an iconic metropolis usually misrepresented as a no-go zone, however actually it’s one in every of Mexico’s greatest shock locations.
Yes, Tijuana Is A Beach City
Look, I get it. As a San Diegan who loves hitting up the seaside 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.
But let’s bear in mind there’s a really controversial “wall” in between, which, proper, fallacious, or detached, does signify how completely different these 2 cities actually are.
Like a lot of Cabo, it’s not suggested to take a dip within the waters right here, but it surely’s not the highly effective swells that may sweep you away; it’s the dearth of infrastructure leading to bacteria-filled waters not appropriate for swimming.
Just ask Imperial Beach, America’s southernmost seaside city throughout mentioned ‘wall’…
Just as tens of millions don’t thoughts visiting Cabo with out having the ability to benefit from the spectacular blue waters, the identical could be mentioned in Tijuana, only for completely different causes — and no, there’s no 5-star luxurious resorts overlooking the eyesore of the border both.
Call me loopy, however I like visiting Tijuana’s coast, identified merely as “the Playas” mostly.
It’s a complete vibe there with coconut distributors, buzzing bars, phenomenal seafood, beachside massages (no, not these sort), and even a thriving expat neighborhood.
Though for those who do want swimmable waters, the paradisal city of Rosarito feels much more prepped for vacationers with beachfront resorts and a downtown space that looks like a microcosm of Cabo.
Just test native studies for water circumstances earlier than leaping in.
Tijuana’s Ever-Changing Skyline: New Hotels 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 lodges that may certainly draw in additional American guests if they may simply recover from the hurdle that Tijuana is protected for vacationers.
I’m not against the law skilled, however a deep dive into native studies virtually all the time entails gang-on-gang crime hardly ever affecting vacationers, even ones like me that stay quarter-hour away.
The most notable resort on the horizon is a 22-story Westin set to tower over the nook of Bulevar Agua Caliente.
Despite being a border city, Tijuana is definitely fairly luxurious, particularly away from the dilapidated constructions that instantly greet you upon coming into Mexico.
Parts of the Plaza Rio district really feel like Mexico City’s Polanco with fancy automobiles whizzing by, cozy wine bars, Brazilian steakhouses, and artisan taco stands.
So, it’s not terribly stunning that extra lodges are popping as much as improve town’s enchantment with title manufacturers we all know and love.
Downtown is being revitalized too. It nonetheless wants some work, however the preferred area of town is taking an enormous step this fall by opening an elegant 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 lodges scattered alongside Revolucion, sandwiched in between bars, eating places, and trinket outlets with pesky distributors urging you to “buy things you don’t need”.
Arrive Hungry, Leave Happy: Tijuana Is The Mecca For Cheap Eats!
I child you not, there’s all the time a brand new restaurant to attempt in TJ. That’s cause numero uno why I cross the border within the first place.
Rarely will you scoff on the invoice when it arrives. No matter if it’s Tijuana-style scorching canines at nook road 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”, for those who’re a seafood lover like me, indulging in oysters and contemporary ceviche is a should from an limitless array of oceanside eateries.
You may query the sanitary circumstances of slurping uncooked oysters in a border city, however bear in mind, you possibly can slurp ‘em whereas trying over proper the place they got here from.
There are additionally classics which might be a should for each first-timer, reminiscent of 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.
If you favor to skip San Diego and fly straight in, vacationers can now fly nonstop on American Airlines from Phoenix or take Volaris from Las Vegas.
Though for those who did need to cross into San Diego, be sure to make the most of one of many world’s most original loopholes, the Cross Border Xpress.
Think of it as a no-nonsense quick move to keep away from Tijuana’s infamous lengthy border wait occasions.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
