Tijuana is advancing and shifting at a great velocity, making it so that there are continually fresh and thrilling activities to take part in. Today, the city remains a thriving cultural center. The city is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience its unique culture.
Tijuana, Mexico is much more than a border city–it’s a popular tourist destination full of activities for visitors to enjoy. Situated near the US-Mexico border, this area attracts many people interested in taking advantage of its culture and sights. There are countless ways to pass one’s time here, from exploring local attractions to dining at its renowned eateries.
But if you’re seeking something a bit different and out of the ordinary, there are still plenty of exciting activities to explore in this city. Its secret places and attractions are just waiting to be discovered. We’ve scoured around and uncovered a bunch of unique crazy activities for travelers and backpackers to enjoy in Tijuana. So without further ado, here are some enjoyable ways to entertain oneself when in the city!
1. Cool off at Albercas El Vergel Waterpark
El Vergel is Tijuana’s biggest waterpark and has been in operation since 1964. They started with a single pool and slowly added slides and attractions over the years, making it the crazy place it is today. With its many years of experience, El Vergel is sure to provide visitors with a fun and unforgettable day out.
Currently, the park boasts thirteen swimming pools, among them a wave pool and a slow-moving river. They have several water slides, concession stands with snacks and drinks, music playing throughout the area, locker rentals to store personal items safely, play areas for kids of all ages, arcades, and more.
Lately, the park has experienced a huge surge in its online renown due to the addition of a titanic 42-foot slide stretching an entire 100 feet known as ‘Slip N Fly. This slide features a severely steep dropoff at its base, sending riders flying off it.
Albercas El Vergel Waterpark can be found at 1 Camino Al Vergel, Alamar, 22110. The handiest route to reach the park is probably by means of a taxi or car-sharing service. It lies a brief distance away from the urban center. Oddly enough, instead of based on age this venue charges an admission fee by individual’s height; 180 pesos (approximately $9) per person taller than 1.2 meters (4 feet).
2. El Trompo Interactive Museum
The Trompo is an entertaining museum specifically geared toward children that explores the realm of science and technology. It is a favorite of both natives and travelers alike, making it one of the premier activities to do with youngsters when in Tijuana.
The museum has a very hands-on approach to learning about science and technology. A wide range of scientific concepts is covered, including computer programming, electricity, the environment, astronomy, biology, robotics, physics, and more. This allows visitors to really get involved in the learning process and understand these complex concepts in a more tangible way.
The four-level museum encompasses six separate halls and houses more than a hundred items to explore. In every room, children can engage in crazy scientific tests that are stimulating and assess their mental agility, comprehension, and inventiveness. They can also participate in activities and games that are both fun and challenging. In every hall, there is an individual on staff who can assist with elucidating the displays.
The museum also hosts cultural and science shows, conferences, book presentations, films, and concerts in their 4000-seat outdoor auditorium. El Trompo is located to the southeast of Tijuana, near Parque Morelos. General entry costs 59 pesos (about $6). There is a 20 peso fee for parking (around $1).
3. Go Watch Lucha Libre
Lucha Libre is a Mexican-style professional wrestling display that encompasses a diverse range of spectacular grabs and aerial techniques. This type of free-form grappling exhibition permits all manner of maneuvers.
The bouts of Mexican-style wrestling, in which the participants don colorful masks, are hugely popular across Mexico. This kind of wrestling is comparable to that seen in the US but with one substantial distinction.
Lucha Libre matches are a type of Mexican wrestling that is popular in Tijuana. These matches are held at several venues throughout the city, and a few events are held each week. Lucha Libre is a unique form of entertainment that combines aspects of both sport and theatre, and often includes acrobatic feats and spectacular stunts.
I’m not a wrestling fan and had no idea what to expect from Lucha Libre. As it turns out, I had an absolute blast. It’s a great place to have a beer and just enjoy the crazy show that these guys put on.
4. Celebrate local festivals
Mexico is recognized globally for its wild celebrations, and Tijuana is no exception. Starting off, Christmas has been commemorated in Mexico as a proper festivity: colorful decorations all around, parades, bazaars, abundant food to enjoy, and of course bright lights!
There is the lesser-known Entijuanarte festival which occurs in October and features colorful decorations adorning the city. This festival is not as well known as some of the others, but it is still a wonderful event to experience.
There’s of course Dia de Muertos – or “Day of the Dead”. This is probably the most famous Mexican festival. It’s a time to remember and pray for friends and family who have died. People believe that on this day, the dead can visit the living. Families welcome them with food, drink, and flowers. It transpires during the latter part of October and the initial part of November.
Tijuana’s rendition of the festival is nothing short of awesome. Make sure to check the calendar before you go to Tijuana, that way you can plan your trip around some of the coolest things to do in the city. Tijuana is full of great activities and attractions, so you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on anything during your visit.
5. Check out the Wax Museum
This tiny museum holds a remarkable collection of wax figures depicting renowned American and Mexican politicians, celebrities, and historical characters. You’ll be sure to see some familiar faces as you wander through the different exhibits!
The sculptures at the wax museum include Bill Cosby, Sylvester Stalone, Carlos Santana, Freddie Kruger, Bill Clinton, and many more. The wax museum also includes an interesting Mexican history room containing photos and sculptures relating to the region. The regionally specific-history room is a fascinating addition to the already impressive array of sculptures on display at the museum.
The sculptures at this museum vary widely in quality, with some looking quite realistic and others looking comically bad. Despite its small size, it still takes less than an hour to walk through and see everything the museum has to offer.
The Wax Museum in downtown Tijuana is located on Calle Primera, about a block from the arch. The address is Calle 1 (Artículo 123) 8281, Zona Centro, 22000. Entry to the museum costs 25 pesos or about $1.50 for general admission. Once inside, guests can explore the many lifelike wax figures on display. Among the most popular are figures of famous celebrities and historical figures.
6. Watch a Bull Fight at Monumental Plaza de Toros
Bullfighting has been part of Mexican culture since the 16th century when the Spanish brought it over. It has had a prominent presence in Tijuana and has been highly popular at one point. This thrilling activity continues to amuse spectators to this day. The excitement and fear that the audience feels as they watch the bullfighter face off against the bull are unlike any other feeling. There is even a stadium named for the event called the “Plaza de Toros.”
Lately, bullfighting has experienced a tremendous decrease in appeal. Its barbarous, merciless, and unethical nature provokes plenty of disapproval. This can be comprehended as the bull is invariably put to death in each engagement. Consequently, numerous individuals desire to discard the custom. The Administration of Baja California has even thought of enacting a law that would prohibit bullfighting.
Due to shifting public opinion, only a small number of bullfights still take place in Tijuana on an annual basis. Therefore, it is important to plan your travel carefully if you would like the opportunity to see one. If you are interested in seeing a bullfight, I recommend making your plans soon. The days of bullfighting in Tijuana may be coming to an end.
Bullfighting events occur at two separate locations in Tijuana. The Monumental Plaza de Toros, likewise known as the ‘Bullring by the Sea, stands as a renowned bullfighting plaza near Playas de Tijuana’s seaside at 551 Playas de Tijuana. The recent bullfighting arena in Tijuana, Caliente Plaza de Toros, is located near the downtown area on Blvd. Agua Caliente 12027, Hipodromo Agua Caliente. The stadium opened in 1960 and has a capacity of over 21,000 people.
7. Take a Picture with a Tijuana “Zebra”
The city of Tijuana in Mexico is famously known for its zebras, though these zebras are not real animals but rather donkeys that have been painted with stripes to resemble the real thing. These so-called Tijuana Zebras or Zonkeys are popular attractions in the city and something that many tourists come to see.
The tradition of painting donkeys with stripes supposedly goes back to around 1914 when they needed to be photographed better. I don’t know why they needed to be photographed, but even though photography technology has improved since then, the tradition has remained.
The Tijuana Zebras are a bit controversial. Some people think that it is tacky to make the donkey stand out in the hot sun on the sidewalk all day long. Others believe that it might be seen as cruel. You will have to decide for yourself what you think about this issue. Personally, I find it to be a bit sad but it is something that is part of the culture in this area.
As you walk along Avenida Revolución in Tijuana, Mexico, you’ll see many street vendors offering to take your picture with a zebra. These zebras are usually hitched to a colorful cart, and the vendor will have some straw and water sitting out in front of them. Posing with one of these zebras is a fun way to create a lasting memory of your trip to Tijuana! Glancing at the zebras on the pavement is gratis, although capturing a snap may cost a buck or two. Additionally, it is possible to offer them some treats.