San Diego’s sister city, Tijuana, is always a fun place to visit. Just across the border, Tijuana is a lively city with a lot to offer visitors. Tijuana is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious Mexican cuisine, and friendly locals. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a place to party, Tijuana is the perfect destination. We love taking trips to Tijuana and have discovered some amazing things to do there! We want to share some of our favorite activities with you so that you can enjoy them too. From visiting stunning historic sites to indulging in delicious Mexican cuisine, there is something for everyone in Tijuana. We hope that our recommendations help you create wonderful memories on your next trip!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TIJUANA MEXICO
1. EATING IN TIJUANA
There is no shortage of incredible food options in Tijuana, whether you are in the mood for savory street tacos, fresh seafood caught straight from the water, an original Ceasar Salad, or a more upscale dining experience. The city offers a variety of food options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger. We’re big fans of Mexican food, and we feel fortunate that we can simply catch the trolley, walk over, and get some delicious and authentic cuisine from Mexico. Here are a few of our favorite taco shops and eateries in Tijuana:
Telefonica Gastro Park is a place where you can sample food from different local food trucks and breweries. There is something for everyone here, so just take a look at the menus and grab what you are in the mood for. You won’t be disappointed with the variety or quality of food available.
Mariscos Titos is a seafood eatery in Playas that serves up some of the best ceviche, fish tacos, and seafood cocktails around. Prices are very reasonable, making it a great option for budget-minded diners. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
Taconazo is one of the best places to get street tacos in Playas. Their tacos are authentic and delicious, and they really know what they’re doing when it comes to making them. If you’re looking for a great place to eat some tacos, Taconazo is definitely the place to go. This place is amazing, we can’t help but drool every time we think about it. We would love to have one of their lengua tacos right now, they’re our absolute favorite!
Ceasar’s is a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, that is best known for inventing the Ceasar salad. This dish has become one of the most popular salads in the world and is typically made with lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. If you’re ever in Tijuana, be sure to check out this legendary restaurant!
La Traditión is a great spot to check out if you’re ever in the Plaza Santa Lucia area. The food is seriously delicious – We had the Chilaquiles con Mole there and they were amazing! The only downside is that it might look like a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s definitely worth checking out nonetheless.
2. EXPLORING DOWNTOWN
Travelers to this area come for close proximity to the US/Mexican border and few go beyond this area. If you are on a quest for zonkeys, culture, or taste some Rattlesnake Tequila and want to ‘dare’ friends to try it with you, this is the place.
Avenida Revolución is the main street in downtown Tijuana and is where you will find a variety of clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. This street is always lively and provides visitors with a great opportunity to experience the local culture and nightlife.
The Tijuana Monumental Arch, also known as the Millenial Arch, is one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Standing 196 feet tall and 110 feet wide, the arch was constructed between 1999 and 2001. It is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike and offers stunning views of the cityscape.
Plaza Santa Cecilia is a great place to spend some time, especially if you’re looking to people-watch and take in the local atmosphere. If you are hungry, there are many options for food nearby, but La Tradición has great food!
Mullme Museum is a quirky little museum located in downtown Tijuana that houses an impressive collection of artifacts pertaining to the history of the Lucha Libre sport. For those unfamiliar with Lucha Libre, it is a form of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico and is characterized by the use of colorful masks and outlandish costumes.
The 1889 TJ Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Tijuana. The museum is filled with curiosities and fun stories about the city, such as the story of the Tijuana donkey. You’ll also find out about some of the famous people who have called Tijuana home, and see some interesting artifacts from the city’s past. The entrance fee and donations support a charity campaign: the Tijuana donkey is brought to hospitals in order to provide kids with some therapy. A really nice gesture, don’t you think?
WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN TIJUANA:
Hotel Lafayette Tijuana is a stunning boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Tijuana. Every room is unique, decorated with attention to detail and an eye for authentic mid-century modern design. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool with views of the city, and there is also a coffee shop and restaurant onsite. And the best part of all is that they are dog-friendly, which is very rare to find in Tijuana!
3. ENJOY THE BEACHES
Playas de Tijuana is a beach town located closest to the city of Tijuana. The perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, the beachy vibe, and relax. You can find some delicious fish tacos here, or grab a cold beer to enjoy while you lounge on the beach. Either way, you’re sure to have an enjoyable time at Playas de Tijuana.
Another must-see when you’re in the area is Friendship Park along the border. It’s always striking to see how vibrant, lively, and colorful the Mexican side is. We love the powerful murals along the border, which show how this random line on a map has impacted so many people in this border town and beyond.
4. VISITING THE TIJUANA CULTURAL CENTER
The Tijuana Cultural Center is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed when visiting Tijuana. The museum’s round dome houses an aquarium, an IMAX theater, a performance stage, a movie theater, a Lucha Libre arena, the Museo de las Californias, a souvenir shop, and a book store. The dome is a unique and interesting place to visit with plenty to see and do.CECUT draws in over a million people each year who come to enjoy the center’s culture and arts offerings. The space is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to celebrating the arts.
5. GO WINE TASTING
A day of wine tasting in Guadalupe Valley is the perfect way to spend a few days in Tijuana. Just 1.5 hours south of Tijuana, Guadalupe Valley offers some of the best wines in the area, as well as a variety of other activities to enjoy. To fully enjoy the wine tasting, we recommend hiring a driver or going on a tour. That way, you can taste all the wines without having to worry about drinking and driving.
6. TRY AMAZING CRAFT BEERS
The craft breweries of Tijuana produce some amazing brews that are greatly appreciated by beer lovers in San Diego. We have done several brewery tours and extensive research (aka tastings) to find the best of the best that Tijuana has to offer.
Some of our favorite Tijuana craft breweries include:
- Border Psycho
- Mamut
- Norte Brewing Co
- Lirica
- Insurgente
- Funes
7. MARKETS IN TIJUANA
Mercado Hidalgo is a vibrant market located east of downtown. Although it is a bit further from the city center, it is less crowded with tourists and has cheaper prices than markets closer to Avenida Revolución. This is the place to come for amazing food, fruterias, spice shops, a fantastic cheese shop, and a holistic apothecary. You can also find pottery and artisanal crafts, as well as local goods.
Mercado Municipal is Tijuana’s main market, similar to Mercado Hidalgo. However, it is a lot more expensive and touristy. If you want to stay in downtown Tijuana, Mercado Municipal is much easier to get to.
Los Mercados Artesanias has it all– It provides a vast array of high-quality handmade goods, from Dia de Los Muertes figurines to ceramic pots and outdoor furniture.
8. HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH
Riding a horse through the waves on the beach is an amazing feeling. There’s nothing quite like it. If you’re looking to experience this magical sensation, Mexico is the place to go. It’s much easier (and more affordable) than doing it in San Diego. So if you love horses, add horseback riding to your list of things to do in Tijuana This will allow you to get closer to nature and feel a deep connection with your animal guide.
9. A DAY TRIP TO ENSENADA
Ensenada is the perfect day trip from Tijuana for those looking to explore a beautiful coastal town. The city center offers shops, restaurants, and parks, while the La Bufadora blowhole is just a short drive away.
If you’re headed back from Ensenada to Tijuana, make sure to stop in Puerto Nuevo for some of the best lobster around. You could also spend a day or two in Ensenada and enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. While you’re there, be sure to check out one of the many cute hotels!
CONCLUSION:
There are plenty of fun things to do in Tijuana, whether you’re a local or just visiting San Diego. We highly recommend heading down to Tijuana for an enjoyable and delicious time! There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city, from exploring the rich culture and historical sites to indulging in mouthwatering cuisine.