Mexico - San Diego's Neighbor

Mexico is on the southern border of San Diego, so many people who visit here will often take a side trip down to Tijuana, Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo, or Ensenada. It is an interesting experience, to say the least, to travel to a different country that is so close.

You can find amazing food and shopping down there, and everything is relatively inexpensive. You can bargain with the merchants to get really great deals on just about anything... from shoes to blankets to hammocks. It is fun to take a day trip and have lunch and do some shopping.

There is a lot of poverty down in Mexico and it is often a culture shock for Americans who go down there to see young children begging in the street. You have to be careful because if you give one child money you will have about ten others following you. The last time I was there we bought a bunch of kids the street tacos. They were so happy and it felt good to give them food instead of money.

There has been a lot of crime lately down in Tijuana (TJ), which has scared many of the tourists away. I've been down there twice in the last year and haven't had any problems. I would recommend being back to the US by dusk just to be safe, unless you have a Spanish speaker or native with you.

There are many ways to get down there. You can take a tour bus, which I would imagine is the safest way to go if you are nervous. You can also just drive across, but get the Mexican insurance before you cross because driving is pretty crazy down there. I usually take the trolley from somewhere central and then walk across if I am just going to TJ.

If you do choose to walk across it is pretty easy. You just cross over the pedestrian bridge and then go through the gate. As soon as you cross the border, you will see a bunch of taxis. It really isn't necessary to take a taxi if you are staying in Tijuana, as the main downtown area is about a 5-10 minute walk from the border and you can do some shopping on the way. Just turn right after you cross the border when you start to see the taxis and walk straight toward the shops. Walk through the "mall" and you will come to a pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge and the downtown area is on the other side.

They changed the passport laws this year and a passport or enhanced driver's license is required to come back to the US.
Mexico Travel Requirements

Tijuana with San Diego Gray Line Transportation South of the Border fun! Travel with Gray Line Transportation across the border to Tijuana, Mexico. A professional guide will give you pointers on shopping and dining. See points of interest like the Avenue of the Heros and the oldest Jai Alai Palace.