Tijuana is the largest city in the peninsula of Baja California and is also one of the
biggest and most important border towns in Mexico. Over the years Tijuana has maintained its
place as one of the top medical tourism destinations for its abundance of top quality
clinics, but also for its youthful atmosphere, unmatched gastronomic, and artistic scene,
assuring there is something that everyone can enjoy.
One of the first places you’ll see when coming off the San Ysidro Bridge will be La Avenida
Revolución, where you will find 8 blocks full of shops, restaurants, and bar; and continues
to be the main destination for those looking to discover the vibrant nightlife of the city,
or to just have a small taste of Tijuana’s culture.
This city holds a special place in the already extensive gastronomy of Mexico, with Baja Med
Cuisine being the best example, a perfect blend of Mexican food with Mediterranean and Asian
influences, with a heavy emphasis in using ingredients found in the region. A great place to
find Baja Med Cuisine, along with more casual alternatives, is Telefonica Gastro Park, where
a wide selection of food trucks and their delicious food awaits you.
You will find something to do in Tijuana that adjusts to your tastes, if you are a huge
sports fan you can visit one of the enormous stadiums and watch a game of soccer or
baseball, or if you’re visiting with your family you could go to El Trompo Museum which is
full of interactive exhibitions that can be enjoyed by kids and adults together.
Tijuana is really proud of its cultural heritage, displaying it on every place available,
like Tijuana Cultural Center, which houses a botanical garden, an aquarium, and the only
IMAX cinema in the city, along with its centerpiece, Museo de las Californias where you can
learn all about the history of this great city.
After reading all of this is easy to understand why Tijuana and San Diego are known as the
most visited border cities in the world; it’s estimated that over 40 million people cross
the border each year to experience everything this city has to offer. The possibilities are
endless when you visit Tijuana.
We recommend that when you visit Tijuana you take the same common-sense precautions that you
would use when traveling to any other foreign city, like avoiding walking alone at nighttime
or traveling on remote roads or isolated highways during the night.
Crossing the border
Approximate time to cross the border at peak hours (4pm-6pm)
Vehicle
Pedestrian
US Fee
San Ysidro
1:10 hrs.
1 min.
-
Otay Mesa
40 min.
1 min.
-
San Ysidro
Vehicle:1:10 hrs. Pedestrian:1 min. US Fee:-
Otay Mesa
Vehicle:40 min. Pedestrian:1 min. US Fee:-
Arriving by land
You have two options to drive into Tijuana, the San Ysidro bridge or the Otay Mesa bridge.
Before you cross the border, talk with your car insurance to learn if they will cover you in
Mexico.
Distance to Tijuana, B.C. (Approx.)
Carlsbad - 52 miles
Irvine - 102 miles
Anaheim - 112 miles
Los Angeles - 138 miles
Las Vegas - 348 miles
Phoenix - 366 miles
How to move around the city
It’s very simple to use your car to drive in Tijuana, but you can also walk or request a
Taxi or an Uber if you prefer it.
If part of your travel plan is to drive outside the city limits (20-30 kilometers from the
entry points), we suggest you check the following link:
www.gob.com
Arriving by air
You can arrive directly to San Diego, Cal. or Tijuana, B.C.
In Tijuana’s airport, you will find shuttle and taxi services, but you can also call an
Uber, just remember that the driver will ask you to move about a block away from the
entrances, this is normal practice.
If you arrive at San Diego International Airport, you have the option to rent a car and
drive to Tijuana, but before you do check with the car rental company to see if they can
cover you in Mexico. You can also park the car on the US side of the border, cross into
Tijuana on foot, and then call an Uber to reach your destination.
Common flights to San Diego, Cal. (Approx.)
Atlanta - 4:20 Hrs.
Boston - 6:10 Hrs.
Denver - 2:20 Hrs.
Detroit - 4:35 Hrs.
Los Angeles - 54 min.
Minneapolis - 3:40 Hrs.
Phoenix - 1:14 min.
Seattle - 2:50 Hrs.
Toronto - 5:50 Hrs.
Vancouver - 2:55 Hrs.
Where to stay?
It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in San Diego or Tijuana, there are a wide selection of
hotels and motels with prices between $30 and $80 USD per night.
Additional information
Tijuana attractions
Tijuana Cultural Center Avenida Revolución Playas Tijuana Plaza Río Tijuana
San Diego attractions
San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park
La Joya
San Diego State Historical Park
Places you can drive from Tijuana (Approx.)
Rosarito - 12.9 miles
Tecate - 32 miles
Guadalupe - 64 miles
Ensenada - 64.8 miles
Bahia de los Angeles - 425
To visit these places, you can book a tour or rent a car. Remember to check with your American car insurance or your rental car company if you are covered.
General information
If you are looking for more information about destinations, events, concerts or the many activities in the city
Events
Expo Artesanal Tijuana
Fair
Date: April and May
Venue: Varies per event
Tijuana Jazz & Blues Festival
Music festival
Date: June
Venue: Avenida Revoucion
Expo Tequila Tijuana
Tequila festival
Date: September
Venue: Avenida Revolucion
Day of the Dead
Celebration
Date: November 1 -2
Venue: Varies per event
For more information about the events, please check their official website or social media.
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