Mexico’s Summer season Shock: Uncover New Inns & Low cost Eats In This Underrated Seaside Metropolis

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.

Numerous vacationers miss out on Mexico’s magic by staying in probably the most curated pockets for a way of security and luxury— you recognize, Cancun, Los Cabos, and the likes…

However let me inform you, as somebody who’s been to these 2 powerhouses, in addition to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico Metropolis, it’s at all times the nation’s lesser-known areas that go away me with one of the best reminiscences.

By “lesser identified”, that may additionally equate to “misunderstood”. That’s positively the case for one in every of Mexico’s most underrated seashore cities.

This large metropolis tends to be extra identified for pharmacy runs, legendary nightlife, and the lore of darkish underbellies, however I’ve been over 100 instances and by no means come dwelling with a scratch or story to inform past PG-rated shenanigans.

If you happen to 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 largest shock locations.

Sure, Tijuana Is A Seaside Metropolis

Look, I get it. As a San Diegan who loves hitting up the seashore every time I’m not slingin’ articles for you people, evaluating Tijuana apples to apples with San Diego wouldn’t really feel proper — apart from the truth that Tijuana boasts the identical splendid year-round climate as a lot of America is melting in heatwaves.

However let’s bear in mind there’s a really controversial “wall” in between, which, proper, improper, or detached, does signify how totally different these 2 cities actually are.

Like a lot of Cabo, it’s not suggested to take a dip within the waters right here, nevertheless it’s not the highly effective swells that may sweep you away; it’s the shortage of infrastructure leading to bacteria-filled waters not appropriate for swimming.

Simply ask Imperial Seaside, America’s southernmost seashore city throughout mentioned ‘wall’…

Simply as thousands and thousands don’t thoughts visiting Cabo with out having the ability to benefit from the spectacular blue waters, the identical might be mentioned in Tijuana, only for totally different causes — and no, there’s no 5-star luxurious resorts overlooking the eyesore of the border both.

Name me loopy, however I like visiting Tijuana’s coast, identified merely as “the Playas” mostly.

It’s an entire vibe there with coconut distributors, buzzing bars, phenomenal seafood, beachside massages (no, not these type), and even a thriving expat group.

Although in the event you do favor swimmable waters, the paradisal city of Rosarito feels way more prepped for vacationers with beachfront resorts and a downtown space that seems like a microcosm of Cabo.

Simply test native studies for water circumstances earlier than leaping in. 

Tijuana’s Ever-Altering Skyline: New Inns 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 traders pouring boatloads of money into condos.

There are some thrilling name-brand accommodations 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 knowledgeable, however a deep dive into native studies nearly at all times entails gang-on-gang crime hardly ever affecting vacationers, even ones like me that reside quarter-hour away.

Probably the most notable resort on the horizon is a 22-story Westin set to tower over the nook of Bulevar Agua Caliente.

Regardless of being a border city, Tijuana is definitely fairly luxurious, particularly away from the dilapidated constructions that instantly greet you upon getting into Mexico.

Elements of the Plaza Rio district really feel like Mexico Metropolis’s Polanco with fancy automobiles whizzing by, cozy wine bars, Brazilian steakhouses, and artisan taco stands.

So, it’s not terribly stunning that extra accommodations are popping as much as improve the town’s enchantment with identify manufacturers we all know and love.

Downtown is being revitalized too. It nonetheless wants some work, however the preferred area of the town is taking an enormous step this fall by opening an elegant Lodge 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 accommodations scattered alongside Revolucion, sandwiched in between bars, eating places, and trinket retailers with pesky distributors urging you to “purchase stuff you don’t want”.

Arrive Hungry, Depart Comfortable: Tijuana Is The Mecca For Low cost Eats!

I child you not, there’s at all times a brand new restaurant to attempt in TJ. That’s cause numero uno why I cross the border within the first place.

Not often will you scoff on the invoice when it arrives. Regardless of if it’s Tijuana-style sizzling canines at nook avenue 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”, in the event you’re a seafood lover like me, indulging in oysters and recent ceviche is a should from an infinite array of oceanside eateries.

You would possibly query the sanitary circumstances of slurping uncooked oysters in a border city, however bear in mind, you’ll be able to slurp ‘em whereas wanting over proper the place they got here from.

There are additionally classics which are a should for each first-timer, equivalent to 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 may order spherical after spherical of their tableside-prepped salad.

Tijuana Now Has 2 Nonstop Flights From The U.S.

If you happen to favor to skip San Diego and fly straight in, vacationers can now fly nonstop on American Airways from Phoenix or take Volaris from Las Vegas.

Although in the event you did need to cross into San Diego, be sure to reap the benefits of one of many world’s most unusual loopholes, the Cross Border Xpress.

Consider it as a no-nonsense quick go to keep away from Tijuana’s infamous lengthy border wait instances.