Mexico’s Summer Surprise: Discover New Hotels & Cheap Eats In This Underrated Beach City

There have been quite a few journey alerts and advisories for Mexico issued just lately, however that’s not stopping anybody from venturing south of the border for some enjoyable within the solar this summer time.

Lots of vacationers miss out on Mexico’s magic by staying in probably the most curated pockets for a way of security and luxury— you understand, 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 recognized”, that may additionally equate to “misunderstood”. That’s undoubtedly the case for considered one of Mexico’s most underrated seaside cities.

This large metropolis tends to be extra recognized 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 typically misrepresented as a no-go zone, however actually it’s considered one 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 seaside every time I’m not slingin’ articles for you people, evaluating Tijuana apples to apples with San Diego wouldn’t really feel proper — aside 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, mistaken, 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, but it surely’s not the highly effective swells that may sweep you away; it’s the dearth of infrastructure leading to bacteria-filled waters not appropriate for swimming.

Simply ask Imperial Seaside, America’s southernmost seaside city throughout stated ‘wall’…

Simply as hundreds of thousands don’t thoughts visiting Cabo with out having the ability to benefit from the spectacular blue waters, the identical may be stated 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 really like visiting Tijuana’s coast, recognized merely as “the Playas” mostly.

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

Although if you happen to do desire swimmable waters, the paradisal city of Rosarito feels way more prepped for vacationers with beachfront resorts and a downtown space that looks like a microcosm of Cabo.

Simply examine native experiences for water circumstances earlier than leaping in. 

Tijuana’s Ever-Altering Skyline: New Resorts On The Horizon

As I stated, 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 international buyers pouring boatloads of money into condos.

There are some thrilling name-brand lodges that may absolutely draw in additional American guests if they might simply recover from the hurdle that Tijuana is secure for vacationers.

I’m not a criminal offense knowledgeable, however a deep dive into native experiences nearly at all times entails gang-on-gang crime hardly ever affecting vacationers, even ones like me that stay quarter-hour away.

Essentially the most notable lodge 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 buildings 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 shocking that extra lodges are popping as much as improve the town’s enchantment with title manufacturers we all know and love.

Downtown is being revitalized too. It nonetheless wants some work, however the most well-liked area of the town is taking an enormous step this fall by opening a classy Hotel 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 lodges scattered alongside Revolucion, sandwiched in between bars, eating places, and trinket retailers with pesky distributors urging you to “purchase belongings you don’t want”.

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

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

Hardly ever will you scoff on the invoice when it arrives. Regardless of if it’s Tijuana-style sizzling canine at nook road 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”, if you happen to’re a seafood lover like me, indulging in oysters and recent ceviche is a should from an limitless 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 might be a should for each first-timer, comparable 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 desire 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 if you happen to did need to cross into San Diego, make sure that to benefit from one of many world’s most original loopholes, the Cross Border Xpress.

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