Perched on the US border with Mexico, the city of Tijuana has a well-earned reputation as a Prohibition-era party town, and attracts visitors from across California and beyond to come and experience the unique atmosphere.
On the American side, just 20 miles north, is San Diego, where a number of tour companies run trips to Tijuana throughout the year. We’ve picked out some of the best.
Grand Baja Mexico Tour
FROM $123 PER PERSON
This guided tour begins as you cross into Mexico from San Diego to visit Tijuana. Here you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city with stops at the Cultural Centre, the Tijuana Bullring, the Tijuana Zoo, and the Tijuana Tower. There’ll also be time for some retail therapy along Avenidad Revolution, a shopping Mecca with more than 400 different shops. Then it’s off to Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, home to over 50 different restaurants serving speciality lobster. After lunch (included), you’ll be transported to Rosarito Beach, a vibrant beachside community where you can go horseback riding along the sandy shore. The tour prices include round trip transportation, a lobster meal and one drink.
Tijuana Adventure, Exclusive Craft Beer & Street Food Tours with Matingas
FROM $50 PER PERSON
Run by a talented and knowledgeable local writer and photographer, these fun-packed tours are designed for intimate groups no bigger than 8 and centre around Tijuana’s thriving food and craft beer scene (the craft beer of the Baja region is known to be the best around). Tours are often highly improvised, creating a sense of spontaneity and fun, and the fascinating stories come thick and fast. Some of the regular highlights include stopping off for a drink in a dive bar (renowned for their dark lighting and colourful characters), and sampling locally brewed craft beer and the traditional Mexican liquor known as mescal. Sustenance comes in the shape of mouth-watering street tacos. For a wilder experience, the host has also gained a reputation for organising raucous bachelor parties. Guests must make their own way from San Diego, which is only a 30-minute journey by road – just be sure to bring a valid passport.
Tijuana Food Tasting
FROM $114.50 PER PERSON
Tijuana’s reputation for food is legendary and no where will you find better grub than on the city’s streets themselves. After being picked up in San Diego and taken to Tijuana, you’ll be led by a friendly and highly knowledgeable local guide on a fabulous culinary tour, introducing you to the very best food that Tijuana has to offer. During the tour you’ll visit some of the city’s finest foodie hot spots where you’ll get to enjoy an array of food tastings, as well as drinks. The price of the tour includes all food samples and drinks (including water) and transportation.
