The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The blue line is only 45 minutes long, so you can walk across it if you want. Would you prefer more Mexico and less border patrol? Weekends and holidays would also be a good place to avoid if possible. Tijuana, the biggest city in Baja California, Mexico, is so close that more than 100,000 people pop over the border daily to work, attend school, go to a doctors appointment, shop, grab a meal, or catch a soccer match, making it one of the busiest land-border crossings in the world. It starts at the mouth of the Colorado River. Highway 5 takes you across the border and will spit you out on a speedway in the heart of Tijuana. places to visit in Mexico that are safe and beautiful. The official name of the border crossing is the San Ysidro Port of Entry. One-way fare is $2.50 unless you qualify for the senior/disabled/Medicare rate of $1.25. Sports fans can get tickets to a Xolos soccer game or a lucha libre match. Mexico Citys historic center is situated at the heart of the Zocalo. Mazatln is best for full-time or long-term living, offering the chance to combine colonial city living with a beachside lifestyle. Youll have plenty of neighbors from Arizona or California. U.S. policies do not satisfy the legal requirement. Those looking for a beach vacation should definitely make Oceanside their first stop. If youre looking for the quickest crossing, it is best to arrive first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and if it is your first time crossing, it is recommended that you cross during daylight hours. The return drive can take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours to complete. A negative COVID test is not required to cross the border. Sorry, no results has been found matching your query. Take the trip down to Coyoacan to explore the art of the famous Frida Kahlo, also known as the Blue House. and is named after the city where the Aztecs created the gods. There are no big cities nearby for the practical items that big cities offer. If you are traveling with a child, you must have a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. This route kicks off from the San Ysidro border crossing, which is the port of entry for those coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, or the San Diego airport. From there, you are directly at the border crossing into Mexico. Miles of sandy beaches clear, warm waters excellent diving and a large expat community. Discover South Bay San Diego | Gateway to Baja California in Mexico Before you take the keys to the car, make sure you have Mexican auto insurance. Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide - TripSavvy The arid region is known for reds, but you can find a few other varietals if you know where to look. If youre wondering about the best way to go from downtown San Diego to Mexico, check out this helpful guide to plan your trip. Its also much less likely to rain. What is the best time to cross the border between Tijuana and San Diego? Driving to Mexico. While most tourists end up in Cancun, not as many visit The Riviera Maya, allowing you less restricted access to its pristine beaches. Tijuana is easily accessible from San Diego because it is located across the border, about 30 minutes from downtown. There are several currency exchange stations located on the U.S. side of the border crossing, but they are sparser on the Mexican side, so it is best to take care of this ahead of time. Or, parking as close as possible to the border and crossing by footbridge might be the fastest. ), then get ready for a taste of the valleys best vineyards. Cabo Pulmo Best place for scuba diving Rediscover the magic of old Baja by visiting the largely undeveloped east coast, discovering world-class diving off Cabo Pulmo, the only significant reef on the west coast of North America and, at 27 sq miles (71 sq km), one of the largest and most successful marine protected regions in the world. The weather and climate are almost identical to that in San Diego and vary from Mediterranean to arid. With a pedestrian bridge connecting the two countries, it is now easier than ever to visit Mexico from San Diego. Guide to the Beaches of Imperial Beach | Official San Diego, Ca. Travel Whichever method you choose, youll need to have a passport and a valid visa. First, a word on the car and wine combo: Todays itinerary involves nearly two hours of driving, with three or four stops depending on how quickly you move, and how much you want to pack in. Puerto Peasco is perfect for those who want a convenient, short-term getaway. Tijuana, one of the worlds most visited cities, welcomes more than 40 million visitors each year, and its vibrant night life is a testament to its status as one of the busiest cities on the planet. If you're planning your trips months in advance, consider applying for expedited re-entry through the government's Sentri program (it's like Global Entry, but for land bordersplus, it's free for travelers who already have Global Entry). Drive time from U.S. border: 14 hours, 723 miles (1,165 kms). The Bates Nut Farm is located in a valley surrounded by oak trees near Valley Center. I think its best for the part-time or vacation homeowner. You will be able to see the coast from every angle as a result of the spectacular beaches. Ensenada 88 miles (141 km) from San Diego. No wonder tourists flock there for a relaxing break away! They all enjoy the convenience of U.S. franchises, big-box stores, and U.S. products; Youll find that many people speak English, and virtually all service providers speak English; Each location has a large, English-speaking expat community; The weather is just about perfect in the winter, with balmy days and cool nights. 1. This northern section of Baja California is temperate all year long, with only a few rainy days per year. Not to mention you can make some great stops along the way, . Drive time from U.S. border: 5 hours and 15 minutes, 261 miles (421 kms). The street has also been developed to include art galleries, shops with luxury items (like expensive denim lines and home design goods), boutique hotels, and some hip hangs likeCine Tonal. Tijuana is one of the worlds most visited cities and a great place to explore on a day trip from San Diego. And if youre a boater, youll appreciate the large, sheltered marina, which hosts both commercial and pleasure crafts. You wont be allowed to drive across the border if you dont have the paperwork in hand. Once youve arrived in Mexicali, you can take a bus or taxi to the city of Ciudad Juarez, which is approximately an hour and a half away from the border. Just prepare yourself for a half days journey and end up in paradise. Ad Choices. Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) buses ferry people from different parts of the city to the border crossing at Otay Mesa (South Bay Rapid Bus 225 from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown and Bus 950 from the Iris Avenue Blue Line Trolley station). Its adjacent to a real city (Guaymas) with good services and commercial establishments. She loves exploring unique destinations and writing about local culture and cuisine. There are many great day trips to take from San Diego. Every week, video mapping and colored lights are projected on the side of the citys elegant Convent. Because Mexico generally gives tourists 180-days (or 6 months) on the FMM tourist visa, your Passport or Green Card should be valid for six months past your border crossing date. 1 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA, US Balboa Park 1 I-5 then takes you into San Diego. Contact Information. 6 years ago Save Hi, We're traveling with our children around California next month and we're going down to San Diego & San Ysidro for a couple of days. If you want to travel to Tijuana from Mexico, you can do so without fear of being attacked. All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid drivers license in order to cross the border. Companies likeYTS Transportoffer chauffeured car shuttle services between both countries. Just south of the border, youll now find nitro cold brew alongside streetside taco carts in Tijuana; no-frills regional seafood in Rosarito and Ensenada that makes you wonder why youre paying triple up north; plus two of Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants, and over 50 wineries (mostly biodynamic) in the Valle de Guadalupe, less than two hours from the border. For an aperitivo, drive a few minutes down the 1D to Pulquerito El Pulquerita 1 El Original (not to be confused with any imposters). How Far is Aguascalientes from Mexico City? There are several ways to get around Tijuana once you cross the border. Tijuana is a fascinating city with a vibrant nightlife, as well as several busy pedestrian districts. The Sanctuary of Atotonilco in Mexico is known as the Sistine Chapel because of the intricate artwork on its ceilings. Where to Park Your Car in San Diego and Cross into Tijuana The two vehicle-crossing points are El Chaparral (San Ysidro), the main port of entry, and Otay Mesa, which connects Otay Mesa,a San Diego suburb, with the Otay Centenario borough of Tijuana. The vehicle registration voucher is required to enter the vehicle registration booth. Let your soundtrack set the scene, and turn your dial to 860AM (local station La Poderosa) for tropical salsa and cumbia tracks. Its also a better base of exploration, from which you can discover more of interior Mexico. If you use common sense like you would be traveling anywhere, and avoid the seedy areas, you should have no problems. Thats cool too. Most hotels and guesthouses in Mexico have access to WiFi, which is fast and reliable. Crossing the U.S. - Mexico Border by Land - Travel Youve heard, we know. Its a fairly large city, in which the resort areas and historic center are along the coast, while the non-resort sectorsthe seaport, tuna fleet, and industrial arealie farther inland. If you have anything to declare you can do so at a declaration window, otherwise just continue walking through the building. Aside from the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Convention Center, there are numerous other attractions in the city. Travelex (Fashion Valley) 7007 Friars Road Suite 593 San Diego, CA, 92108. Visitors can enjoy a Polynesian Escape on Shelter Island, which features a tropical and nautical atmosphere. Betsy Malloy Updated on 04/07/20 Fact checked by Patrice Williams Lizzy Myers / TripSavvy Deciding whether to visit Tijuana, the Mexican border town near San Diego can be confusing. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The towns were going to look at today are quite different from each other. Lets start with your water adventures. You will have a shorter wait time if you are a member of a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or NEXUS. You can get to the American Plaza Transit Center from the blue line. 2023 Welk Digital Innovations. If youre staying in downtown San Diego, you can reach the border crossing from downtown in just under 30 minutes if youre traveling by car. If you choose to drive from San Diego to Mexico, you will need a few additional documents in addition to your passport and FMM. Jess Kraft/Shutterstock. You can also eat a Caesar salad where it wasinvented(yep, Tijuana in 1924) or sample dishes like ramen and sausages at the trendyTelefnica Gastro Park. It is difficult to drive a rental car across the border to reach Ensenda, Puerto Rico; Puerto Rosarito, or Puerto Rico; and Puerto Ricos best seafood restaurants. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, 5 US Sleeper Train Routes for the Ultimate Slow Travel Journey. Whats a good way to get to San Diego from Mexico? A uniquely remote beachfront luxury lodging experience located within one of Mexicos most spectacular nature refuges. Seafood stands and raw bars pepper the beach. Its a noted diving location with good diving facilities. This port city is a major cruise stop, but youll also find some of Mexicos best seafood here. Get our editors daily picks straight in your inbox! All U.S. citizens must present a valid passport to go back and forth from Tijuana but do not need to secure a visa. Adult day passes will cost you $6.50 on average. Over 50 million people cross between San Diego and Tijuana each year. For travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car, San Diego offers excellent public transportation to the U.S./Mexican border. Road conditions in Mexico have become an annoyance for both tourists and residents. Violence in Sonora Eight Sonoran cities made the list of the 121 Mexican municipalities with the most violence per capita: #8 - San Luis Ro Colorado #17 - Agua Prieta 2023 Tour By Mexico. The border crossing is only a few steps away if you have the proper documentation and paperwork. The US and Mexico border feature some nice places, but one must be careful. The spectacular beaches will give you a panoramic view to remember. Non-essential travel between Mexico and San Diego will be resumed beginning on November 8, 2021, for foreign visitors who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, can provide proof of vaccination status, and possess appropriate documentation when entering the United States. With an estimated population of 1,394,928 as of July 1, 2015, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest in California. Ensure any hired driver has the correct permits to take you across the border or to the airport. Head first to the family-owned Adobe de Guadalupe, 15 minutes away, for a tasting of their killer reds, and dont leave without walking the grounds. 5 Places To Visit in Mexico Near San Diego - Insider Monkey Drive and park your car in one of the many commercial lots surrounding the ports of entry on the U.S. side. Any discussion of Puerto Peasco has to start with the fact that its only 62 miles (100 kms) from the U.S. border, a drive that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Watch where you park your car - break-ins are common. If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than seven days, you will have to purchase the 180-day FMM permit for approximately $30. However, visitors must fill out the free Forma Migratoria Mltiple (FMM) even if its only a day trip. If youre a diver, you chances of seeing blue whales and humpbacks are pretty great if you come during February to April.
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