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

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

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

But let me inform you, as somebody who’s been to these 2 powerhouses, in addition to Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, it’s at all times the nation’s lesser-known areas that depart me with the very best reminiscences.

By “lesser known”, that may additionally equate to “misunderstood”. That’s positively the case for considered one of Mexico’s most underrated seaside cities.

This huge 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 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 considered one of Mexico’s greatest shock locations.

Yes, Tijuana Is A Beach City

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 — apart from the truth that Tijuana boasts the identical splendid year-round climate as a lot of America is melting in heatwaves.

But let’s keep in mind there’s a really controversial “wall” in between, which, proper, mistaken, or detached, does signify how completely 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 dearth of infrastructure leading to bacteria-filled waters not appropriate for swimming.

Just ask Imperial Beach, America’s southernmost seaside city throughout mentioned ‘wall’…

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

Call 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 variety), and even a thriving expat group.

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

Just examine native studies for water situations earlier than leaping in. 

Tijuana’s Ever-Changing Skyline: New Hotels 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 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 may simply recover from the hurdle that Tijuana is protected for vacationers.

I’m not against the law professional, however a deep dive into native studies nearly at all times entails gang-on-gang crime not often affecting vacationers, even ones like me that reside quarter-hour away.

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

Despite being a border city, Tijuana is definitely fairly luxurious, particularly away from the dilapidated buildings that instantly greet you upon coming into Mexico.

Parts of the Plaza Rio district really feel like Mexico City’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 town’s attraction with identify manufacturers we all know and love.

Downtown is being revitalized too. It nonetheless wants some work, however the most well-liked area of 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 “buy things you don’t need”.

Arrive Hungry, Leave Happy: Tijuana Is The Mecca For Cheap Eats!

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

Rarely will you scoff on the invoice when it arrives. No matter 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 countless array of oceanside eateries.

You may query the sanitary situations of slurping uncooked oysters in a border city, however keep in mind, you’ll be able to slurp ‘em whereas trying over proper the place they got here from.

There are additionally classics which can be a should for each first-timer, akin 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 might order spherical after spherical of their tableside-prepped salad.

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

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

Though if you happen to did need to cross into San Diego, ensure that to make the most of one of many world’s most original loopholes, the Cross Border Xpress.

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