The best things to do in Tijuana and Baja

Tijuana is one of the most visited cities in the world, yet many people only know it from a quick border trip years ago. Today it's one of Mexico's most exciting food cities and the gateway to Baja's coast and wine country.

Eat your way through the city

Tijuana's food scene alone is worth the trip. Start with tacos, especially adobada, marinated pork carved from a spit, and the city's famous fish and shrimp tacos. Then try Baja Med cuisine, which Tijuana chefs helped create by combining Mexican ingredients with Mediterranean and Asian influences. A local guide will take you to stands you'd never find alone.

See where the Caesar salad was born

The Caesar salad was created in Tijuana in the 1920s at Caesar's, on Avenida Revolución, where it's still prepared at your table. The avenue itself has been reborn, with bars, cafés and murals alongside the old souvenir shops.

Drink local

Tijuana has one of Mexico's best craft beer scenes, with breweries and tasting rooms across the city. Mezcal and cocktail bars have followed, and the wine bars pour bottles from nearby Valle de Guadalupe.

Culture

The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) has museums, a domed IMAX theater and exhibitions on the history of Baja California. At Playas de Tijuana, the border fence runs into the Pacific, a striking place to understand this city of two countries.

Catch a Xolos match

Club Tijuana, known as the Xolos, plays in Mexico's top soccer league at Estadio Caliente, and the atmosphere on match nights is electric.

Head down the coast

• Rosarito, about 30 minutes south, has wide beaches, sunsets and oceanfront homes.
• Puerto Nuevo, a little further, is famous for lobster served with rice, beans and fresh tortillas.
• Ensenada offers seafood by the harbor, La Bufadora's giant marine blowhole and whale watching in winter.

Visit wine country

Valle de Guadalupe, about 90 minutes from Tijuana, is Mexico's best-known wine region, with boutique wineries and some of the country's most acclaimed restaurants. Read our Valle guide.

Our Tijuana concierge handles the crossing, a private driver, reservations and guides, so you can enjoy all of this in a weekend.