mexico information

San Diego visitors are frequently surprised at how close Mexico is and how easy it is to get to. In fact, the San Ysidro border crossing (I-5) is the world’s busiest. The city of Tijuana, gateway to Baja California, is five minutes from the border and less than 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. Rosarito, a beach city with a long, glamorous history, is 20 minutes beyond Tijuana. And lovely Ensenada, where the cruise ships dock, is less than an hour away. These cities are within 75 miles of the border.

Getting There

The US border with Mexico is just 20 minutes south of downtown San Diego. Reach it via I-5, I-805 or the San Diego Trolley. The crossing at San Ysidro is the world’s busiest. Cross by car, on foot or take a shuttle on the American side that, for around $2.50, will spirit you to downtown Tijuana, five minutes away. A $5 bus ticket will take you to the beach town of Rosarito, 20 minutes farther south. 

If you walk across the border there is a nearby taxi stand. For $5, you can go to virtually any destination in Tijuana. Ask about taxi fares to Rosarito or Ensenada, a charming port less than an hour south.

If you drive, purchase Mexico auto insurance before you cross the border.  Look for signs around the last freeway exit on the US side. If you’re driving a rental car, check with your rental company about their requirements. When you drive across, signs will direct you to Tijuana or the toll roads to Rosarito, Ensenada and points south.

Paperwork

The freewheeling regulations of the past are changing. For a visit of less than 72 hours, US citizens need proof of citizenship, like a passport, birth certificate or driver’s license to re-enter California.

Once you get there Mexico is famous for values in jewelry, handwoven rugs, leather goods, fine tequilas, kahlua and a host of other items. Food ranges from the familiar tacos and enchiladas to fine regional cuisine. You can use dollars, pesos or major credit cards. US residents may return with $400 in duty-free merchandise including one liter of alcoholic beverages.

Tijuana
Tijuana is located just over the US/Mexico border, about 20 minutes south of San Diego. Tijuana has golf courses, a bullring and greyhound track, the Zona Río for shopping or the Avenida Revolución for restaurants, night life, crafts and souvenirs.  The famous “zebra donkeys” provide scenery for souvenir photos. Also, the hotel that invented the world famous Caesar Salad is located on Avenida Revolucion, a contribution from Tijuana to international gastronomy.

Rosarito Beaches
Rosarito is located about 15 miles south of Tijuana. You can get there via a taxi from Tijuana (about $10) or drive the toll road or the free scenic route. Rosarito’s beaches are famous among aficionados for sun bathing, surfing, horseback riding, and jet skiing. There are other activities that await you, such  as golf, hiking and sport fishing. Or you can enjoy a special lobster dinner at one of the restaurants in world-famous Puerto Nuevo, just south of Rosarito.

Ensenada
Ensenada, about an hour south of San Diego,  captivates you with hospitality, history, good food, funfilled events and great shopping for fine arts, jewelry, clothes and leather. Many cruise ships dock there for the day. Ensenada offers resorts, familiar motel chains, mobile home parks, restaurants, bars and clubs; sports facilities; and eco-tourist ranches. Visit the biggest seafood market in Baja California for delicious fish tacos, which are an original Ensenada creation. Have a toast at Hussong’s, the oldest bar in California. Special events include Carnival, the races along the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 roads, as well as tournaments of beach volleyball, surfing, fishing, and closed circuit dirt tracks.

For more information visit:
www.discoverbajacalifornia.com
www.mybajaguide.com
www.seetijuana.com

State Tourism Secretariat of Baja California
Phone: 011-52-664-682-3367

Antares Restaurant
At the Hotel Coral and Marina. Km103 Carretera Tijuana in Ensenada.  At this award-winning restaurant, just 40 minutes from the border, you’ll find outstanding examples of Baja California’s traditional cuisine.  The breakfast menu has all your favorites plus fresh juices. Lunch and dinner include ultra-fresh seafood like Shrimp Costa Azul and Margarita style fish filet plus traditional Mexican dishes and fine regional wines. Many consider the Sunday brunch buffet the best in Baja. Open daily from 7am-11pm. 800-862-9020.