Tijuana, on the Baja Californian peninsula, is a border town in north-western Mexico, adjacent to San Diego, California. Given its close proximity to US, historically it has been a popular destination for American youngsters looking to party beyond the gaze of their parents, particularly during the notorious Spring Break. Avendida Revolucion is the place to experience the wild side of Tijuana where touristy souvenir shops, American fast food stores and nightclubs can be found. In recent years, a rising crime rate and increased security concerns has seen fewer tourists choose to holiday there. However, in an effort to reverse the decline, Tijuana is trying to showcase its surprisingly good food and drink scene. The wine, made locally in the Guadalupe Valley, rivals some of California's best and a number of the city's restaurants, specialising in a new style of Mexican cuisine known as Baja-Med, come highly recommended. And it's not just high-end dining; the street stalls sell delicious tacos and other Mexican delicacies at very reasonable prices. As well as this food revolution, there is also an increasing desire to celebrate other areas of Mexican culture. The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT), in the Zona Rio district of Tijuana, is a hub of art galleries, cinemas, botanical gardens, theatres and museums showcasing the very best of Mexican culture. There should be more than enough to occupy the whole family for many hours!
Tijuana overview
When to fly to Tijuana
Typically, the weather in Tijuana is similar to that of the Mediterranean with plenty of sun and relatively little rain. The warmest part of the year is between July and October with an average high temperature of 26 degrees C and an average low temperature of 18 degrees C. August is usually the hottest month. In contrast, the coldest months are December to April; the average high temperature is 19 degrees C and an average low of 8 degrees with December the coldest. The high season in Tijuana falls during Easter Spring Break and the summer months of July and August. Others busy times include Independence Day on September 16th and the Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. Generally, hotel prices will be cheaper during the cooler months.
Getting around Tijuana
For travel within the city, taxis are also an easy option. There are two types: the un-metered yellow taxis, which tend to be more expensive, and the metered white with orange stripes 'taxi libre' cabs. Buses are also a cheap alternative.