Tijuana is the largest city in Baja, and Mexico’s most famous city. The best-known of all the border towns, Tijuana is about twenty miles from San Diego, California. The border crossing processes about 500,000 crossings each day. Plan on visiting Tijuana?
Tijuana Geography
Tijuana is the westernmost city in Mexico, in the northwest corner of the country. It is also only 130 miles from Mexicali, the capital of Baja California. Tijuana sits in a valley on the Tijuana River that boasts rugged and hilly terrain. Its large skyline is one of the best known in all of Mexico and is internationally famous. With its Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Tijuana features an awesome landscape. The ground around the city is rugged and hilly. During the rainy season, downtown is prone to flooding due to its low-lying position in the valley. Its skyline is one of the largest in Mexico and draws visitors from around the globe. The city is still working with professionals to bring sanitary sewage systems to the region. Currently, most sewage from residents and visitors washes out to the Pacific Ocean at Rosarito.
History of Tijuana
Historically home to hunting and gathering people like the Cucupa and Pai Pai tribes. This area of northern Mexico has a long indigenous past. Hostile tribes and the rugged geography kept many from permanently dwelling there. While the valley was first explored by the Spanish in 1542, it wasn’t settled until 1769. The city itself did not establish until 1889 when ranchers and farmers began to favor its location.
Even during the city’s earliest days, it drew visitors from California to cross over for a bit of Mexican cultural charm. Its tourism industry began to boom, however, during the Prohibition years of the U.S. Many tourists cross the border to freely enjoy drinking and gambling. It continues as a popular tourist destination today but not as much for drinking and gambling. Modern-day Tijuana is much more cultural, artistic, and delicious! The restaurants and chefs, artists, and medical professionals in Tijuana are turning this city into a wonderful to live and visit.
Tourism of Tijuana
Tijuana has a population that continues to be on the rise due to the thriving tourism industry. Known for its nightlife and hospitality, Tijuana’s service industry caters to tourists who come in search of a great time. With its weather, cheap meds, and spicy food, Tijuana is a hot weekend getaway. It is well known for its great restaurants, clubs, festivals, and art scene. The convenient location and wide array of hotels make booking a vacation easy. Its entertainment venues are famous throughout the country and provide great variety and appeal for many demographic groups.
As one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities. This growth is due in large to the tourism that drives the city forward. Furthermore, there is an active movement in Tijuana to bring world-class cuisine and culture to the city. The latest generations of Tijuanese are not happy with the reputation as a “third world” and they seem driven to do something about it.
Things to See and Do in Tijuana
The Cultural Center: one of the most important centers for the arts in Northern Mexico. This uniquely shaped landmark displays local arts and performances. In short, the famous architecture makes it a must-see landmark.
- Avenida Revolucion: This is the central tourist hub that earned the city its reputation as a party town. Its clubs, restaurants, and hotels attract people from all over looking to experience TJ’s brand of fun.
- Plaza Santa Cecilia: For a relaxed and pleasant day in the city, check out this old square and its cafes and galleries. This pleasant square is an old landmark full of art galleries and cafes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a Tijuana afternoon and far more quaint than other parts of the city.
- Paseo de Los Heroes: This famous landmark commemorates the great heroes of freedom like Miguel Hidalgo and Abraham Lincoln. It can be found in the Avenida Revolucion.
- Amigos del Artes: For modern art in Tijuana, this gallery showcases some of the best and developing architecture of the city. It a great venue to examine Tijuana’s cutting-edge painting and sculpting scene.
- Bullfights: Bullfights are important to the culture of northern Mexico. Tijuana is one of Mexico’s most popular places to witness a traditional bullfight.
- Wax Museum: Tijuana’s Wax Museum is an extraordinary tourist-friendly venue where visitors can catch a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe and other famous or historical people preserved by their wax images.
- Rosarito Beach: This city is located just south of Tijuana and famous for its beaches. Many travelers to Tijuana make a point of enjoying the water sport and other activities available in Rosarito.
If you’re driving into Tijuana from the United States, in addition to the maps above you should also consider:
EN 
ES