Day Trips to Mexico from San Diego, CA

Tijuana Tour

Tijuana Tour

While the city of San Diego offers an immense number of activities, the proximity to the Mexican border makes it an ideal place from which to take a Mexican day trip. There are a number of destinations available, all a short drive across the border. If you are interested in taking a fun day trip to Mexico, there are a few things to know about the potential places to visit. There are also a few tips to bear in mind when crossing the border.

Tijuana:

Tijuana is possibly the single most visited border town in the world. Visitors from around the world come here, but especially from the US. While the city has a certain reputation, a day trip is a great way to find some amazing restaurants and do some fun local shopping. If you decide to visit TJ, don't drive. You can actually park right across from the border (take the exit prior to TJ) and walk across the border. There are taxis that will take you wherever you need to go for very little.

Puerto Nuevo:

Driving past Tijuana, you will come to the little town of Puerto Nuevo. Once a sleepy village, the tourist trade has made this town blossom. You can spend the afternoon dining in a number of quaint restaurants or shop with some of the local craftspeople. You can find many handcrafted items in Puerto Nuevo; they will make a perfect souvenir to remember you trip across the border.

Ensenada:

The little town of Ensenada lies south of Puerto Nuevo and offers some of the best food you'll find within a short distance of the border. The grilled lobster tails are especially delicious and, at around $20, are extremely affordable. You can also find some great shops here in Ensenada, carrying everything from handmade jewelry to clothing and much more.

Other Ideas:

If you are not sure about the area you would like to visit, there are tour companies in San Diego that you can sign on with to take a tour of several towns. Usually, these tours follow the coast road south and pass through a number of great places. You can get some scenic views as well as stop to shop and dine. Depending on the tour you take, you can eat in a number of the towns listed above. In addition to the benefit of being on a guided tour, you also do not have to worry about the hassle of driving.

Tips:

If you are crossing the border, even for a day trip, you should be prepared. You need to have a valid driver's license and a passport wouldn't hurt, either. If you are driving across the border, you need to purchase Mexican car insurance before crossing and if you are in rental car, you should find out if you can even take your car across the border. To ensure your safety, follow all the traffic laws and stay on the beaten path as much as possible, as well.