Day two of my 3 Day 2 Nation vacation started with crossing the border into Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. This busy day started with meeting our transportation van and tour guide from Ticketon and Tourismo Express at the San Ysidro Border Station Parking. Having an experienced tour operator makes entering and navigating Tijuana, Baja California easier and highly recommended if you are trying to take it all in in one day. Driving in Tijuana is an experience to be experienced if you have the time, I didn’t, so I was grateful to let Ticketon deliver our group safely to our destinations.
If this will be your first time crossing into Mexico, my friend Elaine over at Trip Wellness has a great guide to crossing the border here: http://www.tripwellness.com/crossing-into-tijuana-travel-tips-safety-fun/
Food, Fun and Culture in Tijuana, Baja California
Tijuana is a vast, cultural extravaganza that has a bit of something for everyone. Family diversified, food focused and fun-filled,
I recommend that your Tijuana day should include the following stops:
Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT)
Founded on October 20th, 1982, the Tijuana Cultural Center has become the most recognized symbol that identifies Tijuana. On any given day you may find something new going on within its infrastructure: theater, IMAX Dome, video room, the main building –which houses the Museo de las California’s, a multipurpose room and children’s area called CECUTi–, a botanical garden, the Moon Forum, aquarium, the International Gallery The Cube, the Documentation Center for the Arts, the Carlos Monsivais Room, an esplanade of 5,700 square meters, coffee shop, a book store, a souvenir shop, among other venues.
Tijuana Cultural Center Botanical Gardens offer a relaxing stroll through Baja California’s cultural history.
Local artists have their artwork displayed throughout the center.
Though my visit was brief, I enjoyed learning about the various past and current cultural art exhibits the Tijuana Cultural Center has to offer.
http://www.mexicoescultura.com/
Paseo de los Héroes 9350 , esquina con Francisco Javier Mina, Col. Zona Urbana Río Tijuana, C.P. 22010, Tijuana, Baja California
Miny City at Plaza Rio
Oh I wish I was a kid again!
Mini City is an amazing entertainment attraction for children. Offering a multitude of hands-on learning stations created to experience working in various professions.
Mini City gives children the opportunity to experience life as a Doctor, caring for newborns or even performing an operation.
They can run a Grocery store, be a radio personality or even a construction worker.
Perhaps your child would like to be a Chef? They have a culinary station! Or a Firefighter? yep, they have that too!
Newspaper reporter, solar energy system operator, gas station attendant, propane delivery, scientist, dairyman, beautician, and astronaut!
The list goes on and on!
Hours and hours of educational experiences for the family!
Don’t forget to take a ride on the zip-line while your there!
Centro Infantil Mini City S.A.P.I. de C.V. Paseo de los héroes 95, Local C4, Zona Río 22320.
“Mercado Hidalgo” Marketplace
The oldest if not the most fascinating open market is the “Mercado Hidalgo” in Tijuana. Somehow, and I truly mean it, find some extra time to explore the many stalls that in-habit this very unique market place. From a culinary perspective, I was amazed and enthralled with the massive selection of spices, herbs, cheeses, dried vegetables and even insects!
Looking for “Piñatas”, pots, pans, cooking utensils, fresh cheese, candy (tons and tons of candy), clothing, food, coffee? That is just a small sample of the selections you will find at the Mercado Hildago in Tijuana, Baja California.
Caesar’s Restaurant Tijuana
A visit to Caesars on Revolución avenue in Tijuana is a walk back into the past.
Old world classic decor built-in the days of prohibition in the U.S. with deep rich wood paneling, linen table clothes and well dressed waiters.
In addition to an amazing menu, Caesars claim to fame is preparing their version of the original Caesars salad. Prepared right at your table using only a few ingredients, the Caesar salad comes to life, rich and creamy, served with toasted french bread. A must have starter for any meal at Caesars!
Revolución avenue between 4th and 5th street. Tijuana, México. CP 22000
Avenida Revolución
A must, after dining at Caesars, is a stroll up and down the Avenida Revolucion.
With its vast number of shops to visit, this a shoppers paradise for all things touristy and authentic.
Take time to wander off the beaten path to enjoy some of the amazing street art found through the avenue.
Telefonica Gastro Park
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Telefonica Gastro Park is one of my favorite stops in Tijuana.
All of the food was just brilliant! Chefs pride is obvious in every dish served and they deliver only the finest, freshest ingredients.
You can read more about Telefonica Gastro Park over at my Cooking-Outdoors.com site: Telefonica Gastro Park, Tijuana, Mexico | An Unbelievable Food Journey
Norte Brewing Company
If you still have room for more food and drink, I highly recommend Norte Brewing Company for their excellent craft beer and the amazing view of Tijuana.
Norte Brewing Company is located on the top floor of a parking garage with a view to kill for!
The craft beer scene is exploding in Tijuana right now!
Next I will be sharing the best place to stay, hint – it’s on the beach, and two amazing places to dine before you go back home.
Full disclosure: All foods provided at no charge to sample, there has been no monetary compensation and all views and opinions are my own. This media trip was sponsored by Tijuana Tourism and Convention Bureau with transportation provided by Ticketon and Turismo Express.
