Tijuana Rosarita Ensenada

When visiting Arizona or California, you want to take time out for a trip to Mexico, real Mexico where cities such as Tijuana, Rosarita, and Ensenada can be explored.  In most cases, you can drive your own car or take a bus into Tijuana.  However, if you are in San Diego, you can simply walk across the border and directly into Mexico.  Tijuana, Rosarita, and Ensenada are such popular tourist destinations that every year, more than 20 million people cross the borders from the United States. 

While some tourists will stay for several days or longer, most tourists come to shop for a day.  As you make your way into Mexico, you will find huge bargains on pottery, blankets, tequila, cigarettes, and even things such as car repair, dental care, and pharmaceutical drugs.  Keep in mind that the minute you step foot across the Mexico border, you will be approached by children and adults alike, most dressed poorly, begging for you to buy, buy, buy!  You may find something you want but remember there are many places to visit and you can always work the prices down.  Interestingly, of all Mexican cities, Tijuana is one of the wealthiest. 

Years ago, visiting Tijuana was a dangerous venture but today, you see much better security and street patrol.  With many of the main streets and shopping districts just blocks from the United States border, getting around is easy and safe.  After shopping all day, you can visit any bar or cantina for a fresh margarita, pina colada, or other Mexican drink.  Then you have the cultural side of these cities.  For example, in Tijuana, you can visit the Cultural Center, which is a multi-million dollar museum with amazing exhibits of the Mexican people. 

At night, you will find many great dance clubs that range from good old-fashioned rock and roll to electrifying disco.  Of course, the cuisine in Tijuana, Rosarita, and Ensenada is incredibly delicious.  Some of the favorite dishes among residents and visitors include roasted pig and chicken mole.  All three cities offer many fine restaurants with a wide selection of foods, offering something for everyone. 

One of the risks of entering Mexico has to do with driving your own car.  With heavy traffic and problems with insurance, you would do better by taking a trolley or bus.  If you want to drive your car into Mexico, be sure to buy special auto insurance, which can be purchased for as little as $10 a day.  If you love the beach, then just 18 miles from the border is the town of Rosarita.  In addition to the beautiful beach, the atmosphere is soothing.  There are a number of things to do in Rosarita such as horseback riding, golfing, surfing, or perhaps you just want to spend some time in a luxury oceanfront condominium or hotel. 

Then you can enjoy a day tour to Ensenada, which is a charming and enchanting Mexican seaport town.  The views of the coastline are truly breathtaking and you will love the shopping for incredible bargains as you soak up the authentic Spanish atmosphere.  At lunch, take a break to partake in the local specialty dishes and cool, refreshing margaritas.  Just remember that whether visiting Tijuana, Rosarita, or Ensenada, when returning to the United States, you must go through the proper immigration procedures.  Expect stringent searches and questioning, which is for everyone’s safety.