How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico

US California-Mexico Border Day Trip: Experience and Tips

Hey, Saul here!  Back from the kitchen flames with another guest blog entry.  Let's start!

Live in California or down here for a bit?  Ever wondered what the southern border looks like?  No?  Why not!  You're missing out on an awesome time.  Whether it's trying new food, exploring a new culture, or learning a different history and politics, the Border has something for everyone!  While mine could have been better, here's hoping you enjoy your trip more after reading my day trip experience and tips. Let's go!

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Wait a moment. Why "The Border?"

Because You're Already Almost There!

Living in or visiting Los Angeles, you're only about 2-3 hours away from the border.  If you're in San Diego, it's just around 30 minutes instead.  Sometimes it's one of those things where if you live so close to something, you never end up checking it out.  But if you're reading this, then this is your sign to go!  Adventure awaits!  As well as...

Authentic Mexican Food IN Mexico

How much more real can you get?  And no, Taco Bell does NOT count.

The Exchange Rate

Let's be real: As of the writing of this entry in 2023, you can get more stuff with the current exchange rate.  More food, more experiences!  And more souvenirs if you're into that too.

The Other Nice Reasons

As other blogs and articles will tell you, there's a rich culture, delicious cuisine fusion, breathtaking natural scenery, and much more.  But honestly, I was doing this to satiate a deep curiosity; like when you live down the block of a store you keep passing by but never enter.

Survival Travel Tips

Best Time To Go

Start early!  As Californians know well, the sunny weather gets HOT.  It's cooler to get in line when there's still shade before the sun hangs directly overhead.  As with most places, weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

It's faster (and easier) crossing into Mexico than the reverse.  So if you're aiming for a day-trip like me and want to get back before dark, plan accordingly!  Depending on the time of year, be mindful of when the sun sets.  In March, it started to get dark early around 5-ish, so we started to head back by 4-4:30pm.

Pack Snacks, Water, and Shade

While there are small stores with snacks along the way, you don't want to get out of line once you're in one.  Unless you enjoy going back to the end of the line, that is.  Or if you've a friend holding your spot.  So I highly recommend bringing snacks and water.  Think like you're passing through airport customs - no metal water containers.  Keep it simple.

My Experience: Crossing the Border on Foot

We stayed over with friends in San Diego to conserve energy for the exploring we planned to do.  We ended up starting our day at 12:30, parking near the border so we could walk across.  However, I would highly recommend starting much earlier as the sun was hanging hotly overhead.

Where to Park: US Border at San Diego, California

We parked here, which can be found from the 5-South freeway exit, Camino de la Plaza.  It was $18 for 24-hour parking.  The address was: 4570 Camino de la Plaza, San Diego, CA 92173

Afterwards, you'll find this bridge leading to the border building.

Keep going...

Security Checkpoint

After passing through, you will now be on Mexican soil!  Congratulations!  Another country under your belt of experience.

Maybe it was just the time we went (which was after the CDC finally lightened up COVID restrictions) but the once-decorated and lively border had seemingly become a ghost town.  There were hardly any open stores nor people around.  

Near Downtown Tijuana

However, after taking a taxi further into the city, the empty view quickly bustled with people and activity. Our tummies grumbled for food, reminding us of the time we had left before darkness approached.  Fortunately, the streets abound with restaurants.  We quickly settled on Churrascaria Do Brasil Zona Rio.

Churrascaria Do Brasil Zona Rio

Address: Blvd. Agua Caliente #11999 Int. 224, Galerías Hipódromo22400 Tijuana

Wide food selection

Going back: From Tijuana Border to San Diego

For this daytrip, we had set aside about 2 hours to cross back into the US, which proved to be a wise decision.  While there were many more buildings and monuments to see, we, unfortunately, ran out of time.  We got back in line at 4:40pm and made it through by 6:20pm.  After wandering around for snacks and souvenirs, we were in the parking lot by 7pm.

Coming back was long, hot, and rather boring.  Snacks, water, and the occasional shade made it considerably more tolerable, however.  You'll also see smaller stalls along the way, so you can get some trinkets here.

An extremely unpleasant way back to San Diego

Almost to the security checkpoint

Conclusion

By the end of the day, I could definitely say it was an experience I wished I had planned better and started earlier!  There was much more to see and enjoy beyond where we had to turn around.

Watch out for my next adventure, we're heading to Los Cabos, a premier tourist spot in Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?

Check out Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Where am I going next?

For my next adventure, we're going to my First-Ever NBA Game at Cryto.com Arena, California - What You Need To Know Before The Game

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