A South of the Border Excursion to Tijuana
Tijuana is a mere 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. The border is open 24 hours a day, and U.S. citizens can enter Mexico for 72 hours or less with a valid passport. English is spoken in all of the restaurants and shops we recommend. The shopping hours in Tijuana are generally 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. and most major American credit cards are accepted.
U. S. Customs allows you to bring back $800 worth of incidental purchases for personal use duty-free, including one liter of alcohol per adult 21 or older. Get a receipt, when possible, to verify the value of your purchases. You can even bring back a 90-day supply of personal use medical drugs if you have a prescription from a licensed doctor in the U.S. For information and restrictions call the FDA (310-971-2280).
For general information about the State of Baja California, contact the State Secretariat of Tourism of Baja California (01152-664-973-0424). You can also visit their Web site at discoverbajacalifornia.com. For information about Tijuana, call the Visitor’s Information Center (7) at (01152-664-607-3097). Their English - speaking staff can answer any questions you may have.
Tijuana has attractions galore including the bullfights, greyhound racing and Tijuana's Cultural Center (9), which is a major attraction and an excellent place to learn about the different regions of Mexico. The Cultural Center also includes an exciting multi-image Omnimax theatre. See Tijuana Attracions.
Visit the Factory Outlet Center at the Border |
Before entering Mexico, be sure to shop at this huge factory outlet center. It’s Las Americas Premium Outlets (3), located at 4211 Camino de la Plaza (619-934-8400). It is home to an incredible collection of 125 designer and name-brand outlet stores that offer something for everyone. These stores include a who’s who of designer labels and popular brands often include Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Chanel and Prada. Shopping at Neiman Marcus Last Call is a real treasure hunt since its brands change often.
The mall is open Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–7 p.m. with extended hours for select sales and holidays. |
Park in the US and Take a Bus to & From Tijuana |
If you're going to Tijauna for the day, park your car at Border Station Parking & Tourist Information Center (1) (619-428-1422). This is a 24-hour attended parking lot, which is well lit at night and has surveillance cameras. They also offer a shuttle to and from Tijuana, so you don't have to run the risk of getting in an accident or finding parking in Mexico. The parking rate is ($7) for the day. It includes a tourist information center, which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Print their review page for ($1) off the first day of parking! |
Impressive Tijuana Dining |
Los Arcos Seafood Restaurant (12) is a great discovery. The tropical atmosphere is lively with people talking, laughing and rhythmic music from Mazatlán playing. As for the decor, it’s nautical. Altogether, the menu features more than 50 fresh seafood selections. A special recommendation is their Tequila Shrimp. It's delicious! If you love seafood, this is where you should be dining. They have 16 locations, including one in Chula Vista. |
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You'll Find Great Shopping Bargains in Tijauana |
Just across the street from the Cultural Center (9) is the modern Plaza Rio Tijuana (10). This 792,000-sq. ft. open-air mall is the fourth largest in Mexico. Its home to more than 125 specialty and department stores, restaurants and 2 large movie theaters. Whether travel arrangements, electronics or clothing, this center has it all. Also in the Plaza Rio Shopping Center is Farmacia Gusher (10) (01152664-684-0235). This 24 hours a day pharmacy offers a 26% discount on all merchandise in the store with their special client card. For more savings, call (01152-664-684-0229) and ask about their 32 percent discount card. They sell Vivioptal multivitamin supplements here as well as drugs from Romania, Switzerland and China. For personal use duty-free, you can bring back a 90-day supply of personal use medical drugs if you have a prescription from a licensed doctor in the U.S. For information and restrictions call the FDA (310-971-2280). |
Lindbergh Field, CA