Tijuana Baja California
We usually recommend folks keep on driving to get the full-bodied Mexican cultural experience.
Keep driving my friends. Go south.
By Dorothy Bell
Location: On the US Border – 38 kms south of San Diego on the I-5 and directly south of San Ysidro
Population: 1,700,000 people in the city, 1,900,000 in metro
Climate: Semi-arid – similar to a Mediterranean Climate with 231 mm (9.09 in) of annual precipitation falling mostly between November and March. Tijuana experiences hot summers with average highs of 26 to 28 C (77 to 82
History
As settlement grew the governor of the California’s awarded a large land grant (100 KMs) to Santiago Arguello which became a cattle ranch known as “Aunt Jane Ranch” or Ranch Tia Juana.
In the early 1900’s Californians came across the border for day trips and short holidays. A racetrack was built in 1915 and then rebuilt after a massive flood destroyed the grounds. Durring the prohibition Tijuana attracted many US tourists with casinos and legal drinking. The Ceasar salad was invented here in the late 20’s. Spa’s, dog and horse racing, casinos and alternative living attracted Hollywood Stars and gangsters.
Gambling and casinos were outlawed in 1935 and in an attempt to rebrand itself, Tijuana was renamed “Zaragoza”. It never stuck.
While Tijuana has tried to restructure its image and industry, it remains a weary wayward destination for US visitors. Its population continues to boom as Mexicans flock to the area to work in factories and fields along the border.
Shopping. Drinking. Shopping. Drinking. Shopping.
300,000 visitors cross by car or foot the Tijuana –San Ysidro border. Most tourists come to buy. Its not high culture that most are after – although there is plenty of that if you look for it. Music, dance, sports, golf and other recreation complexes abound as in any major population center.
Avenida Revolución is where you go for nightlife; Bars, dance clubs, restaurants, taco stands, and pharmacies. The drinking age limit in Mexico is 18 (compared to the US age restriction of 21) provides a magnet for young people to experience the “wild side” of the border. Zona Norte is the red-light district of the city. This area features legal prostitution for the street prostitute and strip club. Full contact strippers (touching allowed) also sell other sexual services.
Industry
Tourism is also a major industry employing hundreds of thousands of employees.
From San Diego drive 38 kms south on the Interstate I-5. The highway leads directly across the border to Tijuana.
Accommodation
HOTELS
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