Tijuana

This Mexican border town is home to a lively tourist district, burgeoning cultural scene and great beaches. Caesar salad was invented here.

With its beaches, bars, monuments and galleries, Tijuana provides an eclectic mix of attractions. This Mexican town is shaking off its once seedy image to become a popular tourist destination. It is located just over the U.S. border.

Follow other visitors crossing the border and go straight to Avenida Revolución, Tijuana's main tourist street. Stroll along this lengthy jumble of restaurants, bars, craft shops and discount liquor stores. Have your picture taken with a “Mexican zebra,” a donkey painted with stripes. Look for them with their owners on several street corners.

For a change of scenery from the avenue’s loud and lively atmosphere, head for Zona Rio’s cultural attractions. Explore the monuments that line the Paseo de los Héroes. Among them are sculptures of Abraham Lincoln and the Aztec ruler, Cuauhtémoc. See art exhibitions and watch a concert at the Tijuana Cultural Centre. Visit its IMAX theatre inside a large ball-shaped building.

Move west to the borough of Playas de Tijuana to reach the ocean. Enjoy the water on a surfboard or kayak. Then, stroll along the boardwalk and stop for something to eat at one of the oyster shacks. Some of the area’s best beaches are south of the city at Playas de Rosarito.

Tijuana’s cuisine reflects the many different cultures of the city. Find Japanese, French, Italian and other international restaurants outside the main tourist areas. Sample nachos, burritos and enchiladas from the food stalls and restaurants along Avenida Revolución. Enjoy a Caesar salad at Caesar Hotel and Restaurant where the famous dish was invented.

Take part in the city’s lively nightlife in the bars and nightclubs in and around Avenida Revolución. On weekends, large crowds of youngsters from the United States visit since Tijuana’s legal drinking age is 18.

Tijuana is 15 miles (24 kilometres) south of San Diego. Reach the city by flying into Tijuana International Airport or by driving or walking across the San Ysidro border crossing, which is less than 4 miles (7 kilometres) from downtown Tijuana.