Tijuana
From historical markets and unique art galleries to cool dining and drinking
destinations, Tijuana’s cultural scene is chock-full of worthy diversions.
There’s no better time to head south of the border.
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TJ’S TOP
FOOD CARTS
Tortas Washmobile
Locals have been lining up
at this humble food cart for
carne asada tortas, or sandwiches, on pambaso rolls
since 1964. It’ll only take you
one bite to understand why.
Trincheras Hipódromo and
Mérida Tapachula
Kokopelli
Get boundary-pushing street
fare like the Fin del Mundo
taco—grilled panela cheese
with black beans and grasshoppers—at this busy stand
that has spawned two
additional locations in TJ
(and one in Chicago).
Calle Ocampo between 11th
and Blvd. Aguascalientes
Food Garden
Multiple vendors selling everything from rotisserie chicken to
vegan comfort food and choc-olate-dipped paletas (Mexican
popsicles)—plus plenty of
Mexican beer and wine—can
be found at this popular food
hall that recently expanded to
a second location in the Plaza
Rio shopping center.
9550 Blvd. Paseo de Los
Héroes and 10650 Blvd.
Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada
MISIÓN 19
Rock star chef Javier Plascencia wows diners with
sustainable organic Baja-Med cuisine such as
caramelized beet salad, twice-cooked pork jowls
and otherworldly grilled bone marrow in a modern dining room overlooking Tijuana’s Zona Rio.
The six-course tasting menu of the restaurant’s
classic dishes is a great way to approach a meal.
Calle Misión de San Javier 10643
LA CASA DE TÚNEL
Located in the Colonia Federal neighborhood
(right on the U.S.-Mexico border), this art
center with an international artist-in-residency
program features rotating gallery exhibits and
a rooftop border observation deck complete
with a small café.
133 Colonia Federal
BCB TASTING ROOM
With more than 40 taps and hundreds more in
bottles, the local craft brew selection at BCB is
unmatched anywhere else in Tijuana. A selection of thin-crust pizzas and sandwiches will
keep you well fed.
3003 Calle Orizaba 3003
MERCADO HIDALGO
Mexican sweets, giant bags of chicharrónes, colorful
piñatas and handmade crafts are just some of the
treasures that can be found among 80-plus stalls at
this busy marketplace built in 1910.
Sanchez Taboada and Independencia
CENTRO CULTURAL TIJUANA
There’s a lot to see and do inside this major cultural center. Visit the Museo de las Californias
to view 350 objects on display that reflect the
history of the region, catch an IMAX screening
or explore special exhibitions, including
Acuario, an aquarium exhibit, and Jardín Bo-tánico, a botanical garden with reproductions
of celebrated sculptures from Mesoamerican
cultures (both on view through Dec. 31, 2015).
Paseo de los Heroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio
BCB Tasting Room
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city center
in favor of a relaxing day at this quiet beach
located directly on the southern side of the
U.S.-Mexico border. Stroll along the shore and
eat tacos and churros from seaside vendors,
or upgrade to lunch overlooking the beach
at The Sunset Lounge ( 79 Ave. del Pacifico).
The upscale restaurant’s extensive menu has
something to please every diner.
EAT ON THE STREET
PLAYAS DE TIJUANA
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
