In early 2008, the U. S. Department of State issued a travel alert that says, in part: "foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways." Even more troubling to me, one of my most adventurous friends who would once make a quick run there from San Diego on the smallest whim now refuses to cross the border.
You can check the Department of State website for the latest information, but until things improve, we can't recommend visiting Tijuana on your own. If you want to go, the best thing to do is take a guided tour.
See It Now: Take a Photo Tour
Before you go, print a copy of our Tijuana map or take a look at our pictorial, step-by-step guide that shows you in pictures the route that we describe below in words. If you're planning on shopping, read our tips for visiting Tijuana, and bone up on how to bargain with a Tijuana shopkeeper.
Getting Into Town
If you parked in a border parking lot, just walk toward the border. It's easy to recognize. If you've arrived by the San Diego Trolley, walk across the overpass to the other side of the highway and pass through a turnstile.Walk past the mural on the right and turn right through the next turnstile you come to. From there, walk straight ahead. You'll see a large plaza in front of you, and beyond that a bridge. Cross the bridge and walk toward the big arch (shown in the picture in the upper right). The first big street you come to is Avenida Negrete.
You'll continue to Avenida Revolucion later, but first detour to the Arts and Crafts Market. It's quieter than Avenida Revolucion, with less-aggressive sales people and better prices, but you don't want to carry things around all day. Stop here now for price-comparisons and come back later to make your purchases. To reach the market, turn left on Negrete and go one long block. The market will be on your left.
When you're done at the market, backtrack and continue toward the arch. You'll reach Avenida Revolucion in a couple of blocks. It's hard to miss, with the big arch straddling it. You can find you way home from most anywhere in the area by heading back to this arch.
On Tijuana's Revolucion Avenue, there are ample opportunities to get your photograph taken with a Tijuana zebra (a donkey with black stripes) and cart, a tradition since the 1940s when my father had his photo taken there.
From here, most people walk up the main street and explore some side streets. On your way back, turn right on Calle Segunda (2nd Street) to the Arts and Crafts Market. If you cross Avenuda Ocampo, you've gone the wrong way.
