If you look on a map, you will see there are plenty of places to visit in Mexico that are near San Diego. However are all of them worth visiting? Are all of them safe? Not exactly. The US and Mexico border feature some nice places, but one must be careful. Not all cities and towns here are safe for out-of-towners, so one must be careful when exploring the border regions.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of places to visit in Mexico that are safe and beautiful. There are great places to go to where you will have no worries, and tourists are common in the area. We have five great places listed here, and they are all accustomed to people visiting and you can sit back and relax. Some are even so close to San Diego, California, you can feel free to just pop on down for the day. Chances are though, you will end up wanting to stay longer.
There are some truly incredible beaches to see here, and while California has some great ones too, the activities in the water will surely be cheaper here. Diving with the whales is a sight to behold, and something you get to do if you so feel like. Just a beach bummer? That’s cool too. Are you feening for some wine and excellent Mexican food to pair with it? Just head a few hours south. Don’t mind traveling a bit further to get an excellent fusion of history, activities, and fantastic beaches? Just prepare yourself for a half day’s journey and end up in paradise.
Here are a few places to visit in Mexico that are near San Diego. They all offer some great experiences for their visitors, especially those that are just a mere few hours or so from the border. So come on down, you’re close, and you’ll definitely want to visit after reading about these.
5. Loreto
This is an incredible spot to get the most out of your escape from San Diego. A mix of culture, amazing scenery, and outdoor activities will make for an excellent stay here. Let’s start with your water adventures. The spectacular beaches will give you a panoramic view to remember. If you’re a diver, you chances of seeing blue whales and humpbacks are pretty great if you come during February to April.
If you want to stay dry, make your way to the sand dunes and rocks for some cycling tours or repelling. Get your adrenaline going here for the intense sports available and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
For your dose of culture, check out the caves. Inside you will see cave painting and murals. The Sierra de San Francisco cave drawings are primitive and are even bigger than the revered European sites, like Altamira. Loreto is located 14 hours away from San Diego, but is well worth the drive. Not to mention you can make some great stops along the way…
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4. Baja Wine
California offers up some great wineries, nobody is arguing that, but who can ever have enough wine? Get a taste of what Mexico offers up for its secret grape concoctions. Taste testing, winery exploring, and pairing with Mexico’s delicious flavors are all offered. There are a few wineries available to visit, and they are only a few hours away from San Diego.
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3. Ensenada
If you like the wine so much, why not stay in Ensenada. You will be near the winery’s offered without being rushed back to California. Enjoy cantinas and plazas showing the area’s history and taste. This fishing city offers up some fantastic seafood feasts, so we hope you’re hungry. The beaches in the north and the south of the city will give you the getaway and relaxation you need after all that food and wine.
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2. Tijuana
This hop, skip, and a jump away from San Diego is a fantastic day trip to make, if you’re a shopping addict that is. Pasaje Rodriguez is a huge area filled with shipping stalls that seem to go on forever. You can find things from unique boutique shops, to book and music stores. Young artists are always showing their creations here.
If you like to eat like you shop-taking your time and having plenty of options, then a trip to the Food Garden is in store for you. Tons of vendors gather here so you can gobble down a smorgasbord of food before your departure. This spot is less than an hour away from San Diego.
1. Rosarito Beach
It’s not like California doesn’t provide great beaches, but those who are professional beach bums will agree, there’s never a limit on how many beaches you can go to in your life. In comes Rosarito Beach. This is “The Jewel of Baja’s Gold Coast” for good reason, and plenty of people flock here to experience all that it offers.
You could choose just to relax on the stretches of beach here, or get busy with the activities. Horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle exploring, jet skiing, hand gliding, and surfing are all choices that are on the table. So which interests you more?
If you’re a movie buff, then you are in for a treat at the Exploration Movie Park. Here is where some of Hollywood’s prominent films were made like Pearl Harbor and Titanic.
OK, you’re the artsy fartsy person, there’s entertainment for you, too. This is a thriving art community with an Art Route for your enjoyment. Community programs and intriguing exhibitions are on display, and there are many galleries and studios of all kinds. Rosarito is only a mere hour away by car.
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Here are some places to visit in Mexico that are near San Diego, but we’re sure you made a few extra stops along the way, too. How was it? What was your favorite?
