Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, one of the hottest topics has been “where will you travel after the pandemic.” While many country’s travel restrictions have not yet been lifted, many individuals believe it is only a matter of time until they will be able to book their next international vacation. The question remains, however, where? For many years, Tijuana, Mexico, has been one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations due to its historical significance, picturesque beaches, and exceptional nightlife. While the city is highly popular with young adults, the city has become a premier family destination in recent years thanks to the city’s various family-friendly museums, cultural centers, and parks.
Below, Jorge Hank Rhon, former president of Tijuana and current candidate for Governor of Baja California, will share the most popular tourist destination within Tijuana and what makes Tijuana an excellent destination for international tourism.
Tijuana Cultural Center
One of Tijuana’s most iconic and notable buildings is the Tijuana Cultural Center. The center, which opened in 1982, has become one of the most visited places in Tijuana, receiving over 1 million visitors each year. The center was designed by renowned architects Pedro Ramirez Vazquez and Manuel Rosen Morrison after the surrounding natural landscape and was created as part of the National Fund for Social Activities, serving as one of the locations of Tijuana’s Ministry of Tourism and later, the Ministry of Public Education.
Since gaining independence in 1986, the cultural center serves as an educational institution for children ages two months to 15 years old and hosts workshops, concerts, conferences, movies, exhibitions, and different services designed to educate and entertain Tijuana youth. The Tijuana Cultural Center is one of the only institutions of the National Council for Culture and Arts in Mexico. At the center, youth from across Mexico can come to the center and learn about the history of Baja California and see the many exhibitions at the museum dedicated to Baja California’s history.
Today, the center strives to highlight the native peoples of the region and features many national and international artists. Within the center lies just 5 minutes away from the U.S. border and houses the Cineteca Tijuana, a cinema that screens films and serves as a meeting point for international directors, screenwriters, and actors.
Avenida Revolucion
A must-see site for all Tijuana visitors, the Avenida Revolucion, which once served as the city’s main thoroughfare, has now become a cornerstone of the Tijuana renaissance. Known to locals as “La Revu,” the avenue is well known for its vibrant colors, exceptional street murals, historic architecture, and artisanal craft shops. In recent years, the street has also become notorious for its excellent cafés and restaurants and has become a well-traveled destination for both hungry locals and tourists.
The majority of the Avenida Revolucion shops feature goods produced by Tijuana natives, making it an excellent location to purchase souvenirs. Tijuana is known for its long history of producing glass, leather, and pottery, which the Avenida Revolucion artisans carry on to this day. Additionally, visitors will be able to also find wooden figures from Oaxaca and textiles from the Yucatán within the many shops as well.
While many people believe that the widely popular Caesar salad was first created in Italy, it was first made at Ceasar’s Restaurante Bar at the Caesar Hotel in Tijuana. Whether you are a foodie, Caesar salad lover, or simply interested in an excellent dining experience, visiting Caesars Restaurante Bar is a must!
Enjoy the Tijuana Beach Life
Why visit a beach town if you are not going to enjoy the beach? Tijuana is home to many beautiful coastline towns and pristine beaches that should not be missed. One of Tijuana’s most notable beach towns is the infamous Playas de Tijuana, which stretches from the United States border to Rosarito Beach Municipality. The town was developed in 1957 with fraccionamientos of Soler and Costa Azul and continued to be developed into the 1980s. Conventionally located near downtown Tijuana, Playas de Tijuana is well known for its beautiful coastline, exceptional seafood, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some of the most popular activities for those visiting Playas de Tijuana include strolling down the boardwalk, enjoying the various traditional restaurants, and visiting the many wineries within the area.
If you are looking for more fun activities for you and your family, look no further than Parque Morelos. Officially inaugurated on January 27, 1987, Morelos Park is an ecological reserve that includes a zoo, artificial lake, two playgrounds, and various kiosks and green areas. Within the park lies a small train that takes families around the artificial lake and makes stops near the eating areas and dock. Parque Morelos also features a dock where visitors can rent small boats to race along the lake. Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy a skating rink where families can rent ice skates and enjoy the fantastic Tijuana weather.
The Parque Morelos Zoo features over 100 animals, including tigers, bears, snakes, and deer. One of the zoo’s newest attractions is the butterfly house, where visitors can view numerous species of butterfly and learn more about the migration patterns of different butterflies.
