Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana's beaches

Tijuana has beaches? Ocean beaches? Relax, as Tijuana is not just a grungy, border city, noted for sin, or a city located in a valley with hills that rival San Francisco in steepness and complexity... Yes, Tijuana has nearby beaches, known as "Las Playas de Tijuana" are only located about 5 miles west of the heart of Tijuana, and A.v Revolucion, the mecca for international tourists, but the beaches are worlds away, as they offer solitude as only ocean beaches can. Not to mention, if you're in Tijuana and you want to watch a bullfight, there is the world-famous "Bullring-by-the-Sea" just a few meters south of the U.S. border.

Left: Sadly, the obelisk marking the boundary between Mexico and the U.S. has to be enclosed in an ugly steel fence. Right: The Tijuana lighthouse is unused, but is a great monument. The bullring is located just to the left.

So if you're tired of the Av. Revolucion shopping or the people-watching at the Zona Norte, and the thermometer is hot as the gates of hates, why not take a trip out to Tijuana's beaches? The scenery is great, the pace is relaxed, and the weather is always "cool."

Left: The ugly border fence, separating Mexico from the U.S. extends out into the ocean, but is quite rundown, due to the constant wave action and the corrosive salt water. Right: Graffiti painted on the border fence advises the unwary traveler of the dangers that lie ahead. Notice the tracks in the sand from the border patrol.

You want to drive? Cross the border, for more information on crossing the border, follow this link, and follow the "fast road" west for about 5 miles after entering the border, and you'll see a sign that reads "Playas de Tijuana," turn off there and just keep your sights toward the huge round structure to your right, which is the "Bullring by the Sea." When you reach the bullring, park your car, and prepare to walk, as you're in for a real treat. If you are the adventurous sort and care to ride a Tijuana city bus, catch a bus at the bus station near the border and board any bus that has a sign on the windshield that reads "Playas." The sign will probably be hand-scribbled, painted on the windshield, but if it says "Playas," it is headed for the beach. Board it and give the guy $20.00 (pesos;) the fare varies, if the fare, he'll give you change. Pick your seat, relax and blend in with the locals. If you can't speak Spanish, this could be quite interesting, so brush up on your Spanish.

Photos: The malecon that is near the ocean, with condos, apartments and commercial buildings perched on the cliff above, each with a magnificent ocean view. The U.S. border fence can be seen in the distance.

Park your car in the huge parking lot located just east of the bullring. Just ahead, you'll see the somewhat famous, Tijuana lighthouse that is painted white, unmanned and unused. Just you your right, is the ugly border fence that the U.S. government has erected to guard the border, in the hope of keeping job-seeking hopefuls south of the border. You can also check out the obelisk, which, sadly, has been enclosed in the border fence, that marks the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Oh yes, the local artists have not wasted their talents on the border fence, indeed, they have painted artistic warnings that, simply stated, imply danger in crossing the border.

Left: From the bluff above the beach, or the "high malecon," I'm looking at the beach and the ocean. Right: The malecon, which faces the street, is built high on the bluff and features a wide walkway that stretches south for several blocks. It is lined with motels, condos, shops and restaurants and affords outstanding ocean view to pedestrians.

Photo: Seen from the U.S. side of the border is the huge bulling-by-the-sea and the Playas de Tijuana.

Obviously, that was not a concern of mine, so after parking my car, my idea was to walk the malecon and to admire the serenity, and the beauty of the area. Stroll the malacon, which is built on the bluffs that are just above the sandy beach, and watch the seagulls and pigeons, as they do whatever they do to survive. The Tijuana malecon is nearly a mile long, and parallels the beach. It has two sides, the side that faces the crashing ocean waves, and another side that faces that is more-or-less a sidewalk, lined with hotels, condos and private dwellings, and of course there are many taquerias and fish restaurants for your dining pleasure. When I visited "Playas," it was early in the morning and none of the restaurants were open, so I can't vouch for any of the cusine.

Left: The Playas de Tijuana arch, a world-famous icon of the beach community. Right: Looking south at the upper malecon gives you an idea of the colorful restaurants that line the street.

The only trouble about "Playas de Tijuana" is that it caters to Americans, as there were quite a few norteamericanos strolling on the malecon, and hiking along the beach. I'm assuming that most of these folks are staying at the many nice condos and hotels that face the beach. I also think that I'd probably pass on some of the restaurants and taquerias, as I prefer the sort of food that doesn't carter to the American taste. While I was strolling along the street-side of the malecon, I managed to photograph the graceful arch that is a signature structure at "Playas de Tijuana."

Left: These Telnor telephones actually work, along this weed-grown street. Right: Looking toward the ocean from one of Playas de Tijuana's residential streets.

It's a place to hang out if you're a beach-type person, as I'm told the surfing is good, but the atmosphere is always excellent, and how can you go wrong spending a relaxing day at a Mexican beach?

Check out Playas de Tijuana for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Tijuana. You'll be glad you did.

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