Tijuana (or TJ as it's known locally)

Less than 20 minutes from the city of San Diego, Tijuana Mexico is the gateway to the tourist corridor of Baja California. Recognized as one of the world's most visited cities, with more than 40 million border crossings each year, Tijuana is an energetic  hub of activity day and night. The community offers duty-free shopping, authentic Mexican cuisine, a tremendous arts and culture scene—highlighted by the Tijuana Cultural Center Avenida Revolucion, exciting sporting events, glittering night life and more.  For travelers looking for an alternative arrival or departure option, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, a pedestrian skywalk bridge connecting the Tijuana International Airport to San Diego, makes both domestic and International travel to the region quite easy.

More on traveling to Tijuana

Ensenada

Located approximately 70 miles south of the U.S. Mexico International border, Ensenada is an easy 90-minute drive from San Diego along a scenic toll highway, noted for its breathtaking ocean vistas, coastal cliffs and viewpoints.  Known as one of the leading resort and commercial centers on the Baja peninsula, Ensenada also boasts a protected harbor with modern port facilities—home to visiting cruise ships and a large sport fishing fleet. Be sure to explore the Mercado Negro fish market, local taco shops, seafood carts, craft beer breweries, mescal and margarita bars, museums and more.