7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Tijuana

  • Day 1: Tijuana Cultural Center
    20 minutes (8 miles) from San Ysidro Port of Entry

    The Tijuana Cultural Center, also known as CECUT, is a well-known museum in Tijuana. It features interactive exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the city. The IMAX theater provides a cinematic experience that should not be missed.

  • Day 2: El Trompo Interactive Museum
    25 minutes (8.5 miles) from Tijuana Cultural Center

    El Trompo Interactive Museum is a great place for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. It features a science and technology exhibit, art workshops, and a planetarium. The museum also has a playground for younger children.

  • Day 3: Parque Morelos
    20 minutes (5.5 miles) from El Trompo Interactive Museum

    Parque Morelos is a large park with plenty of activities for families. It has a lake where visitors can rent paddleboats, picnic areas, a playground, and a tiny train that travels around the park. The beautiful gardens are perfect for taking photos and enjoying nature.

  • Day 4: Tijuana Zoo
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Parque Morelos

    The Tijuana Zoo is a great place to see exotic animals like tigers, lions, and giraffes. There are also several animal shows throughout the day, including a bird show and a sea lion show. The zoo is well-maintained and a fun way to spend the day.

  • Day 5: Avenida Revolución
    25 minutes (6.5 miles) from Tijuana Zoo

    Avenida Revolución is a street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It's a bustling and vibrant place where visitors can experience the local culture and buy souvenirs. There are also several historical sites, including the Tijuana Arch.

  • Day 6: Rosarito Beach
    45 minutes (20 miles) from Avenida Revolución

    Rosarito Beach is a beautiful beach town just south of Tijuana. The beach is long and sandy, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. There are also several restaurants and shops in the area, making it a great spot to spend the day.

  • Day 7: Tijuana Estuary
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Rosarito Beach

    The Tijuana Estuary is a protected nature reserve with several hiking trails and a visitors center that educates visitors on local flora and fauna. The views from the trails are breathtaking, making it an excellent way to end the trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tijuana Cultural Center (2 hours, $5)
  • El Trompo Interactive Museum (3 hours, $8)
  • Parque Morelos (2 hours, Free)
  • Tijuana Zoo (3 hours, $10)
  • Avenida Revolución (3 hours, varies)
  • Rosarito Beach (4 hours, varies)
  • Tijuana Estuary (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $33 per person

Transportation

Most of the locations on this itinerary are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Tijuana has an extensive bus system and taxis are also readily available. Uber is available in the city, and a ride from the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the Tijuana Cultural Center should cost around $10-15.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Xolos Stadium to watch a soccer game or the Mercado Hidalgo for some local shopping. If you have less time, consider skipping El Trompo Interactive Museum or Rosarito Beach.

Airports

The nearest airport to Tijuana is the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), which is located about 7 miles from the city center. The airport code is TIJ. It's a small airport, with most flights coming from the US and Mexico. Visitors can take a taxi or public transportation to reach the city center.

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