Tecate: worth a visit? (Julian: luxury, camp, safe)

[rs913]

I've never been to Mexico and was considering a quick visit to Tecate, just to get a glimpse of the other side of the border. It sounds like it's safer and more inviting than Tijuana.

There are a few threads on here mentioning Tecate, but they're all at least a few years old.

Anyone been? Is it safe if you park on the U.S. side and walk across? Any suggestions for what's worth checking out once you're across?

[CNYC]

There used to be a train ride with a tour guide offered from Tijuana to Tecate that operated on a seasonal basis. Does anyone know if this still exists ?

I can tell you one thing though Tijuana is way more interesting than Tecate. That is a no brainer. If you are concerned about safety (you shouldn't be) take an organized tour of TJ. You will get a little free time to roam around the main avenue then you can see all the sites with the guide. Win Win.

[oddstray]

We often camp at Potrero, drive over to the border, and walk into Tecate for lunch. We've done it as recently as last month. It's safe. We've also, in the past, collected our "free beer" ticket from the guard at the patio of the bottling plant. We haven't done that recently so we don't know if that's still available.

We have also done the train ride into Tecate, but that apparently doesn't go that far any more. It seems to stop right at the border, shy of Tecate: Golden State Train Ride | Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Tijuana, being much larger, has much more to see. (That, in fact, is why we prefer to go to Tecate.) You might look at taking a tour with these folks: Turista Libre Tijuana Tours

[malcorub16]

If you are looking for a laid back relaxing afternoon in a quiet Mexican town in the mountains, Tecate is the way to go. Even if you are just going for tacos and walking around the town plaza. Its like visiting Julian, you go there every so ofter just to kind of hang out and take it easy. Oddstray, what is the wait time via pedestrian lane on weekends at Tecate these days?

For chaotic big city adventure, Tijuana is the way to go. But for your first time, I would do it with a tour group like the one mentioned above.

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

...Oddstray, what is the wait time via pedestrian lane on weekends at Tecate these days?

That would be, typically, 0 - 5 minutes. The longest we've ever waited in line at Tecate was around 20 minutes.

For chaotic big city adventure, Tijuana is the way to go. But for your first time, I would do it with a tour group like the one mentioned above.

I agree with this.

[pch1013]

It's a pleasant enough little town, emphasis on "little."

You could always go for a luxury spa vacation if that's your thing...

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

There used to be a great bakery on the main zocalo....the best pastries. I bet it's still there.

[oddstray]

I don't remember a bakery ever on the zocalo. There is a really great bakery - El Mejor Pan - but it's a couple blocks east of the zocolo along Benito Juarez.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by oddstray

I don't remember a bakery ever on the zocalo. There is a really great bakery - El Mejor Pan - but it's a couple blocks east of the zocolo along Benito Juarez.

I said it was a loooong time ago.