Take a day trip to Mexico from San Diego?

[mermaidwannabe]

Is this a dumb idea?? I've been to Tijuana, but it was so long ago, I can't remember what it was like, and I was a freshman in college, so my focus was on having a marguerita with my lunch. Now that I have three DDs (10, 7, 4), I am wondering if we should go since we'll be in San Diego for a week after DL. Aren't there fun things to buy there??

Go ahead and flame me, I can take it. I want pure honesty.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Is this a dumb idea?? I've been to Tijuana, but it was so long ago, I can't remember what it was like, and I was a freshman in college, so my focus was on having a marguerita with my lunch. Now that I have three DDs (10, 7, 4), I am wondering if we should go since we'll be in San Diego for a week after DL. Aren't there fun things to buy there??

Go ahead and flame me, I can take it. I want pure honesty.

There was a thread on this topic not too long ago:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=992136

Hope that helps you decide.

 

[jemilah]

it is fun but dirty like a huge flea market ..............prices are not as cheap as they used to be .......no real bargins . An adventure .................but if your fussy or afraid of being talked to by ever dirty guy there , don't go. I speak fluent Spanish and find it just as gross ..........give me the mall any day over a trip to TJ.

 

[lisatradingspaces]

I would not take three little girls there....ever.

When you look at it from grown up mommy eyes instead of young girl looking for fun eyes (I know, I've been there!) it's very, very different. It's a sad, sad place and sometimes even scary. The last couple of times my husband and I had things happen that were just bizarre and we'll never go back again.

It sure was fun at 18 though..... LOL!! But looking back I can see I put myself in danger and I am glad nothing ever happened to me!

Lisa

 

[tinkryansmom]

I have to agree. The link to the other thread was great. If you are going to San Diego - spend some time wandering in Old Town. Have a "fishbowl" margarita with your lunch at Cada de Bandini. The food is good and the margarita is HUGE.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Calliaz]

There are some very nice parts of Tijuana--but the main tourist area is not really worth going to see. It's not dangerous or anything during the day, IMO--just not any fun.

If you want to go, there are a few options:

1. Rent a car from Avis with mexican insurance and drive over. I'd only do this if you were wanting to go to the beach at Rosarito or go further into the country.

2. Rent/drive down to the border and park. Take a Mexicoach over the border to Ave. Revolucion and back ($3 each way).

3. Take the trolley down ($5 day pass, IIRC). Walk across and take a taxi ($5 - negotiate the cost before getting into the cab) to Ave. Revolucion or take the Mexicoach.

Be aware that getting back across the border (aka the line) can take forever. I've waited 2+ hours in my car. Sometimes the Mexicoach can be faster. Walking across can also be faster.

 

[MsYumiBr]

Let me tell you about the last time I went to T.J. We lived in Chula Vista so we just parked at the trolley station and took the trolley to the border. I was excited because it was my first time in Mexico. We walked across the river (very stinky) holding my breath half the time. Then we walked to the shopping area. The little mall was very nice and I'm glad we went there. Before we left I warned my husband not to give money to the little kids because I walked my feet off in high school to earn money for the Casa de los Pobres which my church opened to take care of the families living in the dumps there in T.J. He didn't listen to me and gave 5 cents to a little kid selling chicklets and next thing you know we had a mob of maybe 20 little kids all with their hands out following my husband around. So much for my warning. After disbursing the children with a hand full of change, we then went to the international market. In the market we bought blankets (which we still have and love), a leather skirt and then stopped in a liquor store for some Kaluha and cigarettes. Then we toted all this stuff back with us. This is the point where we never went back. My husband was wearing an Australian navy shirt that his friend traded with him and being a young smart alek that he was, he thought it would be fun to speak with an Australian accent. It was cute and funny until he couldn't find his driver's license! Now, granted, he may have been playing with me but it was not funny and to this day, even though we live in San Diego, I refuse to step foot over that border. Now, I don't discourage anyone from wanting to go but I wouldn't take the kids and we have so much of the Mexican stuff here that there is no need to go. I agree. Go to Old Town and avoid the potential hassle.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thank you for your candid replies which is what I wanted. They nipped that idea in the bud, and intuitively, I think I knew it would be an iffy idea. Thanks for helping me.

I'll check out what Old Town is; I've never heard of it. Just taking 2 hours to get back into the U.S. would deter me! Let alone begging, etc.

We'll stick to the states!