It is a well known fact that San Diego is very, very close to Mexico. Tijuana is one of the most populous cities in Mexico with somewhere around 1.3 million people living in it. In addition to a large population, Tijuana is also a destination for many tourists and immigrants. Tourists come mostly from the United States via San Diego. Immigrants come from all over Latin America and travel through Tijuana on their way to "a better life" in America.
Those seeking the better life sometimes make it across the border and into America where they work low paying, illegal jobs. Some live in the canyons of San Diego, with those who decide to take a San Diego vacation oblivious to the fact that there are hundreds of people living in the canyon they are driving past. Others are much more lucky and have family or friends who already live in San Diego and are willing to show them the ropes. These individuals can often assimilate into American culture and become a necessary and vital part of the community.
Still others who make their way north to America never get across the border. They are forced to make a life pressed against to US border. These folks can live in terrible conditions just a stones throw from America.
This is a reality that few tourists realize when they travel to San Diego and make a trip down to Tijuana, Mexico. I don't mean to be a downer for those people who would like to visit our neighbor to the south, but I do want people seeking to make trips to be aware of their surrounding and to see the human side to the sites and sounds they observe of their vacation.
For those tourists interested in visiting Mexico on their San Diego vacation, I highly recommend getting acquainted with the region that you are going to be traveling to in order to get the lie of the land. Google Maps is great for this with their satellites views.
Another way to get to know Mexico is to check out a Mexico blog that talks about the area that you are interested in learning about. If they are a local, you will find out invaluable information about the best place to eat, local shops that are a must see, and places to stay away from. These blogs are very useful and can teach you a lot about Mexico.
And finally, know your limits when traveling south of the border on your San Diego vacation. Don't drink too much, don't do drugs, don't visit women of ill repute, don't get into fights, and never, ever, ever get arrested by the Federali. That would be bad for you and your family.
San Diego Vacations And Mexico Excursions
San Diego Vacations Are About the Beach
There are a lot of places that you could go on a vacation, but San Diego beats them all. In San Diego you have the beach which offers a wide variety of leisure activities that can occupy couples and families for hours. A San Diego vacation near the beach lets you surf, body board, snorkel, scuba, kayak, swim, sail, or sun. It doesn't matter which you chose, because San Diego lets you enjoy them all at many locations throughout the city.
If you are traveling to San Diego for its beaches, there are a few beaches near La Jolla (La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove) that might tickle your fancy. At these beaches you can enjoy the warm, white sand just a stones throw away from seals and other aquatic animals. Kayaking and snorkeling are also very popular in and around the La Jolla Cove. The natural kelp beds that line the shore are natural and safe place to watch the underwater world come to life. For the more adventurous swimmers, swimming from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove (about 1 mile each way) offers some nice physical activity to bring vigor and life to your San Diego vacation. Boogie boarding is also available, and since the waves are generally smaller at La Jolla Shores it offers individuals on vacation in San Diego the chance to enjoy the power of riding a wave without the fear or danger associated with large waves. It is perfect for families with children or those wishing to give riding waves a try.
A little north of La Jolla Shores is Blacks Beach which offers great breaks for surfers in need of getting out on the water and letting all the stress of life just slip away. Blacks beach is a little remote and does take some time to get to through trails down the cliff or by walking up the beach from La Jolla Shores, so you may need to ask a local or two about how to get there. It is also a clothes optional beach, so if you have children with you it might be a better idea to take them all elsewhere. But if you just want to get out and ride some waves, Blacks Beach may be the place for you.
Vacation San Diego wants to make your stay in San Diego lovely. If you have a review of La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, or Blacks Beach please leave a comment and let us know what you thought about them. It will help us all.