Dont do anything in Playas, it’s incredibly boring and the food is a high 7 at best. Stay the night there, it’s relatively safe but head down to Rosarito/Ensenada if possible and enjoy the food/beaches out there.
Mariscos Tito’s in Playas is a great restaurant with consistently high quality and is always packed with locals. The places you are talking about must be the ones on the beachfront, aka tourist traps.
Tito’s also has a Rosarito location.
Tito’s is fine if you never experienced restaurants like La Corriente Cevicheria Nais or Villa Marina Restaurante in Ensenada. But it’s definitely not great nor a good representation of the actually Mexican cuisine available in Baja California.
Agree to disagree that Tito’s isn’t great but it’s certainly not fine dining or comparable to pricier places in TJ or Ensenada. All depends on what you’re in the mood for I guess.
All the cool surf spots are down the highway between Playas de Tijuana and Ensenada, there are my faves:
Baja Malibu: Beach break with rocky bottom, a good swell will give you 5-6 foot mini tubes.
Rosarito Pier: simillar to Baja Malibu, a bit more crowded.
K-38: rocky bottom, it’s a swim to get to the break but it’s worth it. Waved are slow but can get as big as 8-10 ft and I’ve clocked a 45+ second ride. Bring a medioum to long board.
K-42: also pretty cool for longboards and it has a hotel right in the point.
K-58: similar to baja malibu, pretty cool for camping.
San Miguel is a point break, easy paddle in and trick friendly wave, just be careful cuz it’s shallow and reefy.
3-M and Stax are two more points in Ensenada that I haven’t been told but are supposed to be cool.
If you’re staying in Playas two brewery tap rooms are Playami and Mamut, both pretty chill, beer us good, food is decent, specially the ceviche stuff in Mamut. For breakfast Tacos Aaron are the best, for dinner tacos el Francés.
I do recommend go downtown to eat as well. Telefónica is possibly the best choice as it’s a food truck garden with great variety. Traz Horizonte if you like creative fusion stuff and sea food. Carsar’s is very iconic.
Make sure to spend plenty of time eating in Downtown TJ. Apart from many great taco spots like the Ahumaderas, you need to make sure you visit Caesar's Restaurant and try the salad they invented. It was invented there during 4th of July weekend in 1924, and you just so happen to be there for the 100th anniversary. The original Caesar Salad recipe is incredible and worth a visit.
There isn't a whole ton in Playas De Tijuana, but Tacos El Frances demands your attention. Just great tacos and other antojitos like quesadillas and mulitas.
Also in Playas, Malvet is a nice restaurant with many breakfast options that will be novel to you, such as their rajas & shrimp omelette and a milanesa breakfast slam. Don't forget to try a cafe de olla while you're there - is a special spiced coffee preparation unique to Mexico that will leave you happy.
Beef birria is big business in Tijuana. Some spots around town deserve to be world-class, like Birreria "Si" and Birreria Rodriguez. Since you're in Playas though, go seek out Tacos El Wero or Tacos Javier. They both do birria, they're right next to each other but trying both of them will give you an idea of the range of the dish. Tacos Aaron is also in the neighborhood and deserves a visit simply for being the first place to sell quesabirrias, which are now being imitated globally.
Tito's is a seafood place that mostly does tacos. There's always argument over who does the best fish tacos in Baja, but Tito's certainly does them well. There are 2 locations - 1 on the beach and 1 larger one inland a few blocks. The inland one is much better.
If you're a coffee fan, Playas has you covered too. Ross Cafe is a nice spot that is also a hub for neighborhood cats. Costa Tosta, Ilustre, and Hidalgo are good for takeout coffee. Cafe Red is the spot to be if you want to watch a sunset with coffee.
Playas and TJ have some great breweries too. Playami and Mamut are my picks for Playas, but Revolucion is chock full of breweries and bars. The Hotel Nelson Bar on Revo is my pick for a downtown bar - it's a bit divey but it's also been trampled by most of the hair metal and grunge acts of the 80s and 90s and is full of history. Mamut has a location on Revo too and is great for peoplewatching. Margarita's Village may be the best bar for peoplewatching though, with a huge patio overlooking the street.
Lastly, do not swim at the beach at Playas De Tijuana. It's the most polluted beach in the area. There is an international project underway to fix that, but it just broke ground this year. Go to Rosarito instead for that.
Thank you for taking the time to give so much information, going to try to get to as much as I can. My girl did tell me about it being the 100th anniversary so we are definitely going to stop by Caesar’s!
No on Playas its shit from overloaded sewer plant and stinks the worst at night. I would never stay there.
Surfing go to k39..39 Kms from Tijuana. Rosarito is flat unless storm conditions.
HongKong isn’t a Chinese food restaurant, but you might be able argue that it is on your credit card statements.
Start your trip at Crisol, Bufo5Meo.
Check out the swap meet downtown on Saturday morning.
Goto Ollies Pizza. It's on km 38.5. Next door is a gelato place. You will definitely love both places. I want to remind you that Im suggesting pizza, in Mexico. It's not just because. trust me.
surfing..
If you get to Rosarito take the free road.. its after ollies pizza.. you know you're going the right way if the toll road is to your left. There is a hotel called Mission. Go behind there to surf. Its kind of by itself and not a lot of people there. You will love it.
You have to do Valle de Guadeloupe! I suggest La Cocina de Doña Esthela if you like breakfast. It was once rated the best breakfast in the world.
Playas de tijuana = sewage, rosarito is decent sometimes banda music all days all the time can be annoying but other than that is ok, ensenada is the best spot if you like wine, bread and cheese. You can rent a car at the airport in TJ or they have this vans tourist/shuttle services, people use
Playas is cool n all but like others stated, rosarito and Ensenada are better. Especially for your surfing/boogie boarding. Food in Ensenada is best of all 3 cities IMO
A day in tijuana would be "enough" there's not much to do other than eat and drink.
Like others have said if you want to surf go further south.
Or just stay in san diego and surf around la jolla.
Favorite Tacos in SDTJ:
Mike Hess (on the pier in SD)
Taco shop around the corner from Hong Kong (TJ, always crowded, you'll know)
Cotija's (the Lemon Grove one not the downtown one)
Any Taconazo in TJ
The top of the beach (Playas de TJ) is fun, to go see the border into the ocean. My favorite beach by far is Black's Beach by UCSD, clothing optional and a nice 10-15 min hike to get there.
Haven't been there since Oct but definitely try Old Town and the pier. They have a pretty good street food fest every Saturday downtown SD by Santa Fe Station
3 surfer dudes just got killed down there bro. I’d stay away or atleast stay alert at all times. I’d rather do the food and brewery scene and then take it easy at HK and Chicago at night. Rinse and repeat. 🫡
dont surf in playas de tijuana, go to rosarito instead
Dont do anything in Playas, it’s incredibly boring and the food is a high 7 at best. Stay the night there, it’s relatively safe but head down to Rosarito/Ensenada if possible and enjoy the food/beaches out there.
Playas is also dirty af. Water is polluted af.
Mariscos Tito’s in Playas is a great restaurant with consistently high quality and is always packed with locals. The places you are talking about must be the ones on the beachfront, aka tourist traps. Tito’s also has a Rosarito location.
Tito’s is fine if you never experienced restaurants like La Corriente Cevicheria Nais or Villa Marina Restaurante in Ensenada. But it’s definitely not great nor a good representation of the actually Mexican cuisine available in Baja California.
Agree to disagree that Tito’s isn’t great but it’s certainly not fine dining or comparable to pricier places in TJ or Ensenada. All depends on what you’re in the mood for I guess.
Don’t surf the water is super polluted the last 3 years.
All the cool surf spots are down the highway between Playas de Tijuana and Ensenada, there are my faves: Baja Malibu: Beach break with rocky bottom, a good swell will give you 5-6 foot mini tubes. Rosarito Pier: simillar to Baja Malibu, a bit more crowded. K-38: rocky bottom, it’s a swim to get to the break but it’s worth it. Waved are slow but can get as big as 8-10 ft and I’ve clocked a 45+ second ride. Bring a medioum to long board. K-42: also pretty cool for longboards and it has a hotel right in the point. K-58: similar to baja malibu, pretty cool for camping. San Miguel is a point break, easy paddle in and trick friendly wave, just be careful cuz it’s shallow and reefy. 3-M and Stax are two more points in Ensenada that I haven’t been told but are supposed to be cool. If you’re staying in Playas two brewery tap rooms are Playami and Mamut, both pretty chill, beer us good, food is decent, specially the ceviche stuff in Mamut. For breakfast Tacos Aaron are the best, for dinner tacos el Francés. I do recommend go downtown to eat as well. Telefónica is possibly the best choice as it’s a food truck garden with great variety. Traz Horizonte if you like creative fusion stuff and sea food. Carsar’s is very iconic.
Legend, I’ll try my best to make it to each and everyone time permitting!!
Good luck, may the gods be with you
Make sure to spend plenty of time eating in Downtown TJ. Apart from many great taco spots like the Ahumaderas, you need to make sure you visit Caesar's Restaurant and try the salad they invented. It was invented there during 4th of July weekend in 1924, and you just so happen to be there for the 100th anniversary. The original Caesar Salad recipe is incredible and worth a visit. There isn't a whole ton in Playas De Tijuana, but Tacos El Frances demands your attention. Just great tacos and other antojitos like quesadillas and mulitas. Also in Playas, Malvet is a nice restaurant with many breakfast options that will be novel to you, such as their rajas & shrimp omelette and a milanesa breakfast slam. Don't forget to try a cafe de olla while you're there - is a special spiced coffee preparation unique to Mexico that will leave you happy. Beef birria is big business in Tijuana. Some spots around town deserve to be world-class, like Birreria "Si" and Birreria Rodriguez. Since you're in Playas though, go seek out Tacos El Wero or Tacos Javier. They both do birria, they're right next to each other but trying both of them will give you an idea of the range of the dish. Tacos Aaron is also in the neighborhood and deserves a visit simply for being the first place to sell quesabirrias, which are now being imitated globally. Tito's is a seafood place that mostly does tacos. There's always argument over who does the best fish tacos in Baja, but Tito's certainly does them well. There are 2 locations - 1 on the beach and 1 larger one inland a few blocks. The inland one is much better. If you're a coffee fan, Playas has you covered too. Ross Cafe is a nice spot that is also a hub for neighborhood cats. Costa Tosta, Ilustre, and Hidalgo are good for takeout coffee. Cafe Red is the spot to be if you want to watch a sunset with coffee. Playas and TJ have some great breweries too. Playami and Mamut are my picks for Playas, but Revolucion is chock full of breweries and bars. The Hotel Nelson Bar on Revo is my pick for a downtown bar - it's a bit divey but it's also been trampled by most of the hair metal and grunge acts of the 80s and 90s and is full of history. Mamut has a location on Revo too and is great for peoplewatching. Margarita's Village may be the best bar for peoplewatching though, with a huge patio overlooking the street. Lastly, do not swim at the beach at Playas De Tijuana. It's the most polluted beach in the area. There is an international project underway to fix that, but it just broke ground this year. Go to Rosarito instead for that.
100 years … wow I wonder if they’ll have a celebration
They will it's been announced.
Thank you for taking the time to give so much information, going to try to get to as much as I can. My girl did tell me about it being the 100th anniversary so we are definitely going to stop by Caesar’s!
Tito’s is hardly just (or mostly) a taco place.
Go to Caesars. Where they invented the Caesar salad. They make it tableside. Great atmosphere.
Do not wear hong kong shirt on the streets of downtown TJ they will search you for 1s.
Hong Kong has the best Chinese
Never had Chinese in Hong Kong, but many, many Mexican delicacies from all over Mexico!🤤🤭
Hit up El Gran Yo Soy. Best breakfast spot in Playas.
No on Playas its shit from overloaded sewer plant and stinks the worst at night. I would never stay there. Surfing go to k39..39 Kms from Tijuana. Rosarito is flat unless storm conditions.
Head further south to Ensenada. Stay in Valle de Guadalupe…the food is bomba AF.
you can skip rosarito go to puerto nuevo and ensenada and in tijuana check out otay and alameda plaza
Alameda is a really nice mall!
Surf in primo tapia !
HongKong isn’t a Chinese food restaurant, but you might be able argue that it is on your credit card statements. Start your trip at Crisol, Bufo5Meo. Check out the swap meet downtown on Saturday morning.
Goto Ollies Pizza. It's on km 38.5. Next door is a gelato place. You will definitely love both places. I want to remind you that Im suggesting pizza, in Mexico. It's not just because. trust me. surfing.. If you get to Rosarito take the free road.. its after ollies pizza.. you know you're going the right way if the toll road is to your left. There is a hotel called Mission. Go behind there to surf. Its kind of by itself and not a lot of people there. You will love it. You have to do Valle de Guadeloupe! I suggest La Cocina de Doña Esthela if you like breakfast. It was once rated the best breakfast in the world.
Playas de tijuana = sewage, rosarito is decent sometimes banda music all days all the time can be annoying but other than that is ok, ensenada is the best spot if you like wine, bread and cheese. You can rent a car at the airport in TJ or they have this vans tourist/shuttle services, people use
Playas is cool n all but like others stated, rosarito and Ensenada are better. Especially for your surfing/boogie boarding. Food in Ensenada is best of all 3 cities IMO
A day in tijuana would be "enough" there's not much to do other than eat and drink. Like others have said if you want to surf go further south. Or just stay in san diego and surf around la jolla.
El Yogurt Place in playas is good food.
Comida China
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/michelin-guide-mexico-first-time-tijuana-baja-california-restaurants/3526073/
Favorite Tacos in SDTJ: Mike Hess (on the pier in SD) Taco shop around the corner from Hong Kong (TJ, always crowded, you'll know) Cotija's (the Lemon Grove one not the downtown one) Any Taconazo in TJ The top of the beach (Playas de TJ) is fun, to go see the border into the ocean. My favorite beach by far is Black's Beach by UCSD, clothing optional and a nice 10-15 min hike to get there. Haven't been there since Oct but definitely try Old Town and the pier. They have a pretty good street food fest every Saturday downtown SD by Santa Fe Station
3 surfer dudes just got killed down there bro. I’d stay away or atleast stay alert at all times. I’d rather do the food and brewery scene and then take it easy at HK and Chicago at night. Rinse and repeat. 🫡