Things To Do in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico

Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean from Playas de Tijuana in the Northwestern corner of Mexico. Spanish for "beaches of Tijuana," Playas de Tijuana is a beach spot located right at the border of Mexico & the United States near downtown San Diego, California, and the Balboa Park area. 

The border fence itself extends out into the ocean with San Diego on one side and Mexico on the other. You'll find street art, a variety of amazing food options, & serene views at this unique beach in this border city. There are many things to do in Playas de Tijuana, and several are free! 

Picture yourself eating fresh seafood in front of the ocean. Good views & good food. Enjoy the views of the beach. If you're exploring Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, make a trip to the Playas. 

Search for a place to park, then take in the experience, the vista (view).  The water looks beautiful, a popular location for hanging out. The park is located near the parking area, so guests can hang out there if they don't really want to be right in front of the playas. 

Top things to do in Tijuana, Baja California include the Tijuana Cultural Center, Avenida Revolución, Parque Morelos, The Trompo Interactive, Amistad Park, and more. Scroll down to learn about spending the day or a weekend at Playas de Tijuana.

What's New? - 2025 and 2026 Updates

Playas de Tijuana is getting a serious glow-up with a brand-new malecón (boardwalk). Also on the horizon is a game-changing elevated viaduct set to launch in 2026, linking Tijuana International Airport, the San Ysidro border, and Playas. That means no more endless traffic jams—just easy breezy access straight to the beach.

Take in the Moving Art

Murals & graffiti cover the metal bar fence. Someone wrote "the peace is possible" across 11 of the iron bars. Another says "hay sueños," Spanish for "there are dreams." There's a red heart, a smiley face, handprints, and a peace sign. People's names: Juan, Hector, Mario, Ivan. 

Separate from that, Playas de Tijuana has a dolphin sculpture, a lighthouse, & Tijuana sign for your Instagram selfie needs.

Stroll the Playas de Tijuana Boardwalk

People watch as you strut your stuff across the boardwalk. Although there are some tourists, you'll more often see families hanging out together, couples grabbing lunch, kids running across the boardwalk, and shop owners setting up for the day. 

You might see border agents or Mexican police simply because you're so close to the border of California. The beach is also dog-friendly. I saw people walking their dogs & enjoying the beautiful beaches with their canine friends. Free beach access is always a win!

Baja California, Mexico, has incredible views, great food, and plenty of fun and free things for you to do, from wine tasting to surfing. 

Related reading: How to Save $$$ on Flights Using Google Flights

Eat the Yummy Food

One of the best things to do at Playas de Tijuana is to eat an authentic meal with a peaceful ocean view. You can't beat the location! There are many food options as you walk across the boardwalk. Lots of amazing seafood & micheladas. Eat a huitlacoche taco or fish tacos. Eat fresh fruit. Keep an eye out to see what's open. We were there around noon; many restaurants were closed or just opening up. Eating is obviously one of the best things to do in Tijuana (& Mexico & everywhere!).

Parking

Depending on when you arrive, there are reasonable parking options. We were there midday midweek & had absolutely no problem at all. Visit during a busy weekend or holiday, & parking might be more difficult to acquire. Search for a spot & it should be relatively easy to find a great place. 

How to find cheap flights using Google Flights - learn more from this article.

What to do in Tijuana / Playas de Tijuana

Spend a day or weekend in Tijuana. You can do a lot in the area that's a quick drive, such as the Tijuana Cultural Center, exploring downtown Tijuana, or the Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana area. Eat street tacos, watch the street performers, go to a tequila tasting, or drink from Tijuana's craft beer scene. I talk about craft beer a bit in this article. Go get a Caesar salad at Caesar's. Travelers can stay at a luxury property or a budget hotel, whatever suits them the most. 

Related reading: The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret. Experience the wonder of XCARET park, a world full of adventure hidden in the tropical paradise of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Things To Do in Playas de Tijuana

Come to Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, for a day trip; there are plenty of things to do. This is the perfect location to stay a couple of days to remain within a few miles of the center of the city. Start off with a few cool photos by the Tijuana sign, walk the boardwalk, eat some food, & enjoy the weather! Check out more photos from my Tijuana trip here & here.

Explore El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe. Wine route region of Ensenada, Mexico. Read here. Or if you head to Queretaro, Mexico, check out this article.

There are many attractions nearby within driving distance, including restaurants, shopping, and other Things To Do in Playas de Tijuana. If you have some extra time to travel, Baja California is the perfect place to visit. There are a lot of great hotels available at an excellent price. You can find a good property, apartment, or house with wifi to stay the night. Who can resist a good place located by the beach? Playas de Tijuana has a little bit of everything: food, great views, and art.

Tijuana

The city has a lot to offer, from history to nightlife, culture, and restaurant after restaurant. Visitors could dip their toes in the sand and then head to the shops.

Have you visited Tijuana? What are your favorite things to do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico? Leave a comment on your faves! :]