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City in Baja California, Mexico
Photo: 11/9/2005, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Tecate is a city of 73,000 people (2015) in Baja California on the border with California, about an hour east of Tijuana. Unlike most US/Mexico border crossings, there is no town on the US side. Well known for its traditional infrastructure and looks, Tecate remains true to its origins with its main plaza in the center of the city and its city hall and historic church within walking distance. Tecate is best known for Tecate beer, which is one of the most popular in Mexico, and for being the home of author Daniel Reveles.
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Cueva del Indio
Archaeological site managed by INAH, features 23 cave paintings and petroglyphs, but only 5 are open for public display.
Health spa. The Golden Door is another Spa that was later established by Deborah Szekely, a co-founder of Rancho La Puerta.
Off-road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Full day excursions or longer tours available also. Ride in the dunes and take a guided adventure into the surrounding mountain trails. Trips to Tecate are 2 to 4 days long. Contact the office for reservations and inquiries.
Family friendly casual restaurant serving fresh traditional Mexican cuisine with dishes that are considered regional from other parts of Mexico. Good variety of aguas frescas, including fruit flavors. Hearty home cooking. Kids play area available.
Popular family-friendly restaurant with an eclectic atmosphere and a broad menu that includes classic Mexican entrees like arrachera or quesadillas to global favorites like pizza and burgers. The cast iron apple pie topped with ice cream is a winner (and big enough to share). Off-street parking lot is guarded (tip the guards 10 pesos or so). Reservations recommended.
Close to border crossing, traditional Mexican food with generous portions. Tranquil outdoor patio area. Free parking.
A small ranch hotel south of Tecate that also offers a range out outdoor experiences.
This is a decent practical place to stay for when you need to make a run for the border, or just hang out in Tecate. It has a restaurant, a/c, and wifi.
Modern hotel with clean, comfortable, well-furnished rooms. Outdoor swimming pool with garden setting (pool is heated for year-round use). On-site restaurant features regional cuisine and classic traditional Mexican fare. Spa services available including massages, facials, etc.
Quiet boutique hotel on a hillside next to the border wall. Rooms are immaculately clean, spacious and well furnished. On-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Outdoor swimming pool with spacious deck.
Modern hotel with clean, comfortable, but somewhat small rooms, many with balconies and all with air conditioning. Off-street secured parking available. Outdoor swimming pool is small, but okay for a quick dip; it has an adjacent jacuzzi. On-site restaurant serves a buffet breakfast.
By bus
There are many ways to get here from Los Angeles or San Diego, California, U.S.A.
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Tijuana · International · TIJ
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