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You are here: Home / Family Vacations / Family Vacations in San Diego / Take A Tour Of Tecate, Mexico

Take A Tour Of Tecate, Mexico

May 27, 2016 //  by Sara Pittman//  8 Comments

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In the southeastern mountains of San Diego County lies the small and rural Mexican border town of Tecate, Mexico. Family oriented with a strong sense of community, the town has streets lined with taco stands, seafood shops, bakeries, ice cream parlors, and handcrafted souvenir store fronts with a colorful town square right in the middle. Immerse yourself in the relaxed and laid back style of Tecate, Mexico, and experience the kindness and talents of its people.

tecate rock, Tecate, Mexico
Tecate, MX welcome sign. Photo by Sara Pittman, Frugal TMOM
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingMom may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

 

Tecate is a Family Adventure!

On a beautifully sunny day, my family and I made an impromptu trip to Tecate, Mexico. A scenic drive through the backcountry surrounded by mountains and wildflowers led us to our destination. We wanted adventure. We wanted fun…and we wanted amazing Mexican food! Incredibly lucky to be so close to the international border, we take advantage of these trips as much as possible. My children LOVE trying new things and are always ready for an adventure. Music, games, delicious food, and history are all here. This is a fabulous way to immerse your family in culture and culinary delights. So, from my family to yours, I share with you this little known gem just outside San Diego, CA

Crossing the Border into Mexico

Parking: Just a 40 minute drive from San Diego, ample parking is offered before you cross the border. Although there is a $5 fee, the parking is gated, and has staff onsite. Parking on the U.S side will require a bit a walking, but will provide peace of mind and eliminate the need to drive in an unfamiliar country.

Currency: In my many travels to the border, I have found that cash in the form of U.S dollars is the easiest and most efficient. Taco stands and seafood spots do not take credit or debit cards. Bring cash in $20.00 or less increments. This makes it easier to give change.

*As of May 2016, the exchange rate in Mexico is 18.5 pesos per dollar.

Identification: Have your passport ready! Keep it safe on your person!  A small backpack is the perfect accessory to bring along and while you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some bottled water.

tecate wall art, Tecate, Mexico
Wall mural in Tecate, MX. Photo by Sara Pittman, Frugal TMOM

Clothing: Comfortable CLOSED TOE shoes. When you cross the border into Tecate, you want to allow yourself plenty of time to explore. The streets are uneven. Some road are paved, some are not, and there are potholes and unfinished sidewalks with exposed rebar. Look lively!

Three Things You MUST Do!

  1. Tecate Town Plaza: As you make your descent into town, you will notice that there  is a beautiful and welcoming town square directly in the center. Iron park benches and tables are scattered amongst vibrant green trees, flowers and fresh herbs. In the mornings the plaza is quiet and peaceful, perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds, and as the afternoon approaches, the toy vendors, snack carts, and music make their debut. We ate in the town square at Lolo’s Restaurant. We sat outside enjoying a beer and some tacos while watching families come together, grab lunch, and play with their children. Good food and great people watching.
    tecate panorama sitting, Tecate, Mexico
    Tecate Town Plaza. Photo by Sara Pittman, Frugal TMOM
  2. Michoachana:  Located in the plaza, this spot is frozen treat perfection. Homemade ice cream and popsicles made with real cream and fresh ingredients. With flavors like “peaches and cream,” “fresh lime,” and “oreo mocha,” they have it all. If you can’t decide, be greedy and get two.
  3. El Mejor Pan De Tecate: It’s obviously in the name! The BEST bread in Tecate! Located just down the street from the plaza, this bakery is paradise. Bring your sweet tooth and prepare to be dazzled! Sweet breads, cupcakes, cookies, turnovers etc. Rows and rows of mouth watering goodness. Save this spot for last! There is no doubt you will exit the building with a giant box of goodies, and you don’t want to carry it around while you explore.
    tecate bakery wide, Tecate, Mexico
    El Mejor Pan De Tecate. Photo by Sara Pittman, Frugal TMOM

 

tecate brewing co, Tecate, Mexico
Tecate Beer Brewing Company. Photo by Sara Pittman, Frugal TMOM

How about beer? The Tecate Beer Brewery is walking distance from the town plaza. During our visit we found out that the brewery was closed…BUT only for remodeling; it will be back open, ready for tours and tastings in 2017!

*TIP- When walking back across the border into the U.S, declare EVERYTHING you are bringing back, even the contents of your half eaten box of pastries. Be honest and follow the law. It makes it that much easier on everyone.

 

Budget Friendly and Memorable! 

For a fun-filled day trip with a wow factor, Tecate is the spot. Experience this authentic border town at your own pace and don’t forget to bring your appetite and sense of adventure! This is culinary and cultural fun for the whole family.

 

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Category: Family Vacations in San DiegoTag: Mexico

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8 Comments on “Take A Tour Of Tecate, Mexico”

  1. Anonymous says:
    October 17, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    4.5

    Reply
  2. Lauren says:
    June 2, 2016 at 11:27 am

    I want all those breads! What a fun trip!

    Reply
  3. Theresa @DearCreatives says:
    June 2, 2016 at 11:27 am

    Would be fun to travel there but, I honestly feel that it’s not as safe as when I was younger. The Mexican pastries look amazing. It would be quite the experience especially as our teen has learned to speak Spanish.

    Reply
  4. Amee says:
    June 2, 2016 at 9:53 am

    The pastries are screaming my name wow.

    Reply
  5. Phyllis Pometta says:
    May 31, 2016 at 11:46 pm

    I remember going across the border when I was younger with my parents on a family vacation. I was terrified they wouldn’t let us back in! LOL – I am dying over the pastries! They look AMAZING!! Great pics!

    Reply
  6. Jill Robbins says:
    May 31, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Those pastries look delicious! I’ve only been to the Texas/Mexico border towns. They aren’t supposed to be safe right now and I would love to go again sometime. Going across the border to eat and shop were a big part of my growing up.

    And that ice cream…sounds SO GOOD!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    May 30, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    0

    Reply
  8. Sara Pittman, Frugal TravelingMom says:
    May 27, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    5

    Reply

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