Here's a "pop quiz" for anyone thinking about a vacation in beautiful San Diego: What San Diego hotspot attracts more than 500,000 local residents each month?
Here's a hint: This mecca for shopping, dining and sightseeing is not actually in San Diego, but in a completely different country!
Are you confused and ready for an answer? It's Tijuana, Mexico, and it's only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego.
In fact, Tijuana is so popular with the locals that it entices half of the city's entire population to visit each year. That's more than San Diego's famed beaches!
Feeding San Diego's love affair with Tijuana is its combination of bargain shopping, authentic food and culture, and ease of access. For adults and kids alike, it's a day that will be remembered long after your adventures in San Diego end.
Getting to and from Tijuana couldn't be easier. While you can drive your car right across the border, there's no real reason to do so. There's cheap parking available on the U.S. side of the border, and convenient pedestrian bridges that allow you to cross. From California, you can also catch buses that will take you to downtown Tijuana for under $5.
If you are staying in the heart of San Diego, the San Ysidro border crossing is a short 20-minute drive, but again, there is no need to bother. The San Diego Trolley will carry you to the doorstep of Tijuana for just a few bucks.
Regardless of how you cross the border, you'll need to bring a passport for everyone in your party. Check to make sure you have it before you cross, keep it in a safe place while your there, and leave a photocopy in your car just in case.
Once you get across, your goal is to end up on Avenida de Revolucion (Revolution Avenue). That's where the best shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing are found. There are plenty of cabs available on the Mexican side of the crossing to shuttle you to and from Revolution Avenue.
There's no need to try and figure out how many pesos you need to bring, since the U.S. dollar is accepted and preferred everywhere. You can also leave your Spanish dictionary at home, since virtually everyone in Tijuana speaks English.
Be sure to bring your bargaining skills, as that's half the fun of shopping there. A favorite trick of savvy San Diegans is to make a low-ball offer on something you want, with the exact amount in your hand. That's tough to turn down!
When it comes to food, Mexico will have your stomach growling from the moment you cross the border. Don't give into the sights and smells of the street vendors though. The best food is found in the restaurants along Revolution Avenue.
If you have a history buff with you, you'll want to grab a taxi and spend a few hours at the Centro Cultural de Tijuana (Cultural Center of Tijuana). Here you'll find samplings of the art and history of Tijuana and Mexico, both of which have heavily influenced California and American culture.
Commonsense is as important in Tijuana as any big city. Don't wear your diamonds or drive the Mercedes, and keep an eye on your kids and traveling companions. Most importantly, have a blast, but be respectful of these wonderful people and their culture.
This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Ken Clark.