7 Best Mexico Tours from San Diego (The Perfect Day Trip!)
Searching for the best Mexico Tours from San Diego? You’re in the right spot! 🇲🇽
If you’re visiting San Diego, you’re so very close to the border, and it’s practically calling your name to cross it and discover all that’s waiting for you on the other side!
From incredible tacos (no, really), amazing margaritas, a rich cultural history, and even great wine, there’s so much to be done.
If you’re itching to take a trip south of the border while in San Diego, here’s our top recommendations for the best Mexico Tours from San Diego. These are all top-rated, and we think they’ll be a bit hit for you!
🇲🇽 This is our top pick for a Mexico Tour from San Diego!
Jump to the tour recommendations ⬇
Best Places to Visit in Mexico from San Diego
Okay, where should you visit if you’re in San Diego and want to make sure you make time to visit Mexico?
The most popular region, and also the closest geographically, is Baja California. This area of the Mexican Republic stretches down from its northern border with the United States to the southern tip of Mexico.
Baja California is most known for its beautiful beaches and deserts, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or taking a day trip into the wilds of the desert. But this area also has a rich cultural heritage, with many small towns and villages that remain firmly rooted in their traditional ways of life. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience, then this is the perfect region for you.
The most popular destinations in Baja California from San Diego include:
📍Tijuana
Tijuana is an incredibly vibrant city full of fascinating culture and stunning natural beauty. It is also the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience a bit of Mexico without having to travel too far from San Diego. With its lively nightlife, amazing restaurants, and unbeatable shopping opportunities, you’ll never be bored in Tijuana.
Distance from San Diego: About 20 miles (32 km)
📍 Rosarito
Rosarito is a great destination for those looking to experience a bit of Mexican culture in a beautiful spot. With its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood restaurants, and vibrant nightlife scene, there’s plenty to do and see in this popular destination. Plus, you can’t beat the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean!
Distance from San Diego: About 37 miles (60 km)
📍 Ensenada
Ensenada is a laid-back, historic city on the beautiful Pacific coast, with plenty of activities to enjoy from whale watching to tasting some of the best seafood in Mexico. It’s further from San Diego, but it’s worth it to experience this calm and secluded destination. Plus, you’re never too far from the ocean!
Distance from San Diego: About 89 miles (143 km)
📍 Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s premier wine region, producing 90% of all the wine that comes from the country. Here, you can enjoy boutique wineries, gourmet restaurants and chic hotels in a relaxed atmosphere that melds rustic with sophistication. Summer is the prime time to visit Valle de Guadalupe, which is located only two hours south of San Diego.
Distance from San Diego: About 83 miles (134 km)
From exploring Mexico’s best wine region to experiencing its vibrant cities and laid-back towns, there are plenty of amazing Mexico tours that you can take from San Diego.
The Best Mexico Tours from San Diego
San Diego is the perfect launch pad for a Mexico tour, with easy access to Baja California. From the bustling city life of Tijuana to the wilds of Ensenada and beyond, there are plenty of exciting activities and cultural experiences to explore in this part of Mexico.
Taking a tour from San Diego gives travelers an opportunity to experience all that Mexico has to offer without having to worry about navigating unfamiliar territory.
Tijuana Tours from San Diego
Visitors to Tijuana can expect to find bustling streets filled with vibrant culture, music, art, and plenty of tasty Mexican cuisine.
1. Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | 😍 125 reviews
Embark on an unforgettable experience with the Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego.
This walking tour is rated 5 of 5 stars, this 4.5-hour guided tour offers a great way to explore Mexico from San Diego, even if you only have limited time to explore.
With an experienced local guide leading the way, you’ll get to experience the history and culture of Tijuana as you meander through historic landmarks, like the iconic Tijuana Arch and Avenida Revolucion.
You’ll even venture into shopping hotspots like El Popo Market. Don’t be afraid to grab a handmade Mexican souvenir for a keepsake!
“Tour included a trip to a museum, authentic Mexican quesadillas, and a tequila tasting. There was also some free time to shop! Tadeo was a great tour guide. He was really knowledgeable about the history of Tijuana as well as different locations around the city.“
– Sarah (see other reviews)
With the Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego, you’ll get a unique and immersive tour of Mexico that’s full of exciting adventures. Explore one of the world’s most beloved cities, have a truly unforgettable experience and make memories that will last for years to come.
Plus, you’ll get assistance with border crossing so you can enjoy the sights of Mexico without any stress or hassle.
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: 727 E San Ysidro Blvd
✔️ Highlights: Local guide, historic landmarks, authentic food and drinks
✔️ Cost: $39
✔️ Duration: 4.5 hours
🇲🇽🚶♀️ Book the Tijuana Local Walking Tour!
2. Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | 😍 315 reviews
Are you ready to explore the beauty and culture of Mexico in an exciting, one-day trip from San Diego? This walking tour is perfect for those who are looking for a first hand look at Tijuana.
Visitors will discover the warm hospitality from locals and learn about the true stories of Tijuana. Because, sure, Tijuana can sometimes get a bad rep, but the locals have a lot to say about that.
On this exciting day trip, you’ll have a chance to explore iconic sites such as the Tijuana Arch and Avenida Revolucion while learning more about Mexican culture.
“Our Tour guide Alexander(Alex) was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating…We visited local attractions, businesses and enjoyed the Tequila tastings so much that we brought 2 bottles of Tequilas totaling $200 USD! We also enjoyed the Tamarind Margaritas and visited Hotel Nelson where guitarist/Singer Santana began his early roots in music.”
– Suzette (see other reviews)
You’ll also experience an incredibly delicious and authentic lunch at a local favorite. And, what’s better? The food is fresh, of course.
With its friendly guide, local experience, culture, and great food options, this walking tour provides an unbeatable way to experience all that Tijuana has to offer. And that’s in one day trip! Imagine what you could see in more than a day.
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: 727 E San Ysidro Blvd
✔️ Highlights: Local guide, authentic local food, learn from the locals, historic sites
✔️ Cost: $65
✔️ Duration: 4 to 5 hours
🇲🇽🚶 Book the Intro to Mexico Walking Tour!
3. Crossing Borders: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | 😍 303 reviews
Experience the vibrant city of Tijuana with a unique and unforgettable day trip from San Diego. On this 6-hour tour, you will cross the border into Mexico to explore local attractions, sample delicious street foods (hello mouthwatering tacos!), do some shopping and sightseeing, and get a good taste of Mexican culture.
With an experienced and local guide leading the way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or missing out on sights or places that are must-visits. This is also the perfect tour for anyone visiting Mexico for the first time who is a little anxious about the experience.
“Our guide Marisol was great! She was a true local and knew the area really well. She made everyone feel very welcome and safe. The tacos were amazing as well as everything else we sampled. It was our first time in Tijuana and it was a great introduction.“
– katherine (see other reviews)
Plus, since it is a small group tour (no more than 12 people) you can count on having a more personalized experience that offers more individualized attention and flexibility on the day’s itinerary.
Lunch and bottled water are included so all you need to bring is yourself – ready for adventure! This is an incredible day trip through one of the most exciting cities in Mexico.
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: 727 E San Ysidro Blvd
✔️ Highlights: Local guide, sample street food, walk and interact with locals, great for first time visitors
✔️ Cost: $77
✔️ Duration: 6 hours
🌮 Book the Crossing Borders Walking Tour!
4. Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | 😍 35 reviews
Looking for a unique way to explore the city of Tijuana? Look no further than the Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour! This 6-hour guided tour takes you to some of the best craft beer spots in town, from popular watering holes to hidden gems.
With two complimentary beer tastings included (2 flights or pints 🍺), this is a great choice for first time visitors who want an immersive experience and have an equal love for craft beer. Oh, and for those who also have a strong taste for some good tacos!
“Tadeo was an amazing tour guide…We went to 3 breweries, a restaurant for tacos/quesadillas, a tequila tasting and a rooftop bar. The pace was relaxed and we had time to learn about the breweries and Tijuana culture and art.“
– Jenna (see other reviews)
You won’t need to worry about navigating through Tijuana on your own, which for many, is a sigh of relief. Your knowledgeable local guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of Tijuana’s top breweries, such as Azteca Craft Brewing, Border Psycho Brewery and Teorema/Ludica Co-tasting Room.
And the size of the group is capped at 12 people, which allows for more flexibility and personalized touches to your trip.
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: 727 E San Ysidro Blvd
✔️ Highlights: Local friendly guide, visit 3 popular breweries, enjoy street tacos, flexible itinerary
✔️ Cost: $130
✔️ Duration: 6 hours
🍻 Book the Taco and Craft Beer Tijuana Tour!
Valle de Guadalupe Tours from San Diego 🍇
Napa Valley and Sonoma aren’t the only places to take a wine tour. You may not know it but Mexico is a great spot for this!
5. Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars | 😍 87 reviews
Experience the beauty of Mexico’s wine country and taste some of the finest wines in Valle de Guadalupe with this Premium Wine and Food Tour.
This tour is perfect for visitors looking to explore the unique flavors of Baja California while enjoying a private van ride down the coast. Stop in Rosarito Beach, sample tacos at a local taco shop and take in the incredible scenery of the Pacific Coast.
“Excellent tour!!! The guides were amazing and made the experience so much fun! The food and wine pairings were delicious. I would def recommend this tour to friends and family.”
– Alizabeth (see other reviews)
With tastings from 3 boutique vineyards, tours of the wine-making process, and dishes from one of the finest restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe, this 10-12 hour tour is an experience not to be missed!
You’ll taste some of the best reds, whites, and rose wines, as well as have cold beers and water to keep you hydrated while you’re driving down and back in the van.
This is an incredible way to check out the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe and experience Mexican foods and coastal views along the way.
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: 2 options
✔️ Highlights: Local guide, visit 3 popular vineyards, enjoy street tacos in Rosarito, 8 person minimum to run (overall)
✔️ Cost: $269
✔️ Duration: 10 to 12 hours
🍷 Book the Premium Wine and Food Tour!
6. Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars | 😍 99 reviews
Experience the best of Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine country with this luxurious private wine tasting tour from San Diego. With tastings at 3 different wine producers, a five course BajaMed lunch and air conditioned transportation, this exclusive tour is the perfect way to explore and savor some of Mexico’s finest wines in comfort and style.
On this exclusive wine tour, you’ll not only enjoy the finest wines but also learn about how they are produced. Your private guide and driver will ensure that you can drink responsibly while enjoying all the sights (and wines) of Valle de Guadalupe. Plus, wine tasting fees and lunch are all included in the tour price.
“This tour is without a doubt the easiest way to experience Valle de Guadalupe’s vineyards. Mario took all the guesswork out of deciding where to go, what to eat, and where to spend the night. We would redo this trip in a second!“
– TripAdvisor Reviewer (see other reviews)
You’ll even get to enjoy a five course lunch at the famous Finca Altozano, a renowned restaurant in the region.
This is an incredible opportunity to meander through Mexico’s lush Guadalupe Valley in comfort while sipping on some of the world’s finest wines.
Important Info
✔️ Meeting Point: Cool Down Coffee in Chula Vista
✔️ Highlights: Local guide and driver, visit 3 popular vineyards, enjoy a five course BajaMed lunch
✔️ Cost: $259
✔️ Duration: 10 hours
🍷 Book the Private Wine Tasting Tour!
Other Baja California Tours from San Diego 🌅
7. Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars | 😍 23 reviews
Experience the culture and flavor of Mexico with this unique private Puerto Nuevo Lobster Tour. This tour offers visitors a safe, worry-free border crossing to Baja California where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable coastal meal as well as visiting several areas in Baja California.
You’ll start out at Cool Down Coffee in Chula Vista, and will drive south to The Tijuana Cultural Center to learn all about the region and Baja California. There’s even botanical gardens nearby to visit.
“Mario was really a great tour guide. We had mostly signed up to go to Rosarito again, and then the lobsters – but the museum tour was actually one of our favorite parts. He was very informative and an absolute pleasure.“
– TripAdvisor Reviewer (see other reviews)
From there you’ll visit the infamous Trump wall in Playas de Tijuana, where you’ll have a chance to stroll along the beach and plenty of time for pictures.
You’ll venture to Rosarito Beach where you’ll visit Rosarito Beach Hotel and the famous Papas and Beer Beach Club, a great spot to enjoy some craft beer from the area. You’ll even have a chance to ride ATVs or go horseback riding nearby!
As your day trip comes to a close, you’ll arrive in Puerto Nuevo for an exquisite coastal lobster meal paired with flavorful margaritas or craft beer. As you relish in the incredible meal, you’ll also enjoy traditional Mariachi music that will truly set the vibe for a day well spent.
This Puerto Nuevo tour will be truly unforgettable, and you’ll be left with lots of memories, stories and great pictures!
Important Info:
✔️ Meeting Point: Cool Down Coffee – Chula Vista
✔️ Highlights: Local guide, visit the Tijuana Cultural Center, the border wall, Rosarito Beach, enjoy a lobster meal, Mariachi music
✔️ Cost: $179
✔️ Duration: 5 to 7 hours
🍹🎉 Book the Puerto Nuevo Private Tour!
What do I need to bring on Mexico Tours from San Diego
First and foremost, make sure to bring your passport on a tour to Mexico from San Diego! It might seem obvious, but there are people who forget it. That’s the main thing that you need to bring.
The other things we recommend are:
- Bottled water or a filtered water bottle
- Sim card 📱 or leave your phone off (can also ask your carrier for a special plan, like Verizon’s International Travel Plan)
Outside of that, just bring your sense of adventure and some courtesy to the locals you’ll meet!
Is it Safe to Take a Mexico Tour from San Diego?
This question usually receives a lot of varied responses. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Most Mexico Tours from San Diego are carefully planned and monitored by experienced professionals, so you can be sure that your safety and well-being will be taken care of.
It is worth noting that this is the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere!
Cities like Tijuana are known for their crime (and there is a lot of crime), but tourists are generally safe. Of course this is assuming you are keeping your eyes open, staying under the radar, sticking to the crowded and patrolled places and avoiding the rough areas. We also recommend not visiting at night, as crime typically increases in the evening.
Also double check that there aren’t any travel warnings when you are planning on going to Mexico.
Overall, it’s much safer to visit Mexico on a tour with a local and experienced guide than to try and know all of the okay areas vs. the avoid areas on your own. A tour is generally a much better option, as long as it’s reputable and has plenty of legitimate reviews to back it up!
When is the Best Time to visit Mexico from San Diego?
The Pacific Coast side of Baja California generally offers great (or better) weather in all four seasons. It’s typically cooler during the winter months, but not too cold. The summer months can be hot, but rarely sweltering. So it really comes down to preference and why you’re visiting.
The busiest time to visit Tijuana is between May and September. This is when temperatures are warmest. Spring or fall months are generally better for cooler temperatures without being too hot to walk around and enjoy.
If you’re visiting Valle de Guadalupe, you might consider coming during the summer months as this is generally when everything is alive and open. Spring or fall months can be ideal though due to the milder temperatures.
Just note that vineyards might be closed or offer shorter operating times during the off seasons (winter months, Dec-Feb).
FAQ on Your Mexico Tour
That’s a lot to take in so far, but just in case you have other questions, we’ve added some common questions and answers here.
What is the best Mexican town near San Diego?
Tijuana is the best Mexican town near San Diego for a day trip as it’s only a 30 minute drive away, and it’s the largest city in Baja Mexico, one of Mexico’s 32 states. Tijuana offers plenty to explore, from its vibrant culture and cuisine to its exciting shopping scene. However, there are many great cities within driving distance from San Diego that are also great to visit.
Can you do a day trip to Mexico from San Diego?
Yes, it is possible to do a day trip from San Diego to Mexico. Tijuana is the closest Mexican city and it can be reached in just 30 minutes. Other nearby cities like Ensenada and Rosarito are also great places for day trips from San Diego. Check out the tours we’ve recommended above as all are day trips offered from San Diego.
Is it worth visiting Tijuana from San Diego?
Depends on what you’re after! If you want to visit Mexico and get a taste of the culture, enjoy the food or shopping scene, then it’s definitely worth visiting Tijuana. All of the tours offered to Tijuana from San Diego we mentioned above cover a lot of ground in just one day, so you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of time there to enjoy it.
Do you need a passport to go to Mexico from San Diego?
Yes, yes, yes! Please don’t forget those passports.
The Wrap-Up: Best Mexico Tours from San Diego
Traveling to Mexico from San Diego can be such a rewarding experience. With so many great cities to explore, tons of culture, and incredible food, finding a destination shouldn’t be very difficult.
So whether that’s exploring the vibrant culture or shopping local markets, there are so many fun mexico tours available from San Diego that will take you wherever you need to go.
🇲🇽 This is our top pick for a Mexico Tour from San Diego!
Happy travels!
