In winter, it can be chilly under the large shade trees that surround this quaint, authentic plaza in Parque Hidalgo, Tecate; so, why not enjoy it by going to Lalo’s restaurant and getting a steaming hot coffee or chocolate drink?  In spring, summer and autumn, this small zocalo buzzes with activity and life, and these are the best times to settle under an umbrella at an outdoor café and observe life as it strolls, bounces, or skateboards by.

A bustling day at the Plaza

The plaza is the central part of town and, no matter which direction you are coming from, it is hard to miss.  The tourism office is located on this main square (near Lalo’s) and there you can pick up all kinds of brochures and information about local activities.

From your special vantage point, you can watch as the famous Balloon Man strolls through the square (usually with a pack of children trailing after him), calling out his balloon song.  You can surreptitiously observe the comings and goings at the Bar Turistico Diana—better yet, why not slink into the dark little tavern and check out the bawdy babe who is ensconced in Bar Diana’s interesting art collection?  With a shot of tequila to warm you, you can return to the town square and perhaps be lucky enough to stumble across the also-famous Doughnut Man, who sells hot and tasty churros.  You might even try joining in on one of the boisterous games of dominoes that are always part of mainstream life at Tecate’s plaza.

Perhaps one of Tecate’s greatest charms is its friendliness and, for those (especially Americans) who are reticent about chatting up the locals, the plaza is a welcoming relief.  Learn a few words of Spanish (Hola – Hi, Buenos dias – Good morning, Buen Provecho – sort of like saying ‘enjoy your meal’ but it is something that Mexicans always say as they are leaving a restaurant) and you will make friends.  The dominoes gang is particularly effusive and the guys especially enjoy tipping a tile to the ladies.

Sunday is the best day of the week to visit the zocalo.  The rich smell of carne asada tacos perfumes the air.  Markets pop up and there are often community events occurring. Mariachis stroll the plaza.  Sometimes, even children’s choirs sing there, and how magical the tinkle of little voices is when they blend with the calls of vendors and the sounds that emanate from booths and tables throughout the square.

What is the word: Colorful?  Exhilarating? Authentic?  Traditional?  The experience of Tecate Plaza can be any of these things, but above all, it is fun. 

It is quite simply one of the most ‘visitable’ towns in Baja, California:  Tecate. The ‘Heart of Baja’, Tecate is at the border between San Diego County and Baja California.  Just 35 minutes from Tijuana, 45 minutes from San Diego and 90 minutes from Mexicali, the town that was founded in 1892 exudes the character of a quaint Mexican hamlet. It also offers a ‘northern door’ to Mexico’s wine country in Baja, which – in the Valle de Guadalupe – is just a couple of hours drive from the border.

Rancho Tecate

Tecate is often referred to as being ‘mystical’, a place where native peoples came to revere the region’s famous Mount Cachuma.  At an elevation of approximately 1,775 feet (541 m) above sea level and its proximity to the ocean (less than an hour to the west), the city maintains a year-round temperate climate. The region enjoys an estimated 340 days-a-year of sunshine! Ringed by hills that often become snow-tipped in winter, romantic Tecate enjoys clear starry nights almost every night.  On very cold winter evenings, there will be frost and it rains enough in the area for a thick ground cover of shrubs to grow…but for the most part, this beautiful jewel of a town is hospitable in any season.

Arguably one of Baja’s most charming and accessible towns, Tecate is tranquil and at the same time fun; rustic yet boasting modern comforts and luxuries:  Tecate has something for everyone, from nature lovers to spa aficionados.  Heck, all in one day you could do yoga at one of the world’s top-rated spas (Rancho La Puerta), eat an elegant late afternoon lunch at one of Mexico’s most acclaimed restaurants (Asao) and share a cocktail at a local haunt with a local legend/author (Daniel Reveles).  How cool is that? You could spend a day here or just as easily, a week or more.  And given the fact that its quiet border crossing (perhaps the most quiet of any that offer quick access to major metropolitan areas) into the US is rarely busy, why not?

How to get to Tecate?  From San Diego, take Highway 94 east.

From Tijuana, Take the toll road (“cuota”) that parallels Mexico Highway 2, 30 miles east. Highway 2 then leads east about 80 miles to Mexicali by way of the notorious “Rumorosa Grade”.

From Ensenada take Mexico Highway 3 east. The highway is two lanes and is about a 75 minute drive to the border crossing.