10 Best Beaches Near Tijuana

Located just 16 km south of the U.S.-Mexico border, Rosarito Beach offers visitors sandy shores and a range of exciting activities all along the coast. From sunbathing under the golden rays, to swimming in the cool Pacific Ocean and horseback riding with stunning views of the sea, you have plenty of opportunities for an excellent day out.

This seaside town also boasts a wide range of restaurants and bars that cater to both tourists and locals alike. At Rosarito Beach, you’ll find everything ranging from traditional Mexican dishes to Argentinian grilled meats to American classics, along with a selection of bars where you can enjoy the sunset over the water.

Ensenada is one of the loveliest port cities in Mexico and one of the top destinations for local and international visitors alike. When you arrive in the city, take a peaceful stroll along its iconic seaside promenade full of shops and restaurants, before visiting the famous La Bufadora, a rock formation in the form of a blowhole.

When it comes to Ensenada’s beaches, you can’t miss Playa Hermosa. Clean and safe, it offers amazing surfing excursions and fantastic sunset views. For a quieter experience, consider Playa Pacifica. It’s ideal for peaceful picnics and watching the ships drifting across the sea.

Once an important fishing village that turned into a popular spring break destination for American tourists, San Felipe remains a top spot for visitors. Besides its kilometres of stunning beaches, it also offers guests a chance to explore the nearby Puertecitos, natural geothermal springs whose waters are slightly tempered by the Sea of Cortez.

San Felipe’s namesake beach is a must-visit for wildlife lovers. Not only is it extremely scenic, but you can also spot pelicans, crabs and fish in its blue waters. Take a picnic if you wish or purchase fresh seafood and snacks from the vendors roaming the sand. Most accept both dollars and pesos.

Famed for its jaw-dropping sunsets, the small but friendly Playas de Tijuana borough offers a host of exciting activities along its colourful promenade. Roadside musicians create a festive atmosphere, the perfect backdrop for a game of beach volleyball or frisbee. You can stroll along the famous Paseo Ensenada, a meeting place for locals which houses some of the major commercial areas, restaurants and bars, especially at the Plaza Coronado.

To sample the local culture, explore the Monumental Plaza de Toros, known as the Bullring by the Sea. Opened in 1960, it still hosts exciting activities and events year-round. If you’re an art lover, visit the Casa de la Cultura Playas museum, which features artwork by local and international artists.

Within the picturesque town of Ensenada, Santo Tomás Beach prides itself on its incredible coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of the premier winegrowing areas in the Valle de Guadalupe, attracting tourists from all over the world with its top-quality wines.

The beach’s tranquil and crystalline waters are shallow, making them ideal for fun paddles with the kids. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire, making it easy to while away the hours with a good book. When you need a break from the sun, drop by the Bodega de Santo Tomás winery to sample the local product in one of its 3 tasting rooms.

Just about an hour south of the border with the United States, you’ll find La Fonda Beach, a veritable paradise for surfers and visitors alike. It offers unique surfing conditions with waves that can easily rival most other areas of the world; with the upside being that they are rarely crowded.

As it’s ideally sandwiched between the cities of Tijuana and Ensenada, La Fonda also offers visitors a few accommodation options to spend the night after a long day of surfing the waves. These include the Hotel La Misión and Alisitos Beach Hotel, which offer guests dining options as well. Alternatively, pitch up a tent on the Alisitos K58 campground and spend a night under the stars.

Puerto Nuevo is a top destination for tourists from all over Mexico as well as the United States thanks to being only a 10-minute drive from Rosarito Beach. This seaside town also became a famous culinary landmark because of the many traditional lobster dishes, typically served with rice, beans and flour tortillas, served in its celebrated restaurants.

The beach, which enjoys a Mediterranean climate year-round, also features splendid panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and offers surfers plenty of waves to ride, as well as paddle boarding, snorkelling and buggy boarding. You’ll be pleased to know it isn’t too crowded, and there is reasonably priced parking nearby.

Founded as a beach resort for American tourists and expatriates, San Antonio del Mar is a mostly residential oceanfront community that provides impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. The plethora of bars, restaurants and entertainment options make this a friendly, tranquil destination that is less frequented by tourists.

The town’s main beach is simply beautiful, with an unspoiled coast that rarely gets crowded. Kids will love hunting for unusual shells while you pull up a deck chair and enjoy the view. There are also plenty of beaches within a short trek by car from the town, including Playa Los Buenos, Taiti and Rosarito, all of which are within a 30-minute drive.

Playa Bonita, which literally means ‘Beautiful Beach’ in Spanish, deserves a spot on this list thanks to its calm, crystalline waters and white sand. It’s also home to some fascinating species of marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles, which can be seen on a custom sightseeing tour.

Just a short drive from the U.S.-Mexico border, the 2-mile-long Playa Bonita has restrooms and paid parking. If you’re looking for accommodation options nearby, you can check out the Rosarito Beach Hotel or the Hotel Festival Plaza, both of which are popular with tourists. Or, if you want to make your trip extra special, why not book one of the luxury flats lining the waterfront?

The gorgeous Sea of Cortez is home to Bahia de los Angeles, a protected biosphere reserve that gives you the opportunity to observe an array of marine life. You can spot whale sharks, fin whales, California sea lions and sea turtles. You can also participate in aquatic activities such as windsurfing or kayaking, offered within the bay. 

The shore is so pretty you won’t be able to resist photographing it. Surrounded by undulating hills with islands studding the sea, an afternoon here will feel like paradise. If you’re looking for a taste of culture, visit the Museum of Nature and Culture that houses fossils and artefacts that once belonged to the native Pai Pai inhabitants.