So can you still go to TJ for the day? Is it a good idea?
 

I realize that 1 or 2 things have changed since 1986…

When I was 12 year old, we took a train from San Diego (I think) to the border and walked around Tijuana for the day.

Is this still a thing? Is it a good idea?

We are spending a week in Southern California the week of Luft and this was on the list of things to do.

What are your thoughts? This would be with my wife and 2 kids aged 9 and 12.

Hard pass. Not worth the aggravation or chance of things going south (and I'm not talking about the border crossing).

bring your passport and leave by sunset. nothing good happens in TJ after sunset.

I would think there has to be something better to do in San Diego....esp with kids that age.
Just my opinion.

Kids in San Diego, there's a lot.

Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park
SeaWorld
Beaches (Probably not Black's Beach in La Jolla.)

I haven't been in a very long time, but if you like something different, then TJ is the place that's close to the US border. Its still a bit rough around the edges. To answer your question, with kids, I would pass. Hang out in San Diego if that's where you are staying. If time allows, give me a shout, lunch and all the beer you and your 12 year old can drink is on me. Need to start him off young:). I didn't get a chance to buy tickets so I will miss it again. Not a big deal, after been to a couple of them, as well as Rennsport, they are similar with a lot of interesting cars.

IMHO not a good idea.

agreed, google it.
https://www.npr.org/2022/08/20/1118420516/mexico-cartel-drug-violence-tijuana-border

TJ has a very high crime & murder rate. A couple of weeks ago, a cartel caused a bug ruckus burning cars and causiing other disruptions. It was a pretty big deal. It hasn't been worth it for me to go there for several years. Last time I was there, I took my wife's car down for minor body work at Los Panchos. I walked across the border a couple of times, & the stairs to the bridge smelled strongly of piss. I used to spend quite a bit of time there years ago, but no more. There are better ways to spend your time in S.D.

What's the attraction in TJ for you to even asked?

I think it's a good idea. That way the kids get to go to Mexico. Well, sort of Mexico.

That isn't the Mexico you want to go to. Its a rough and tough border town and it isn't always safe to travel especially what's been going on there in the past few weeks with the cartel acting up. Best to experience Mexico another time.

It feels like I remember almost every minute of the day we spent in TJ when I was 12. It was a real eye opener for 2 kids brought up in a family with money.

I want my kids to see how well they have it.

I am rethinking the idea to take the family there based on the feedback in this thread.

Yeah, it was pretty rough back in the day too. When I was a teenager staying in a backpackers hotel in San Diego a couple of girls asked me to come to TJ with them for the day so they didn't get hassled by guys. They still did LOL.

One of the girls was the lovely Rita Redberg https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-rita-f-redberg

I did that by taking my then young kids for a train ride through Philly and Baltimore. There must be other cities where that point can be made. Maybe sections of LA?

Next you should plan a trip to Chicago and then tour the south side...

You want your kids to see what it’s like to grow up without money...and you’re taking them to San Diego?




Just razzing a bit...:D

I did the day trip to TJ in the summer of 2019. It was fine. I really enjoyed it. But then I pretty much stuck to the main areas and didn't go looking for the seedy stuff. I did, however, walk around some neighborhoods off the beaten path. Had a great lunch and drinks. I'd go back. I work the ghetto in Phoenix every day, so I'm used to that stuff. Never had a problem.

With kids or just yourself?

Just Mrs. Lee and myself. A little more of a pain with her still being a PRC citizen, but the line was long for everyone.