Tijuana is Mexico’s fourth largest city. For some, Tijuana is a shopping destination or a chance to get a glimpse of Mexico while vacationing in Southern California. For others it’s a gateway to adventure farther south.

East of downtown looms the Centro Cultural Tijuana. Housed in its futuristic-looking, dun-coloured dome is the thousand-seat Omnimax theatre. The adjacent museum has a bookstore, restaurant, and two floors featuring fine arts and anthropology exhibits. The new Museo de las Californias displays about 500 pieces that highlight the peninsula’s history.

Whale-watching excursions leave from the Sportfishing Pier from December to March. Overnight fishing trips form the pier net bass, bonito, rockfish, and yellowtail. The best fishing is June through September.