Mexicali Travel Guide

Find out where to go, what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more with this informative travel guide to Mexicali.


Introduction to Mexicali

Located in the heart of Baja California, Mexicali is the capital city of Baja California, Mexico’s northernmost state. It is renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, and vibrant nightlife. Mexicali attracts tourists from all over the world and offers an endless list of experiences that visitors can discover.

List of Places to Visit in Mexicali

Here are some of the top attractions in Mexicali you simply can’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • House of Culture - A venue for theatre productions, dance shows, concerts, and art exhibitions.
  • Sol del Niño Museum - A children’s museum with interactive exhibits and activities.
  • Jardín de las Artes - A park featuring art sculptures, murals, and graffiti paintings.
  • Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe – A historic Catholic church featuring exquisite architecture and artwork.
  • Museo Sol del Valle - A museum devoted to showcasing the history of Mexicali and the Baja region.

Natural Attractions of Mexicali: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sierra de Juarez mountain range - A stunning mountain range where you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and camping.
  • Salton Sea Beach - A popular beach that features a crystal clear, saltwater lake.
  • Laguna Salada - A massive dry lakebed, Laguna Salada is the perfect spot for off-roading, dirt biking, and other outdoor activities.
  • Desert Shores RV Park - An RV park located on the shores of the Salton Sea, ideal camping spot for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mexicali

There are many hiking and biking routes near Mexicali. Some of the best include:

  • Sierra de Juarez Trails - A network of trails that offer a beautiful and adventurous hike with several trails to choose from.
  • San Felipe Trails - San Felipe Trails offer exceptional hiking and a beautiful view of Cucapah Mountain.
  • Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area - This spot offers more than a 50 miles stretch of the sand dunes for off-roading, hiking, and sandboarding.

Best Things to Do in Mexicali: Activities and Tours

Here are some activities and tours to spice up your adventures in Mexicali:

  • Mexicali Food Tours - A food tour to savor the best food in town like ceviche, street tacos, churros, and more.
  • Mexicali Tour by Bike - Get a bike and explore Mexicali accompanied by a guide who knows every spot of the city.
  • Mexicali Beer Tours – This tour will take you to the craft breweries within the city for taste testing of different beers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mexicali

Here’s how you could spend a whole week exploring Mexicali:

| Day | Activities | | — | — | | Day 1 |

  • Tour of Mexicali and Historical Center
  • Visit to The Sol del Niño Museum
  • Lunch at El Tajin Restaurant  
      Day 2
  • Drive to the Laguna Salada dry lakebed for camping/outdoor activities
  • Visit the local restaurants for dinner  
      Day 3
  • Explore the Salton Sea Beach
  • Visit the local market  
      Day 4
  • Drive along/around the Sierra de Juarez mountain range
  • Stop at La Rumorosa to take a few pictures  
      Day 5
  • Day trip to Mexicali Valley Wine Country for wine tasting and lunch
  • Visit a Cucapah Indian reservation  
      Day 6
  • Picacho del Diablo hike
  • Dinner at El Muelle seafood restaurant  
      Day 7
  • Visit the imperial sand dunes
  • End of the trip

Food and Drink Scene of Mexicali

Mexicali’s local food and drinks are famous for their authentic flavors. Here are the top must-try dishes and drinks to beat hunger:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ceviche - a seafood dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juice.
  • Street Tacos - grilled seasoned meats with onion and cilantro served on a soft tortilla.
  • Chivichangas - savory deep-fried burritos stuffed with meat and vegetables.
  • Birria - a hearty, spicy stew made with beef or goat meat.

Local Beverages

  • Margaritas - A mix of lime, tequila, and other ingredients with salt on the rim.
  • Micheladas - Beer with lime juice, Clamato, and hot sauce.
  • Aguas Frescas - Sweet, refreshing water flavored with fruits and flowers such as tamarind, hibiscus, or horchata.

Where to Stay in Mexicali: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mexicali has plenty of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury resorts. Some of the best options include:

  • Hotel Las Palmas - A downtown hotel with a pool and restaurant serving local cuisine.
  • City Express Mexicali - A modern business hotel with impeccable services.
  • Hotel Araiza Mexicali - A luxury hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar.

What to Buy in Mexicali: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mexicali is known for its ties to the music and arts industry, and many local artists create handicrafts. Here are some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Ceramics and Pottery - Pick up some beautifully glazed pottery made by local artisans.
  • Mexican Folk Art – Head to the nearest market or craft fair to find beautiful handcrafted items such as pottery, wood carvings, and textiles.
  • Mexicali’s Tequilas - Take home a bottle of tequila to commemorate your visit to this vibrant city.

Local Culture and Customs of Mexicali

Mexicali is a traditional and conservative community, with a blend of modernism in its culture. Respect the culture and customs of the locals, especially when visiting religious or historical monuments.

Best Time to Visit Mexicali

The best time to visit Mexicali is between November to May because the weather is cooler. During summer, temperatures skyrocket, and heatwaves are common.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mexicali

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink scene.
  • Respect the culture and traditions of the locals.
  • Wear comfortable clothing for the hot desert climate.
  • Learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Be adventurous and explore Mexicali’s top-rated tourist sites.

Don’t:

  • Touch the Cactus.
  • Engage in any illegal activity.
  • Wear expensive jewelry or carry a significant amount of cash in public.
  • Leave litter anywhere that’s not a trash can.
  • Waste water as it is precious in this desert climate.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mexicali

Mexicali is relatively safe, with the standard safety precautions necessary for any city. Petty theft frequently occurs in certain areas, so it is best to keep your valuables safe and be vigilant of your surroundings. Be aware of scams or frauds and always keep your belongings secure.

Health in Mexicali

Mexicali has good healthcare facilities, and most problems are treatable. However, during the summer months, Mexicali is subject to high temperatures that can be dangerous. It is best to stay well-hydrated and apply sunscreen and wear a hat when venturing outside during these times.

Getting to Mexicali: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mexicali

The nearest international airport to Mexicali is San Diego International Airport, which offers direct flights to major cities throughout the United States. The city of Mexicali operates its airport, the Mexicali International Airport, which is around 25 kilometers from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Mexicali

The Tijuana Bus Station and El Centro Bus Terminal are both located within reasonable distances from Mexicali. Greyhound operates services from El Centro to other cities in the surrounding states.

Other Options

Driving is another alternative, with ample parking available throughout the city. Renting a car is also an option, with several rental agencies available in the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Mexicali

Getting around Mexicali is relatively easy and convenient. You can quickly hop into a cab, rent a car, or take the local bus service.

Where to Go Next from Mexicali: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that you can explore on your next Mexicali trip:

  • San Felipe - A small fishing village that is perfect for a relaxing beach getaway.
  • La Bufadora - A natural blowhole with unbeatable views of rock formations and the ocean.
  • Puerto Nuevo - A popular spot for lobster lovers, with many restaurants offering fresh, delicious lobster dishes.

Conclusion

Mexicali is a fantastic destination with something to offer for every traveler. With this comprehensive guide, we hope that you are well-equipped to explore this vibrant city to the fullest!

View of the airport View of the airport ''Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe'', the oldest cathedral in Mexicali. ''Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe'', the oldest cathedral in Mexicali.