Mexican Border Towns - Overview

From the fast pace of hustling bustling Tijuana just south of San Diego to Matamoros at the Rio Grande's end in the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico's border cities share more than just an American neighbor. Many of these cities are developed industrial centers, transit points for goods and people into and out of the United States but necessary stops for the foreign visitor.

Day trippers can haggle over souvenirs and pharmaceuticals in the omnipresent markets, and in bigger cities like Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Mexicali, watch a bullfight. For sun seekers, Tijuana offers easy beach access, or make the drive to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) on the north side of the Sea of Cortez for snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Anglers can fill fishing needs with charter excursions from either location, while photographers can enjoy the sight of local fishing boats scooting along the east shores near Matamoros.

Smaller crossings like Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo and Nogales provide the basics but beyond short trips serve primarily as border crossings en route to other destinations.

While the border towns lack some of the charm and culture indigenous to other popular Mexican destinations, they're good for a day trip and unavoidable for travelers driving down through Mexico from the United States.

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