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Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, is a vibrant destination that offers a rich blend of gastronomy, craft beer, tradition, history, adventure, and nature. Visiting this city provides a unique opportunity to explore its distinct identity and charm through a variety of experiences. 

Photo: Courtesy of Mexicali Tourism

1. Exploring the World of Beer

One of the most impressive aspects of Mexicali is its vibrant craft beer scene. With over 55 craft beer producers recognized both nationally and internationally, the city has many breweries that warmly welcome visitors. Here, you can explore a variety of beer styles while soaking in a lively atmosphere often accompanied by live music. Many venues also provide a glimpse into the brewing process and give you a chance to meet the passionate entrepreneurs behind these innovative projects. 

For those eager to dive deeper into the local beer culture, consider embarking on a route that features more than 30 tasting spots throughout the municipality. This journey not only introduces you to the diverse flavors of Mexicali but also offers a richer understanding of the city’s dedication to its beer culture.

Photo: Courtesy of Mexicali Tourism

2. Baja Californian Gastronomy

Exploring a destination through its gastronomy can be a delightful experience, and Mexicali offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to various preferences, from urban eateries to gourmet restaurants. The city is known for its vibrant food truck culture and gastronomic patios, which provide a welcoming atmosphere for tourists eager to sample local dishes. 

Some highly recommended food trucks include Boomerang Food Truck, La Estación Food Park, Andariego Foodtruck Co., and Retro FoodTruck, where visitors can savor authentic Baja Californian cuisine. For meat lovers, Mexicali is home to specialized restaurants and street taco stands offering some of the juiciest and most tender cuts available.

One must-try local delicacy is the clamato, a refreshing drink made with a blend of tomato juice and clam juice, seasoned with spices, and served in a frosted glass rimmed with salt, often garnished with a piece of celery.

Photo: Courtesy of Mexicali Tourism

3. Chinesca: The Authentic Chinatown of Mexico

Much like other major cities, Mexicali boasts its own Chinatown, known as "La Chinesca." This area is rich in historical and cultural significance, largely due to the influx of Chinese immigrants who settled in the city during the last century. The influence of this community is evident as visitors navigate the alleys, which reveal remnants of the past, including the basements that once formed an underground city.

La Chinesca features nearly 300 restaurants that offer a wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine, making it a hotspot for food enthusiasts. For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Chinese gastronomy and its impact on local culture, the Wok Museum is an excellent place to visit. This museum showcases the rich heritage and flavors of Mexicali's Chinese culinary scene, providing insight into the ingredients and traditions that define this unique cuisine.

4. Short Market Cinema

In 1946, the Cinema Curto was inaugurated as a historic building showcasing premier films of its time. This emblematic venue attracted notable figures from the Mexican Golden Cinema, including acclaimed stars such as Pedro Infante, Luis Aguilar, and Agustín Lara. Over the years, it transitioned from a cinematic establishment to a vibrant artisanal gastronomic market. This market features 26 spaces dedicated to local products, wines, craft beers, and traditional cuisine of the region. It also houses the Cinema Club and organizes various activities, including workshops, dance music festivals, and karaoke sessions, making it a must-see destination for visitors to Mexicali.

5. Historical and Cultural Mexicali

For those interested in art and culture, Mexicali offers a rich array of cultural activities, with numerous historic buildings serving as venues for traveling exhibitions in painting, sculpture, workshops, and concerts. Key locations to include in your itinerary are the House of Culture, the Institute of Fine Arts, and the State Center for the Arts, where one can gain deeper insights into local artistic attractions.

Additionally, the Valle Mexicali Museum provides an opportunity to explore the city's history by honoring the first settlers of Baja California. This museum not only conveys a sense of historical significance but also features architecture reminiscent of the Old West and showcases agricultural machinery and various artifacts from the period spanning the 1920s to the 1960s.

6. Connection with Nature

Regardless of whether one visits Mexicali as a family, a couple, or an individual, the city's Forest and Zoo offer a unique opportunity to engage with nature. The Natural History Museum is also situated within this area, along with children's play areas for families. Visitors can enjoy picnicking in the green spaces, appreciating the tranquility of the environment.

Furthermore, one may explore the Paseo de las Culturas Prehispánicas, the Botanical Garden, and the lake, as well as visit the largest zoo in the northwestern region of the country.

Photo: Courtesy of Mexicali Tourism

7. Embrace Adventure

If you seek an adventurous experience...g for strong emotions, just an hour away from Mexicali are the Cuervitos Dunes, a place that, in addition to making you fall in love with the view, will fascinate you with what you can do there.
You can practice sandboard the surf on sand, an activity that has gained popularity in Baja California for the dose of adrenaline and speed in the middle of fine sand dunes similar to those of the Sahara desert.

Where to stay?

To have an unforgettable vacation it is very important to choose the ideal hotel. For this reason, one of our recommendations is to stay at Real Inn de Mexicali, with an outdoor pool, free parking, ATM, bar, cafeteria, and restaurant.
In addition, a few minutes from the hotel you will find the Children's Museum, the City's Forest, the Zoo, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You can also visit the Calafia bullring, or visit the La Cachanilla shopping plaza.