Mexicali

Understand

The municipality of Mexicali has a population of around 1.1 million people (2020), of whom about 800,000 people live in the city proper. Mexicali has grown from a small border town to a modern city with a sizable middle class and an even bigger upper class. The standard of living is among the highest in Mexico. It is recognized in Mexico for its sizable investment in education and low unemployment. It is a progressive city with main industry that has gone from agricultural to industrial. Economically, a growing middle class with disposable income has fueled Mexicali's transformation into a modern city with a vibrant culture, a characteristic that has attracted many national and international businesses which had largely ignored the city before and had turned to Tijuana. Mexicali is considered among the most prosperous cities in Mexico. Some areas of the city reflect the significant number of wealthy people who inhabit the city, in areas such as San Pedro, Villafontana, and Col Nueva. There remains poverty in rural villages surrounding the modern, upper-middle class enclave of Mexicali proper. The North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 that eliminated most trade restrictions between the two nations offers Mexicali an economic boom in the next decade. Mexicali is a transit point for illegal immigration into the United States, as well as a common destination for any illegal Mexican immigrants deported from the West Coast of the U.S. Some areas are swollen with poor people with no roots in the city, who inhabit shantytowns, mainly in the outskirts of the city. Mexicali's growing reputation as a cosmopolitan city is justified. Not only is the city home to many people who have migrated from within the same country, as well as some native Mexican Indians, but it boasts many Asian residents (especially Chinese), as well as Americans, Europeans, and South Americans. Informally, Mexicali natives are known as "cachanillas", after a shrub (Pluchea sericea or arrowweed) endemic to the region. Mexicali is known mainly as a business and industry town, but has an excellent reputation for hospitality and tourism in the country. Mexicali is known as "the city that captured the sun". Its residents frequently joke regarding its extreme heat during the summer, reaching record desert temperatures. Mexicali's primary newspapers are La Voz de la Frontera and La Cronica de Baja California. While the Mexican peso (M$) is the legal currency, US dollars are widely accepted. Mexicali observes daylight savings time (DST) and is in the Pacific Time Zone like California.

Ch

Getting there

By car Mexicali is accessible from the United States through Calexico on Highway 111 (from El Centro and points north) and Highway 98 East (Yuma) and West (San Diego) via I-8. Either park at the border and continue on foot or drive into Mexico. Driving from the US to Mexico usually requires no stopping. Driving across the border from Mexico to the US may involve a long wait, especially during evening rush hour or on holiday weekends. Mexican insurance is required, which should be bought before your trip. Mexicali has two border crossings, Mexicali East (Newer) and Mexicali West (Traditional), both of which have a SENTRI lane. Mexicali is the northern terminus for Mexican Highway 5 to San Felipe. Mexicali can also be reached from Tijuana and Tecate on Mex-2. Though much of this highway is a toll road (the "Libramiento" aka Autopista), it is more scenic but will take longer than I-8 and is considered more hazardous, especially the "Rumorosa Grade". The toll either to or from Tijuana is around $14.

By foot Many people drive to the border, park on the US side, and walk across. There are many lots available for this, which charge US$4-9 a day. While there are many taxis waiting to take you across, it's only about a five minute walk; follow the signs across.

By plane 1 Mexicali's International Airport (MXL IATA General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada) (20 km east of the city). It offers services to all types of flights, private and commercial. There are daily flights from other major cities in México. In addition, Mexicali has access to the Imperial County Airport IPL IATA, 15 mi (24 km) north across the border from Mexicali with flights from Los Angeles and Phoenix on Southern Airways.

Getting around

Public transportation Taxis are abundant in the city. You may either call for a site taxi (taxi de sitio) which are called beforehand and they can take you where you ask, or route taxis (taxi de ruta), which, like buses, have specific routes which they take. There are also multiple public buses, which can range from old school refurbished school buses with no air circulation to brand new metrobuses with air conditioning and television screens, which are more expensive.

See

Historic sites The Asociación China de Mexicali (中華會館), located on Avenida Benito Juárez near the intersection with Altamirano, is one of Mexicali's primary and oldest Chinese associations. Upstairs, there are portraits of dozens of Chinese immigrants who have lived in Mexicali. There are also murals celebrating Mexicali's Chinese heritage, dragon costumes for use during festivals, and numerous classrooms. It is often locked and closed during weekdays, but usually open on weekend mornings. 1 Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catedral de Ntra. Sra. de Guadalupe), José María Morelos 192. Mexicali's oldest cathedral. (updated Apr 2015)

Museums 2 Museo Interactivo Sol del Niño. Scientific and Interactive Museum fun for children and adults. Interactive Science, Technology, Arts and Environment Center. (updated May 2023) 3 Plaza de Toros Calafia. Bullring with frequent bullfights with toreros from around Latin America and Spain. (updated May 2023) 4 Bosque y Zoologico de la Ciudad. Mexicali's biggest park along with its city zoo. (updated May 2023) 5 Parque Vicente Guerrero. Mexicali's second biggest park with lake. (updated May 2023) 6 Centro Estatal de las Artes. State Art Center: see art exhibitions, musical concertos and recitals among other things. (updated May 2023) 7 Instituto Municipal de Arte y Cultura. City Art Center: see art exhibitions, musical concertos and recitals among other things. (updated May 2023) 8 Teatro del Estado. The states theater with many shows throughout the year. (updated May 2023) 9 UABC Museo. The University of Baja California's museum with exhibits throughout the year. (updated May 2023) 10 Casa de la Cultura. Mexicali's Culture House, with interactive art workshops and exhibitions. (updated May 2023) 11 Salon de la Fama. Mexicali's Hall of Fame, with notable figures from throughout the city and state. (updated May 2023) 12 Bellas Artes. Where Mexicali's fine arts groups are located. (updated May 2023) 13 Juventud 2000 Sport Center. Mexicali's newest and most modern park. (updated May 2023) 14 Museo Wok, C. José Azueta, Primera, ☏ +52 686 1043 032. Closed Mondays. Museum about the Chinese community in Mexicali and its food. 25 pesos. (updated Dec 2024)

Others 15 Centro Cívico. Home to Baja California's state legislature, governor's palace, and state supreme court, as well as the Mexicali city hall (ayuntamiento). Brief tours of the Baja California legislature's chambers are available upon request (ask for the public/media relations spokesperson to give you a tour). (updated May 2023) 16 Morelos Dam. You can admire th

Do

Outdoor Aguilas de Mexicali – Go and see Mexicali's own baseball team in the 1 Estadio Casas Geo. Soles de Mexicali – Come and see Mexicali's renowned basketball team. Golf – 2 Club de Golf Campestre has an 18-hole course that features huge fairways, adorned by water hazards and sand traps that lead to excellent, quick greens, themselves often surrounded by more water and sand traps. During the year, major tournaments are held here, such as the Cotton Tournament in March, the City of Mexicali and Maquiladora Tournament's in April, the Father and Son Tournament in June, as well as the Bishops's and IAMSA Tournament's in November. Racing – Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss the tremendously entertaining off-road ATV races. Displaying their skills, experienced drivers race their machines at high speeds, roaring across the terrain, offering a grand spectacle for the crowds. Hunting – An extensive variety of birds and mammals such as the White Winged Dove, Huilota Dove, Cerceta, Black Branta, Goose, Pheasant, Duck, Quail, Black Tail Hare, Rabbit, Coyote, Wild Cat and Puma will put the skill of any hunter to the test. In the Valle de Mexicali, the season begins at the end of August and ends in February. Fishing – Freshwater: The municipality offers exciting places for fishing adventures. In addition to canals, there are prime spots like Laguna Bogard, Rio Hardy, El Caimán, la Ciénega de Santa Clara, and el Bosque de la Ciudad, where you can participate in important tournaments all year long. A few of the species you will find while fishing are Lobina, Bagre, Carpa, and Tilapia. Saltwater: The coastline of San Felipe and spots like Roca Consag, Barco Hundido, Los Carros, Punta Estrella and Percebú, are well known fishing areas in addition to fishing out on the open sea. Catch-and-release tournaments allow fishing for shallow-water species as well as trophy-fish like Pez Vela, Marlin Dorado, and Jurel, among others.

Expos and shows Fiestas del Sol Known as the biggest fair in the region, the Fiestas del Sol run from the end of September through mid-October. Practically all of Mexicali gathers together during this time for music and celebration, participating in popular dances while enjoying commercial, agricultural, and industrial expositions, carnival rides, regional food, and shows from national and international artists. Baja Prog An international festival of progressive rock that brings together the most famous groups of this musical genre during the month of March. Agrobaja Considered the largest and most important agricultural exposition on the nor

Buy

This list is only a very small compilation of the major shopping centers in the city.

1 Plaza la Cachanilla. Shops such as boutiques, hair salons, jewelry stores, Chinese-themed stores, food court, Coppel Stores, Ley Stores, Sears Department Stores, etc. (updated May 2023) 2 Plaza Nuevo Mexicali. Shops such as clothing, boutiques, cellular phones, furnishings, and food court. (updated May 2023) 3 Plaza Fiesta. Restaurants, jewelry stores and flagship store Sanborns. (updated May 2023) 4 ABSA. A Chinese store offering Chinese groceries, utensils, and newspapers. Located on Bulevar Mateos near the intersection with Avenida Benito Juárez (look for Chinese-style architecture and green roofs). (updated May 2023) Mexicali hosts most major national store chains such as: Soriana, Bodega Aurrera, among others. Mexicali also hosts international stores and shops like: Wal-Mart (3 locations), 5 Costco Wholesale, 6 OfficeMax, 7 The Home Depot, 8 Sears, among others.

Alcohol Visitors returning to the United States who are 21 or older are allowed to bring back a limited quantity of alcohol, around 1 liter per adult (check regulations). Most foreign liquor is priced as in the US, but Mexican liquors such as Tequila, Mescal, and Kahlua, as well as Mexican beers can be great bargains.

Eat

The selection of cuisine in Mexicali is very diverse. The Chinese contributed greatly to Mexicali cuisine with a very ample variety of dishes. Their food is as traditional to Mexicali as carne asada and its Chinese food is labeled as the best on the country, on par with that of San Francisco, and many tourists come to taste it. Mexicali Chinese food is its own style, different than Chinese food in China, or even across the border in the US. Good beer is another Mexicali tradition. World class beers have been produced in Mexicali since the early history. Today, there are small breweries that offer great varieties in terms of taste and characteristics. However, Mexicali is not just about Chinese food, carne asada tacos, and beer. There is a wide selection of specialty restaurants-national and international. One sample the finest wines that are produced in the Mediterranean climate within Baja California. Mexicali has a large Chinese immigrant population, with many excellent choices. Mexicali is also host to numerous international chains such as: 1 Applebees, Starbucks Coffee, McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Carl's Jr, Thrifty Ice Cream, Little Caesars, Dominos Pizza and Dairy Queen. The following lists of restaurants are only a few of the many located in the city

Budget

Primera (Near the border crossing) 2 Restaurante Victoria (龍珠酒家), Calle Juárez 32, ☏ +52 686 552 2151. 06:00-23:00, closed Tu. Open since about 1938, this is everybody's beloved Cantonese hole-in-the-wall restaurant. (updated Sep 2022) 3 El Taquito de Oro 1 - Zona Centro, C. José María Morelos 334. (updated Sep 2022) 4 Las tradicionales flautas, Benito Juárez 131. (updated Sep 2022) 5 Tortas El Chavo, Av Reforma 414. (updated Sep 2022) 6 Restaurante Carmelita, Benito Juárez 113. (updated Sep 2022) 7 Dragón Oro, Benito Juárez 121. (updated Sep 2022)

Centro Civico 8 El Taquito de Oro 2, Pje. Vallarta 815. (updated Sep 2022) 9 Nuevo Petunias Restaurante, And. Cholula 1091. (updated May 2022) 10 Tacos de Guisado Andrea, Mar Blanco 300. (updated Sep 2022)

Around Centro Civico 11 Las Vias Restaurante, Boulevard Adolfo López Mateos #1447, ☏ +52 686 407 1949. This corner place is great if you are craving some crunchy nachos or some rich buttery pancakes, if you're not already having some migas (or maybe to go along with them!). (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range

Chinese Mexicali's numerous Chinese (more specifically, Cantonese) restaurants can be found in all areas of the city, but are especially concentrated in the historic La Chinesca (Chinatown) neighborhood. Many Chinese resta

Drink & nightlife

The following venues are located around the intersection of México & Reforma, near the main cathedral.

1 La Conga. Live norteño bands playing mostly narcocorridos. (updated May 2023) 2 Miau Miau. Table dancing. (updated May 2023)

Sleep

Budget 1 Motel Samil, Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas #1486, ☏ +52 686 563 2192. Its earthy ochre tones add a nice touch to the appearance. (updated Feb 2021) 2 Motel Alves, Carretera Mexicali - Tijuana km. 1, ☏ +52 686 555 3750. This one will probably look pretty good to the driver coming into town. (updated Feb 2021) 3 Motel El Moro, Blvd. Aeropuerto 3598 (also known as Calzada Cetys), ☏ +52 686 565 4422. This one will make you feel like you're staying in an Arabian palace with its Middle Eastern motif, but it's kind of like a love motel in the middle of nowhere so there's that. (updated Feb 2021)

Mid-range 4 Hotel Cosmos Don Carlos, Calzada Justo Sierra 1493, ☏ +52 686 568 1155. Pool and restaurant on-site. Has a lot of wood beam architecture. M$ 781. (updated Feb 2021) 5 Hotel Del Norte, Ave. Francisco I. Madero 205, ☏ +52 686 552 8101. Located 70 m (230 feet) from the border crossing. (updated Apr 2015) 6 Hotel Posada del Sol, Calle Calafia #400, ☏ +52 686 558 7476. Nothing too terribly exciting here, but has a restaurant that serves breakfast. (updated Feb 2021) 7 Hotel Posada Inn, Boulevard Adolfo López Mateos #939, ☏ +52 686 558 6100. Motor lodge type of place with continental breakfast included. (updated Feb 2021) 8 Capital O' Hotel Regis, Blvd. Benito Juarez 2150, ☏ +52 686 566 8801. Practical hotel with inside corridors and a restaurant. (updated Feb 2021)

Splurge 9 Hotel Lucerna, Blvd. Benito Juárez 2151, ☏ +52 686 564 7000. (updated Apr 2015) 10 Araiza Hotel and Convention Center, Blvd. Benito Juarez 2220, ☏ +52 686 564 1100. This is a pretty classy choice for Mexicali, as is the case with most Araiza properties typically. It has a restaurant, fusion cafe, and a bar, plus pool/hot tub/gym for the recreation-minded. M$ 1178. (updated Feb 2021) 11 Calafia Hotel and Convention Center, Calzada Justo Sierra 1495, ☏ +52 686 568 3311. Another Araiza property with a big pool and restaurant and gym to keep guests entertained. M$ 999. (updated Feb 2021) 12 Fiesta Inn, Calz. Adolfo López Mateos No. 1029, ☏ +52 686 837 3300. With its vibrant colors and height, this hotel will probably catch your gaze when driving along Hwy 5. Has a restaurant, pool, and gym. M$ 579. (updated Feb 2021) 13 Hotel City Express Mexicali, Blvd. Benito Juarez #1342, ☏ +52 686 564 1650. (updated Apr 2015) 14 Hotel Colonial, Blvd. Lopez Mateos 1048 (across from the Fiesta Inn), ☏ +52 800 026 5888. This place is inviting enough with its lush pool and garden filled courtyard and generally relaxed ambience. M$ 819. (updated Feb 2021) 15 Hotel Siesta Real, Calz. Justo Sierra 899, ☏

Go next

Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs offers a running stream and a variety of primitive (hose-fed from local springs) hot baths and camping; the area is popular with Mexicali locals; it is 48 km (30 miles) down a rough dirt road, 32 km (20 miles) west of town on the road to Tijuana. The area also contains a significant number of petroglyphs in nearby canyons accessible by foot. San Felipe is 172 km (120 miles) south on Highway 5.