Tijuana

Tijuana, directly across the US-Mexico border from San Diego, is one of the world's busiest border crossings and a city that has transformed its identity from its old "border town" reputation into a genuinely interesting cultural and culinary destination. The Zona Gastronómica (Avenida Misión de San Diego and the Zona Río) has an outstanding restaurant scene that draws San Diegans specifically for the food — chef Javier Plascencia and numerous other notable chefs have made Tijuana a food destination. The craft beer scene at Mamut, Border Psycho and others is excellent. The craft beer and gourmet taco tradition here is world-class. The Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT), a striking cultural complex with a giant sphere-cinema and museum, is excellent. Cross at San Ysidro on foot; US citizens and most EU passport holders can enter without a Mexican visa.