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If not designated as an official “Pueblo Magico” (magical city), you would possibly in any other case have second ideas visiting a Mexican border city, largely referred to as being dusty and laden with pharmacies.
We’re not saying pharmacies do not exist on each nook, however we’re saying this magical city lives as much as its allure and is much from being the down-trodden hellscape you would possibly image with out additional information.
Take it from me — I go to Mexico as typically as I can, whether or not crossing on foot from San Diego or swapping California’s chilly waters for all-inclusives and endless sunshine.
In this case, I go to Tecate no less than as soon as yearly. It’s a textbook “hidden gem” so accessible, generally customs agent do not even verify your passport getting into (however be sure you deliver it anyway).
Known because the gateway to wine nation, whereas Baja’s fashionable Valle de Guadalupe serves because the area’s “Napa”, Tecate is commonly skipped as a mainstay — however not for this man!
I hone in on what I consider to be arguably Mexico’s prettiest lodge, perched atop a hill in an unsuspecting neighborhood, overlooking Tecate’s rugged mountain backdrop and residential to one among Northern Baja’s most famed eateries, Asao, the place each dish is impossibly scrumptious from ceviche to birria and higher-end gadgets like steaks.
Santuario Diegueño alone, holding a powerful 4.7 Google ranking, makes Tecate definitely worth the detour, whether or not you’re sneaking down from SoCal for the day or easing into your journey by way of the Ruta de Vino.
Welcome To Baja’s Sanctuary
We’ve all seen the beer cans.
Yes, Tecate is dwelling to the extremely fashionable cerveza sharing the identical title, however regardless of its boozy fame, it is possible most who go by way of do not realize the extent of Tecate’s cultural heritage.
Santuario Diegueño is an ode to that heritage, because it’s framed as a contemporary reimagining of the sanctuary the Kumeyaay folks celebrated within the area for hundreds of years.
No, there aren’t any tourist-trap gimmicks or faux-tribal theatrics, however it’s a contemporary Baja retreat rooted in native stone, clay, woodwork, people artwork, and the staggering mountain backdrop that makes Tecate really feel so distinctive compared to Mexico’s family names.
Only costing you within the low $100s all through summer time for a room, this meticulously designed oasis couldn’t be extra inviting with its world-class restaurant serving up unbelievable views simply as exceptional because it’s selective menu of hand-crafted cocktails, sensational modern-meets-local delicacies, and naturally, ice-cold bottles of Tecate.
I’ve made my means right here no less than as soon as yearly, and I’ve by no means seen it crowded. There’s at all times a poolside lounger open, at all times a barstool on the patio the place the picture above was taken, and at all times zippy service and no strains it doesn’t matter what time you present up — although you’ll be able to e book a desk on Resy should you’re an AMEX holder like me.
From Asao’s mountain-view patio to the gleaming pool and cultural touches showcased all through the property like a dwelling museum, it’s such an unbelievable place to decelerate and soak in a facet of Baja most vacationers overlook.
No place is ideal, nonetheless, and this could possibly be attributed to why it by no means appears to attract a crowd regardless of being drop-dead attractive.
It does again as much as the infamous “wall”, which is not precisely essentially the most postcard-ready picture op.
That mentioned, you hardly discover it, however I’ve a sense that is why most individuals skip it in favor of exploring deeper into Valle de Guadalupe for extra open house and on-site wineries as “border town” reputations have not finished any favors for locations like Santuario Diegueño, regardless of how aesthetically beautiful they might be in the event that they have been constructed wherever else.
Make positive you double verify travel alerts and tourist fees earlier than your journey too.
Free Beer, Local Wine & Small Town Charm
Being a Pueblo Mágico, the small city’s enchantment is off the charts, particularly the middle of city, backed by a timeless cathedral, old-school resorts, and a mixture of previous and new eateries corresponding to matcha cafes and ageless taco joints standing the take a look at of time.
Anchoring the townscape, you’ll be able to’t miss the intense crimson Tecate signal emblazoned on the huge brewery that takes up a number of blocks.
This ought to function your North Star, although Tecate does surprisingly have Uber, so that you keep away from the treacherous hills.
Best of all, should you go to the brewery’s beer garden, you get a free beer only for strolling in. Just know hours range, however even should you’re a Corona loyalist, there aren’t any questions requested.
Being the gateway to wine nation, you do not have to courageous the winding roads dotted with wineries to take pleasure in a glass of the area’s acclaimed wine.
My favourite spot is Vinoteca, only a block away from the principle plaza the place the “action” is — you already know, memento trinkets, beer stands, and the aroma of bacon-wrapped sizzling canines scorching on the grill.
It’s half beer backyard, half cozy wine hangout, with principally shaded out of doors seating that makes it means too simple to remain longer than deliberate, like I did yesterday.
Offering the whole lot from fruit wines to rosé and beer flights so you’ll be able to pattern brews you’ve by no means heard of, it’s an ideal low-key cease to ease into Tecate with out feeling such as you stumbled into some vacationer entice such as you would possibly end up in neighboring Tijuana.
