Mexico

Tour with Let’s Go Clandestino

San Diego, Tijuana, Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada

Whether it’s Baja’s food, breweries, or wineries you’re looking to cozy up to, Chula Vista native Angel Mirón has had you covered since July 2013 with his Let’s Go Clandestino tour groups. The pick-up and drop-off point has generally been at Thorn Street Brewery in North Park, so the cost tends to be a bit higher than some of its border-meet-up counterparts. However, that makes this the perfect tour for those wary of traveling south of Highway 94 or who might be wary of having to get themselves back home. Public tours tend to start at around $90. 619-519-3355. — E.V. Hepworth

Hike El Cerro Colorado

Cañon Bugambilias, Tijuana

Out of all the many rolling hills that form the city of Tijuana, El Cerro Colorado (the Red Hill), reaches the highest in elevation — around 1800 feet above sea level, 200 feet higher than Cowles Mountain. Virtually desolate until the late ’80s, the hill is now surrounded by houses, and antennas for radio and television were installed in 1999. It’s a family-friendly hike, also used for religious pilgrimages: there are more than ten crosses in different locations on the hill. The top offers some of the best views of the border region. — Matthew Suárez

Go Xolos! Professional soccer in Tijuana

Blvd. Agua Caliente 12027, Hipódromo, Tijuana, 044-664-681-0095

It is up to L.A. or down to TJ to see a professional soccer match. The Xoloitzcuintles de Tijuana, more widely known as Xolos, play every other Friday when the Mexican soccer league is in season. Tickets run from an average of $10 for general admission, up to $100 or more, depending on the game and/or private seat location. The Xolos have four Americans playing on their squad, including two San Diego natives, Paul Arriola and Alejandro Guido. There is even a group of supporters from Ocean Beach called Gringoxolos. — Matthew Suárez

Downhill tunnel skating in Playas

The end of Paseo Playas de Tijuana

Around 2½ miles of new downhill road, featuring a tunnel of 480 yards, forms the segundo acceso to Playas de Tijuana, another entry to TJ’s beach. The tunnel and road were built in early 2013 but not completed until April of this year. In that two-year gap, longboard skaters gathered every Sunday for ocean views and the thrill of a ride. Recently,“No Skating” signs were placed, but this has not deterred skaters. Warning: this is extremely dangerous; a friendly car to tail skaters is a must, and helpful for a ride back to the top! — Matthew Suárez

Baja Bike Race

Tecate–Ensenada

Dating back to 1993, this 73-mile ride connects Tecate to seaside Ensenada via Baja’s mountainous wine country. With four major climbs and nearly 4000 feet of elevation gain through the granite hills of Valle de Guadalupe, the closed-course ride is open to competitive racers (prizes up to $750) as well as recreational riders. The race takes place on June 21, but arrive a day early for the pre-race wine-and-food fest at the starting line. The Finish Line Fiesta will be held at San Nicolas Hotel and Casino. Registration, $70. Shuttle service available to/from San Diego at additional cost.— Chad Deal