San Ysidro, CA

Prior to annexation, San Ysidro existed primarily as an agricultural settlement, named the Little Landers Colony. It became known as a place where those seeking to escape urban drudgery could put down roots both figuratively and literally. When the railroad made its way to the Pacific coast, it brought more tourists and settlers — and San Ysidro became the main corridor for travelers heading south into Mexico.

The Old Customs House was placed on the Registry of Historical Places for its architectural and political significance. It stands as an example of the Spanish mission revival style and as an important symbol of relations between the United States and Mexico.

Each May, Dia de San Ysidro celebrates the historical and cultural roots of the area as well as its namesake, Saint Isidore. The day is marked by festivities designed to showcase local foods, traditions and art.

Those with a hankering for fast food won’t be disappointed. You can find everything from Cinnabon to Burger King here. Of course, many come to San Ysidro and the surrounding areas for authentic fare served by the region’s small family-run Mexican restaurants. Not especially noted for its nightlife, San Ysidro's residents travel north into San Diego or south into Mexico for their respective bar and party scenes.

While there’s no shortage of Mexican restaurants around San Diego, people make the drive to San Ysidro for El Jalapeño. Good food and killer prices are just part of what makes this unassuming little place special. You may forget which side of the border you’re on when you dig into a plate of fish tacos or mesquite grilled carne asada.

Head north on Beyer Boulevard and find Beyer Deli, tucked discreetly inside a small business park, for some of the best sandwiches on the West Coast. The famous New Yorker, served hot and stacked high with pastrami and corned beef, tastes even better than it smells. The Hot and Delicious showcases regional produce by layering mounds of fresh avocado with perfectly roasted turkey.

If you decide to cross into Mexico to check out the Tijuana nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs just waiting to show tourists a good time. Dandy Del Sur is the real deal, an authentic neighborhood dive bar. Locals from both sides of the border have been coming here for decades to soak up the cozy atmosphere, friendly vibe and amazing tamarindo margaritas.

I-5 and I-805 run directly in to San Ysidro, so access in and out of the city is convenient and quick. You won’t find many bike lanes in San Ysidro, and the walkability of the area is fairly low because of the way things are spread out. However, this region is very well served by public transportation. Metro bus routes and a trolley line run through the area. San Ysidro also has excellent coverage from cab services, but you still have to call to get one. You can also use the Uber app to book and pay for local drivers to take you around. Eateries and shopping centers in San Ysidro tend to have ample free parking, and you can park along most streets in the neighborhoods without having to pay a fee.

If you plan to visit Tijuana or anywhere else south of the border, it’s a good idea to contact a touring company. Several of them operate in and around San Ysidro, offering guided tours into Tijuana so you can easily navigate your way to the hotspots and stay out of trouble. The focus of these tours can vary in nature, so call around before booking. You don’t want to end up on a party bus when you wanted to take a walking tour of historic sites. Also, make sure you have a current passport before you go.

There are a few parks in San Ysidro, and all open spaces and playgrounds are free to the public. Used for family gatherings and community events, San Ysidro’s parks make a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

San Ysidro Community Park is a long rectangle-shaped piece of land divided in half by West Hall Avenue. It features two fields, a playground, a tennis court and a basketball court. Neighborhood kids love to play in the two on-site recreation centers. For a fee, you can join and participate in classes or use the indoor facilities.

Vista Park on Ashley Avenue in the northern part of San Ysidro features 6.7 acres of open space and play areas, as well as a year-round pool. Further south, the Cesar Chavez Community Center has 16 acres of fields for playing ball games.

San Ysidro offers a variety of homes that truly capture the essence of California living. For those considering a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $1,711 per month. Alternatively, if a house is more your style, the average house for rent costs around $3,395 per month. For those dreaming of homeownership, the average house price typically hovers around $667,651.

A couple of familiar California chain grocery stores such as Super Saver can be found in San Ysidro, and Von’s will deliver groceries from their location in Chula Vista. Most of the grocery stores in the area are international markets, primarily focused on Mexican products. These markets provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and pick up authentic ingredients and snacks. In addition, you can always head to Imperial Beach on Friday afternoons for the seaside farmer’s market.

Las Americas Premium Outlets houses 125 stores, making it San Diego’s largest outlet mall. Tourists come here for discounts on top brands from high-end retailers such Coach, Michael Kors and Swarovski. An especially popular stop, the Watch Station, has deep discounts on fine watches. The knowledgeable staff here will treat you right, taking the time to help you find exactly what you want.

A few miles across the border in Tijuana on Avenida Revolucion, La Casa del Habano sells the finest cigars including premium Cuban varieties. Buy a pack or a single. Hang out with the friendly staff while you enjoy it. If you get hungry, you can order in from the great nearby restaurants.