The 9 Best Beach Resorts & Hotels in Tijuana, Mexico (2023)

What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Tijuana? Would it be that the border between Tijuana and San Diego is the busiest border crossing in the world? It might be that Tijuana has a reputation for high crime rates. Tijuana beach resorts or flashy hotels in Tijuana may be the last things that come to mind. But this westernmost municipality in Mexico has plenty to offer when it comes to beach vacations.

Just over the border from California, it might not be the most obvious choice for a beach vacation. But if you are reading this then you probably already know that there are some great beach hotels in Tijuana – and Playas de Tijuana specifically. Playas de Tijuana is the most northern and western borough of the city, on the Pacific coast.

Tijuana has a lot to offer. It is the largest city in the state of Baja California after all. It is a mecca for cultural experiences and art. For history buffs, don’t miss the Cultural Center. If beer is your cup of tea then you’ll be excited to know that the craft beer scene in Tijuana is huge. Or try a wine tasting trip if you prefer. Indulge in the plentiful shopping – don’t miss the downtown El Popo street market – a delight for all your senses. Experience a concert if you can in Plaza Monumental. The Plaza Monumental is known as the Bullring by the Sea in English. It is located in Playas de Tijuana – perfect if you are staying in one of the Tijuana beach resorts.

While Tijuana beach resorts might not seem obvious compared to somewhere like Cancun, it does have a lot to offer and is a convenient drive from California. If you are not sure what to expect from beach hotels in Tijuana, read on.

Del Mar Inn Playas

Del Mar Inn Playas
Photo credit: booking.com

Talking of the bullring, this is one of the nearby beach hotels in Tijuana. The beach is just a five-minute walk away. The beach is under half a mile away so you can walk there in around ten minutes. If you have a car you can take advantage of the hotel’s free parking facility.

Each one of the fifty-nine air-conditioned rooms has free wifi and cable TV. The rooms are basic and decorated in an older style. Don’t come here expecting marble floors and mood lighting. Choose from single rooms, double rooms, and suites. The suites have a bathtub in the room.

The buffet restaurant on-site is open for breakfast and lunch. Omelets and pancakes are freshly prepared while you wait. It is closed on Tuesdays. For dinner, the closest restaurants are a few minutes away. The Plaza Coronado Shopping Center is not far and has shops, eateries, and a cinema. If you want to browse El Pop market you will find it 4.5 miles away in the center of Tijuana.

If you are traveling out of season you can swim in the heated outdoor pool (check opening times). Positive reviews mention the twenty-four-hour security and free cancellation option. Not all of the beach hotels in Tijuana have this. There is a golf course at the Tijuana Country Club which is fifteen minutes drive away. If you like golf you might prefer the Real del Mar Golf Resort further south.

Address: Paseo Playas de Tijuana 116, Seccion Terrazas de Mendoza, 22504 Tijuana

Best for: families, solo travelers, business travelers

Rating: 7.9/10

Dali Suites

Dali Suites Tijuana
Photo credit: booking.com

Dali Suites are a self-catering option in a great location as far as beach hotels go. Approximately a ten-minute walk from the beach. They pride themselves on their friendly customer service and offer free cancellation. Each suite has a kitchenette including a stovetop, fridge, toaster, and kettle. They may be small but they are functional. There is a grocery store close by. Coffee lovers can get their fix in the neighborhood Starbucks. The suites are very basically furnished and have fans instead of air-conditioning. If you are not traveling in the hot summer months this shouldn’t be a concern. They all have cable TV and free wifi.

In the grounds, you will find lovely gardens with palm trees. Free parking on-site is useful if you have a car. If you don’t feel like cooking then a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars can all be found within a few minutes of the property – no car required. Guests who have stayed here love the location and the friendly host. There is a fitness center just two minute’s walk away if you like to keep fit on vacation.

Address: Colina 551 Terrazas de Mendoza Playas de Tijuana, 22504 Tijuana

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Best for: couples, solo travelers, business travelers

Rating: 9.4/10

Penthouse in Rosarito

Rosarito Penthouse
Photo credit: booking.com

The Playas de Tijuana area extends southwards towards the Rosarito area. This is where we find our next property selection. All the open-plan rooms here have an ocean view. If you like to relax in a bath with great views of the ocean then you are in luck. The rooms are bright, super spacious, and decorated in a quaint beach style with touches of wood and attractive tiling.

If you want to self-cater here then you can select a suite with a kitchen. You’ll get everything you need. An oven, stovetop, microwave, fridge/freezer, and a dining area. The penthouse suite has three bedrooms and is 1300 ft². Don’t worry if self-catering isn’t your thing. The on-site restaurant provides meals, and there are dining facilities in the local vicinity too.

The beach is close by and guests can enjoy a private beach area too. When the sea is too cold to swim in, there is an outdoor pool. This is available all year round and is located a short walk from the main property. These properties are located in the secure Rosarito San Antonio Del Mar gated community. There is private parking available free of charge. Tennis courts are on-site and golfing is nearby.

Address: 948 Cantil, 22560 Harry Manzo

Best for: couples, families, people with a larger budget

Rating: 7.9/10

Quinta Pacifica Beachfront Villas

Quinta Pacifica Beachfront Villas
Photo credit: booking.com

The Quinta Pacifica Beachfront Villas are located near the Rosarito Beach Hotel (the next one on our list). They are also quite close to Puerto Nuevo Baja Hotel Villas. A selection of villas on the beach, they are all fully equipped with everything you could need. Full kitchens are standard with tea and coffee makers. When you don’t want to cook indoors, enjoy a barbecue on the private patio.

There is a swimming pool on the property. Traveling in the winter? The pool is heated and available all year. While there is no restaurant on-site, the Quinta Plaza shopping mall is just over the road. Here you’ll find a great selection of stores, and some upscale dining and drinking options.

Note that wifi costs US$15 per day.

Address: Blvd. Benito Juarez, Km. 26000, 22710 Rosarito

Best for: families, couples

Rating: 6.8/10

Rosarito Beach Hotel

Rosarito Beach Hotel
Photo credit: booking.com

The Rosarito Beach Hotel is one of the oceanfront hotels located on the beach in the Rosarito area. The selection of 500 rooms ranges from one-bedroom, two-bedroom suites, and a three-bedroom penthouse. They all have air-conditioning. Some have balconies with sea-views so check before you book if that is an important feature. The rooms are located in one of three separate towers – Coronado, Playas, and Pacifico. Each tower has its own swimming pool and hot tub.

The Playas Tower suites have kitchenettes to give you more dining flexibility. There are two restaurants on-site here. One of the restaurants offers traditional American and Mexican fare, while the other is a fusion between Mexican and Mediterranean. Let your hair down in the Karaoke bar, if that’s your style. There is an on-site spa to indulge in when your limbs need a rest from exploring.

Families will be pleased to know there is a kids club. This is available during summer and holidays. Parents can have some time off while the little ones are occupied. A perfect opportunity to try out some of the activities perhaps such as surfing or horse-riding on the beach. Guests here love the location and the choice of on-site facilities.

Address: Blvd Benito Juarez 31, 22710 Rosarito

Best for: families, couples

Rating: 7.7/10

Hotel Jatay

Hotel Jatay Tijuana
Photo credit: booking.com

Which of the Tijuana beach resorts combines a great location with a good price? Introducing Hotel Jatay. The hotel was only opened at the end of 2018. Facilities are as you would expect from a modern hotel. Reception is available twenty-four-hours. A tour desk can help you with activities and excursions. Luggage storage is available and there is free parking on-site.

Each of the seventy-two rooms is modern and clean. They have a slightly corporate feel to them. Air-conditioning and free wifi are standard. Blackout curtains will help you get a good night’s sleep. There is a restaurant on-site and room service is available twenty-four-hours a day. A separate kids menu is sure to delight younger tastebuds.

Being on the beachfront you will have easy access to all the water sports. The popular Playas de Tijuana boardwalk is lined with restaurants and bars. The Bullring is nearby so you could catch a concert. You can reach the center of Tijuana in around fifteen minutes to explore all the delights on offer there.

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Address: 560 Avenida Del Pacifico, Sección Monumental, 22504 Tijuana

Best for: families, solo travelers, business travelers

Rating: 7.5/10

Baja Malibu Paradise

Baja Malibu Paradise
Photo credit: booking.com

Towards the southern end of Playas de Tijuana is Baja Malibu Paradise. This property is great for a large group or families. You can walk to the beach in ten minutes. With six bedrooms there is lots of room to spread out – almost 6000 ft². A fully equipped kitchen, dining, and living area. There are eight televisions in the house! Streaming service and free wifi included. Or watch films on the DVD player. There is an equipped bar in the property – extra charges may apply so do check.

There is an outdoor pool but the property has private beach access so you will want to take advantage of that. Tennis fans can have a game on the court here. If you are into nightlife, the famous Papas and Beer is not too far away.

Towels and bed-linen are extra. Or bring your own. If you travel by car you can park it free in the private on-site car park.

Address: Copan 1211, Baja Malibu, Sección Lomas, Playas de Tijuana, 22566 Harry Manzo

Good for: groups, families

Rating: 9.1/10

Hotel Festival Plaza Playas Rosarito

Hotel Festival Rosarito
Photo credit: booking.com

Back in the Rosarito area, we have the Hotel Festival Plaza Playas – beach hotel, resort, and spa. Located in the heart of the action, you won’t be far from places to eat or things to do when staying here. Rosarito Beach is practically on the doorstep. The room choices at this Tijuana beach resort start with a basic room. For some indulgence, choose the penthouse suite with a corner bath overlooking the ocean. Or perhaps you fancy a casita, with your own private entrance. All room types have fans, only the casitas have air-conditioning. Something to consider if you are traveling in summer.

There is a nice outdoor pool area with a hot tub, and the hotel has a spa with a range of pampering treatments. All room rates include breakfast, and there are several dining options. They have their own food court on-site. Feast on meat and veggie burgers, and burritos, or for the healthy option go for a vegan juice in the juice bar. Don’t be too healthy though, or you might miss out on the fresh crepes at El Cafecito.

If you have a car you can be at the nearest mall in five minutes, complete with casinos and movie theatres. Out of all the beach hotels in Tijuana and Baja California, this offers a lot.

Address: Boulevard Benito Juarez 1207-1, 22700 Rosarito

Good for: there is something for everyone here

Rating: 7.3/10

Suites Leon Rojo

Suites Leon Rojo
Photo credit: booking.com

These apartment suites are located a couple of minute’s walk from Tijuana beach. They are towards the northern end of Playas de Tijuana. They are furnished in a basic style and all have simple kitchen areas so you can self-cater if you like to. Kitchen utensils are not included so if you are driving remember to pack some! Guests love the location of these apartments and there is free parking available on-site.

There is a twenty-four-hour reception and a tour desk to help you arrange outings. This is one of the more basic Tijuana beach resorts and one of the Tijuana beach hotels that does not have a pool. This may not matter because the beach is so close. If you prefer not to self-cater (or you forget the kitchen utensils!), you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options for eating in the immediate vicinity. Free wifi is provided through the property.

Address: Paseo Playas de Tijuana 2535, Playas, Costa de Oro, 22505 Tijuana

Good for: solo travelers, couples and small families

Rating: 8.2/10

FAQs

Which beach resort in Tijuana is best for families?

We think the Hotel Festival Plaza Playas Rosarito is one of the best hotels in Tijuana for families. Offering a choice of food on-site to suit everyone. The entertainment options nearby will ensure everyone is happy too.

Which beach resort in Tijuana is best for couples?

Couples looking for romantic Tijuana beach resorts will enjoy the Penthouse Rosarito. Stylish open-plan rooms with an uninterrupted view of the ocean. If you want somewhere with a spa, check out the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

Which beach resort in Tijuana is best for solo travelers?

If you are a solo traveler looking for great beach hotels in Tijuana then you could do a lot worse than Hotel Jatay. The location is perfect for exploring on foot. Previous guests consider it to be in a safe area.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers