LA - Tijuana

Hi

as part of a RTW this year i will be arriving in LA mid-late 2007 and am just wondering if its OK to do a trip to Tijuana from LA or make way to San Diego and do it from there?

Also is it best to do an oganized trip or maybe rent a car and do the journey by own means? (i know to leave the car in the states while i WALK over the border!)

Is San Diego a good town or just a base to go to Tijuana?

Also how long would people suggest for a trip to Grand Canyon from LV? Was thinking of hiring a car to do the drive, maybe stay over night near Grand Canyon (is this possible?) and tour GC and drive back to Las Vegas

Any help appreciated

many thanks
mark

San Diego is a delightful town unlike LA it is clean and not as polluted. I took a tour bus day trip to Tijuana from San Diego. much safer and easy. Do not stray off the main tourists streets in Tijuana ubless you are comfortable in slums and crime.
I also was short on time while in Las Vegas so I took a plane ride from LV over the Grand Canyon.
Have fun.
Dan

I would definately recommend heading down to San Diego and spending a few days there. From there head to Tijuana either rent a car or take the bus. Be careful while you are there and do not do anything remotely illegal (peeing in the streets ect.) the cops will arrest you and make you pay them in cash. Just dont do anything stupid. From Vegas to the grand canyon renting a car would be a good idea, stop at the hoover dam and lake mead. Enjoy your trip

I agree with all the posts. San Diego is a great and relaxing town! There are wonderful restaurants and beautiful beaches.

Remember tht if you go down to Tijuana by car/bus, head the warning of what you can bring back (no fireworks, drugs, etc.) The patrol guards do check all the vehicles and it really isnn't worth spending a night in jail or paying fines. Make your vacation worth remembering. Always remember -- drink bottled water in Mexico. other than that -- the food is great.

Gand Canyon is definately a couple days trip. There are other canyons also along the way that are just as beautiful and scenic as well. Make sure you have a GREAT camera -- disposbles won't do in this case. Banyon canyon is one I highly suggest.

I hear that lately the tours to Hoover Damn are packed - so book early and make sure you also make it either an morning/evening booking as well (the heat depending on when you are going is something to consider in the desert as well)

San Diego is great. Tijuana is not. LA is fun too, but hard to navigate as a tourist. If you do LA, I would stick to Santa Monica and other beach areas. Maybe do Hollywood and Beverly Hills as those seem to be tourist must sees. Tijuana is gross by any standards. I would continue on to Ensenada which is better than Tijuana.

The Grand Canyon is awesome and you should try to spend the night there. There are several places in the area to stay. Where are you from? Are you planning on doing any of the Northern part of CA? San Francisco and Monterey area are great! Good luck with your trip.

As a frequent visitor to San Diego area, I would encourage you to spend some time in this delightful city.

If landing in LA, and you don't want to hire a car immediately, consider a low cost shuttle ride ($3 US) from LAX to downtown Union Station for a train ride on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to San Diego.
Shuttle: http://www.lawa.org/flyawayinfo2.cfm
Amtrak (route is Pacific Surfliner, frequent runs daily) http://www.amtrak.com

Upon arrival in San Diego you may connect right on the platform with the excellent San Diego Trolley system. The cars are electric powered and painted bright red.

The San Diego Trolley routes toward Tijuana. Just take the line to San Ysidro-International Border. Here's the website: http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/trolley/index.asp

If you choose to drive, do not get your car near that border due to thievery. Your rental car contract will exclude any loss coverage if you take the vehicle into Mexico.

great thanks for your tips

i have just found out about the trolley from San Diego so will be do that.

thanks
mark