Mexico Adventures- Puerto Nuevo

Baja! I love Mexico. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked about my input on traveling. I love that people think of me as a go to for travel ideas, especially to Mexico. It’s a really big compliment! I’ve done a good amount of traveling and just recently have decided to actually do blog posts on my travels.

My parents started us young. They love to travel and always brought us with them. The only vacation I can remember that we weren't invited on was their 30th wedding anniversary to Cozumel. The very next year we got an invite and have continued to travel together that direction ever since.

Will (the huz) is big on the traveling adventures as well. In the very beginning of our relationship I brought up the idea of a quick weekend trip to Mexico and I remember how it felt like time stood still. His mouth was halfway open and he looked like he was in shock. He asked me “Do you like going down to Mexico?” My answer: “I love Mexico and have been going since I was 8”. He happens to have the same history of traveling with his family down to Mexico and I'm pretty sure we took the same road trip the same year with our families, but obviously didn't know each other . I think Mexico may have sealed the deal for us :)

I get asked a lot “is it safe?”

I'm not sure on the exact number of times I have driven across the US Border, but at this point it’s probably been hundreds. I get asked a lot about safety. Well, I have only had one incident in all of my travels down South and I do believe it was partially my fault. I believe the rule when traveling to Mexico (or anywhere really) is RESPECT! If you don’t have respect for another country, their people or their culture I recommend you stay home. A smile and respect goes a very long way :)

When we travel we over use PLEASE and THANK YOU.

We try to speak the language of the country we are in.

We love to learn something new about the places we visit and bring it home with us.

Because we live very close and travel often to Mexico we all (yes, pretty much the whole fam and a lot of our friends) have the SENTRI pass. This is a government issued pass that allows you travel in and out of the US/Mexico border in a special designated lane. Typically we cross the border from Mexico into the United States in less than 15 minutes on our way home (it depends if churros are involved).

I’ve looked around at other Travel Blogs and I plan on sharing my experience. I will do my best to attach links that have directions or cheap flights but for me I love to enrich myself in the culture and food while I travel so that is what I am committed to sharing with you. I plan on lots of fun pics, food recommendations and plenty of boomerangs so make sure you follow along on my instagram stories too.

Puerto Nuevo- Lobster Town

Over the weekend we took some new friends across the border with us to watch the sunset and eat lobster on the water. One of the questions asked was how long does it take to get into the country. I got a bit stumped because I’ve been country hopping down there practically my entire life and had to think about it. The answer is you do not have to stop or show any documentation when you are entering Mexico via car. The way back is completely different.

Once we cross the border we always head to the playas, which translated is beaches!  The trip is 45 minutes of coastal views. We pass what use to be the small town of Rosarito (now giant town especially for the spring breakers) and 15 minutes later we are in Lobster heaven.

The entrance to Puerto Nuevo has cultural arches and it can feel crazy as everyone is in the streets trying to get you to eat at their restaurant. They will try and lure you in with the best prices, a free margarita and no charge for parking. It’s quite a scene. We have tried many places but our go to and what we think is THE BEST is Hacienda Ortegas. Now, there are a lot of 'Ortegas' so make sure you get to HACIENDA. It is a yellow building, on the North side and 4 stories tall. We like to sit on the very top of the roof if it’s not too cold. They make their bread from scratch downstairs in the kitchen along with some of the best salsa I’ve ever had (ask for the Ortegas Sauce!)

Usually, there are different sizes of lobster which comes with all the fixins; a margarita and fresh tortilla soup (There is a salad option but I don't get salad in Mexico anymore… just trust me on this). The meal also comes with rice, beans, tortillas and more salsa. Sometimes you can even bargain for a 2nd free margarita but I don't do that too often anymore (you're welcome Will). You can ask to look at the lobsters and also ask which ones are fresh, some are frozen from a previous catch and you obviously want fresh. This last time we went we got a medium sized lobster each with all of the goodies and a margarita for $30 each. I remember the days when we got it for $18 and 2 margaritas but those days are over ........and now I sound like my parents LOL.

The sunset is gorgeous so if you can get there around that time it is perfect. There is typically no wait and I feel like there is no rush. You will have to ask for your check (which is how I think it should be… take a hint America.)

When we are done with the lobster experience we walk the streets for a bit and check out the vendors. There are so many things for sale and my dad taught me how to get a good deal :)  My advice to you: never settle on the said price of an item, except for the dulce shop (candy shop) don’t haggle with them. Careful with the nuts, they are to die for but I did chip a tooth one time. There is also a fruit stand with fresh cut fruit. It is typical for them to add chile and lime as a topping. I think it is delicious but you can decide what you like. There is just one size and it is massive so plan on sharing.

After dinner there are several places you can stop like Charlie's place or Bodega Wine Bar but usually we head back. There are 2 border crossing that head into San Diego and we opt for the smaller, East Border, which is Otay Mesa. We find that it has less of a wait and the border patrol agents are nicer. There are not many things to buy like the madness of the San Ysidro boarder but there is one Churro stand on the Sentri side of the street and when he is open I hop out of the car and go running for a quick bag of churros. There is no comparison to churros in Mexico so make sure you get some.

I love our trips down South and love introducing new friends to our South of the Border Adventures. Feel free to ask any questions or give feedback on what you'd like to hear about on the next travel blog post.

xoxo,