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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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In trying to map out my travel...after crossing at TJ....do I want to follow Highway 1....or 1D to get to Ensenada?
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Curt63
Super Nomad
Posts: 1171
Registered: 3-28-2009
Location: San Diego, Ca.
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Mood: Fish tacos and Tecate
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You want 1D, the toll road. The signs will say Ensenada Cuota.
The free road, Mex 1, will be labled as Ensenada Libre.
I've been using the Tecate crossing (very easy) lately, so I'm not the person to describe the current Tijuana conditions
You'll be fine either way.
Good luck
No worries
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pwrslider
Newbie
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Maybe I need to clarify...looking at google maps....it looks like 1D turns off to the right to Via Rapida...and goes to the coast line...and there is
a second 1D that splits off before the coast and connects to La Joya then becomes 1 and 2 ..then 1 again...
yikes...any help would be great...or directions on where to get a good map. I have a Garmin NUVI in the car....but don't always trust that either..
thanks
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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Curt...thanks! I'll be coming down 5..staying in old town SD for the night.. How far is it to Tecate from that area? Sounds like thats a better
crossing area, but on google the road looks smaller and farther...
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BajaNuts
Super Nomad
Posts: 1085
Registered: 5-11-2008
Location: eastern WA, the DRY side
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Mood: no worry, no hurry....it's all good!
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DON"T TRUST GOOGLE MAPS!
Did you hear about the young family who thought they could take a shortcut in Oregon across the mountains in winter? They followed a google map up an
old logging road, got stuck in the snow, stayed there for something like 2 weeks, hubby/dad tried to walk out for help, died in the snow, Mom and baby
lived.
The Google map they had showed it as a passable road, not a washed out logging road!
Lots of good maps available online for Baja, probably has been a post here already for a good one. I'll see what I can find or maybe DavidK will
chime in.
edited to include-
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003467382_k...
and the family had 2 children......
[Edited on 7-2-2009 by BajaNuts]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64838
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Forget most maps... The highway (toll road) is signed as the SCENIC ROAD for Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada as soon as you cross the border...
It is Hwy. 1-D (Cuota/ toll). The forst part goes right along the border fence then climbs a steep hill and drops down to the four lane highway coming
from downtown Tijuana.
LOOK at these photos of the road signs you want: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php
Near Ensenada, another choice is made, and I recommend the coastal route, signed 'Tourist Zone' as well as signs for San Quintin.
Once south of Ensenada you have no more options until south of La Paz, where the quickest way to Cabo is via Todos Santos (Hwy. 19, is about 20 miles
from La Paz) and not Hwy. 1.
[Edited on 7-2-2009 by David K]
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BajaNuts
Super Nomad
Posts: 1085
Registered: 5-11-2008
Location: eastern WA, the DRY side
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Mood: no worry, no hurry....it's all good!
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can you say...
"CHIME" 
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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I definitely second David K's thoughts on getting thru Ensenada...stick to the water.
I also second stopping at Santo Tomas...the Palomar there is a nice restaurant if you're ready to eat.
I also prefer Tecate (especially on the return) but getting your tourist card there is a bit of a hassle. You get the paperwork, fill it out, take it
down the street to a bank, stand in line, pay them and then walk back up the street to have the official give you the stamp of approval...and the
parking can suck (if this has changed I hope a nomad can let you know). TJ is much easier, tons of parking and within 10 minutes you are on the toll
road and the first breaths of relaxation can begin.
Be prepared for some heat after Catavina and have fun!
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pwrslider
Maybe I need to clarify...looking at google maps....it looks like 1D turns off to the right to Via Rapida...and goes to the coast line...and there is
a second 1D that splits off before the coast and connects to La Joya then becomes 1 and 2 ..then 1 again...
yikes...any help would be great...or directions on where to get a good map. I have a Garmin NUVI in the car....but don't always trust that either..
thanks |
Getting off to a good start:
If you are crossing south at San Ysidro, right after you go through the Mexican gates get in the middle lane. Do not get in the far right or left
lanes. After you pass a turn off to the right, maybe 100 feet after the crossing, and as you're crossing the "river" (a huge concrete ditch) get in
the right lane so you can turn right at the "Playas" exit. It's a pain because you'll be merging right into a lane full of cars merging left. Don't
expect people to let you in.
Welcome to TJ.
Careful, this all happens pretty quick and everybody is using the TJ safe driving trick - go faster than everybody else.
Take the exit, go west to the toll road and you're on your way.
It's important you do not get in the far right lane when you cross the border into Mex. You will be forced to take the first right turn, which you
don't want. You could stop and try to get in the correct lane but.......
If you cross in the far left lane and it's busy, it will be tough to get to the right when you need to.
Stay in the middle and get ready to make the right hand "playas" merge then exit. TJ is tough to drive in if you don't know where you're going.
[Edited on 7-2-2009 by k-rico]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64838
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Again... it is all here to SEE: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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[Edited on 7-4-2009 by vandy]
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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I just came up from Cabo and the road is fine. Spending a few days at Punta Baja before heading north through Tecate.
When heading south, I find it easier to park on the US side in Tecate, walk across and get FMTs, then drive on through.
Have fun. Do not do this drive this time of year without good AC. Temps 100+ down there now.
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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Thanks for all the tips..
DavidK you rock...that web site can't say it any clearer!!
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pwrslider
Newbie
Posts: 16
Registered: 6-25-2009
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One more thing...
Was wondering if anyone has any ideas where I could find a decent "shell" beach? I won't be doing alot of 4 wheelin..so, somewhere close to a
road.....
We'll be goin all the way down to Cabo via 1...and taking our time. The prelim...possible...and always adjustable plan is to spend a night in
GN..then one or 2 in Loreto...then on to Cabo.
I'll have my 2 kids with me..and they love to look for shells. I remember going shelling with my parents...somewhere near..or at an off-shore
island...near La Paz...but would prefer no boat rides...LOL!
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