TIJUANA, MX
Tijuana, colloquially referred to as "TJ", is the large border town that nestles up against the United States and more specifically San Diego. I won't beat around it here, Tijuana is not a place that you will want to spend much time. It can be dangerous, which is not a word I will use frequently, and I use with serious consideration. It's a Mexican border town. All of the bad news that you have heard in the media surrounding Mexico will be personified in these troubled cities. Tijuana is no exception.
Personally, I booked it right through. But there are a few things that could be done, and see in Tijuana, if you know where to look, and have the gusto to do it. Generally I would recommend not spending much time, if any here, and this guide will be brief. And to be honest, generally unhelpful. I would, if I were you, stop reading and start googling if you still have any interest.
Tijuana is located just South of the US border. In order to arrive in TJ, simply drive across the border. Tijuana and all of Baja is considered the "Mexico Free Zone." This means you are not required to acquire a TIP to enter the region. More on this in the Overlanding guide for Baja California. You will not be required to show a passport or any identification crossing the border if you enter with a vehicle.
It is located on the ocean, and access to the beaches and the water is quick. But I never went.
EATS
The area of Tijuana is improving. With a burgeoning food scene, that I am admittedly unfamiliar with. But if you wanted to eat your way through Tijuana you wouldn't be disappointed. The term 'Tijuana street tacos' is famous, and known commonly throughout the taco world as some of the best around.
There is no shortage of taco stands, and I have heard there is a brewery scene as well. So if you want to go find some amazing tacos and explore, you can spend some time doing that. I don't have any recommendations though. Yes I know, this is extremely unhelpful.
NIGHTLIFE
Now Tijuana does have a nightlife. It has long been a destination for young people (primarily men) from the States to escape the 21-year-old drinking age, and get to the other side of the border to enjoy legal drinking and Mexican prices. However, that is less common now than it was years and years ago before the cartel wars increased the danger of border towns.
There is still a draw to the nightlife in TJ though. I have never experienced it, but the primary draw these days is to the large and historic brothel scene in Tijuana. If that is something that interests you, you can find it in TJ. But do your own research somewhere else.
SURFING
There is surfing around Tijuana. It can be good, and you'll likely not run into any type of crowd whatsoever. But the water is extremely dirty. I avoided it, and elected to go further south, but if you want to surf Tijuana you can.