Tijuana Arch (Friendship Arch) — Attraction in Baja California

It's been 22 years since I've been to TJ and this one of the new monuments. It is beautiful. The TJ Arch is located at the north end of Revolucion Ave ( the main street for TJ, tourists, and now locals). When there is a slight wind some of the support cables make a very distinctive sound. Samsung sponsored the Arch, as there is their name under the display. Right next to the TJ Arch is the ground hugging large Tijuana sign, suitable for pictures and selfies. There are also several large murals nearby to see. The TJ Arch is visible from far away, you can use it to orient yourself. Santiago Arguello St is right next to El Arco where the street has been made very festive, there are many shops for souvenirs to purchase, restaurants to eat at, music to listen to (including live mariachis) and the city has really fixed the street up for tourists and locals. I have this street as a daily walk through before I go to my room. You should enjoy this street if you visit TJ. 22 years ago they had started to tear up the streets, the city built a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line through Revolucion Ave, narrowed Revolucion Ave and widened the sidewalks on both side. There are now 2 high rise condos on Revolucion Ave (actually Feb 2023 one of the condos is still under construction, with the skeleton up). Little did I know what it was going to look like 22 years later. North of Zona Rio the city built the New City project of 3 modern high rise buildings (one medical building and two residential buildings). They are visible from Revolucion Ave and Benito Juarez Blvd (look east). Revolution Ave used to be mostly for American tourists to shop at and get drunk at the many cantina girly bars. Those are all gone, you can still do all that in the red light district. Now Revolucion Ave has restaurants, coffee cafes, night club bars, some tourist shops, and almost all of them with outdoor seating. Long gone are the raunchy days of...

The Tijuana Arch, also known as the "Arco de Tijuana," serves as a significant historical and cultural landmark in Tijuana, Mexico. Erected in 2001, this iconic structure symbolizes the city's rapid growth and its role as a border city. From a historical perspective, the arch reflects Tijuana’s evolution from a small settlement into a bustling metropolis, particularly during the late 20th century when it became a hub for cross-border trade and tourism.

It stands at a busy intersection, making it a focal point for both locals and visitors. Historically, Tijuana has been a gateway between Mexico and the United States, and the arch embodies this connection, welcoming millions of tourists annually.

Moreover, the arch represents the blending of cultures, showcasing Tijuana's unique identity shaped by its proximity to the U.S. border. It has become a popular photo opportunity and a symbol of the city's resilience and growth. Overall, the Tijuana Arch is more than just a physical structure; it is a testament to the city’s rich history and its ongoing evolution as a vibrant...

This tourist location is the starting point of the famous Revolution Avenue of Tijuana, Mexico. For family friendly enviroment make sure to walk to the south of the avenue and you will see bars and restaurants along with many mexican curios stores and convenient stores. If you intend to enjoy and adult enviroment, walk west and you will find bars and more bars. Beware that you will be walking into the Red Light District. Police is around the area, but use extreme caution and make sure to walk in group of friends to avoid the scammers. Lots of them in the area! Have fun in this never ending...