Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Civic Center blends administrative bustle with cultural charm in the heart of Mexicali. The imposing Government Palace stands proudly alongside the modern glass Teatro del Estado, while tree-lined plazas showcase bronze monuments to revolutionary heroes. Catch a morning flag ceremony, explore Vicente Guerrero Park, or visit the Sol Children's Museum for a taste of local culture.
Hungry travelers can grab authentic Mexican lunches from taquería stands that cater to government workers. Most businesses operate weekday hours, closing early evenings and weekends. The area's central location makes attractions walkable, with city buses connecting to border crossings and residential neighborhoods when you're ready to explore further.
Mexicali's Historic Center wraps you in layers of cultural stories and unexpected twists around every corner. Chinese lanterns glow alongside colonial architecture, creating a fascinating border-culture mashup you won't find anywhere else. The towering cathedral stands watch over cobblestone plazas where locals gather, while La Chinesca (the city's Chinatown) serves up amazing fusion food you'll dream about later.
The neighborhood delivers on authentic experiences with Chinese-Mexican restaurants and traditional mercados selling everything from regional crafts to Baja wines. Most attractions sit within walking distance, though city buses connect you to farther spots. Simple but charming boutique hotels in converted colonial buildings make perfect home bases for your cultural deep-dive.
La Chinesca
La Chinesca, Mexico's largest Chinatown, serves up a fascinating blend of Chinese and Mexican cultures in the heart of Mexicali. Red pagoda-style gates welcome visitors to streets where aromas of five-spice powder mix with Mexican chilies. The neighborhood features secret underground tunnels built during Prohibition, markets selling jade, herbs, and handmade crafts, and the notable House of Culture.
Family-run restaurants dish out must-try fusion creations like chop suey tacos and Cantonese-style seafood. Though accommodations are limited within La Chinesca itself, central Mexicali hotels make convenient home bases. The compact neighborhood is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully soak in the Chinese-Mexican atmosphere that generations of families have lovingly preserved.
Eguía
Eguía serves up a slice of real Mexican life with none of that touristy frosting. The neighborhood hums with local families going about their day while you discover authentic northern Mexican eats at family-run taquerías. Eagles Nest Stadium sits nearby, but the real attraction is soaking up daily life in this residential pocket of Mexicali.
Budget travelers will love the wallet-friendly prices at local guesthouses and small comedores. Getting around requires some planning since bus service is limited, though ride-sharing apps work in a pinch. The quiet streets and warm community vibe make this the perfect spot for travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences off the beaten path.
Zona Industrial blends Mexicali's manufacturing heritage with an emerging creative scene. Wide streets reveal converted warehouses housing artist studios where you can watch metalworkers and textile artists in action. Vicente Guerrero Park offers a green escape, while Sol Children's Museum delivers family-friendly fun amid this authentic neighborhood.
Family-run fondas serve hearty, affordable Mexican fare like carnitas and fresh tortillas. Budget travelers will appreciate the basic hotels and industrial-style hostels at prices well below city center rates. Getting around requires planning, with limited bus service but plenty of ride-sharing options and free parking throughout the area.
You can do some window-shopping at Plaza San Pedro during your stay in Mexicali. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Learn about the events happening at Palenque Fex during your trip to Mexicali. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at colorful street markets and family-run taquerias along Avenida Madero. Catch a thrilling bullfight at Plaza Calafia or explore the fascinating Museo Sol del Niño.
I loved it not what I expected. Easy to get around People are friendly. They are not a lot of homeless people and it's not dirty. It looks like they're trying to maintain it nice and clean for tourist. I would definitely go again. Lots of great food
Ricardo
8.0/10
Good
It is an industrious city, wide, clean streets, very well planned. There are plenty of restaurants. The government center is just across the boulevard. 20 mins to the border. People are frendly and helpful.
Carmen
10.0/10
Excellent
Mexicali is a great city to visit, there is great eating and dining, specially Chinese. I highly recommend Imperial Garden Restaurant. Weather is great this time of the year (February to April).
Jose Juventino
10.0/10
Excellent
Mexicali has a lot of great food and wonderful nice people who greet you everywhere you go. Beautiful culture make you feel welcome.
Eberardo
10.0/10
Excellent
Mexicali is full of things to do just need to know what you want to get into from night life to amazing dine out at fancy tasty places or of a cart on the street.
victor
8.0/10
Good
Mexicali can sometimes be chaotic, especially while driving. However, the warmth and kindness of it's citizens far outweigh those periodic moments.
bajacruzn
8.0/10
Good
I was on a family trip, see very good restaurants, very good time, must go back 😀
Mario
8.0/10
Good
Nice place to visit if you want to get a true representation of Mexico
aaron
8.0/10
Good
We like coming to Mexicali we have our places we like to eat and hang out at.I'm sure it could be dangerous in certain areas or late at night like n any city but we haven't had any problems till now.
Erika
8.0/10
Good
It's my first time in Mexicali. The city has many diverse areas, and it definitely provides a another aspect of life in Mexico.
"The Italian Restaurant on the premises was incredible. This is where we had our post-wedding ceremony meal. It was a fantastic five star experience. Every one at the resort bent over backwards to make sure everything was absolutely perfect over our 2 day stay. "
If you want the flexibility to change your travel plans to Mexicali, most hotels provide refundable* bookable rates. You can see these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where can I stay in Mexicali if I want a reasonably priced accommodation?
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Mexicali is an accommodation you might want to consider that'll save you money. You may want to browse more choices on our site, including 5 motels.
Where can I stay in Mexicali if I want a vacation home instead of a hotel?
If you want a good alternative to a hotel, review our selection of 17 vacation homes. In addition, you can choose from 16 apartments.
What will the weather in Mexicali be like during my vacation?
July and August are typically the warmest months in Mexicali when the average temp is 93°F. December and January are the coldest months when the average temperature is 61°F. August and January are the months with the most rain.
Why should I book my Mexicali hotel through Hotels.com?
There are lots of reasons to book your Mexicali trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.
Find out more about Mexicali
Find out more about Mexicali
Mexicali is a family-friendly place known for its restaurants. You might find the perfect souvenir at Plaza Comercial La Cachanilla or Plaza La Gran Via. Check out other sights like Eagles Nest Stadium and Palenque Fex.
