PlacemakingUS, in collaboration with Placemaking Mexico, is dedicated to sharing our explorations and insights into the border region.

Placemaking Weekend Baja

Join us on an immersive journey to Tijuana, Las Playas, Puerto Nuevo, Ensenada, and Valle del Guadalupe. This unique trip aims to deepen your understanding of Mexican culture, showcasing the diverse spectrums of life in the region. You'll explore everything from efforts to combat urban poverty to experiencing the culinary delights and viticulture of the border region. Get to know the people, taste the food, and explore these incredible places as we shed light on Mexico's richness and diversity.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Pick you up at the border and we tour plazas, adaptive reuse projects, commercial zones of Tijuana and dine together.
• Day 2: Visit the beaches, lobster towns, waterfronts, parks, placemaking projects, markets and tourist zones from Las Playas to Ensenada.
• Day 3: Visit the Valle de Guadalupe wine region and return to border.

Themes:

• Mexican Culture, Language, Music and Food, Arts
• The Border, Social Issues, Climate Change, Economic Dev
• Placemaking, Urban Design, Programming, Markets, Visitors

Team:

• Ryan Smolar, PlacemakingUS, Food Placemaking Expert
• Madeleine Spencer, PlacemakingUS, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Guillermo Bernal, PlacemakingX, Global Operations
• Luciana Renner, Placemaking Mexico, Lead Urban Designer
• Christina Duran, Placemaking Mexico, Sustainability Coordinator

August 24-26, 2023

​Experience Baja's vibrant culture and community development projects during our immersive Placemaking Weekend from August 24th to August 26th, 2023.

​Join local placemaking leaders, indulge in delicious food, and explore the area's hidden gems. This package includes transportation, accommodation, snacks and water, and exclusive tours. 

Visiting Tijuana and Ensenada is a unique experience that blends vibrant culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty. Tijuana offers a dynamic cross-border atmosphere with art, street food, and a lively nightlife. Ensenada provides a laid-back ambiance with scenic ocean views, fresh seafood, and local wines.

​Both cities combine modern development with cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable and authentic experience in Baja California.

Even more, we will explore the lesser-understood Las Playas area, visit the famous lobster town of Puerto Nuevo and dip our toes into Valle de Guadalupe, Baja's emerging wine region.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on availability and unforeseen circumstances. Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items they may need for the weekend.
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Please note that the price does not include international transportation to South California or any additional expenses incurred outside of the mentioned inclusions. Participants are responsible for obtaining necessary travel documents, such as passports, visas, and travel insurance.

If you have any questions or want to book a spot for the Placemaking Weekend in Tijuana, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to creating a memorable and enriching experience for you and your group!

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Donate to Scholarships

​Help us send someone on this trip -- PlacemakingUS provides discounted and free learning scholarships to those who need them. Your donation helps send a placemaker to one of our online or in-person convenings. In 2022, we provided over $2,000 in learning sponsorships.