THANKS so much everyone! I really appreciate the quick responses.

Would you be willing to help with a couple of follow-ups?


1) My plan is to visit Border Field State Park to get some photos of the famous border wall leading into the Pacific Ocean. Then, I'm planning to find a place to park my rental on the US side.... any recommendations of a safe, inexpensive parking operation within walking distance of the I-5 border crossing?


2) Regarding safety: my plan is to bring nothing with me for my little walk into Tijuana but my phone, wallet, and cheap point-and-shoot camera. I've seen all kinds of warnings about bringing nothing because of the high levels of crime on the streets. Are the reports exaggerated? (I have walked the streets of Caracas and Mexico City with a daypack and carrying my DSLR camera and never felt in danger.) Or should I really carry NOTHING unless I want to be robbed?


3) Related: are taxis highly recommended for safety, or is it okay to cover ground in Tijuana on foot? (I am a big walker--usually walk 80 blocks in Manhattan each day I'm there. I am a fast walker too.)


4) Any "don't miss" places? Markets? Monuments? I know Tijuana is not "traditional" Mexico, but I wouldn't want to miss anything colorful/cultural.


5) Related: any "stay away" parts of town? (I don't want to go anywhere where illegal activity may be concentrated.)


6) Is there ever a line for pedestrians returning to the USA? If so, by what time of day should I definitely make my way back to walk over the pedestrian bridge to the sidewalk into the USA? (to avoid any potential line)