The city's name comes from the rancho that Santiago Argüello Moraga established in 1829 on his Mexican land grant, naming it Rancho Tía Juana. The first Spanish mission referred to the settlement variously as Rancho Tía Juana, Tihuan and finally, Tijuana.

Just across the border from San Diego, Tijuana has a vibrant queer scene. Centered around Plaza Santa Cecilia you'll find Drag Queens performing 90s Mexican pop hits in cantinas, thumping dance clubs, seedy bars with backrooms, and an array of dives bars some more catered to lesbian clientele.