There are a few shops near the plaza, but the best place to browse for souvenirs is the Centro de Artesanias de Tecate (Calzada Universidad, near Parque Adolfo López Mateos, no tel., 8:30 A.M.–6 P.M. Mon.–Fri., 10 A.M.–3 P.M. Sat.). Originally a workshop for glassblowing, the center sells a full range of pottery, jewelry, and other crafts.

To bring home a bottle of Baja California wine (one is the limit, per U.S. customs), go to La Bodeguita on the plaza (Juárez 346, tel. 665/101-7652, 1–9 P.M. Tues.–Sun.) and enjoy a free tasting.

The Mercado (9 A.M.–5 P.M. daily) at Rancho La Puerta stocks high quality souvenirs, ceramics, T-shirts, hats, and several beautiful cookbooks—including Cooking with the Seasons with Rancho La Puerta, by Deborah Szekely and Deborah M. Schneider. You can also buy DVDs of exercise programs developed by the resort’s fitness instructors.

At press time the Museo Kumiai at the Tecate Cultural Center was planning to open a small gift shop with handicrafts from fair-trade sources.