Heading to Buscerias Mexico, what do I need to know?

[Flames89]

Grab beer, book, chair, towel, and kids. Walk to beach. Sit.

[Flacker]

Originally Posted by troutman

I'd go to Guadalajara for a day or two (2nd largest city in Mexico).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the cultural center of western Mexico and the second most important cultural center in the country.[41] It is nicknamed the "Pearl of the West." While it is a modern city, it has kept many of the rural traditions of Jalisco, such as mariachi and a strong sense of Catholicism.[60] Cultural tourism is one of the most important economic activities, especially in the historic center.[7] Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes and a thriving art scene.[60] Guadalajara has twenty two museums, which include the Regional Museum of Jalisco, the Wax Museum, the Trompo Mágico children's museum and the Museum of Anthropology.[61] The Hospicio Cabañas in the historic center is a World Heritage Site.[62] For these attributes and others, the city was named an American Capital of Culture in 2005.[63]

Definitely a very cool city, but as with any major city, you are best to use your common sense.

Be careful, and you will have no problems.

Some tips from the ever paranoid US State Department:
https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentRe...aspx?cid=11967

Although Guadalajara is reported to have lower crime rates than some Mexican border cities, visitors are urged to remain vigilant and use common sense during their stay. Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place or at home.

The most effective way to reduce your chance of being victimized is to stay away from dangerous neighborhoods, especially after dark; keep a low profile; and avoid displays of cash or jewelry. Thieves target individuals with gold or silver necklaces, laptop cases, and persons seen accessing banks or ATMs. Use ATMs only during the business day, at a protected or public facility (preferable inside commercial establishments like malls, hotels, etc.). To avoid being the victim of credit card fraud, closely monitor anyone who handles your card and try not to let them take it out of your sight. Cancel the credit cards that you do not use, monitor the cards that you do use, sign all credit cards immediately upon your receipt of them, and consider maintaining a low limit credit card account (to limit the amount of money thieves can steal).

All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes where available, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and carry only cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Visitors are encouraged to make a photocopy of your U.S. passport biographical page and driver's license to have with you in case your originals are lost or stolen.

Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally considered safe. Women traveling alone are especially vulnerable and should exercise caution, particularly at night. Vary your routine -- be unpredictable in the streets and paths you walk and drive, and change the times you arrive and depart often. Be alert to possible surveillance and be wary of any individual who appears out of place. Avoid sitting outside at restaurants; instead, try to find a seat in an area not clearly visible from the street. Tourists should not hike alone in backcountry areas or walk alone on lightly frequented trails.

[ratech]

Great little place. There is a really awesome water slide place that is not very far. http://www.aquaventuras.com/ It has a huge water park for little kids too plus a ton of other stuff. You can take you own lunch and beer in as well. It's not expensive either.

[Galakanokis]

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the info. I have never really been on a vacation that hasn't included a parent or in-laws place so this will really be something different.