Ensenada, Baja California Known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific", Ensenada is about 45 miles south of Rosarito. Its warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and accessibility by land, air, and sea have made Ensenada a favorite tourist destination for many years, and Mexico's second most-visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.
Just head south and rejoin the toll road you came in on. You will have to pay a toll right after the AM/PM market and another one just as you get to the outskirts of Ensenada. It costs the same as on your trip to Rosarito (around $2.35 depending on exchange rate). Once you pass the second toll booth, just follow the signs on in to Ensenada. As you come into the area, you will soon see the ship yards and just continue to follow the beautiful coastal route on into town.
Ensenada is an attractive town on a lovely bay, surrounded by sheltering mountains. It has been said that Ensenada is a town built around a bar. An exaggeration, nonetheless Hussong's Cantina, which opened in 1892, has been a major influence.
Beyond the hardcore tourist traps, vineyards, museums, whale watching, and beautiful beaches are some of the attractions to Ensenada. As the third largest city in Baja California, it is one of the most important ports on the Pacific Rim. Don't miss the fish market!
Warm summers and mild winters, sunny days and cool nights are the reason more than 90% of Mexico's wines are produced in Ensenada and its surrounding regions like the Guadalupe Valley. Most wineries offer tours and wine tastings.
Ensenada is also famous for it's tourist area, with shopping, cantinas & restaurants. International, seafood and Mexican cuisine is served in many of the cities famous restaurants. The city is also popular for it's many discos and bars, including the landmark Hussongs Cantina, which has been in business since the late 1800's. The area around Lázaro Cárdenas and Lopez Mateos is considered the prime tourist zone.
Ensenada is host to international events like the famous Baja 1000 Off Road Race, the Newport - Ensenada Regatta, the Fiesta de la Vendimia wine festival, the Estero Beach Volleyball Tournament, the Rosarito - Ensenada Bike Ride, and many other events & festivities through the calendar year. See the events section for details.
Some of our favorite places in Ensenada
To really get to know Ensenada, the Ensenada Board of Tourism suggests you tour the following points of interest. They will allow you to walk thru Ensenada's past and present. If you are more sports-oriented there are many options for watersports, as well as on land activities. Ensenada is the last major city for stocking up on supplies, if you plan on travelling further south.
Here are some Points of Interest to get you started!
GRAY WHALE WATCHING
The gray whale is the most common species seen near the coast of Baja. Other whales are present but tend to seek deeper waters while the gray whale's swim in shallow waters seeking Baja's many lagoons for calving. The Baja California coastline is teeming with whales during the calving season from late November to late march. The greatest number can be seen in February
RIVIERA DEL PACIFICO
Once a plush gambling casino in the '30s, now a center for social and cultural events open 8:30am-7pm. Stroll the gardens landscaped with monuments detailing Baja California history until 10pm. Visit Bar Andaluz, the Museum of history and Galeria de la Ciudad. Centrally located on Blvd. Costero, tel. 176-4233, fax 176-4310. The adjacent Parque Infantil (Children's Park) with a playground and BBQs/tables opens Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm.
HUSSONG'S CANTINA
The oldest bar in the Californias established in 1892 and a designated historical landmark. Open daily 10am-1am. Av. Ruiz #113, tel. 178-3210.
PASEO CALLE PRIMERA
The newly remodeled shopping & dining promenade stretching along Av. Lopez Mateos from Av. Castillo to Av. Ryerson. Stroll through this colorful shopping district, then relax and enjoy al fresco dining and people-watching.
BOULEVARD COSTERO
Once a sandy beach, now the coastal route through Ensenada also known as Lazaro Cardenas. View the Riviera del Pacifico and other sights along the palm-lined boulevard from the comfort of a calandria (horse-drawn carriage). Rides available daily 9am-6pm at Blvd. Costero & Macheros, tel. 171-4303 (cellular).
EL MALECON
The new boardwalk along the downtown waterfront from Azueta to Av. Castillo. Relax and enjoy the view at Parque Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea Park) with its monumental Mexican flag.
OPEN-AIR FISH MARKET
Northern Baja's largest seafood market with many types of fish and shellfish plus Ensenada's specialty-fish tacos. On the waterfront malecon.
PLAZA CIVICA
An attractive park on Blvd. Costero & Macheros with giant golden busts of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo and Venustiano Carranza. It is locally known as "Three Heads Park." CHAPULTEPEC HILLS
A fabulous panoramic view of Ensenada from one of the city's most attractive residential areas. Follow Calle 2 up.
STATUE OF TARA & ECOLOGICAL PARK
A huge handpainted statue symbolizing Mother Nature, a gift of peace and friendship from a Nepalese cultural organization. Overlooking the city on the original site of the 1930s Fort Keki on Calle 13 between Av. Obregon & Moctezuma.
PARQUE REVOLUCION
A lovely park with numerous species of shade trees, a playground and Mother's Monument. Av. Obregon between Calles 6&7.
FLEA MARKETS
Search for trash and treasures at Los Globos, Ensenada's largest outdoor swap meet on Calle 9 three blocks east of Reforma. Open daily but weekends are best.
EL MIRADOR
An extraordianry observation point with panoramic views of Ensenada Bay and Todos Santos Island. At Km. 84 on the Tijuana-Ensenada toll tighway, 17 miles north of Ensenada.
LOCAL BEACHES
San Miguel Last toll gate in Ensenada-Tijuana highway, good surf spot
El Faro Beach Kilometer 14.9 in the transpeninsular highway
Baja Beach 16 miles south of Ensenada on road to La Bufadora
Estero Beach 6 miles south of downtown Ensenada. Good family spot
SAN QUINTIN
Colorful and bustling agricultural center that stretches along both sides of the transpeninsualar highway. With sandy beaches along both ocean and bays, it is also a seasonal paradise for outdoor and wildlife aficionados with excellent fishing, hunting, hiking and birdwatching. San Quintin provides a wide assortment of restaurants, hotels, RV parks, stores and services
EL ROSARIO
Tranquil village in a wide valley, the last town along the transpeninsular highway with a full range of lodgings, stores and services untill Guerrero Negro in Baja California Sur. Visit the local museum and mision ruins
CATAVIÑA
Tiny community situated in a desert garden oasis of unusual granite rock formations. Cave paintings, old abandoned ranches, mission ruins and many species of cacti and desert plants found nowhere else make Cataviña unique.
BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES
One of the spots in Baja California where deserts and mountains meet the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. With its clear turquoise waters, miles of silky beaches and proximity to cave paintings, deserted mines and Mision San Francisco de Borja, Bahia de los Angeles is popular among anglers, water sports enthusiasts, hikers and explorers.
